Anya Hospitality Group describes 2023 as an “exciting year” for both hospitality and luxury property development, as international borders open safely and travel becomes accessible to local and international tourists.
AHG and Roxaco Land Corp. president and chief executive Santiago Elizalde said phase 3 development of exclusive enclave Anya Resort and Residences in Tagaytay City is ongoing, as they develop more luxury villas to cater to homeowners who value privacy and exclusivity.
“Construction of additional villas will start this year on 1.2 hectares of the property,” Elizalde said.
Anya Residences phase 3 lots are about 400 square meters per villa, initially with two bedrooms which can be expanded into four-bedrooms with innovative modular fittings. This can allow homeowners to rent out the additional rooms to generate income on their investment.
“The lay-out of the villas will be exceptional, with abundant space and their own plunge pool,” he said. Pre-selling will start in April with a target completion of two years, with a starting price of P18 million.
Elizalde said a part of AHG’s 2023 development plan is the construction of the Niyama Wellness Center to offer guests a body, mind and spirit well-being experience using a holistic approach. Plans for the pavilion include building a sprawling spa with water features, treatment rooms aside from massage services, gym and an F&B outlet.
Elizalde banks on his experience in leading the company’s bullish 2023 development and building a strong brand equity. “Ten to 12 years ago, we took a look at the hospitality industry. Tourism was about to heat up then. Since we were exposed to the success of Club Punta Fuego, we were knowledgeable about how things work, what people are looking for and their expectations. So, we decided to move in that direction and invest in hospitality,” Elizalde said.
This led to the development of Anya’s 7.2-hectare property in the Tagaytay corridor.
“We believe that the hospitality side of our business is scalable and that we can sustain and even optimize our profitability and efficiency if we grow AHG,” said Elizalde who co-founded the company with Don Pedro Roxas.
“It’s really about the number of properties that you either own or have under your management to increase revenues,” he said.
He said that with the recent developments in infrastructure, access to Nasugbu is easier and faster. Given an evident southward migratory trend, the company is planning to develop its Nasugbu raw lands. “We have a masterplan that includes something for everyone – residential, commercial, leisure, golf courses, business establishments and more. It is going to be a legacy for the next generation,” he said.
He also said that the Nasugbu raw lands’ development is open to investors and developers whose vision is aligned to theirs. Their land bank consists of 2,000 plus hectares in Nasugbu, Batangas.
Elizalde compares the future projects with the success in developing Anya Resort. “It was not easy. We started from scratch and there was the pandemic. But we were able to get it done,” he said.
Prices of the property continue to appreciate. Lots which sold for P6,000 per sq. m. are now valued at almost P20,000 per sq. m. “People are happy with the increase in the value of their investment over a short span of time,” he said.
He said one of their success factors is factoring in future needs. “It is my responsibility to figure out in what direction Roxaco Land will be heading. You always have to think 3 to 5 years ahead. It’s not just about generating the same revenue every year. Before we got into hospitality, we developed properties, sold the lots and then what happened next?” he said.
“The growth story was there because we had access to a lot of land which, however, is not going to be there forever. You have to build the story even more. That’s the reason why we got into hospitality. Look at the big real estate developers in the country – they not only have real estate but they have commercial buildings such as malls that generate sustainable growth,” Elizalde said.
He reiterated the importance of the right values and education. He himself worked in Wall Street in New York for three years and with the Coca-Cola Company for 15 years before Roxaco Land.
“For one, I want my children to be able to fend for themselves and stand on their own. They initially strike out on their own, become professionals and the ‘elders’ decide whether it’s time for them to work for the family, of course, depending on their qualifications,” he said.
The Roxaco Land model is centered around providing strong foundations, not just in building property but also in ensuring that homeowners will be able to spend quality time in nature with their families.
Elizalde himself places value on spending time with his children, siblings and close friends among the wide open spaces of Punta Fuego.
He said this is the same kind of environment they are providing with their properties, where it is conducive to relax and bond with loved ones while enjoying luxe accommodations in well-kept properties that highlight the wonders of nature.
Elizalde said that this year, they are focused on providing world-class experiences for Filipino homeowners and travelers as the AHG Group maximizes the potentials of the resort and property development industries.