Just west of Batangas Bay, Lian is a quiet coastal town often eclipsed by its flashier neighbors like Nasugbu, Calatagan, and Laiya. Yet this third-class municipality—76.80 square kilometers of land dotted with rice fields, mangroves, and coastal barangays—offers a different kind of escape. Its beaches are lined with fine volcanic sand and a raw, lived-in beauty. While some parts of the shoreline still show traces of local litter, it’s clear that Lian’s natural charm and potential are worth preserving.
TANA Beach Villas
On a recent media familiarization tour, Approche Hospitality Management invited us to experience TANA Beach Villas, a thoughtfully designed boutique resort managed under their portfolio. Our group departed from the Tribute Tower Hotel in Quezon City, another Approche-managed property, taking the Skyway South and passing through Tagaytay (and its soon-to-be-finished flyover). The drive to Lian takes around two and a half to three hours, depending on your starting point in Metro Manila.
A small rotunda marks your arrival—right leads to Nasugbu, left to Lian. From there, the countryside unfurls: quiet roads flanked by rice paddies, hilly backdrops, and patches of mangroves. At Brgy. San Diego, you’ll encounter a P35 environmental fee checkpoint, so keep cash on hand. The route narrows into typical provincial lanes—no sidewalks, no storm drains—but that’s part of its rustic charm.
When we finally arrived, calm and comfort awaited us at TANA Beach Villas. What began as a family rest house soon evolved into a pioneer full-service luxury resort in Lian under the vision of its owner, Justin Tan. The architecture stands out in quiet sophistication—a fusion of Modern Tropical, Minimalist, and Tropical Brutalist styles. Think polished cement, clean lines, natural light, and open layouts that seamlessly blend with the surrounding sea and sand. From the property, guests can even glimpse Fortune Island across the West Philippine Sea, adding a touch of mythic beauty to the horizon.
During our lunch and tête-à-tête with Justin Tan (Owner), Christian Guballa (Managing Director of Approche Hospitality Management), and Allan Dollesin (Operations Manager), one message was clear: TANA is built on integrity, community, and care. They shared how some scammers recently stole their photos and posed as TANA on social media, duping unsuspecting travelers into sending deposits. Thankfully, the matter has been reported to authorities—but it’s a good reminder for all travelers: always verify bookings only through official channels and visit tanabeachvillas.com for legitimate inquiries.
At TANA, exclusivity is key. With a capacity of around 50 guests, the resort values privacy and peace above all. Walk-in diners are welcome at Trese, the in-house restaurant, when capacity allows—but the management respectfully declines entry once occupancy reaches 80% to preserve guests’ experience. The menu at Trese offers a curated blend of Filipino and Chinese favorites, elevated yet comforting.
The villas, ranging from 64–65 sqm, are spacious and serene—ideal for couples, families, or digital nomads seeking quiet luxury. Strong Wi-Fi, plush bedding, minimalist interiors, and attentive butler-like service create the perfect environment for unwinding. It’s the kind of place where you can sleep in, stroll the shore, swim in the infinity pool, and call it a day with cocktails at sunset.
Beyond hospitality, TANA Beach Villas champions sustainability and local empowerment. The resort maintains a turtle sanctuary, helping hatchlings and injured turtles recover before releasing them back to sea. Justin hopes to inspire nearby barangays to take pride in their environment and discover how tourism can open doors for employment and education.
While there’s no formal resort association in the area yet, the sense of collaboration is growing—especially as developers like Rockwell begin to take interest nearby. TANA’s presence has already helped elevate Lian’s profile, not through glitz, but through grace.
Lian’s coastline may not be pristine yet, but places like TANA are quietly changing that narrative—leading by example, one clean-up, one job, one traveler at a time. And for those who prefer slow living over loud luxury, TANA Beach Villas is proof that calm can still make waves.
Travel Notes: TANA Beach Villas
Location:
Brgy. San Diego, Lian, Batangas
Approximately 2.5–3 hours from Metro Manila via SLEX–CALAX–Tagaytay route.
Getting There:
Private car is recommended. There’s a small rotunda in Lian town proper—turn left toward Brgy. San Diego. Environmental fee checkpoint (?35) upon entry.
What to Expect:
- Tranquil, modern-tropical beachfront resort
- Spacious villas (64–65 sqm) with pool and sea views
- Restaurant “Trese” serving Filipino-Chinese comfort dishes
- Turtle sanctuary and sustainable initiatives
Travel Tip:
Beware of online scammers pretending to be TANA Beach Villas on social media. Always book directly through the official website: tanabeachvillas.com.
Best Time to Visit:
November to May (dry season) for the calmest seas and clear skies.
What to Pack:
Beachwear, reef-safe sunscreen, reusable tumbler, and your favorite book for the hammock.
Author’s Note
A few days at TANA remind you that rest isn’t a reward—it’s a return.
To simplicity. To sunlight. To the kind of quiet that fills rather than empties you.
The drive back to Manila may feel reluctant, but don’t rush it—stop by Hotel Strype in Tagaytay for a leisurely one-for-the-road lunch at Cantina Mexa, where spicy ribs and tequila ease you back into reality. It’s another gem under the Approche Hospitality Management portfolio—but that’s a story for another day.
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