The Farm at San Benito is to become an Autograph Collection resort under the Marriott International banner.

The medical wellness property, 90 minutes from Manila, will become the first Autograph Collection resort in the Philippines and is expected to welcome guests under the brand at the end of Q3 this year.

The Autograph Collection has more than 330 independent unique hotels in the most desirable destinations across more than 50 countries. The brand promises resort experiences that are “exactly like nothing else”.

Launched 23 years ago in 52 acres of jungle, The Farm is an award-winning property that’s home to a team of integrative medical doctors specialising in lifestyle, functional, naturopathic and holistic medicine. Staff supporting these medics include spa therapists, nurses, sound healers, acupuncturists, yoga teachers, chefs, nutritionists, fitness coaches and physiotherapists.

"At CG Hospitality, we've always believed in nurturing destinations that leave a lasting impact, and The Farm at San Benito has long been a jewel in our portfolio – a sanctuary where nature, wellness and heartfelt hospitality come together,” said Dr Binod Chaudhary, chairman of CG Corp Global. CG Corp Global is a Nepalese multinational conglomerate which owns CG Hospitality.

“Our strategic partnership with Marriott International to bring The Farm at San Benito into the Autograph Collection family reflects our commitment to creating experiences that are both timeless and transformative,” Binod added. “By joining hands, we are taking this vision global, introducing the Philippines' first Autograph Collection property and setting a new benchmark for wellness hospitality in the region," Chaudhary added.

CG Hospitality has a history of joint ventures in the industry and owns respected global assets with high end hospitality brands such as Radisson, Fairmont, Taj, Taj Safari, Vivanta and Jetwing – in addition to homegrown brands such as The Zinc, The Fern, Summit and The Farm. CG’s current diversified holdings include more than 193 hotels and resorts across 12 countries and 127 destinations. By 2028, this portfolio is expected to grow to more than 600 hotels and 30,000 keys.

Rajeev Menon, president, Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International, said, "We're excited to collaborate with CG Hospitality on the debut of Marriott International's Autograph Collection brand in the Philippines – a milestone that expands our footprint in this vibrant market."

"With wellness emerging as a key driver of travel decisions, this is a timely and strategic entry for us,” added Menon. “The Philippines, with its rich natural beauty and growing reputation as a rejuvenating destination, offers the ideal setting for the Autograph Collection and underscores our continued commitment to bringing differentiated experiences to new markets across the region.”

Marriott International currently has 12 properties across six brands in the Philippines, with five more in the pipeline. The Farm at San Benito, Autograph Collection is set to be Marriott’s 13th property in the nation.

In 2023, Rahul Chaudhary, managing director and CEO of The Farm’s parent company CG Hospitality – which acquired the propert in 2018 – told Spa Business he planned to launch The Farm’s concept into every world region by 2033.

At the time of the interview, the first of The Farm-inspired outposts – the Miraaya Wellness & Golf Resort – was already open in Nepal and a second fully-branded site was due to debut in Jordan.

Rahul also said the organisation was planning to open a property in Phuket and considering others in Portugal and India. His goal was not to replicate The Farm at each property but to offer the same medical, wellness and spa facilities, while programming and food would be customised based on each location."

Read the full interview with Rahul Chaudhary here.