Weekend motoring along Maharlika Highway in northeastern Philippines is like putting one’s feet up — soft, blithe and hassle-free. I wasn’t expecting anything like an English castle in the Cagayan Valley countryside. In Solano, situated along lush rolling hills and verdant rice paddies in the landlocked province of Nueva Vizcaya, is the castle-like Highlander Hotel and Resort owned by Filipino Arlene Gregorio Highlands, who’s married to a British shipyard owner. A scaled-down ship in the likeness of the Highlands’ ship welcomes guests at the lobby entrance.

Leehua and I slept on twin princess beds in a high ceiling room:)

We squeezed in a pseudo adventure trip to the gorgeous farm of George and Connie Martinez where warming sweet tea was served before heading out to Balai Gloria for a memorable dinner.

To be continued.

Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2012