When I visit Baguio, I look for spots that truly make me feel like I’m in Baguio. Not just any city in the mountains, but the Baguio I fell in love with on my very first trip. I want to breathe in the scent of pine trees, feel the cool mountain air, and stay somewhere that looks and feels like a proper log cabin in the woods.

That’s why The Manor and The Forest Lodge at Camp John Hay have always been my favorites. Both properties feel like mountain lodges straight out of a storybook. Stone walls, wooden beams, Cordillera art pieces, and cozy fireplaces give them a warm and elegant charm that never fades.

Recently, the two hotels were rebranded under new management. The Manor is now called The Garden Stay, and The Forest Lodge is now The Forest Stay. Together, they are now known as John Hay Hotels under Landco Lifestyle Ventures. The names may have changed, but the magic remains.

I spent the weekend with friends at The Garden Stay. I joined a bit late, since I had just come from the HOKA Run Club relaunch and the Clifton 10 launch at Ayala Triangle Gardens. I took the midnight Victory Liner sleeper bus and arrived in Baguio just before sunrise.

At the entrance to John Hay Hotels, a sign greeted me with the words “New Vision, Timeless Charm.” It felt exactly like that.

Since it was still early and I didn’t want to wake my roommate, I decided to explore the garden of The Garden Stay. Not long after, a few other early risers from our group joined me. We watched the sun rise together, saw the horizon change colors, and took photos while the light was warm and golden. Then we headed straight to breakfast.

I’ve always loved Baguio for its food, and my first meal on this trip was a buffet breakfast that did not disappoint. I usually skip breakfast, but with the cozy ambiance and good company, I couldn’t resist. I had a full meal with rice, bacon, eggs, salad, and a strong cup of coffee. It was a slow breakfast with a view of the garden, the morning sun gently pouring in, and the cool breeze reminding me exactly where I was.

Camp John Hay was once a rest and recreation facility for American soldiers. It has managed to preserve its old-world charm, and I’m glad it has. Many places in Baguio no longer feel like Baguio. There is traffic, too many roofs on what used to be forested mountains, and more modern structures than ever. But Camp John Hay still feels like a true escape.

The Garden Stay has 158 rooms, while the neighboring Forest Stay offers 163 rooms and suites. Both properties feature spacious, clean rooms with comfortable beds. More than that, they offer the kind of quiet that only comes when you are surrounded by trees.

We stayed in a room with two double beds, a spacious bathroom with a walk-in closet, and a plate of fresh strawberries with dip waiting for us.

That day, our group visited the newly opened Mount Camisong Forest Park and Events Place, which features a beautiful glass walkway. We followed it up with lunch at Café Stella Baguio, a lovely spot for good food and long conversations.

There were more activities in the itinerary, but I chose to return to the hotel with a smaller group who wanted to take it slow. I wanted to walk the trail just behind the hotel, something few hotels in the Philippines can offer.

The Camp John Hay Forest Bathing Trail, also known as the Yellow Trail, starts near the Picnic Area and runs about 5.2 kilometers. It is an easy out-and-back path through pine trees and gentle slopes. It usually takes under an hour to finish, but we took our time. Despite forecasts of rain, we were lucky with clear skies and cool weather.

It was a little sad to see some of the former attractions no longer in operation, like the zip line we had enjoyed on past visits. But walking through such a beautiful trail made up for it, and that alone was more than enough.

After the hike, we stopped by Choco-late de Batirol for thick hot chocolate. Another classic Baguio experience.

For dinner, we went to another favorite, Amare La Cucina. I finally got to dine at their branch on 22 Outlook Drive, which is usually fully booked whenever I visit. We had appetizers, salad, pasta, and Neapolitan pizza cooked in a wood-fired brick oven. Everything was delicious.

The following day was slow and simple. We heard Mass at Baguio Cathedral, did some souvenir shopping, and started the trip back home.

Baguio continues to evolve, but there are still places that hold on to its soul. John Hay Hotels is one of them. It’s the Baguio I always come back to and always will.