Guest Reviews

Inle Princess Resort: "Stunning"

Just arriving at the hotel is a journey itself! Sailing through the lake and watching the fishermen and the village is stunning. The rooms are very spacious, but being in the forest makes you encounter spiders and lizards sometimes. The staff is always helpful and friendly. They have an interesting dinner with Burmese music.

Samanea Beach Resort: "It’s gorgeous place!"

Manager who was very kindly friendly with their guests. The room look like older but seems to be based traditional structure of the local citizen. The outside bathroom is definitely a unique feature. The resort was very silence that you could heard some songs from insects in night time hi hi hi. The beach that where you maybe swim but watch sunrise or sunset then that is a great experience. The long wharves that made me better feeling as on the sea by my foot. The food was so good. There are not many rooms in this resort with their large site, almost of them for tree, swimming pool. With kindly noted, the resort must control better against mosquito. Overall, we very much enjoyed our stay.

Glenburn Tea Estate: "Pearl surrounded by tea bushes"

This hotel doesn't only welcome you at their doorstep, but already at the airport of Bagdogra: the driver offers you a cold drink and wet towels to get you set for the three and a half hours drive to the estate. On the way, you are offered real Glenburn tea, sandwiches (which we really liked) and cake. How English. The trip to the hotel is a long one and the last 45 minutes are like sitting in a blender. But it is all more than worth it: the setting of this hotel is absolutely gorgeous: the tea plantation surrounds the beautiful house and the view on the Himalaya is stunning. We were warmly welcomed by the English couple who manage the hotel on behalf of the Calcutta-based owners and they do an excellent job in making certain the guests are comfortable. We stayed in the old property in a spectacular room with a huge bed, fireplace and small garden room (it was, indeed, the room we requested. In advance they would not confirm the room to us, and to be hones, considering the price this hotel charges, we find it incorrect that they should not accept reservations for specific rooms). All service you could think of is included in the price. We love the 'bed tea': a serving of tea in your room just after you wake up. Also, it was quite a treat that you could ask for tea and cake at all times of the day. The (western) breakfast is good, but the homemade jam was more like a mash than a jam. The specials were delicious and also the homemade muesli (with home made yoghurt). The dinner was served on a large table with all guests (you can opt out, and have a private dinner). Although this sometimes takes a bit getting used to, we enjoyed talking with the various guests. The food was mostly delicious, but there were some misses here and there. The hotel is quite a distance from Darjeeling and Kalimpong, but the hotel can arrange your visit there, too (driver is included in the price). Having said that, the trip is quite long and we were content with visiting only Darjeeling on one day, and we spend the rest of our time reading, touring the tea factory (including tasting: amazing how different all the teas taste), making walks through the tea plantation and to the river (where the hotel organized a pleasant BBQ. Heed their warning to put DEET on. I forgot a spot on my arm and the small flies got me good; it itched for days after!) They have wifi in the hotel, but the connection is terrible. It is typically a location to relax after an exhausting trip through Nepal, Bhutan or India, so we would recommend staying at least three nights; a shorter stay doesn't seem worth the trouble. We would not be surprised if we found ourselves staying here again!

Le Calao: "Superb."

We can’t praise this restaurant enough. It has only recently opened and there are a few minor details that need sorting (like no bread and butter plates for the delicious and generous servings of complimentary home made rolls) but the main thing is the food, and that is exquisite. The ambiance puts you immediately in a good mood and the staff are attentive without being over the top. The Lao menu is extensive and is quite difficult to trawl through unless you have a good knowledge of the dishes and how big or small they are. I had pork stew not realising it was more of a soup. My mistake, but delicious just the same. Two nights later we went again and stuck to the Western menu. My wife had a repeat of the French Onion Soup followed by the Mushroom Ravioli. I had the Pumpkin Soup and Roast Pork Knuckle. All dishes were beyond compare and a testament to the Chef’s expertise. A delicious red and white house wine each topped off a beautiful night and at a surprisingly reasonable price of US$70. Remember, the Ravioli is to die for.

Sandat Glamping Tents: "Camping “Glamping” – WOW!"

"We stayed at Glamping Sandat for three nights which was a birthday surprise from my wife! It was one of the highlights of our Bali trip. It was so peaceful. We hired a moped to get into Ubud centre because the location is difficult to reach by car - you literally go through paddy fields to get there, which adds to it's charm. We had the most blessed stays. The 'tents' are beautifully designed. It's so relaxing to fall asleep to the sounds of local nature. The communal dining table area is lovely. Food is good. I think it will be hard to beat this place. You have to try it! Especially as you have your own private infinite pool!"

MesaStila: "A great retreat"

It was our second stay at Mesa Stila and we were totally happy and look forward to going there again. The beautiful wood carvings and traditional furniture in the villa, the great service combined with lovely dishes and extremely well trained staff made our stay very unique.

Noel Rodrigo’s Leopard Safaris: "Awesome Experience"

Thanks to the whole team at Yala for a great stay & awesome experience. The game drives were fantastic & I'm missing the amazing food already! Well worth it & would highly recommend the experience to anyone else.

Tugu Bali: "An amazing oasis in the chaos of Bali"

We stayed in the ground floor room with a private pool. One of the highlights of the room is the amazing bathroom which opens up onto a beautiful koi pond. The staff are wonderful. They are very friendly and extremely accommodating. They all speak great english and they can arrange any tour, transport or dinner you request. We were surprised to find out that you can have your breakfast anytime before 5pm. This is a unique and extremely practical situation. Highly recommend this hotel. The gardens, the pool and the decor are sensory delights and you always feel like you are in a balinese paradise.

NOEL RODRIGO’S LEOPARD SAFARIS: "Fantastic Safari experience, good for the whole family or couples"

"This past Feb my wife and I wanted to do something different as we have traveled to many places in Asia. This past year we decided to go to Sri Lanka and with the guidance of famous travel writer Cynthia Rosenfeld, a safari was arranged for us at Noel Rodrigos Leopard Safaris. We camped off the grid in the jungle. Great accomodations with A/C although I do understand they hv al fresco tents as well. Food was really great and a great introduction to Sri Lankan cuisine. the staff was wonderful and very attentive. From early morning Safaris, to early evening happy hour and dinner. under the stars i cant say enough of what a great new experience we had. We felt it was a personal guided tour just all to ourselves. The privacy and service was just wonderful and we greatly enjoyed being with a more exclusive outfit/. It was a special experience for us and we'd like to plan a return trip w/ our children as it was most educational with the guides pointing out the smallest details of all the wildlife. From Leopards to peacocks they have it all. dont miss this lifetime opportunity for the a real deal safari. The whole staff from making the booking arrangments to departure travel and all in between was truely a world class experience. "

The Cabochon Hotel: "Wonderful experience"

A great hideaway just off Sukhumvit with a beautifully curated experience full of curiosities, each room filled for a quiet browse. The things you discover. A step back into a indochin residence, sit back, with a cocktail or two, turn off the phone and relax before you venture out. Great warm and welcoming service, thank you. Very easy to recommend.