Haven by the Lake: A Lakeside Escape in Cavinti, Laguna

By now, we’re no strangers in Cavinti, Laguna. We’d been here several times that it almost feels like second home. Our latest family escapade, planned for my father’s birthday, was at Haven by the Lake, a quiet cove on Lumot Lake.

This property is one of the more photogenic lake retreats within driving distance of Metro Manila (see also: Caliraya Lake Front Resort). It features a glass house, small villas, and traditional kubos (all booked separately) and a large grassy area for relaxation, bonfire, and other activities.

Where is Haven by the Lake?

Haven by the Lake sits in Barangay Bukal, Cavinti, Laguna, along the edge of Lumot Lake, close to Caliraya Lake and just a few kilometers from Pagsanjan Falls.

The town of Cavinti itself is known for waterfalls and river adventures, which makes it a decent base if you’re planning to explore the area, whether it’s a half-day boat ride at Pagsanjan Falls, chasing the tri-falls in Tibatib, or an adventurous foray at Cavinti Underground Cave. If you ask me though, I find that resorts in Cavinti are best suited for tranquil escapes, so there is nothing wrong with just booking a place to lounge in and relax.

Like other exclusive resorts in Lumot Lake, Haven by the Lake is only reachable by a short boat ride from a jump-off point, which roughly takes a 3-4 minutes.

Our stay at Haven by the Lake — Glass House

From Manila, we drove for around 2.5 hours to Cavinti, Laguna. After a short detour at ROA Coffee by the lakeside (a must-visit for passers-by), we headed to our accommodation at Haven by the Lake, the Glass House.

Stepping inside, the Glass House is an industrial-rustic structure with floor-to-ceiling glass walls, kitchen and dining areas, and its own dipping pool overlooking a serene lake view. There are three bedrooms: a master’s bedroom with an en suite bathroom, a bunk bedroom, and a loft area with floor mattresses.

The Glass House is beautifully furnished and decorated, with plenty of space in the living area for the group to gather and bond. As with other glass houses, it tends to get hot even with the aircon on full blast, so at times, it’s best to lounge outside instead and take in the fresh, cool air.

There’s plenty to do outside the house itself. The kids had fun swimming in the dipping pool. We played board games indoors, while some took to the basketball and archery courts. The lake itself was inviting, with various activities available — including swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

Apart from these, we also enjoyed the spacious grounds, especially the outdoor lounge area and the swing. Maybe it’s the millennial in me, but it’s really nice just having to sit outside with a view while sipping something hot.

At night, we had a feast — boodle fight and pancit trays, which we had preordered from the host. Normally, we bring our own food on family outings, but Cavinti is pretty far (around 2.5-3 hours from the metro, not including the traffic on express way on weekends), so we opted for the convenience of ordering food instead. Though the food came late, everything was delicious, especially the buttered shrimp and grilled tilapia. (Fun fact: Fresh tilapia can be fished in Lumot Lake.)

Afterwards, we gathered outside for bonfire. The kids roasted marshmallows, the dogs walked on leash, while we adults sat and talked and watched, holding cold beers. The sky was clear and good for star gazing.

Beyond the activities, one thing that we appreciate is that Haven by the Lake is pet-friendly. My siblings brought their dogs, and it was nice seeing them run and explore the grassy areas. As you can imagine, living in Metro Manila, there isn’t enough areas for furbabies to enjoy, apart from sidewalks and a handful of parks. So this was a pleasant change.

Overall, it was a pretty good weekend for a family gathering. The next day, we’d checked out and drove a short distance to Las Caidas Wellness Resort, which has an alfresco restaurant and cafe — a personal recommendation if you’re looking for nearby dining options.

Here’s our review

Overall, we had a positive stay at the Glasshouse at Haven by the Lake. In particular, the Glass House villa is well designed, and the whole property has a serene, unhurried feel that’s ideal for those looking for a peaceful vacation. I did notice some signs of wear in places (for instance, some chipped paint in the dipping pool), though it is more of a cosmetic issue, really.

The caretakers are onsite, so it is easy to approach them when we need something. Also, that the glass house villa is pet-friendly is a huge plus, especially for those of us who don’t want to leave their pets behind.

I think that with a handful of small improvements, they could make guest experience even better. For future guests, here’s a few things worth nothing:

• The Glass House listing mentions that it is good for 16+ guests. Based on our stay, I would suggest that with only two bathrooms (one adjoined to the master’s bedroom and another shared by everyone else) and limited dinnerware and utensils, it is more comfortable for a mid-sized group, around 12 people or so.
• Food and breakfast plates are available for preorder. I recommend the boodle fight.
• Additional fees: Amenities such as drinking water and Wi-Fi access are charged separately from the base rate, so it’s worth budgeting for these in advance. Additional pet fees also apply.

Haven by the Lake is lakeside retreat worth considering, especially for families wanting a low-key weekend, couples after a quiet reset, or groups planning a team-building retreat.

Practical Info: Haven by the Lake

Here are some things you need to know:

• Location: Cavinti, Laguna, on Lumot Lake (about 2.5-3 hours from Manila)
• Check-in: 3PM / checkout: 12 noon the next day
• Pet-friendly: Yes

You can contact them directly via Facebook. They also have listings in Airbnb.

What to read next:

Heading to Cavinti, Laguna? Check out these related posts!

• Cavinti Tourist Spots and Things to Do
• Cavinti Falls (aka Pagsanjan Falls)
• Shooting the Rapids to Pagsanjan Falls
• Balon-Balon Falls: Tri-Falls of Barangay Tibatib
• Cavinti Cave

Where to stay:

• Julian’s Island Lodge
• The Cliff at Naculo Falls
• Caliraya Lake Front Resort
• Sofia’s Lake Resort
• Mountain Lake Resort
• Las Caidas Wellness Resort
• Haven by the Lake
• Best Cavinti Resorts, Glamping Sites, and Camp Sites