Tagaytay wellness village redefines Filipino well-being

Nurture Wellness Village in Tagaytay City offers a sanctuary from the relentless pace of modern life, redefining wellness through deeply rooted Filipino traditions. More than a spa resort, it promotes healing as an inherent state of being, guided by the principle of pakikipagkapwa, a profound belief in shared humanity.

Nurture Wellness Village is located in Pulong Sagingan, Barangay Maitim II West Luzon, Tagaytay.

Catherine Brillantes-Turvill, founder and president of Nurture Wellness Village and current president of the Wellness Tourism Association of the Philippines, explains that their approach centers on pakikipagkapwa. She says that true wellness stems from that deep Filipino sense of shared humanity—connecting with others, with the land, and with something larger than oneself.

Since its inception in 2001, Nurture Wellness Village has grown into a cultural movement, advocating for the Philippines as a global leader in holistic healing grounded in community, tradition and nature. Brillantes-Turvill, a former corporate executive, envisioned an authentic space to bring Filipino healing wisdom to the modern world.

CNN Go recognized it as one of Asia's 28 Most Relaxing Spas, and Asia Spa Magazine listed it among the Top Seven Spas in the Philippines. Brillantes-Turvill says Filipino healing is a comprehensive system, viewing body, mind, and spirit as interconnected.

She says that while Western medicine often separates aspects of health, Filipino traditions understand that healing occurs through relationships—with ourselves, with nature, and with one another. This perspective is central to their ecotherapy, where healing harmonizes with nature, reflecting Filipino values of empathy and community.

Every structure at Nurture Wellness Village highlights Filipino heritage and incorporates nature into the healing process. The iconic Ifugao huts, for example, blend centuries-old indigenous wisdom with modern comforts. Crafted from locally sourced bamboo and wood, they exemplify sustainable building practices.

Open-air layouts allow mountain breezes and sunlight to circulate, fostering calm. Earthy tones and artisanal Filipino crafts—woven textiles, hand-carved wood, and indigenous pottery—adorn the interiors. This design aims to induce relaxation even before treatments begin.

The therapists at Nurture Wellness Village are stewards of an ancient Filipino legacy of healing touch. They combine technical expertise with heartfelt care passed down through generations. Many are mothers, bringing a nurturing spirit to each session.

Signature treatments like Hilot Kagalingan and Haplos Kalinga are considered sacred ceremonies. These indigenous practices merge therapeutic pressure with a deeply mindful presence, balancing energy and promoting holistic restoration. Guests often describe feeling profoundly supported—not just physically but emotionally and spiritually.

The connection between therapist and guest embodies pakikipagkapwa, transforming each session into a deeply personal healing exchange where touch serves as communication.

While honoring tradition, Nurture Wellness Village integrates scientific innovation. Co-founder Dr. Mike Turvill, a PhD chemist, developed the Amu’in line of therapeutic oils. These blends combine indigenous plants with rigorous scientific formulation for efficacy, safety, and a pleasant sensory experience.

These oils are integral to the healing process, addressing needs from mental calm to pain relief. Nurture's philosophy integrates evidence-based wellness practices, demonstrating how science and tradition can enhance each other.

Nurture Wellness Village offers comprehensive programs for detoxification, weight management, stress reduction, and lifestyle renewal. A multidisciplinary team of doctors, nurses, and wellness experts guides these journeys.

Traditional Filipino healing methods, such as charcoal therapy and herbal cleansing, are combined with nutritional guidance, therapeutic massage, and mindfulness. The focus is on sustainable habits and emotional resilience, rather than quick fixes.

These programs offer overseas Filipinos a significant opportunity to reconnect with their heritage, bodies, and themselves, serving as a crucial moment for pause, reset, and personal empowerment.

Recognizing that burnout impacts organizations, Nurture launched the WorkWell Project, a corporate wellness program focused on experiential healing. Team-building sessions include partner massage, juice therapy, tai chi gong, and engaging "happy dance" activities.

Brillantes-Turvill says organizations thrive when their people are well. Companies can also host offsite retreats at the village, where nature and purpose aim to foster creativity and camaraderie.

Nurture Wellness Village caters to balikbayans (returning Filipinos), city professionals seeking rest, and corporate groups. It offers day visits and multi-day retreats, emphasizing that wellness is not a luxury, but a universal necessity.

Expanding its vision, Nurture Wellness Village will team up with Clinica Manila, a leading medical group specializing in integrative medicine, led by Dr. Hernan Delizo. This collaboration will establish a comprehensive medical-wellness hub, bridging wellness and clinical expertise for long-term well-being.

Upcoming offerings include physical fitness and mindfulness retreats led by holistic health practitioners. The on-site restaurant, Farmer’s Table, reinforces the philosophy with nourishing Filipino comfort food made from locally sourced ingredients.

On May 26, Nurture Wellness Village received official recognition from the FIQH and Halal Council of the Philippines Inc. as the country's only Halal Certified Wellness Destination. This milestone positions Nurture as a pioneer in wellness hospitality, responding to evolving market needs and promoting cross-cultural respect, accessibility, and healing for all.

As president of the Wellness Tourism Association of the Philippines, Brillantes-Turvill envisions the country as a world leader in culturally-rooted healing, emphasizing authenticity over imitation.

She believes Filipino wellness is unique because it integrates science, spirit, and community, calling it their "gift to the world."

Nurture Wellness Village provides a peaceful invitation to reconnect with oneself, one's culture, and a form of wellness that lasts beyond a vacation.

Brillantes-Turvill says wellness is not merely a trend, but a way of life that Filipinos have always inherently understood.