Rak Ko Jae Seoul: "Serene"

Review by: NY008 | Source: Trip Advisor
Stayed for 3 nights and could not have enjoyed it more. Very authentic, traditional, historical, without being tacky or touristy, maintained and run to a T. Very central, yet, once you are on the premises, it feels like you are in a literati's cabin somewhere remote. Special thanks and credit to Sung Won Kim, who manages the place, for his professionalism, hospitality, and great recommendations on Seoul hikes. Would love to come back.

The Island Lodge: "Such a luxury shelter 2 hours from Saigon"

Review by: Francois G | Source: Trip Advisor
"Seeing some good comments on this hôtel, we changed our plans to go for this boutique hotel to spend 2 days there. The rooms have a total view on the Mekong , the pool and the restaurant also. You will live with the river while you are there. Owners dedicated all their time to create this harbor and will spend time to make you feel at home. Restaurant is at the top end of what you will find in the best hotels here in Vietnam, with a slight French touch. The ratio quality /price is high and I recommend without hesitation."

Samanea Beach Resort: "Stunning rooms & views; disappointing food"

Review by: Boboli87 | Source: Trip Advisor
"A great 4 nights here with fantastic villas (they are enormous and luxurious) and breathtaking views over the bay. It was a perfect place to chill out. Don't expect a buzzing environment, everyone seemed to be here to unwind which was perfect for us. The pool was fab. The views are fantastic but don't expect to walk into the sea. There is a manmade beach but no natural beach (although no-where in kep seemed to have this unless you visit the Islands) but this didn't bother us at all. Unfortunately food was a bit of a let down. Breakfast was tasty and fresh (you can order as many items as you want) but otherwise dishes were far to small and expensive for what was served. Eat out in town for better food"

Tugu Lombok: "Pure delight"

Review by: Michelle54321k | Source: Trip Advisor
"We stayed 5 nights to end our honeymoon. The staff goes the extra mile. The grounds are spectacular. Our room felt like a luxury adventure in itself, outdoor shower, giant bed, Balinese art everywhere. I would highly recommend this hotel to anyone, especially couples who want a low key and relaxing getaway. The staff set up several tours and all were incredible. Tiu Kelep waterfall is a must."

Locavore: "Amazing Lunch in Ubud"

Review by: DirgaDays | Source: Trip Advisor
"Our experience at this restaurant was truly amazing. We were recommended by our good friend to come here and we left happy, full and satisfied. We sat in the kitchen rail and got to see the chefs create some of the dishes. The front of house staff was friendly and attentive. We ordered the 7 course lunch and kitchen staff explained in detail of every single course that came to us. There was also an prologue and epilogue to the 7 course, which added to the whole experience. I'm originally from Indonesia and accustomed to the traditional tastes and meal presentation. These guys took it to the next level and blew my mind. The intertwining of complex flavours are interesting. Some of the flavours brought me back to childhood, some exposed me to new tastes. This is all to say that my tastebuds were very happy and wanting more. We had a really nice time. 2 hours well spent!"

Bali Jiwa Villa: "Bali’s best kept secret"

Review by: Nigel S | Source: tripadvisor.com
"Bali Jiwa Villa, located in the Ubud district is a hidden gem. Situated in the small village of Desa Kelusa on the outskirts of Ubud, it is set among beautiful rice fields in total privacy. It is a little hard to find, however this is what makes it an unique getaway for a couple looking for a romantic retreat or just a place far away from the usual crowds. There are two separate villas that are mirror images of each other, both with the same wonderful view, yet both completely separate and private. The room is colorful and tastefully decorated with one huge bed in the middle and comfy seats all around. The bathroom is large and modern and very well appointed. Each villa has it’s own pool that sits overlooking the rice paddies, but still offers privacy as it sits up above the rice fields. You can see people working in the fields sometimes, which gives you an unique feeling of being part of the village life that goes by each day. Bali Jiwa Villa has to be one of Ubud’s best kept secrets for those people who want to discover somewhere quite unique and special and I would recommend it to anyone who wanted to experience the true Balinese countryside. Nigel."

Hotel Tugu Malang: "A warm feeling of excellence in hospitality!"

Review by: Marion_vdB | Source: Trip Advisor
"Selamat datang, traveller - you can rest now after your long journey as a member of the family. Let us take care of all you might wish, and just relax! Built in 1992,this luxury boutique hotel offers the pleasure of very spacious rooms with extremely comfortable beds arranged as a big (colonial) house around a nice garden with pool. After afternoon tea with the sumptuous specialities of the kitchen on a nice colonial garden terrace just next to the busy square, we were led to explore the house full of antiquities and art collection. The presidential suite is worth a detour. Next to the restaurant there is a cosy smoker's room(well ventilated) to enjoy cocktails, wine, whiskey and other liquids you might have missed.. We had dinner at another place, but surely the restaurant food will be great - we could savour it the next morning with the huge choice of breakfast - European, American, Chinese and local... Lots of healthy options as well. As to the staff: English speaking, they are there should you have any questions or wishes, always friendly and helpful!! Worth the detour, even from Jakarta! Terimah kasih!"

4 Rivers Floating Lodge: "A wonderful experience filled with lessons"

Review by: Ayako H | Source: Trip Advisor
"The scenic view of the forest along the riverbank, the serenity of the untamed Koh Kong wilderness, and the natural beauty that surrounds 4 Rivers is what makes this place a paradise hidden in the wild. My visit to 4 Rivers was for our school trip, and it was also my first time going to Koh Kong. As a city girl, the hustle and bustle of the city is what I'm used to and, frankly speaking, it's also what I'm tired of. This trip was my opportunity to get faraway from my urban surroundings for a while, so jumping onto that opportunity is what I did. What ensued was a three-day trip full of tranquility, exhilaration, and adventure. For however long it lasted, the trip to 4 Rivers was an unforgettable experience. We were taken care of very well; in the sense of what precautions to take during our stay at a resort located in primitive areas. The food there is also very well prepared, and is very delicious. The staff was very friendly, and would always try to check in with us to see how we're doing. In addition, 4 Rivers not only helps to protect the environment, but are also supportive of the local community's lifestyle. They provide jobs for the Tatai villagers, and seek help in anyway they can for the local residences. During my stay there, I got to meet people who are not only dedicated to what they do, but are also firm in their determination and beliefs in their work. They were very generous yet outgoing, and that made me feel right at home. The staff at 4 Rivers are people who has a level head on their shoulders, yet their wild spirit welcomes all. To me, 4 Rivers is like a home away from civilization, where everyone is welcomed and accepted, no matter what. It's a place where passion resides, where hardwork blossoms, where integrity ripens."

Rachamankha: "精緻優雅的度假 Peaceful, Beautiful Hotel with Culture"

Review by: hueiwenc2016 | Source: Trip Advisor
"環境優雅美麗,迴廊等公共空間很棒,可以和朋友們一起坐著聊天。布置擺設也很有巧思,仔細觀察處處都有驚喜,體驗住在舊式大宅院內的感覺。因為是老屋改建,電器、衛浴設備可能沒有同等級的新飯店完善 (例如房間內插頭的數量有點少且位置不利充電、浴是有點小),但也能滿足絕大多數的需求。服務人員非常親切! 位置鬧中取靜,在安靜的小巷裡,但走出去就是大馬路。注意計程車司機常常會把這裡和附近另一間同名旅館搞混。 Very peaceful, beautiful hotel. I like the public areas in the hallway, it's comfortable to sit outside of the room and chat with friends. The hotel is rebuild on the base of an old Lanna manor, so some of the facilities (such as the number and position of sockets, or the small shower room) were not as modern as newly built hotels, but it was good enough. Located in a quiet alley, but just 2 min walk to reach the main street. (Be careful many taxi drivers may mistaken here with another Hotel Rachamanhka near by). Friendly staff. Nice experience."

Villa Song Saigon: "Great"

Review by: zaubererpferd | Source: tripadvisor.com
"Stayed here two days for business to avoid the usual ""Hilton, Hyatt ,,,"" routine and didnt regret that. The position to the river is unique altough if you are heading for the city centre you have to face either a boat trip or a longer taxi lift. Rooms are modern, sleeping quality very good. The restaurant cant decide what is the focus on (they call it fusion).  Breakfast only week point I can name (e.g. if you order ""bread basket"" you would expect butter, jam etc coming along with this, but here it means only bread so you have to ask for every item). Staff beautiful trained."
instagram youtube linkedin blog tiktok

Travel Asia with Secret Retreats

Secret Retreats is a curated community of independent boutique hotel, villas, yachts and river boats keen to share their Asian Homes with travelers, sustainably and responsibly. Conservation of the environment, culture and traditions of Asia is of paramount importance to all in Secret Retreats. A community of like-minded hospitality professionals, we offer our guests authentic travel experiences that go beyond typical offerings to unveil the essence of Asia. Supporting the Asia based hoteliers and hospitality professionals and providing incredible holidays in Asia and tailor-made Asia travel itineraries direct to public ad travel agents.
Get inspired and make savings!
By booking direct with Secret Retreats and enjoy peace of mind from our full on the ground support. Contact our concierge and plan then book your Asia holiday now!