There’s something magical about living high in the mountain peaks of Baguio. Imagine feeling the cool breeze, staying in your own log cabin, and watching the golden hues of sunset fade as you sip a warm cup of hot chocolate. Balesin Pines, the newest gem in Alphaland’s prestigious portfolio, offers this exclusive experience and more, offering an unforgettable escape your family will cherish for years to come.

Winding through the scenic Ambuklao Road, just 17 minutes from Baguio City, you’ll arrive at Balesin Pines. Perched 4,590 feet above sea level within the 82-hectare Alphaland Baguio Mountain Lodges, this quiet retreat captures what people love most about the city: cool air, pine trees, and scenic views.

Joanna Ongpin Duarte, Balesin spokesperson, said Balesin Pines adds a new dimension to the Alphaland lifestyle, rounding out its exclusive portfolio under the Balesin Key membership. This private program connects members to three thoughtfully designed destinations—Balesin Pines, Balesin Island located off Luzon’s eastern coast for a tropical escape, and Balesin City in Makati for work and leisure—each offering its own setting and experience, with shared benefits across all locations.

“Balesin Pines, our newest destination in Baguio, is a serene mountain escape that brings with it the best charms of the city," Duarte says. "With Balesin Key, members don’t have to choose just one kind of escape—they can enjoy all three, depending on the season, their mood, or lifestyle needs.”

The 3,583-sqm log cabin is designed for those who seek quiet luxury in the mountains. Its 18 elegant one-bedroom suites are thoughtfully appointed, many featuring Japanese pinewood soaking tubs that retain heat long after sunset, perfect for cold Baguio nights.

Guests can dine at Yum Cha for bold Asian flavors or at La Réserve for refined continental fare. They can also browse a curated boutique by Alain Borgers, EVP for Hospitality of Alphaland, and his wife, offering imported lifestyle finds that reflect the property’s quiet elegance. Stays at Balesin Pines include full access to Alphaland Baguio Mountain Lodges, including the Clubhouse Inn, a 1.2-kilometer trail that winds past coffee plants and sapinit (Philippine wild raspberry), a mini sports center, an open-air chapel with Cordillera views, and helipads available for coordinated arrivals.

The inspiration behind Balesin Pines traces back to family roots. Duarte’s mother, a Baguio native, settled into their first home in the city back in 1968. Her father once worked in the Benguet mining industry, which kept the family closely tied to the highlands. Years later, when her uncle—the late Roberto “RVO” Ongpin, founder and chairman of Alphaland—was searching for land atop a mountain, it was Duarte’s mother who helped find it. That search would unknowingly spark the vision for what Balesin Pines would one day become. To bring that vision to life, interior designer Enrico Sison layered warmth, texture, and tradition into every detail, creating a space that feels both nostalgic and refined.

Every detail speaks to Filipino heritage. Traditional bul’ul figures, carved from narra wood, are placed throughout the property as spiritual symbols rooted in Ifugao culture, believed to bring health and prosperity. Handwoven fabrics sourced from Narda Capuyan’s Handwoven Arts & Crafts, a friend of RVO, known for reviving traditional Cordilleran ikat weaving. They add vibrant layers to the interiors, with patterns drawn from Cordilleran inabel and t’nalak cloth woven by the T’boli people of South Cotabato. Even the staff uniforms, designed by renowned fashion designer Renee Salud, carry Northern-inspired stripes from the Mountain Province—subtle yet meaningful nods to place, culture, and craft.

Balesin Pines is set to grow from a quiet retreat into a more well-rounded destination. Already a favorite among members seeking cool weather and calm, it will soon offer curated experiences like book clubs and wellness retreats. “We’re planning to build on that. It’s only going to get better from here,” Duarte says, hinting at new amenities including a spa, heated indoor pool, and gym.