At the opening of the 1800s, when Spain had established a strong foothold in the lowlands of Luzon, the colonizers trained their sights on the wild and unexplored Cordillera mountain range. Upon reaching the cool highlands of Northern Luzon, they saw a land of lush valleys, mountains covered with pine and a people ingeniously terracing the forbidding slopes. Some mined the bowels of the earth for precious minerals.

For centuries, isolated in their mountain villages, the Ibaloi and Igorot of Benguet mined the mineral-rich mountain surrounding them. From the precious metals of the earth, they fashioned striking jewelry and ornaments which they used for ceremonial rituals and grand celebrations, and as adornment for the body.

Today, standing 1,500 meters above sea level and perched on a ridge at Baguio City’s northeast limits, Mines View Park offers a breathtaking view of Benguet’s mountain ranges where gold, silver and other ores were once quarried.

The spectacular scenery and the enveloping tranquility of this mountain locality are best enjoyed at an elevated slope just a stone’s throw away from Mines View Park. Located along a quiet stretch of road at 1 Apostol St., Outlook Drive, Baguio City, Mines View Park Hotel stands at the edge of pine woodland. The white-washed edifice – reminiscent of serene Mediterranean villas – offers a vantage point to soak in the majestic beauty of the mines and the mountains.

On a cool Baguio evening, the pine trees towering over the hotel rustle in the wind and in the morning, the call of birds will wake visitors up to the temperate breezes laced with the bracing aroma of pine. But while Nature holds court outside, Mines View Park Hotel offers utmost comfort and luxury inside its well-appointed rooms.

The 29 rooms take from the coziness of an Alpine chalet outfitted with the most modern amenities. Most of the rooms open to private balconies that offer a view of the Cordillera Mountains and pine forests. And because Mines View Park Hotel originated from a homey bread-and-breakfast, guests can start their day with a complimentary breakfast of their choice. Still the refreshing stillness and relaxing atmosphere are the main attractions of Mines View Park Hotel.

“Mines View Park Hotel has the advantage of being situated in a quiet part of Baguio. Its tranquility, its proximity to nature, and the beautiful view of the mountains set it apart from the other hotels in the city, which are built close to the commercial centers. The hotel was designed so guests who really want to get away from it all can enjoy the amenities and the warm service. Away from the noisy crowd and the noise of the city, Mines View Park Hotel offers a real sanctuary of peace,” says the hotel’s president Mr. Dick Balajadia.

Indeed Mines View Park Hotel is a hotel to be enjoyed. Those who wish to bask in Baguio’s cool climate and the relaxing hush of a mountain hideaway need merely to open their windows and bask in the lush surroundings.

Spa fanatics who take pleasure in complete body pampering can indulge in a variety of massage techniques at the Zen Spa, or enjoy the touch therapies in the privacy of their rooms. The spa also offers exclusive treatments such as the traditional Cordillera massage, a tribal technique practiced by Igorot healers for centuries. At the spa, trained therapists use the hotel’s very own line of spa oils, apothecary salts and creams.

Foodies will delight at the culinary offerings of Mines View Park Hotel which come in big, hefty servings. The hotel’s main dining area is Zenz Restaurant, which is a fine-dining outlet that offers Western, Asian and Continental entrees that make use of Baguio’s fresh produce such as crisp vegetables, newly-picked fruits and just-ground coffee.

As dusk falls and the air turns nippy, Zenz Bar opens to offer a relaxing après six venue for cocktails or after-dinner drinks. Along with mixed drinks, fine wines and beer, the bar also offers flavorful pica-pica and light hors d’oeuvres.

Perhaps, nothing is more spectacularly Baguio than waking up to a cold, fog-filled morning. Early birds will no doubt enjoy the chill of the early hours with an outdoor breakfast at Halfmoon Asian Café starting with a steaming cup of coffee – they can take their pick from imported beans to Baguio’s own Benguet coffee. Then, indulge the taste buds with the café’s famous “bibingcrepe”: fluffy bibingka rolled out into a crepe with a slight flavor of caramel.

The best way to enjoy Mines View Park Hotel is to commune with nature in any of its outdoor venues. Guests can enjoy a cup of coffee, or enjoy a superb breakfast or lunch at the Garden Veranda under the shade of overgrown eucalyptus and pine trees.

For intimate and romantic private rendezvous, Mines View Park Hotel offers the charming al fresco verandas at the 2nd and 4th floors of the hotel. Here, guests can enjoy a leisurely breakfast or lunch surrounded by picture-perfect scenery, or wine and dine under the stars caressed by the cool Cordillera breezes.

Away from the madding tourist crowd, yet near enough to all of the city’s attractions, Mines View Park Hotel offers the most ideal destination in Baguio. It’s a haven one can come home to – where Nature’s beauty and serenity work together to renew the spirit and refresh the body.