Mia & Miguel's PH House: Jaw-Dropping Paradise You NEED to See!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! Because I'm about to take you on a wild, unfiltered ride through Mia & Miguel's PH House: Jaw-Dropping Paradise You NEED to See! Prepare yourself, because this isn't your average, sterile hotel review. We're going deep, baby. We're talking full-on emotional rollercoaster, complete with questionable life choices and way too much coffee.
So, here's the thing: I've been around the block. Seen my share of "luxury" hotels that felt more like sterile waiting rooms than actual paradises. But Mia & Miguel's? This place… it's different. It's got a vibe. And that vibe isn't just "pretentious rich people." It's… well, let's just say it feels a bit like stumbling into a really, really chic bohemian's living room. With killer views.
First Impressions (and a minor panic attack re: Accessibility)
Getting there? Easy-peasy. They have airport transfers, which is a lifesaver after a long flight. Free parking? YES. Bonus points right there. The car park itself is on-site and free! Hallelujah! I saw a few car charging stations as well, which again, massive points for forward-thinking.
Here's where I get a little stressed because I want to be thorough. Accessibility: This is crucial, and I'm a bit of a worrier about this stuff. They list facilities for disabled guests which is promising, but honestly, I need the details. There's an elevator, which is a GREAT start. I'd want to know specifics about ramps, bathroom accessibility in the rooms, and if the pool with a view has any sort of accessible entry (like a ramp or a lift). I need more info here, folks. The hotel also has exterior corridors which could be both a pro and a con, depending on weather conditions.
Now, let's say you are in a wheelchair. Let's say, hypothetical, that you're like my Aunt Carol, who is a total firecracker but uses a wheelchair. If this place isn't properly set up for her, then I'm tearing this review to shreds. Let's hope they do have well-placed ramps and accessible bathrooms.
Checking In & Chilling Out (or trying to)
The check-in/out [express] is a major win, especially if you're like me and want to get straight to the cocktails. But, they also offer Contactless check-in/out. In these times, it's a huge plus. They also have private check-in/out, which I always love, for a little bit of extra luxury.
Okay, moment of truth: The rooms. OMG. Seriously. Jaw-dropping is an understatement. I had a room on a high floor with a view that made my jaw hit the floor. Which, let me just say, is embarrassing when you're trying to be all sophisticated and seasoned traveler.
The Rooms: Let's dive in:
- Air Conditioning: Obviously, yes. Essential.
- Air conditioning in public area: YES! You got it.
- Additional toilet: YES. Excellent.
- Alarm clock: Check. Classic.
- Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathtub, Bathroom phone: Yes, yes, and… is a bathroom phone a thing? I'm suddenly very out of touch.
- Blackout curtains: Glorious. Slept like a baby (after a few mojitos, of course).
- Carpeting: Fine by me.
- Closet: Plenty of space for my questionable fashion choices.
- Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary Tea: THANK YOU. This is a necessity, not an option. I need a cuppa the second I wake up;
- Daily housekeeping: Spotless. Obsessively so. (See: Cleanliness & Safety, below).
- Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water: YES, YES, and YES!
- Hair dryer Yep. A good one.
- High floor
- In-room safe box: Always smart.
- Interconnecting room(s) available: Perfect for families or people you secretly want to keep an eye on.
- Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless: Both? Score!
- Ironing facilities: Needed them! A little aftershave got on my shirt. I got anxious. The quick access was helpful!
- Laptop workspace: Good if you have to actually work (unlike me).
- Linens: Luxurious.
- Mini bar: Oh, the temptations…
- Mirror
- Non-smoking: Essential.
- On-demand movies: Hello, self-indulgence!
- Private bathroom: Obviously.
- Reading light: Perfect for late-night bookworms (or people who can't sleep and are scrolling through hotel reviews).
- Refrigerator: Solid.
- Satellite/cable channels: The essentials.
- Scale: Uh oh. (But useful, nonetheless.)
- Seating area: Comfy and chill.
- Separate shower/bathtub: Nice touch.
- Shower, Slippers: The comfort.
- Smoke detector, Socket near the bed: Safety first! And extra points for the bedside socket (life-saver).
- Sofa: Perfect for lounging.
- Soundproofing: Thank goodness. I was worried about those people next door.
- Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella: They've thought of everything.
- Visual alarm, Wake-up service: Got you covered.
- Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens: My favorite!
Cleanliness & Safety (Obsessive, in the Best Way Possible)
Okay, listen. I am a germaphobe at heart. I judge a hotel hard on cleanliness. And Mia & Miguel's? Blew. Me. Away. I'm talking Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays, Professional-grade sanitizing services, the works. They are clearly taking things super seriously, which, in this day and age, is massively appreciated. Honestly, I saw some staff taking extra precautions. You can tell they really care. Plus, they have hand sanitizer everywhere. And staff are trained in safety protocol. They even have hygiene certification! They really went the extra mile!
**Seriously, a HUGE plus. They’ve got you covered. ** There's also a doctor/nurse on call and a first aid kit, just in case. So, you know, if you overindulge in those mojitos (ahem…).
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (My Personal Playground)
Right, let's talk about the most crucial aspect of any hotel: the food and booze. Mia & Miguel's does NOT disappoint.
- Restaurants: Plural. Yes, please.
- **Western cuisine in restaurant, *International cuisine in restaurant*, *Asian cuisine in restaurant*, and *Vegetarian restaurant:* They really tried to fulfill everyones' wishes.
- A la carte in restaurant, Breakfast [buffet], Buffet in restaurant, Breakfast service: Enough choices to satisfy even the pickiest eater (aka, me).
- Room service [24-hour]: Another lifesaver after a few too many cocktails.
- Poolside bar, Bar, Coffee shop: Basically, a beverage smorgasbord. I spent way too much time at the poolside bar. And the bartender? Amazing. He knew my order by day two. (Is that a badge of honor or a cautionary tale?)
- Happy hour: Enough said.
- Bottle of water: They give you a bottle of water.
Things to Do (Beyond My Drinking)
Okay, I know I've spent most of this review talking about booze, but there are actually things to do at this place! Well, some of the things, like the fitness center, I just avoided like the plague. But, some of them are actually intriguing.
- Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: Hello, relaxation! I spent a glorious afternoon at the spa (I think I fell asleep during my massage – don’t tell anyone).
- Gym/fitness:
- Foot bath: I am intrigued.
Internet & Staying Connected (or trying to disconnect)
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Glorious. Thank you, Mia and Miguel! They also offer Internet access – LAN, Internet. Look: I need to be able to post my Instagram stories. It's a job. I also need internet access - wireless. I also need Wi-Fi in public areas for that matter.
Services and Conveniences (They Thought of Everything)
- **Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out,
Alright, strap yourselves in, buttercups. This isn't your perfectly polished, pre-packaged travel itinerary. This is Mia and Miguel's house in the Philippines, with ALL the glorious, sweaty, mosquito-bitten imperfections. Consider this your rambling, half-baked guide… take it with a grain of Filipino salt. (And maybe a tissue. You might cry. I might.)
Mia & Miguel's Messy Guide to the Philippines (and Life, Honestly)
Day 1: Arrival & the Great Rice Cooker Kerfuffle
- Morning (or Whenever the Plane Finally Lands): Land in Manila. Ugh. The airport. Let's be honest, it's a chaotic ballet of tired travelers, screaming babies, and the faint aroma of… well, let's just say "tropical mystery." Try to find your luggage. (Pro-tip: don't check a bag. Ever.)
- Late Morning/Early Afternoon: Settle into Mia and Miguel's house. Assuming they haven’t accidentally rented it out to a badminton tournament, you’ll be greeted with warm embraces. (Prepare for the kiss-kiss greeting. It's a LOT of cheek-smacking. You'll get used to it.)
- Afternoon (the Rice Cooker Saga): This is where things get real. The first meal: Adobo. Chicken or pork, usually. Delicious. But… the rice cooker. Oh, the rice cooker. It's the hero and the villain. Mia, bless her heart, is a MASTER of the rice cooker. Miguel? Let's just say he once set the rice on fire. It might be a "minor category" but the rice-cooker can make or break your stay. Expect a minor panic as you try to navigate the intricacies of perfectly cooked rice. You'll probably mess it up the first time. It's inevitable. Laugh. Learn. Eat it anyway. (It's still kinda tasty with enough soy sauce.)
- Evening: Dinner with the family. The best way to experience the food is by eating some of the local cuisine. Get ready for endless plate offerings, and a barrage of questions. "Are you full?" "Have you eaten enough?" "Why aren't you eating more?!" Smile, eat, and nod. You're family now (sort of).
Day 2: Manila Madness & The Jeepney Rumble
- Morning: First real day? Time to embrace the Manila madness. Let's say you decide to go to Intramuros, the walled city. It's gorgeous, right? Cobblestone streets, Spanish architecture. But also… hot. And crowded. And did I mention hot?
- Mid-morning: Ride a jeepney. It's like a pimped-out, technicolor, death-trap-on-wheels, but with a heart of gold (and a crazy driver). Squeeze in beside friendly strangers. Try not to get your hair caught in the open windows. Hold onto your bags. It's an experience. Get the experience out of the way.
- Anecdote alert: A few years back, I rode a jeepney and the driver just stopped in the middle of the road to buy balot (fertilized duck egg, a local delicacy). He offered me one. I politely declined, but the sheer audacity… that's the Philippines in a nutshell.
- Lunch: Binondo Chinatown for a taste of something different, from the noodles to the dumplings.
- Afternoon: Explore the chaos that is Manila. Just don't be afraid to jump up the bus and see how they run the country.
- Evening: Dinner at a lively street food stall. Try everything. (Okay, maybe not everything. But at least try the isaw (grilled intestines). You might be surprised.)
Day 3: Beach Bliss (and the Mosquito Wars)
- Morning: Oh, sweet relief! Head out of Manila. Travel to a beach destination.
- All Day: Swim, tan, read, stare at the ocean, and try to relax. It's supposed to be paradise, right?
- Reality Check: The sand is hot. The sun is brutal. The mosquitos are relentless. Bring ALL the bug spray. Then bring more. You will be bitten. You will itch. You will curse those tiny, blood-sucking vampires. But the sunset… the sunset makes it all worth it. *The main thing is the beach!
- Evening: Seafood dinner. (Probably grilled. Probably delicious.) Watch the sunset. Feel the sand between your toes. Accept that you are officially sun-kissed and possibly slightly lobster-like.
Day 4: Island Hopping and Taho Dreams
- Morning: Island hopping! Boat trips, snorkeling, more beaches, more sunshine. You get the idea.
- Mid-morning: Snorkel. See the colorful fish. Pretend you're Ariel. (Just try not to sing.)
- Late Morning: This is the moment you should be waiting for Taho. It's a warm, sweet, silken tofu dessert. It's served in these little plastic cups and it's the most perfect way to start your day.
- Afternoon: Start the preparation while heading back home.
- Evening: Prepare the meal you want to eat and share the experience with the family.
Day 5: Departure (and the Empty Suitcase)
- Morning: Last-minute souvenir shopping. (You probably should have done this sooner.) Realize you've bought way too much stuff. Wonder how you're going to fit it all in your bag. Contemplate buying an entirely new suitcase.
- Mid-Morning/Early Afternoon: Last meal with Mia and Miguel. Another feast. More hugs. More goodbyes. Tears will be shed. (Probably yours.)
- Afternoon: Ride to the airport.
- Evening: Fly back home and realize you’ll miss this chaotic, beautiful, heartbreaking, and utterly unforgettable place. Start planning your return trip. Because let’s be honest… you’ll be back.
Important Notes (aka, the fine print):
- Embrace the chaos: Things will go wrong. Flights will be delayed. Transportation will be unreliable. Just roll with it.
- Say yes to everything: Try the food. Sing the karaoke. Dance in the rain.
- Learn a few basic Tagalog phrases: "Salamat" (thank you), "Maganda" (beautiful), "Kumusta?" (how are you?). It goes a long way.
- Be prepared to be treated like family: Hospitality is a big deal in the Philippines. Expect to be showered with kindness, food, and affection.
- Bring an open mind and a sense of adventure: This isn't a perfectly manicured vacation. It's an experience. Embrace it.
- And for god's sake, pack extra bug spray!
This is just a suggestion. Mia and Miguel's home is a place where you throw out the schedule and just be. Be happy. Be fed. Be part of the family. That is the most important thing to do in the Philippines.
Uncover Paradise: Your Dream Escape at Capa Maumere Resort, Indonesia
Okay, spill the tea: Is this place *really* as good as the photos? I mean, come on...
Tell me about the infinity pool! Is it worth the hype?
I spent a whole afternoon just... floating. Just staring. Just *being*. And you know what? I almost cried. Tears of joy, folks. Tears of pure, unadulterated bliss. Then, just as I was about to transcend reality entirely, a rogue leaf from a nearby palm tree slapped me in the face. Shattered! My moment was gone. Still, 10/10 would recommend the pool experience. Leaf-slap included.
What's the food situation like? Do they have a chef?
Also, the menu was a little… pretentious? I'm sorry, but I don't need a fifteen-word description of a piece of grilled eggplant. Just give me the eggplant! And maybe another cracker.
Is it family-friendly? Like, could I bring my screaming toddlers?
Look, it’s amazing for a romantic getaway or a solo retreat, but toddlers and tranquility simply do not mix. Unless your toddlers are exceptionally well-behaved, in which case… please, tell me your secrets.
Okay, what about the staff? Friendly? Helpful? Or just… there?
I tried to crack a joke with one of the pool guys. Like, a *bad* joke. I'm talking dad-level bad. He just smiled politely and walked away. I guess my comedic genius wasn’t appreciated. But I digress. They do their jobs well, it's just… almost *too* perfect. You could almost feel the pressure to be equally flawless.
What’s the biggest drawback of the place? The one REAL problem?
And something else. They play the *same* Spotify playlist… EVERYWHERE. It's all chill, ambient music. After a while, even the chillest person on earth will be screaming for something with a beat. I seriously considered creating a riot. I didn’t. But trust me, I thought about it. So yeah, the price and the playlist… those are my two biggest gripes. Everything else? Pretty darn dreamy.
Would you go back?
Maybe next time, I'll bring my own Spotify playlist. And a stash of emergency snacks. And maybe a small, strategically concealed water gun to splash the staff with, just to see them crack. I’m just kidding. Mostly.
