There was a time when the “bakasyon” meant only one thing – leave home and go to a place to experience a change in scenery.
But times have changed. People are opting to have staycations rather than go on vacation in the province or abroad.
In the busy part of Makati, there is relatively new place called Alpaca Lemon Penthouse, a spacious five-bedroom apartment (each with their own bathtub) that provides guests with business or leisure stay options.
The Penthouse’s founder Lorren Dianne Ramel-Kriso bought the Makati unit in 2023 after marrying her husband Daniel.
Its name comes from two lifelong symbols of peace: alpacas, adored for their softness and grounding presence, and lemons, a superfood known for cleansing, brightness, and emotional anchoring.
Guests are welcomed with thoughtful rituals, homemade canapés, organic refreshments, cold towels with essential oil upon arrival, eco-organic cleaning, and butler-style care.
The pet-friendly Penthouse also has six toilets, an office room with sofa beds, sleeping capacity for up to 12 guests, and event capacity for up to 20 people.
Among the celebrities who’ve visited Alpaca are couple Aubrey Miles and Troy Montero, Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Michelle Dee, comedienne-beauty queen Herlene Nicole Budol, and models Juul Missiaen and Simon Javier.
“My childhood trauma after losing my father, health struggles, misdiagnoses, near-death in an ICU and the miracle of survival – they inspired me,” shared Lorren. “So, Alpaca Lemon my dream safe place is now here and open for others.”
Also a creative entrepreneur and a wellness advocate, Lorren is also building OOMI, The Healing Cave in Bali – a hollistic spa and bathouse featuring therapeutic baths, healing domes, movement studios, non-toxic beauty rituals and a wellness cafe.
She also wants to bring OOMI in Manila and eventually create an Alpaca Lemon Farmhouse in Nusa Penida, Indonesia where people can reconnect with animals, gardens, nature, and real alpacas and lemon trees.
Daniel meanwhile is currently building hotels and resorts in East Bali which is now nearing completion. One resort will soon open its doors, and the couple is now preparing to bring its concept to the Philippines.
“This project is close to our hearts as it reflects the same vision of creating soulful spaces, rooted in nature and designed to welcome travelers all over the world,” ended Lorren.