I don’t know which one was more surprising, the fact that there are actually more Pine trees at Crosswinds than Baguio City (35,000 vs 26,000) or that there were people who went there just for coffee but eventually ended up buying a property.
After our quick staycation there, however, I would’ve probably done the same —if I had the money. Afterall, who wouldn’t want to live in a European-style community that’s less than two hours away from Manila.
Baguio may be the summer capital of the Philippines, but it has gotten way too crowded especially during the summer months. Given its proximity to Metro Manila, Tagaytay is a perfect choice for people who are looking to retreat to a rural location with stunning, natural surroundings without needing to let go of the modern conveniences they are accustomed to.
Crosswinds is a sprawling 100-hectare luxury property located just 5 minutes away from the Tagaytay Picnic Grove and the Tagaytay Rotunda, a hub that houses Tagaytay’s most popular activity areas and best restaurants.
Crosswinds in Tagaytay embodies the spirit of the Swiss lifestyle, containing the only Swiss-themed luxury homes in the Philippines. Away from the bustle of Metro Manila, birdsongs and the rustle of leaves dancing in the breeze replace the chaotic buzz of the city. Stale, smoke-filled air is replaced with the freshest mountain breeze, suffused with the fragrant scent of thousands of pine trees. The ever-present noise of a city that never sleeps is replaced with the serenity of rural mountain life, hidden away from the cares of the world.
It has been providing a sanctuary for visitors and residents who want a slice of European life for years and I actually regret not visiting the place years ago. More than just a tourist destination, Crosswinds Tagaytay elevates the mountainous retreat experience you expect in the City of Character that keeps Tagaytay refreshed.
Before our tour started, we first had lunch at NAPA–one of the most popular restaurants in Tagaytay today. Inspired by its namesake, Napa Valley California, the cafe has a cabin-themed look inspired by rustic houses in Napa Valley with its wooden floors, rustic interiors, relaxing ambiance, a stunning view of the surrounding hills, and picturesque alfresco dining area.
It was a Monday, but the place was packed with diners who all seem mesmerized by the ambiance and the amazing views.
We then checked in at the Grand Quartier Towers 2 . Perched over the spectacular hillsides of Tagaytay, the Grand Quartier affords residents the composure and serenity of living inside Crosswinds – a masterplanned community built on the magnificent terrains of Tagaytay – while enjoying the salient advantages of condo living.
You can either book a studio room, or one- or two-bedroom units. All rooms are equipped with a ref and kitchen complete with plates and utensils should you choose to cook your food throughout your stay.
Every room also has a balcony to give you that perfect morning view.
Our next stop was the Alpine Villas. This development by Brittany Corporation is composed of mid-rise condos inspired by the tall-peaked roofs and solidly stylish build of Swiss chalets, it enjoys unparalleled privacy, uncompromising security, and high-class exclusivity.
The luxury development arm of the largest homebuilder Vista Land & Lifescapes, Inc., recently broke ground for Alpine Villas’ Brienz, the third tower of its luxury condominium in Crosswinds Tagaytay.
Launched in May 2019, Brienz is the newest addition to Alpine Villas’ two Swiss chalet-style condominiums, Bernese and Blanc. Encompassing 2.8 hectares, Alpine Villas is poised to offer a unique Swiss-inspired experience similar to Brittany’s flagship luxury condominium in Crosswinds, The Grand Quartier. Alpine Villas consists of mid-rise towers with charming European-inspired cafes and restaurants.
Named after Lake Brienz in the Swiss chalet village of Brienz in Switzerland, Alpine Villas’ Brienz tower is a 6-storey condominium project that is set amid the stunning landscapes and spectacular mountain scenery of Crosswinds Tagaytay. Brienz will offer a total of 89 units with a mix of Studio with balcony and One-bedroom with balcony. It will also feature 3 single-loaded gallery levels, which are ideal for an exclusive and relaxing staycation with family or friends.
Future residents will enjoy a mix of high-end lifestyle and leisure amenities such as a fitness gym and clubhouse as well as open spaces. It will also feature a function room, well-designed, space-efficient vertical residences, equipped with 24/7 safety protocols including a CCTV system in all common areas, Wi-Fi, and building systems. Concierge, receptionist, and security personnel will address the needs of the unit owners and tenants.
As most of the units at the Alpine Villas were nearly sold out we then visited the another exclusive development within Crosswinds–Lausanne.
Because of its charm and prime location, house and lot and lot-only properties in Crosswinds are in very high demand. In response to this, another property within the estate is being developed, Lausanne. This 24-hectare area boasts of enchantingly sweeping panoramas with views of the lush hills of Tagaytay, the calm Laguna de Bay, and the skyline of the Metro. This first tranche of pre-selling luxury lots for sale are located at the highest elevation of the area.
Lausanne offers ultra-premium limited selection of residential lots—which undoubtedly stands out as a patch of heaven on earth, making it a perfect choice for discerning buyers who want to live close to nature but within the comforts of city life and yet, away from the madding crowd. Lot sizes range from 400 to 600 square meters, perfect for families looking to have future, permanent destinations outside Metro Manila as the world transitions to a post-pandemic era.
There will be 75 lots and 26 units for phase one of the project, comprising 6.5 hectares of development, with the 3.8 hectares up for sale.
We then got introduced to Chatelard–a ready for move-in luxury home with exclusive features you’d want in your dream home. Chatelard is also located within Crosswinds Tagaytay and is perfect for weary city folk who want to experience the windy ridge in a totally different way, this breathtaking property is something you definitely won’t want to miss.
Chatelard is a Swiss-inspired modern chalet that offer 6 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, and 2 carports. This luxury house and lot model is in the same exterior and interior finishes and materials to be used in luxury homes at Lausanne at turnover.
If you’d rather choose your furnishings then you might want to check out Lucerne which is right beside Chatelard. Lucerne is a 3 bedroom single detached luxury swiss-inspired ready home with 2 carports and 3 toilets and baths. The lot area is a total of 639 sqm and a floor area of 207 sqm. It has a total of 3 floors. the first floor (lower ground floor) in the basement, living room and kitchen on the second floor (upper ground floor), and the 3rd floor which can be turned into a walk-in closet or attic.
After touring both houses, it made me wish I had Php57M so I could move in and just have the rest of our stufff delivered.
Seeing all of the luxury projects of Brittany was like every dream home come true, I had to have coffee just to return to reality. So we dropped by Andersen’s the cafe located just across Grand Quartier towers. There I was able to try out the Almond Kringle, which I was told was the favorite of former senator Manny Villar. Well at least that was something I could afford.
If you are up for a food trip, Crosswinds Tagaytay has several cafe’s and uniquely themed restos that serve different cuisines for any time of the day.
First is CAFÉ VOI LA. This is where you can grab breakfast, lunch, or dinner, as its menu is filled with dishes from all around the world. With its beautifully designed interior, amazing food, and luxurious ambiance, dining in Café Voi La is a whole experience altogether.
Established in an accessible area where Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf once stood, Coffee Project is a trendy hang-out place that mixes classy interiors with tasty coffee. If you ever need a spot to chill out and spend a few hours with your friends, nothing can match this establishment in terms of accessibility, quality, and beauty.
Then there’s the Ruined Project–an industrial, biophillic styled cafe that serves Coffee Project’s signature, best-tasting coffees and beverages. TRP has a unique twist when it comes to interior design. Intentionally created to appear ruined and unfinished, The Ruined Project gives off a sense of discovery and awe every time you step through its doors.Bare concrete, exposed beams, and wooden rafters already give off a rustic vibe, and coupled with the abundance of tastefully applied, thriving greenery within, space is a feast for the senses.
If you often watch Tiktok then you’ve probably seen a lot of photos/videos about YAMA, Crosswinds Japanese style restaurant. Here you can order sushi, teppanyaki, tempura, ramen and all your Japanese faves and dine outside to enjoy the panoramic vistas. This has to be the most instagrammable dining spot in the evening, especially if you want to impress your date.
Last is the Windmill at Lausanne. This European-themed restaurant captures the quaint beauty of the European countryside. It exudes the luxurious vibe of the European elite built with wooden boards and colorful walls, it brings to life the iconic symbolism of the European countryside through Swiss folk artwork that is displayed all over the restaurant café to give off a relaxing ambiance that traveling to the Nordic countries do. We’ll have the full menu of these restaurants in our Crosswinds review article.
Experience the Best, Experience Crosswinds. For more information visit https://www.brittany.com.ph/location/crosswinds/
