JANIUAY, ILOILO — Roughly 33 kilometres north of Iloilo City, past the airport and into the rolling terrain of the province's Third District, a destination has been quietly perfecting the art of the countryside getaway. Damires Hills Farm and Spa Resort, a 16-hectare estate in Barangay Damires, marked its 15th anniversary in November 2025 with the theme "Hamili"—the Hiligaynon word for precious—and opened three major new facilities that have reshaped what visitors can expect from an inland Iloilo retreat. Now, in mid-2026, the resort enters its 16th year carrying the momentum of those additions and a clear signal to the traveling public: this is no longer simply a day-trip destination. It is a place designed for overnight stays, corporate events, and the kind of deep rest that requires at least a weekend.
The property sits on land that was bare when Dr. Louie and Dra. Arlene Tirador first envisioned its transformation. Today, mature trees canopy the resort, a productive farm supplies the kitchen, and the views from the infinity pools stretch across hills that seem to roll endlessly toward the horizon. "What began as bare land in Janiuay, Iloilo swiftly transformed into a thriving estate, now sprawling with mature trees, a highly productive farm, and comprehensive premium resort facilities," the resort noted during its anniversary celebrations, which were attended by Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. and Third District Board Member Jason Gonzales.
Three New Spaces Redefine the Guest Experience
The 15th-anniversary celebration served as the backdrop for the official opening of three significant additions. The Heliconia Premier Building now stands as the resort's newest accommodation wing, offering larger rooms with nature views that tilt toward the serene. Alongside it, the Balay Uma Extension substantially expands the restaurant's capacity—an acknowledgment that the original dining space could no longer keep pace with demand. The restaurant, which serves authentic Filipino comfort food using fresh produce harvested directly from the on-site farm, has become a destination in its own right for day-trippers who drive up from the city specifically for lunch with a view.
The centerpiece of the anniversary was the grand inauguration of the Gardenia Pavilion, a newly completed events venue designed to host large corporate gatherings and grand celebrations. The space marks Damires Hills' deliberate push into the MICE segment, positioning itself as a venue for weddings, conferences, and company outings that require more than a function room. Architect Edgar Dela Cruz of EDC Architecture, the designer behind the pavilion and other resort structures, received the inaugural Hamili Token of Gratitude during the anniversary ceremonies. Vice President for Operations Paolo Lorenzo Tirador opened the programme, while General Manager Marlon Navarro detailed the guest-focused initiatives ahead, including the launch of the Hamili Membership Program, which offers special rates, priority booking, and exclusive experiences for the resort's most dedicated patrons.
What a Day (or Night) at Damires Hills Actually Feels Like
For the traveler arriving in 2026, the resort unfolds in layers. The two outdoor swimming pools—both offering sweeping countryside views—anchor the leisure experience. A zipline cuts across the property, and all-terrain vehicles are available for those who prefer their scenery at speed. A canopy walk threads through the trees, offering a perspective of the estate that ground-level strolling cannot replicate. For families, a children's playground keeps younger guests occupied. Accommodation spans Family Rooms, the newer Heliconia Premier rooms, and the more spacious Narra Villas.
The Ilaya Retreat Spa, directed by Atho De la Cruz, has become one of the resort's most talked-about features. Daily massages are included with stays—a rarity at this price point—and the spa offers traditional Ilonggo massage techniques alongside more contemporary wellness services. Tarot card readings add an unexpected layer to the wellness menu. For guests interested in how the kitchen fills its pantry, farm and hydroponics tours demonstrate sustainable agriculture practices, reinforcing the property's identity as a working farm rather than a themed imitation of one.
Damires Hills is located roughly two kilometres from Janiuay town centre, approximately a 30-minute drive from Iloilo International Airport. The resort's tagline—"Home at Last"—captures the philosophy that General Manager Marlon Navarro and the Tirador family have cultivated across 16 years of operation. It is a destination engineered for the weekend you did not realise you needed until the zipline hummed overhead and the infinity pool caught the late-afternoon light.
