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For its 8th anniversary, Anya Resort Tagaytay hosted a celebration unlike any other—where movement spoke volumes, fashion became storytelling, and nature served as both sanctuary and stage. Art & Soul was a multisensory celebration of mindfulness, movement, and design—an embodiment of the resort’s soulful luxury. Its tranquil gardens weren’t just the setting—they were the inspiration.
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The centerpiece, The Light Tree, was created by Il Fiore’s Bhem Meijer, whose masterpiece was inspired by Anya’s commitment to nature, sustainability, and soulful experiences. “The idea came from the dancers’ graceful movements that evening—soft, flowing, full of life. I wanted to capture that feeling,” the artist explained.
The evening’s highlight was “Inner World,” a two-part performance by the Daloy Dance Company, choreographed by founder Ea Torrado. The first part of the performance was staged at the entrance of Anya Resort by the firepit, where the dancers explored grief, anxiety, and loneliness. The other half of the performance transitioned to themes of healing and rebirth, with Daloy’s dancers circling the Light Tree in a symbolic act of renewal.
“Nature becomes both metaphor and medicine,” Founder of Daloy Dance Company Ea Torrado shared. “It reflects Anya Resort’s vision: a sanctuary where rest and beauty help us return to ourselves.”
“I already felt how Anya’s gardens and serenity offer something rare for the modern, often exhausted, city-dweller: true stillness,” Torrado reflected. Daloy is known not only for blending movement and mindfulness, but also for creating emotional resonance with every performance. “Our Daloy movement is how we perform: not just to impress, but to connect,” the founder shared.
“I wanted the choreography to hold both the dark interior—those emotions we often keep hidden—and the possibility of light. The Light Tree became a symbol of healing—like a mother tree, nurturing and ancient,” Torrado said.
Elevating the performance further, the dancers wore Le Ngok’s mindful art pieces—designed by Carla Zhang—as they moved with near-sculptural stillness. Her artisanal collection, “02 There’s Nothing Wrong,” explored mental health through stitched stories—crafted from factory surplus, fabric remnants, and upcycled garments.
“Anya isn’t just a place for rest, but also a destination for creative connection and inspiration,” Zhang shared. “The way they wove together hospitality, emotion, and artistry made it feel like more than just a resort—it became a stage for storytelling.”
After the performance, Anya’s guests enjoyed a curated cocktail dinner by Executive Chef Chris Leaning, a cocktail dinner that mirrored the evening’s artistry. Paired with a curated wine selection from Bares & Estrellas, the bespoke meal was as enjoyable as it was soulful.
“Using locally sourced ingredients, we crafted dishes that were vibrant yet comforting—flavors that complemented the art, movement, and mindfulness that defined Anya’s 8th anniversary,” Chef Leaning expressed.
The luxury resort’s executives took the time to welcome the guests, sharing how thankful they are to be trusted with their guests’ meaningful moments. “As a two-time World Travel Award winner and a proud member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, we have created a sanctuary where time is the greatest luxury, every detail is crafted with malasakit, while community and sustainability are at our core,” General Manager Mikel Arriet shared proudly.
And of course, to further celebrate, President and CEO of Roxaco Land Corporation Santiago Elizalde revealed that the Anya lifestyle is set to be extended in the form of Anya Villas. “We’re excited to extend the Anya lifestyle into a daily way of living for our future residents. It’s the icing on the cake and the cherry on top—our crowning achievement, and a future we look forward to with pride and gratitude,” he said happily.
For eight years, Anya Resort has championed soulful luxury—through both movement and material. As it steps into a new chapter, Anya continues to be a place not just to escape—but to return to yourself.
Featured Image and Photos: ANYA RESORT
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