What were once considered as occasional indulgences have become essentials amid the world’s continuing struggle with the pandemic.

Wellness and nature and their increasingly crucial role on one’s well-being during this health crisis have been highlighted and better appreciated.

Touted as a “stunning portrait of nature in full bloom,” Eastland Heights places nature at the core of its offerings, as it recognizes the utmost importance of health, well-being and quality of life.

In fact, the renewed focus on these has been a global phenomenon. New studies and researches have been published, providing anchors to long standing claims that nature and wellness —defined by the Global Wellness Institute as “the active pursuit of activities, choices and lifestyles that lead to a state of holistic health”—can do wonders to one’s health during these trying times.

A panel of experts at the Global Wellness Summit in November even cited nature as among the big wellness trends for 2021, noting that “people connection is being replaced with nature connection, which provides unique healing and solace in a pandemic.” A 2020 study by Cornell University and the University of Maryland found that spending 10 minutes a day in nature can “measurably improve your mental health and well-being.”

Unfortunately, in many cities, having access to lush open spaces and communing with nature are considered luxuries. Often, there will be a trade off — one has to make that difficult choice between the exciting, frenzied pace of modern urban living, and the calm, laidback vibe of a peaceful suburban community that affords one proximity to nature.

‘Nature in full bloom’

One community in Antipolo, Rizal, however, easily solves that conundrum.

Along Marcos Highway, at the outskirts of Metro Manila is Eastland Heights, a vast 640-hectare integrated lifestyle community being developed by Global-Estate Resorts Inc. (GERI), a subsidiary of Megaworld. Toured as a “stunning portrait of nature in full bloom,” Eastland Heights places nature at the core of its offerings, as it recognizes the utmost importance of health, well-being and quality of life — even long before the pandemic happened.

Eastland Heights is truly well poised to become today’s most coveted address.

As wellness and nature take precedence in one’s considerations in the new normal era, Eastland Heights is truly well poised to become today’s most coveted address.

Karen Piolo-Arcilla, VP for sales and marketing of Megaworld Global Estate inc,. disclosed that they have seen an overwhelmingly positive response for Eastland Heights even at the height of the pandemic last year, driven by a growing desire for wide open spaces, fresh air and nature.

Their latest offering, The Grand Hill at Eastland Heights, was almost sold out three weeks after it was launched in Feb.1 this year, Arcilla said. Lots, with sizes ranging from 300 sqm to 500 sqm were offered to prospective buyers and investors.

Home in the new normal

But that doesn’t come as a surprise, considering the lifestyle that The Grand Hill can provide. Imagine having a spacious home built along the natural sloping terrain in this beautiful sprawl, amid verdant hills, and overlooking stunning views of the Sierra Madre, the well-manicured golf course within Eastland Heights and the Metro Manila skyline. Choice amenities present extra perks for residents; a nature inclusive park, outdoor reading nook, jogging trail and a serene garden. One will surely look forward to working from home more often.

“The biggest of consideration of homebuyers nowadays is health and wellness. Where els can you find a community that is accessible and so close to Metro Manila, yet the natural environment is preserved? For Eastland Heights, nature is the biggest draw, especially as the pandemic made us realize the importance of space. And here, as much as 40 percent of the entire development is intended for open spaces,” Arcilla said.

“When you come here, it’s an entirely different environment. It’s hilly, there’s fresh air and rich flora and fauna, and you have beautiful views. Nature is like an extended amenity of Eastland Heights,” she added.

Choice amenities present extra perks for residents of Eastland Heights.

Beyond the allure of nature, residents are also afforded access to modern conveniences that include swimming pools and cabanas, basketball and tennis courts, event pavilion, gym, spa and the village clubhouse. Soon, The Springs at Eastland Heights will offer residents exclusive access to a 2-ha Bali-inspired resort replete with a spa, cabanas and pool.

But what further makes this such a valuable proposition, according to Arcilla, is the fact that at Eastland Heights, you will have a peaceful suburban community that is just minutes away from Metro Manila, highly accessible via major thorough-fares like Marcos Highway. All the more will travel to Eastland Heights become convenient once key infrastructure projects such as the C-6 Expressway and LRT-2 East Extension Project are completed.

Arcilla is thus excited over their prospects for the upcoming projects at Eastland Heights, as there remains some 50-ha that can still be developed within this integrated lifestyle community. And no doubt, these will soon be the most coveted addressed of those wanting resplendent, modern home set amid the beauty and bounty of nature.