The Farm at San Benito, the Philippines’ first and one of its kind holistic medical wellness destination, is expanding with P1-billion investments to further develop the 48-hectare estate in Lipa, Batangas, even as the local brand is also making forays in the international market in the high-end medical wellness industry.
In an interview with Dr. Binod K. Chaudhary, the chairman of the CG Group that owns significant majority of The Farm said they are investing a P1 billion for new facilities/amenities and the expansion into the residential component. The Farm at San Benito is part of the CG Hospitality, the hospitality arm of CG Corp Global
“It's been a nonstop continuous process of building, adding more facilities,” said Chaudhary, the first billionaire of Nepal in the Forbes List.
Chaudhary explained that the P1 billion expansion program already started in 2019 up to 2022, but was disrupted by the pandemic. He, however, said that some of the expansion projects are already completed while some will be finalized in 2023. Of the amount, Chaudhary said P500 million will be used for additional amenities and upgrading and another P500 million for the development of luxury residences.
“We continue to develop and invest because we are successful in this industry,” he said.
He explained that the real estate component development at The Farm called Wellness Residences will be composed of luxury homes that could serve as retirement homes for the elderly and family, and could be placed similar to the time-share concept but investors can own the homes. Owners can get higher return of their homes managed by The Farm.
Chaudhary noted that the Wellness Residences “opens another dimension to those who love The Farm. You know they can live here, they can invest, they get a very good return, they can do their home the way they like, and have a little kind of a paradise in the middle of the farm.”
So far, 12 hectares of the 48-hectare facility have been built up or developed, but they will preserve the forest and lush green ecosystem and work around it. The Wellness Residences component is expected to cover four hectares for the Acacia and another four to five hectares for the Mahogany residences.
At present, The Farm has 52 suites and villas and seven Mahogany luxury residences coming up for a total of 60 by April this year. For the next phase of development, 17 Acacia units composed of very high-end luxury villas will be developed. Another 20 more villas are also being planned. All these units will be offered to local and foreign investors.
Chaudhary also revealed that they are bringing the Philippine brand The Farm overseas including Thailand, India, Jordan, and Nepal to name a few. The CG Group operates 41 hotel resorts globally. He emphasized that they are introducing overseas a Filipino brand “not in a cheap way” as the The Farm brand is comparable or even higher than the standards offered in a few select similar facilities abroad.
Chaudhary further noted of the financial progress of The Farm. While he did not provide exact figures, Chaudhary noted how The Farm, which is 90 minutes away from the Manila International Airport, has progressed since he became the majority owner of the venture.
The Farm was only a 20-room property until 2012, but they added 12 Narra units for a total of 32. Today, they have a total of 59.
“Over the years, not only the number of keys we have added, but we've completely elevated the level of the hospitality and revenue. So, probably we are today, three times bigger in terms of our revenue, in terms of our inventory and also in terms of our expansion plans than before. I think that's the right yardstick,” he said.
The Farm at San Benito rests on 48 hectares of lush green environment with life-sustaining microbiome ecology, fresh air and strong positive life-giving energy radiating around the property.
The Farm has been honored with over 80 prestigious international awards including “Best Medical Wellness Resort in the World” from SENSES Germany which made its mark as one of the leading medical wellness destinations in the world.
In line with its mission to provide science-based, evidence-guided holistic healing and transformative lifestyle retreats, The Farm offers medically-supervised health programs that are carefully planned and conducted by internationally trained integrative medical doctors and licensed health professions in addressing and treating chronic illnesses & lifestyle diseases, naturally and holistically.
The Farm at San Benito is a COVID-free safe haven and healing environment implementing the highest standards in safety and sanitary protocols. Antigen nasal swab test administered by medical doctors and licensed health professionals is required prior to entry to ensure the safety of all its guests and employees.
The Farm’s medically-supervised programs include Immune Intelligence, Long-COVID Recovery, Intro to Detox, Holistic Detox Cleanse, Radiation Detox, Mental Health, Pain Management, Weight Management, Diabetes Prevention, & Heart Health, Holistic Cancer Care, Yoga & Raw Food Retreat, Sleep Induction, Post-Natal Care, Fertility Program, and more.