OMG! Davao's HOTTEST 750m² Apartment Near SM! (Mailz Haven #5)
OMG! Davao's HOTTEST 750m² Apartment Near SM! (Mailz Haven #5) - A Hot Mess Review (But a Good One!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I just survived a stay at OMG! Davao's, you know, the… the super-sized apartment near SM Mall. Mailz Haven #5. And "survived" might be a bit dramatic, but hey, it felt like an adventure, and I'm still unpacking the emotional baggage. Let's break it down, shall we? My wallet and sanity are still recovering.
Accessibility - The Good, the Bad, and the Elevator (Maybe?)
Okay, so "accessibility" in the Philippines is a bit of a wild card. Mailz Haven #5 says it has facilities for disabled guests. Now, I didn't personally crawl around on my hands and knees, but the website mentions an elevator. That's important. I am a "vertical person" and not keen on stairs especially, since I'm notoriously clumsy. Hopefully, it's a reliable elevator. Also, the location near SM Mall? Huge win for accessibility by way of convenience. Taxis, Grab (the local ride-hailing app), and jeepneys are everywhere. That part is undeniably accessible.
On-Site Restaurants/Lounges - Food, Glorious (Potential) Food!
I'm gonna be brutally honest: I didn’t spend the whole time in this massive apartment. So, I didn’t get to thoroughly sample everything. But, the listing mentions potentially on-site restaurants. Now, this is a plus! The website promised all the usual dining options and the chance to experience some of the best food that Davao has to offer and I'm a fan of all and a good place, so I certainly had my expectations up.
Wheelchair Accessible - Fingers Crossed!
As mentioned, I didn't roll around in a wheelchair. The website's claims need verification. I'd recommend calling ahead and specifically asking about wheelchair accessibility, especially for the hallways and doorways if you're considering this as home base.
Internet - Wi-Fi Everywhere! (And Praying It Works!)
Okay, internet. HUGE. For me, internet is life. The listing boasts Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and Wi-Fi in public areas! and Internet [LAN]! and Internet services! That's a lot of promises. The reality? Well, let's just say I spent a lot of time yelling at my laptop. It worked well sometimes and not so well other times. Definitely bring a mobile hotspot backup, or consider testing the connection before you settle in if that's mission-critical for you.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax - Spa Day (Maybe) and Sauna Dreams!
This is where things get interesting. The listing is teeming with potential for relaxation. Body scrub, body wraps, fitness center, foot bath, gym, massage, Pool with a View, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]. Whoa. Okay, my brain just melted a little. The outdoor pool looked gorgeous in the pictures. The idea of a sauna after a day of exploring Davao sounds divine. I’m a sucker for a good spa day. I didn't test everything, you know? I was busy trying to get the Wi-Fi to cooperate. But the potential is there! Dream big!
Cleanliness and Safety - Anti-Virus & Daily Disinfection - Because 2024!
I was happy to see all the Covid-era precautions listed. The listing mentions Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hand sanitizer stations, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setups, Staff trained in safety protocol… and I actually saw some of this in action! Phew. Feeling safe is HUGE.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - A La Carte? Buffet Bonanza? Yes, Please!
Oh boy, the food! This apartment, according to the listing, seems to offer it all! Asian breakfast is a must-try, and there are also other options. The prospect of a breakfast buffet is always exciting. The bar? Happy Hour? Poolside bar? My liver is already feeling a little nervous, but excited.
Services and Conveniences - Laundry, Luggage, and… a Shrine?
Here's where Mailz Haven #5 really shows off. Daily housekeeping is a lifesaver. There's a concierge, cash withdrawal, currency exchange, a doorman, laundry service, luggage storage, even a shrine. A shrine! Okay, maybe it's for a company, but it's a detail! The inclusion of a gift shop and a convenience store is a huge plus.
For the Kids - Babysitting, Family-Friendly, Kids Meal (Maybe)?
Family-friendly? Babysitting? Kids meal? Okay, this makes Mailz Haven a great option if you're traveling with little ones. I didn't witness any actual kids running around the premises, but the promises are there.
Getting Around - Getting Around - Airport Transfer, Parking, Taxi, & More!
The listing is loaded with transportation options. Airport transfer, car park, taxi service, and valet parking. Getting around Davao should be a breeze!
Available in All Rooms - ALL. THE. AMENITIES.
It would take a novel to list all of the in-room amenities. Air conditioning, alarm clock, desk, extra long bed, free bottled water, hair dryer, in-room safe box, Internet access – LAN, internet access, ironing facilities, laptop workspace, mini bar, non-smoking, private bathroom, refrigerator, safety/security features, satellite/cable channels, shower, slippers, smoke detector, etc. You name it, the chances are, they have it
My Experience: The Good, the Bad, and My Honest Feelings!
Okay, so here's my brutally honest take: Mailz Haven #5 is… a lot.
The Good: The apartment itself is HUGE. Seriously, you could probably host a small rave in the living room. The location near SM Mall is fantastic. So close to practically everything! The potential for relaxation (pool, spa, etc.) is ridiculously appealing. The staff I interacted with were lovely and helpful. The fact that they give a lot of details is great.
The Bad: The Wi-Fi was spotty. Some categories need more clarity. You need to double-check anything that's super important to your trip. (Wheelchair accessibility for instance).
My Honest Feelings: I liked it. I really did. It's a bit rough around the edges, a bit chaotic, but that's part of the charm of Davao. And honestly, if I were to go back? Yeah, I'd consider it again. Especially if I had a big group or wanted to feel like I was living in a mansion on a budget.
OMG! Davao's HOTTEST 750m² Apartment Near SM! (Mailz Haven #5) - BOOK NOW! (But Read This First!)
Here's the deal:
- Book Mailz Haven #5 if: You want a massive apartment, proximity to SM Mall is a priority, you love the idea of a potential spa day and pool, and you're flexible and understanding of the occasional minor inconvenience (read: Wi-Fi issues). If you're a family, this is a great choice.
- Don't book Mailz Haven #5 if: You absolutely need perfect, reliable Wi-Fi, you require absolute peace and quiet (city living, remember?), and you're easily frustrated by imperfections.
My special offer:
Book NOW and leave a comment in a review about my review for a free coffee at breakfast. Now go have fun! And tell me how the sauna is!
Escape to Paradise: Kuala Nerang's Hidden Homestay Gem
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we’re diving headfirst into a travel itinerary that’s less “perfectly curated Instagram post” and more “scribbled on a napkin at 3 AM after a mountain of lumpia.” This is Davao, baby, and we're gonna get real.
The "Lost My Luggage, Found My Soul (and a Ton of Durian)" Davao Adventure: Mailz Haven #5 & Beyond
Home Base: Mailz Haven #5, New Homey Apartment (750m near SM Davao City, Philippines) – Okay, so the online photos made it seem like a palace of serenity. The reality? A perfectly fine, slightly cramped apartment that smells faintly of… well, let’s call it “lived-in.” But hey, it's close to SM Davao, which is basically my lifeline. Think of it as my Davao command center.
Day 1: Arrival – The Durian Dilemma & Tourist Traps (and a Panic Attack)
- Morning (7:00 AM – 12:00 PM): Ugh, the early flight was a nightmare. Found my luggage. Wait… lost my luggage. Okay, deep breaths. First impressions of Davao airport: hot, humid, and the kind of place where you immediately start questioning all life choices. Found it, thank goodness. Got a Grab (thank you technology, seriously) to Mailz Haven. The tiny apartment is fine.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM – 4:00 PM): SM Davao! Lunch at Dencio's. My first taste of Davao's famous food. Afterwards, I feel a sudden panic attack. Should have brought my medication. Then I got a little lost. That's when I met this guy, Miguel. He seems to have lived in Davao his entire life.
- Evening (4:00 PM – Late): Miguel took me to a tourist trap called the People's Park! It was beautiful, but the best part of the experience was Miguel's stories. He's seen everything, and he's lived in Davao all his life. Then, the moment of truth. Miguel told me to try Durian, the "King of Fruits." The smell! The taste! It was… an experience. Let's just say I understand why some people love it and why others would rather eat a sock puppet. Went back to Mailz Haven and lay down while questioning my existence.
Day 2: Island Hopping – Sun, Sea, and So Much Sunburn
- Morning (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM): The plan: Island hopping at the Island Garden City of Samal. This was supposed to be the highlight! I am a little afraid to venture out alone.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM – 4:00 PM): Finally found a tour group. We're all crammed together, shoulder to shoulder on this old boat. We visited Talikud Island. The water was a dazzling turquoise. Then, the sun. Oh, sweet Jesus, the sun. I forgot sunscreen, and now I'm pretty sure I'm going to be a lobster by tomorrow. I saw a giant clam. It was awesome.
- Evening (4:00 PM – Late): Back at Mailz Haven. Slathered myself in aloe vera. (Thank God for aloe vera!) I'm pretty sure I've aged ten years today. Watched the sunset from the balcony. It was gorgeous, even when the mosquitoes started feasting on me. Damn bugs!
Day 3: The Eagle Sanctuary – Hope and a Seriously Impressive Bird
- Morning (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM): The Philippine Eagle Center. Okay, this was something special. These majestic birds! They're so powerful and the experience left me feeling extremely emotional. The work they do there is incredible. (Note to self: research eagle conservation projects, later.)
- Afternoon (12:00 PM – 4:00 PM): Lunch at Lachi's. A local recommendation. I took the bus for the first time and it was awesome.
- Evening (4:00 PM – Late): Back at Mailz Haven. Felt a sense of peace. Journaled. It's nice that I can be myself at times.
Day 4: Market Mayhem and Culinary Chaos
- Morning (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM): A dive into the D'Bone Collector Museum. This museum is filled with the skeletons of animals. It's amazing!
- Afternoon (12:00 PM – 4:00 PM): Roxas Night Market. Okay, this was a chaotic, sensory overload. But also amazing. Saw the best foods and clothing. I had some kinilaw which was delicious.
- Evening (4:00 PM – Late): Back at Mailz Haven. Took a shower, and went to bed.
Day 5: Farewell Davao (and a Promise to Return – Maybe)
- Morning (8:00 AM): Breakfast at home. Packed up!
- Afternoon (12:00 PM): Headed to the airport. The flight out of Davao. A bittersweet goodbye. I had a lovely experience!
- Evening (7:00 PM): At this point, I was exhausted. The experience was worthwhile.
Messy Ramblings & Random Thoughts:
- The food: Holy guacamole, the food. Adobo, kinilaw, grilled fish, and so much more.
- The people: Everyone was so incredibly friendly and helpful. Seriously, the best of the best.
- The heat: It's a constant, simmering embrace. Bring light clothing and ALL the sunscreen.
- The durian: Still not a fan. But hey, at least I tried it!
- Would I go back? Absolutely. Davao, you magnificent, slightly chaotic place, you've got a bit of my heart.
Okay, so... 750m²? Is that a typo? Because my brain just short-circuited a little.
Nope! Not a typo. 750 square meters. That's... well, that's a *massive* apartment. I mean, seriously, have you SEEN the inside? I went there, okay? I had to. They called it "Mailz Haven #5." Sounded fancy. Expected a glorified condo. Walked in... and I'm pretty sure I could've hosted a small rave in the living room. I'm talking, *ballroom* size. My jaw literally dropped. Twice. First time, I thought I walked into the wrong place. Second time, I thought I was dreaming.
Is it *really* near SM? Like, can I roll out of bed, stumble around for five minutes, and be knee-deep in shoppers?
Alright, deep breaths. "Near" is subjective, right? But yes, it's *very* near SM. Like, I'm picturing it... you exit the building, and BAM! You see the glorious sight of SM Lanang Premier. I'd say a comfortable walk. Maybe a short tricycle ride if you're feeling lazy/sweaty. (Davao heat is no joke, people.) I'd rate it a solid 8/10 for convenient proximity. Seriously, grocery shopping, movies, everything you need is practically at your doorstep. Forget the existential dread of commuting; it’s practically a non-issue!
What's the catch? There HAS to be a catch. 750m² near SM? My skepticism is already screaming.
Okay, okay, I hear you. I was thinking the same thing. Here’s the deal – *everything* has a catch, right? And with something this epic, you expect it. I’m not going to lie. The price tag...it's not cheap. Let's just say it's "serious money" territory. You’re also getting a very luxurious apartment, with all the trimmings. Fine dining, luxury appliances, that kind of jazz. But that's the trade-off, isn't it? You get the space, the location, the opulence... you pay your price. Honestly, you're probably going to need a team of housekeepers to keep it clean. That's the *real* catch, in my opinion! (And more people in Davao are looking for a place like this; it seems to be on a boom!)
What kind of people are *actually* living in this place? Millionaires? Secret Agents? Aliens?
Haha! Good question. Okay… I didn't see any aliens, (unless they were *really* good at hiding) But the crowd seemed to be… well-heeled. Let's put it that way. I saw a few people with that effortless air of wealth – you know, the kind that makes you feel slightly inadequate just by being near them. Sleek cars parked outside. People talking about investment portfolios and private jets. The usual suspects, really. It was a very *Davao* mix—a real mix of the well-known and the discreet. I think I also saw a guy who might have been a secret agent… or, you know, just really good at wearing sunglasses indoors. You never know. Definitely not your average Joe living there, that's for sure.
Okay, but the *inside*... What's it *really* like inside? Is it as mind-blowing as it sounds? Spill the tea!
Okay. Okay, here's the tea. I'm still recovering, honestly. The moment I stepped in, a wave of 'rich person smell' hit me. (You know the one. Expensive wood, freshly brewed coffee, a touch of... I don't know, *success*?). I entered a giant foyer. Marble floors. Chandeliers you could get lost in. The living room alone was bigger than my *entire* house. I'm not exaggerating. And the design… meticulously done. I'm talking art-deco meets modern minimalist chic. There were HUGE windows. The view… gorgeous. The kitchen? Professional-grade appliances! A chef's dream. I imagined myself trying to cook, and immediately pictured myself burning everything – which is probably what would happen. Every room, a masterpiece. The bathrooms were spa-like. The walk-in closets... I could have lived in one. Seriously. It was like being given a glimpse into a life I'll probably never have. A tiny part of me, however, was a bit...lonely. So much space... it was a little cold, you know? But overall, it was mind-blowing. Worth a visit!
Is it kid-friendly? Or is it like, a "look, don't touch" kind of place?
Hmm. That's a tough one! On the one hand, all that space is a kid's dream. They could run around, have all sorts of fun, set up their own kingdoms... On the other hand, think of the *potential* for disaster! Marble floors + messy kids = potential chaos. And those pristine white couches? I shudder to think. I'd guess it depends on the kid, honestly. If they're the type who can appreciate a beautiful space and are used to being careful, maybe. If they're into finger painting on the walls... probably not. You might want to invest in a serious nanny. Or maybe just move to a regular-sized house and save yourself the stress! It's all about the balance, isn't it? I'm a bit of a klutz myself, so I'm probably not the best judge. But it leans towards "look, don't touch" *slightly*.
What are the amenities? Swimming pool? Gym? Helipad?! (Okay, maybe not a helipad...)
Okay, HELIPAD! That's a good one. I didn't *see* a helipad, but hey, who knows? With a place that size, it wouldn't surprise me. But YES, the amenities were top-notch. And *yes*, there's a beautiful swimming pool, of course, an amazing gym, and probably a state-of-the-art game room. (I didn't get to see everything, unfortunately. I was too busy gaping.) They were trying to create a whole lifestyle, a mini-community. I did see what looked like a private garden area. And I’m pretty sure there was a 24/7 concierge service. Plus, secure parking. They thought of *everything*. The whole experience just oozed luxury. You won't be roughing it, that's for sure. It's the kind of place where you could happily never leave... which, honestly, sounds pretty tempting. (Especially during the Davao rainy season.)
Is it better than sliced bread?
Okay, that's a tough one! Sliced breadComfort Zone Inn
