Timberland Highlands Resort is the kind of place you go to breathe differently, slow down, and enjoy a glittering skyline.
Perched above Metro Manila with sweeping views, chilly air, and a mood that shifts from Kubrick dusk to holiday glow, Timberland Highlands Resort offers the kind of retreat that feels both near—and away.
It’s a great place to commune with nature. It’s also a fantastic venue if you simply want to disconnect from your world and indulge in a day or two of serenity and quiet solitude. There’s a pensive, almost meditative mood that’s quite restorative.
A two-and-a-half hour drive away from the city in rush hour traffic, Timberland Resort is nestled in San Mateo, Rizal with views overlooking the city skyline. The final stretch of the drive can be dark with minimally lit roads and an ascent that is challenging for older cars. Arriving at night, you’ll be greeted by the crisp, chilly breeze reminiscent of Tagaytay. While the property is well-lit, the surrounding areas have an almost Kubrick-esque feel.
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The resort recently welcomed the Christmas season with a heartfelt celebration of its annual Christmas tree lighting on November 14. The much-awaited event brought together local government leaders, community representatives, partners, and guests for an evening that celebrated unity, gratitude, and the timeless magic of the holiday season.
Before the lighting, guests were welcomed by Chef Ranuka Hettiarachchi, Director of Operation, who delivered a thoughtful message underscoring the significance of the holidays as a time to reconnect with loved ones, strengthen community ties, and celebrate shared traditions.
The countdown commenced with joyful cheering from the crowd, culminating in the spectacular illumination of the tree. The lobby transformed into a vibrant, glowing centerpiece of holiday spirit, drawing smiles, applause, and a palpable sense of warmth from attendees.
The celebration continued at Le Stelle, the resort’s signature Italian restaurant, where guests were served some of the restaurant’s most beloved dishes, from the crisp and flavorful Insalate alla Cesareto the rich, comforting Lasagne al Forno. The meal perfectly complemented the evening’s festivities—an invitation to savor the flavors of the season, enjoy good company, and settle into the warm elegance of Le Stelle’s bistro-like setting.
Families who want to get away from the bustle of the city will love the resort’s rooms with some of them coming with balconies overlooking the nearby subdivisions. The inside temperature can drop to 18 degrees and you can curl up in a soft comfortable bed with a thick comforter, promising a restful and recharging sleep.
You’re far from the city’s noise yet close enough to see Rockwell’s famous Christmas lights twinkling in the distance. It strikes that sweet, rare balance between seclusion and accessibility: remote enough to feel like an escape, but never out of reach.
It’s the perfect romantic getaway for couples, a family-friendly quick vacay with the kids, a place to unwind with friends, but most of all, when one simply wishes to be alone for the weekend, away from the Christmas rush.
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