Maxima by the Sea: Pure Bliss in Samal

I have been open about my love relationship with Samal, and again, she impressed me with this place. Around 30 minutes drive from the roro port of Samal from Davao City, we arrived at a dark night at Maxima by the Sea, a house that literally is built on water.

Let's skip the excitement that overtook us that night, and head off to the morning where we appreciated this simple beach house even more, which could be rented for P15,000. This is not a resort, but a more of a vacation rental that is the growing trend in the tourism industry in developed countries.

Thus, you rent the entire house, which has 4 bedrooms. Both levels of the house has a dining and living area. I was told then that you could just rent the lower level for half the price (P7,500).

This cost doesn't include any food, so better bring your own or cook! There is a kitchen, and the staff helps out in the cooking. Their kitchen is adequate, and most of their guests just have a BBQ party here.

The second level of the house is very relaxing. You get inspiring views of the clear blue waters of Samal while taking a seat on their comfortable lounge chairs. Again, there is a living and dining area upstairs. The LCD TV is also located here.

There are three rooms upstairs, two of them have balconies that make you feel you're on a boat. You could practically see the fishes under your feet through the spaces of the wooden floor.

But what makes Maxima irresistible are the free use of water sports. You can get to kayak and snorkel all you want. There is a jet ski, but of course, you have to pay to use it. They have 3 speed boats that can take you to Talicud Island and other neighboring attractions (again, for a reasonable fee). 

And since we were already on the sea, you can just dive into it, from the dining table! It's a backyard of pure bliss, corals and fishes waiting to play with you.

We were even given a guide when we snorkeled. Our guide showed us fire corals and other unique fishes that thrived around the beach house. We went as far as 200 meters, just snorkeling our cares away.

And that wasn't the end of it. Maxima is more popularly known for its Aquapark, that was just a short walk away from the beach house. You can actually see all the water rides from the house.

Being guests of the beach house, we had free slides as well. There are two slides in the Aquapark, one was steeper than the other. The slide was not overly exhilarating, but was fun nonetheless.

After splashing, you could swim to the nearby inflatable trampolines. Guests to the water park can also snorkel and even have an intro dive. We wanted to do the intro dive, but we were to fly in the afternoon, so we weren't allowed to.

 There is also a canopy walk, but it was forgettable, since it was short and near to the ground compared to those in Davao City and Cagayan de Oro.

I found a new home in Samal, and can't wait to go back to Maxima by the Sea. I do enjoy more private escapes, that's why I am more into vacation rentals than staying in resorts. Maxima by the Sea is good for 20 people, and that's already a party - an exclusive one that is. Maxima was pure bliss for all of us, and we just wanted to stay for one week here.

As I look back at the house on the sea, I just wished I had one for myself. Hence, this trip began what I call, the Beach House Project. More on this soon...