There is something about the mountains that invites people to slow down.
Surrounded by lush pine trees and majestic mountain views, Itogon Mountain Village (IMV) in Sitio Bacong, Loacan, Itogon, Benguet, offers visitors more than a quick escape from the city.
Home to Café Stella, a destination that has become a popular stop for visitors on a quick Baguio trip, IMV continues to grow as a mountain destination where nature, hospitality, dining, and leisure come together.
Developing as a mountain resort, IMV reflects the character of a backcountry refuge while embracing a premium and inclusive Cordilleran destination. Its structures blend with the natural landscape, creating a distinctly Cordilleran ambience shaped by the mountains that surround it.
“Here at IMV, it’s accessible to the public, meaning anyone or anybody can come in,” said Alex Molintas, operations manager of IMV.
𝘍𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘊𝘢𝘧𝘦́ 𝘚𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘢 𝘵𝘰 𝘢 𝘎𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘔𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘝𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘢𝘨𝘦
IMV officially opened its doors to the public in 2024, with Café Stella becoming the vibrant heart of its dining experience.
The café quickly became one of the destination’s main attractions, offering food, coffee, and a place where visitors could take in the surrounding mountain scenery. Later that year, IMV expanded its offerings with the introduction of the IMV Cabins.
Today, the property features 12 cabin rooms, offering a modern interpretation of the traditional cabin lodge while providing visitors with a comfortable place to stay amid the mountains.
For Molintas, however, the mountain view is only part of what IMV hopes to offer.
“What we wanted to promote here as well is the Cordilleran hospitality since we also have our employees who are mostly local here in Loacan, Itogon,” he said.
For him, Cordilleran hospitality is reflected in the way local employees interact with guests.
“They still show hospitality in the Cordillera by being respectful. Yung pagiging conservative nila is still there,” Molintas said.
The connection with the local community is also part of IMV’s vision for the destination.
“It’s one of our goals to basically have the locals here because when it comes to the topographical aspect, they are the ones who are more knowledgeable about it. We want to partner with them while helping the locals as well,” he said.
𝘈 𝘗𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘉𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘯 𝘍𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳
As IMV continues to expand, it is also creating spaces for some of life’s most meaningful celebrations.
In September 2026, the property introduced the Chapel of the Mountains and Montesierra Events Place, adding weddings, gatherings, and other celebrations to its growing list of offerings.
Set against the mountains, the Chapel of the Mountains provides a serene setting for couples beginning their journey together. Its peaceful surroundings and scenic backdrop give wedding ceremonies a distinct mountain atmosphere.
IMV Marketing Officer Eunice Fernandez said the management is currently working toward accreditation to allow the chapel to accommodate Catholic weddings.
For civil weddings, other religious ceremonies, or couples who simply want a meaningful symbolic ceremony, the chapel is already envisioned as a place where they can celebrate their union.
A short walk down the stairs leads to Montesierra Events Place, a spacious venue designed to accommodate celebrations and gatherings.
Recently, IMV held a wedding open house as part of its efforts to introduce the property as a potential wedding destination.
Montesierra can accommodate up to 200 guests, making it suitable for wedding receptions and other celebrations. Fernandez said the venue is not limited to weddings and may also host corporate functions, gatherings, and similar events.
𝘙𝘦𝘴𝘵, 𝘋𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘛𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘝𝘪𝘦𝘸
For those looking for a slower and more relaxing experience, IMV also has Natura Spa, which welcomes walk-in guests.
The spa provides another way to enjoy the mountain setting, allowing visitors to take a break, relax, and experience the peaceful atmosphere of the property.
From the entrance, visitors are already greeted by a sweeping view of the surrounding mountains. Nearby, Natura Spa offers a quiet corner for relaxation, while farther into the property, a gazebo sits in front of Café Stella, providing another space where guests can enjoy the fresh mountain air and sunlight.
Inside Café Stella, the experience continues.
The aroma of freshly prepared food and coffee welcomes visitors into its cabin-inspired interiors. Its architectural design complements the mountain setting, creating a warm and inviting dining atmosphere.
A spacious veranda extends from the café, opening toward another picturesque view of the sky and mountains.
But there is more to come.
Molintas shared that the veranda will soon be transformed for the property’s Christmas celebration.
“It will be used for our decorated Christmas village that will be opened around November,” he said.
The upcoming Christmas Market will also feature local sellers showcasing their products, giving visitors another opportunity to discover and support products from the community.
𝘚𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘎𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘚𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘌𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨
The development of IMV does not end with what visitors can see today.
More structures are expected to rise in the coming years, including plans being considered for a bird-watching tower, and possibly a gym.
For a destination that continues to expand, each new addition gives visitors another reason to return and discover what has changed.
And perhaps that is part of what makes Itogon Mountain Village interesting.
It is more than a place to stop for a scenic view. It is a destination that continues to find its identity through the landscape, the people, and the experiences it offers.
From Café Stella and its mountain views to its cabins, spa, chapel, and events place, IMV brings together different reasons for people to visit. Families can spend time together, visitors can unwind, couples can begin their journey together, and guests can experience a glimpse of the warmth associated with Cordilleran hospitality.
More than a tourist attraction, IMV is becoming a place where visitors can slow down, make memories, and experience a piece of the Cordillera in the mountains of Itogon.
And as the village continues to grow, there is still much to look forward to.
For now, Itogon Mountain Village welcomes visitors to discover its quiet corners, enjoy its mountain views, and experience the warmth and comfort of a growing mountain destination in Loacan, Itogon. // Capsula; Padcayan | GIP
