For several years now, it has been a family tradition to travel and see the passing of the New Year in another place. Last December 31, 2019, we took a road trip along the mountains of Don Salvador Benedicto in order to stay at the La Vista Highlands Mountain Resort. It’s located in the mountainous part of San Carlos City, Negros Occidental, Philippines.
Why La Vista Highlands Mountain Resort
Our family did consider staying for two nights at Seda Capitol Central here in Bacolod City for the New Year. They had an awesome package for two nights that included a New Year’s dinner buffet plus breakfast. We also planned to spend the eve at their Straight Up Roofdeck Bar in order to watch the New Year fireworks.
However, my father-in-law wanted an entire change of scenery. Since our home is in the city, the dullness of a commercial district can really get to you at times. He preferred a communion with nature so we he wanted a place surrounded by verdant foliage.
And so we all decided to spent our New Year’s Eve at La Vista Highlands Mountain Resort. Contrary to what many think, La Vista is already part of San Carlos City. It’s just that the shortest way to get there from Bacolod City is to pass by Don Salvador Benedicto.
It was perfect for our family getaway because the place only takes a short drive from Bacolod City. Plus, it’s located in the mountains and is surrounded by plants and trees. Air is fresh and temperature is cool—a respite from the exhausting city heat. It’s so refreshing to travel there for a quick family staycation.
A Dream Paradise
Hubby, the two kids, and I have a family vision…or maybe a family goal, as many would call it. We have talked about buying a piece of property that we can call our own so that we can plant trees without the threat of people cutting them down. So we are allocating part of our monthly family budget to save up for this.
The kids are also helping us save for this dream, which we will call Legacy Land. This is going to be our contribution to conserving the environment and providing a safe haven for our children.
And the La Vista Highlands Mountain Resort inspired us even more to pursue our family goal.
“If you need to see greenery, there is an endless supply at La Vista Highlands Mountain Resort.”
Mommy Sigrid
Activities for Kids
On our first afternoon, the kids went swimming. It was cold and windy, so they did not stay long in the pool. Nevertheless, they just had to hit the water, even if it was for a short while.
Waking up early surrounded by fog and leaves heavy with the morning few is just a dream. Although it was New Year’s Day, we went out early, ate our breakfast, and then the kids went horseback riding.
From our room, we had to go down the hill in order to get to the riding area.
The ride is about 10 minutes, which goes around a hilly slope. Shane was very comfortable on her horse that even going up an inclined path, the guide wasn’t holding the horse anymore.
WATCH
This is a video we made of the kids’ horseback riding experience at La Vista Highlands Mountain Resort. At the end, you will find photos of their grandmother on the horse. It was Mama’s first time to get on one and she was really happy that she was able to do so. 🙂
Zipline
Next stop was the zipline. Shane is still too small to get on the zipline but Achi Shawna and her cousin Mei did. Too bad Dad had a stiff neck the night before and had limited mobility. I applied pain relief oils on the area and he also took pain medication, but he only got little relief. He really wanted to get on that zipline. Well, maybe next time, Dad.
It was so nice to go around the place, strolling, hanging out, and appreciating the view. It inspired me to create a miniature version of their garden. I am an introvert so just looking at the relaxing surroundings without doing anything is therapy for me. Eventually, I am confident, the Lord will grant our desires.
Zipline Rates
- Regular (Sitting) – P200 (back and forth)
- Flying (Superman) – P400 (back and forth)
- Regular 1 way, Flying 1 way – P300
WATCH
Here’s a short video clip that Papa made for the kids. Wasn’t it fun? hihi
Accommodations and Room Rates
There are many different types of room accommodations at La Vista Highlands Mountain Resort pepper up and down the hills. They have rooms for individuals, families, and even big groups. Our family got three different rooms. We got the African Room, the Garden Villa for 8, and a Ridge Villa for 3.
All rooms are not air-conditioned. But electric fans are provided. I am not sure how the rooms are during the summer without air-conditioning. While it is cool at night, I can’t comment about daytime heat, like when it’s noontime.
At the very least, you have comfortable and clean accommodations in the mountains.
- African Room – from P2,500
- Ridge Villa Matrimonial
- 3-pax Ridge Villa Family
- 4-pax Ridge Villa Family
- 5-pax Ridge Villa Family
- Garden Villa (8 pax) – approximately P8,000
- Garden Villa (9 pax)
No Elevators
I would just like to mention that going around the resort, even to the room, require the use of stairs. The number of steps vary. Since this is a mountain, naturally, there are no elevators.
Our group was fine, because my in-laws, who are in their 70s, have good stamina and bones. They are used to walking long distances. But if there are PWDs in the group, that might be a challenge to have an overnight stay here.
Mountain Resort Amenities
- Convenience Store
- Restaurant and café
- Picnic Cabanas
- Swimming Pool
- Zipline
- Horseback Riding
- Camping Grounds
- Parking Lot
- Viewing Deck
Food
La Vista Highlands Mountain Resort has its in-house restaurant and cafe that’s open everyday. They serve an assortment of dishes, most of which are big servings and may be shared. Food is not cheap, but it’s not very expensive either, considering the servings.
You cannot bring outside food and drinks to the resort. Corkage charges apply.
We had an early dinner in downtown San Carlos City and came back around 10pm. Since there were no fireworks in the area, we had a quiet New Year’s Eve celebration with the family.
Contact Information
La Vista Highlands Mountain Resort
Km. 67, Eco-Translink Highway, Brgy. Prosperidad
San Carlos City, Negros Occcidental, Philippines
For inquiries and reservations, contact:
0927 884 8806 | 0956 803 6605 | 0917 321 6704
FB page: LaVistaHighlands
How to Get to La Vista Highlands
The City of Bacolod may be reached through many major cities in the Philippines.
From Bacolod City: You can take a Ceres bus to San Carlos City, plying the Don Salvador Benedicto route. It’s just along the highway, approximately 67 kms from Bacolod, so the trip is about 1.5 to 2 hours. Just tell the conductor that you are getting off at La Vista Highlands.
From Manila: Fly to Bacolod City, the capital of Negros Occidental. PAL and Cebu Pacific fly daily from Manila and Clark.
From Cebu: There are also daily flights from Cebu to Bacolod. However, you may want to take the land trip to San Carlos City. Read this: Bacolod to Cebu Land Trip for the Family
From Iloilo: You can take a fast ferry to Bacolod, like FastCat, and then travel by land again to San Carlos City.
Other Family Travel Stories in this Blog
- Family-Friendly Hotels in the Philippines
- Cana Retreat | Amlan, Negros Oriental | Family Holiday
- Seda Ayala Center Cebu Review
- Negros Island Tri-City Family Road Trip with a Ford Ranger Wildtrak
- Belmont Hotel Boracay Review: New Adventures and Happy Memories
- Tips for Traveling with Sick Kids | Family Travel
- Smooth Sailing FastCat Ferry Bacolod-Iloilo Family Trip
- Tips to Enjoy Magikland Outdoor Theme Park in Silay
- Mermaids in Boracay Newcoast Summer Pictorial| Savoy Hotel Boracay
- Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo Hotel Junior Suite Review
- Traveling with a Pet: How Can a Family Do It?
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The kids sure had fun at La Vista Highlands! Way to go Shane, for your bravery while horseback riding by yourself around the hills. It’s a good thing you mentioned the stairs, good heads up for people with elderly relations who would also like to try the place.
Wow, Siobe and Achi are so brave! I’m not sure I can do the zip line and ride a horse in the hills since I’m afraid of heights.?
I hope we get to visit La Vista Highlands this year. I haven’t been to our hometown for quite some time. Hopefully this summer our family would get some vacation and go to San Carlos City, away from the city hustle and heat. This mountain resort would be a perfect destination.
Ang ganda nman po Dito Mommy. Wow so wow. Super enjoy si Siobe and Achi. Galing nman po Nila nag horse back riding and Zipline. Family time, quality time and bonding time.
Ang saya po💜💜💜
Ang Sarap lumanghap ng fresh air jn mommy 😍
Getaway with the family is ♥️♥️♥️♥️.
Its tiring day but worth it Yung pagod KASI the families enjoy so much. ♥️♥️♥️
Nakakamis po tlaga mag Family Day Mommy Sig. Wala kaung ginawa kundi mag enjoy mag bonding and more quality time together.😍
Sulitin Ang panahon habang maliliit pa Ang mga babies natin♥️
Ang ganda naman po ng Lugar na yan.Parang kahit saan dako ka pumunta Maganda lahat.May sariwang hangin at magandang tanawin..Nakakarelax pumunta sa ganyan lugar.Enjoy nag buong pamilya
Such A nice place to visit. Ganda ng Lugar Ma. Perfect na perfect sa Buong Pamilya. Daming activities na pwedeng Gawin
Such A nice And great Place to Enjoy With the Family..
Super Relaxing ng Ambiance Ma..