Finding a peaceful getaway in Metro Manila without spending a fortune or enduring hours of heavy traffic can be a real challenge. Many travelers end up stuck in busy commercial districts, missing out on true relaxation.
Ikigai Staycation by Trees Residences in Novaliches, Quezon City, solves this dilemma. It offers a calm, minimalist environment designed to help you unwind and find your “ikigai” (purpose or joy in life) right in the northern part of the city.
What to Expect at Ikigai Staycation
This cozy one-bedroom condo unit balances modern apartment living with a warm, residential feel. It features a clean aesthetic, a Queen-size bed with a single pull-out bed, a dedicated work desk, a kitchen space for light meal preparation, and fun inclusions like a karaoke setup and board games.
Who This Staycation is Best For
- Couples & Unmarried Partners: The property features a welcoming policy, hassle-free self-check-in via a smart lock, and a quiet ambiance that makes it a safe, stress-free space for couples.
- Budget-Conscious Small Families & Groups: Comfortably sleeping up to 4 guests with its pull-out bed setup, it offers an affordable alternative to traditional hotels.
- Remote Workers & Freelancers: The dedicated workspace and reliable Wi-Fi provide a steady setup for “workations.”
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Self-Check-In: Equipped with smart locks, allowing flexible check-in between 2:00 PM and 11:00 PM.
- Entertainment Packed: Includes a karaoke machine and various board and card games for indoor entertainment.
- Honesty Store: The unit features an in-room mini convenience corner stocked with snacks, drinks, and frozen food for quick bites.
- Resort-Style Grounds: Access to the complex’s manicured linear park, gardens, and three swimming pools.
Cons
- Pool Fees: Access to the swimming pools requires an additional property fee of 150 PHP per person on regular days and 300 PHP on holidays.
- Distance from Southern Hubs: Located in Novaliches, it is roughly 25 to 30 kilometers away from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and major southern commercial centers like Makati and BGC.
- No Large Pets Allowed: The property rules do not permit pets.
Pricing Observations and Comparison
Ikigai Staycation sits comfortably in the budget-friendly tier of Metro Manila’s staycation market.
While luxury resort residences in southern locations like Azure Urban Resort (Parañaque) or Air Residences (Makati) typically range from 3,500 PHP to over 6,500 PHP per night, stays at Trees Residences generally range between 1,800 PHP and 2,500 PHP per night depending on the season. This makes it an incredibly cost-effective choice for travelers who want resort amenities like pools and secured grounds without paying prime city-center prices. Note that a fully refundable cash damage deposit of 1,000 PHP is required upon arrival.
Nearby Attractions
You won’t have to travel far to find shopping, dining, and green outdoor spaces:
- The Fairview Mall Trifecta: SM Fairview, Robinsons Novaliches, and Ayala Malls Fairview Terraces are all located within 1 to 1.5 kilometers of the property, offering hundreds of restaurants, cinemas, and retail stores.
- La Mesa Ecopark & Eco-Trail: Located roughly 6 kilometers away, this nearby nature reserve provides a refreshing outdoor escape with forest trails, public pavilions, and a peaceful lake view.
Local Food and Tourism Tips
Skip the standard fast-food chains and explore the local culinary scene around Quirino Highway and Novaliches.
Make sure to look out for homegrown stalls serving Antonio’s Style Coffee and Bibingka (rice cakes baked in banana leaves with salted egg) for an authentic local afternoon snack. If you prefer dining in, the condo complex features a built-in retail strip with convenience stores and casual dining, or you can utilize the unit’s kitchen basic tableware and microwave for light comfort meals.
Local Festival Schedules and Activities
If you time your trip right, you can experience local culture and community celebrations nearby:
- La Naval Fiesta (October): Celebrated across Quezon City, featuring colorful religious street processions, traditional food stalls, and cultural presentations.
- Quezon City Day (August 19): Celebrates the foundation of the city with food bazaars, local music concerts, and public firework displays centered around the Quezon Memorial Circle.
- Summer Splash Season (April to May): The dry season is the prime time to maximize staycation activities. You can enjoy the outdoor swimming pools, play basketball at the community courts, or enjoy a picnic along the property’s walking paths.
Transportation Tips
Getting around Novaliches requires a little planning depending on your preferred mode of transport:
- Ride-Hailing & Taxis: For hassle-free travel from the airport or central areas, booking a Grabcar or a metered taxi via Quirino Highway is the most straightforward route.
- Public Buses & Jeepneys: Buses running the Sapang Palay or Jordan Plains route pass directly by the front gates on Quirino Highway, providing an easy, cheap connection to SM Fairview and transport terminals.
- Mass Transit Connections: While the upcoming MRT-7 project will bring a rail station much closer to the Fairview area, current travelers can take public transport or a short taxi ride to the Quezon Avenue MRT Station or North Avenue MRT Station to connect to the rest of Metro Manila.
- On-Site Parking: If you are driving a personal car or motorcycle, private parking is available on-site for a daily fee of roughly 300 PHP.
A First-Person Review
“As someone who just needed an escape from the daily grind without leaving the city, Ikigai Staycation was exactly what I looking for. Self-check-in with the smart lock was seamless, which was great because I arrived a bit late. The room was exceptionally clean, and the minimalist look instantly made me feel relaxed.
My absolute favorite part was the honesty store setup inside the unit—it was so convenient to grab a late-night snack without having to walk outside to a convenience store. We spent the evening playing board games and having a mini-karaoke session. Paying a small extra fee for the pool access was well worth it for a morning swim. If you want a peaceful, budget-friendly break in the North, this spot is a hidden gem.”
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