Healing sanctuary within swank Makati

In a bustling city like Makati — where glass towers shimmer and daily life hums at full speed — it is rare to find a sanctuary that nurtures both body and spirit.

Thus, finding one at the heart of the urban landscape is an exceptional moment, particularly as it was the result of one woman’s extraordinary journey.

Lorren Dianne Ramel-Kriso, the visionary founder and creative force behind Alpaca Lemon Penthouse, said she built the refuge at the heart of the city not just to impress guests but as a form of spiritual healing.

Her toil is the soul of Alpaca Lemon Penthouse, a venture shaped by trials that would have broken the spirit of many — including a harrowing bout with sepsis in Bali that left her with only a 50-percent chance of survival. Those life-altering experiences became a defining turning point, strengthening her resolve and sharpening her vision for what her life and work should become.

“These experiences changed everything for me,” Ramel-Kriso shares. “Real luxury isn’t about material things — it’s about inner peace, health and balance.”

From this profound realization, she conceived a sanctuary where every detail breathes intention. Alpaca Lemon Penthouse stands as the physical embodiment of her healing journey — resilience shaped into space, survival woven into design, and faith made tangible through hospitality.

Touch of softness

Alpaca Lemon reflects Ramel-Kriso’s unique philosophy. Alpaca symbolizes softness and warmth, inspired by her beloved dog Soju, whose fluffy poodle coat reminded her of the alpacas she collected during her travels. Lemon represents freshness, clarity, and renewal. Combined, they mirror Ramel-Kriso herself, gentle yet vibrant, soothing yet invigorating, intentional yet full of life.

Walking into the penthouse, one immediately senses her presence. The warm lighting, signature yellow hues, plush alpaca toys, calming essential oils, and air purifiers humming softly in the background, every element bears Ramel-Kriso’s touch. Nothing is accidental; everything is deliberately curated to evoke peace and groundedness, mirroring the calm she fought so fiercely to reclaim in her own life.

Warmth radiates

Ramel-Kriso’s approach to hospitality is anchored in care and connection. Every guest is welcomed with an aura-cleansing ritual, something she personally integrated into the experience to set the tone for grounding and inner stillness. Her philosophy is simple: warmth should be intentional.

“I want our guests to feel cared for, to feel seen,” she says. “This is more than a stay — it’s a holistic experience.”

Under her leadership, Alpaca Lemon Penthouse has grown into a sanctuary where service is not just delivered but felt — rooted deeply in her own understanding of what it means to heal.

From Makati to the world

With her vision expanding, Ramel-Kriso is now pouring her energy into two new projects: Umi, the Healing Cave in Bali, and the Alpaca Lemon Farmhouse in Nusa Penida, where guests will one day walk among real alpacas and lemon trees. Both spaces, like the penthouse, reflect Lorren’s commitment to intentional living, emotional wellness, and spiritual balance.

Her advocacy also extends to lifestyle. Through her upcoming initiative, Project PH, she hopes to shift Filipino wellness culture — starting with a line of stevia-sweetened, guilt-free desserts crafted to nourish from within.

What makes Alpaca Lemon Penthouse remarkable is not the aesthetics alone — it’s the presence of Lorren herself in every corner of the experience. Her healing journey, her courage, and her desire to create spaces that soothe the soul all flow through the environment she has built. Guests feel it the moment they enter.

For Ramel-Kriso, Alpaca Lemon Penthouse is not merely a business — it’s her mission, her ministry, her message. It stands as a testament to how survival can blossom into purpose, and how inner peace can be shared through thoughtful, conscious living.

“Take care of your inner peace the same way you care for your goals,” she reminds us. “Slow down, center yourself, and remember: real luxury is found within.”

At the heart of Makati, Ramel-Kriso has created something rare — a haven where healing begins the moment you step inside. Every detail whispers her story, every ritual carries her intention, and every warm smile is an invitation to pause, breathe, and return to yourself.

Alpaca Lemon Penthouse isn’t just a destination.

It is Lorren’s love letter to healing. Her gift to a world that desperately needs softness, balance and calm.