Tucked in the serene town of Alfonso, Cavite near the popular Tagaytay highlands, Sonya Garcia's Secret Cottage Restaurant Inc—widely known as Sonya's Garden—has flourished from a humble country bed-and-breakfast into one of the Philippines’ most celebrated wellness and culinary destinations. Founded by Sonya Garcia, this enchanting estate combines rustic charm with organic living, offering a holistic retreat that blends nature, health, and gourmet experiences.
Core Business
Sonya's Garden operates as a multifaceted hospitality and wellness business encompassing:
- A garden-to-table restaurant
- A cozy bed and breakfast
- A wellness spa and hydrotherapy center
- An artisanal bakery and botanical shop
- A sought-after venue for weddings and corporate retreats
Its operations are grounded in a philosophy of sustainable, slow living, organic nutrition, and holistic healing.
Product & Service Offerings
Food & Beverage
Sonya's Garden is renowned for its signature set meals, reflecting freshness and simplicity:
- Organic Garden Salads with edible flowers and Sonya’s secret dressing
- Handmade Pasta with sundried tomato or cream sauces
- Filipino Breakfast Staples like longganisa, tapa, and adobo flakes
- Buffet Style Dining served in a lush garden conservatory setting
Bakery & Pastry (Sonya’s Panaderia)
- Spanish Bread
- Pan de Coco
- Cheese Hopia
- Adobini (Adobo-inspired bread)
- Homemade Ensaymada
All baked goods use natural ingredients, baked fresh daily on-site.
Botanicals & Wellness
Under the Sonya's Garden Botanicals brand, the following items are offered:
- All-natural Shampoo Bars
- Moisturizing Beauty Oils
- Liquid Soaps
- Massage Balms and Essential Oils
Experiences & Services
- Massage Therapy
- Hydrotherapy and Flower Baths
- Gardening Workshops
- Floral Farm Tours
- Event Hosting for Weddings and Team Buildings
Specialisation and Core USP
Sonya’s Garden is one of the pioneers in promoting farm-to-table, organic, and wellness tourism in the Philippines. Its core unique selling points include:
- Organic lifestyle integration across all services
- Charming heritage-inspired accommodations
- Signature cuisine using garden-grown produce
- Holistic wellness programs blending spa, diet, and nature
Its offerings are deeply immersive, drawing urban dwellers seeking tranquility and holistic rejuvenation.
Financials
While detailed financials are private, the success of Sonya’s Garden is evidenced by:
- A consistent presence in the top 10 Tagaytay tourist destinations for over a decade
- An average weekend accommodation occupancy rate exceeding 90%
- Revenue channels spanning dining, lodging, retail, events, and wellness services
Shipments and Export Data
Although primarily focused on on-site and domestic retail, Sonya’s Garden Botanicals has begun exploring overseas shipping options:
- Initial exports of botanical soaps and shampoo bars to niche retailers in Singapore and Japan
- Order volumes of 200–300 units per SKU per quarter since 2022
Target Market
- Health-conscious travelers
- Urban families seeking weekend getaways
- Destination wedding planners
- Spa and wellness tourists
- Boutique buyers of artisanal wellness goods
The brand appeals especially to consumers aged 30–65 who value holistic wellness, organic nutrition, and artisanal quality.
Capabilities
- On-site production facilities for food, bakery, and botanical products
- Hydroponic and organic gardens sustaining its kitchen and spa
- Event and lodging infrastructure capable of hosting up to 150 guests
- Retail space and online order processing
Certifications and Compliance
- FDA Philippines compliant for soaps and wellness products
- Department of Tourism (DOT) accredited
- TESDA-certified spa therapists
- Participation in Organic Agriculture Act of 2010 (RA 10068) aligned programs
Customer Testimonials
“Every visit to Sonya’s Garden is a sensory escape. Their food, spa, and gardens are truly world-class.”
– Samantha Reyes, Wellness Blogger, Metro Manila
“The wedding we hosted here was like a fairy tale. The team made every detail magical.”
– Miguel & Trina D., Newlyweds
Major Achievements
- Featured in Forbes Travel Guide and TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence
- Recognized by ABS-CBN and Philippine Daily Inquirer as a top eco-tourism destination
- Over 100,000 guests served annually, including celebrities, dignitaries, and international tourists
- Partnered with local farmers and artisans to promote sustainable livelihood
Sonya's Garden remains a timeless destination where culinary excellence, wellness, and nature coexist—offering a rare escape from the fast-paced world while inspiring mindful living through every detail.
