Guest Reviews

The Village House: "An amazing place – absolultely beautiful and run by the loveliest people"

"The Village House is an easy and traffic-free 40-45 minute drive from Kuching at the foot of Mount Santubong. It's absolutely beautiful - it's clear the owners have put tremendous thought and effort into creating a relaxing little oasis, and they've accomplished as much. The grounds are beautiful - very green and very relaxing with a luxury, boutique-y feel - when you see it, you can't believe how little they charge to stay here! The rooms are immaculate with gorgeous four-poster beds and well thought-out décor. The hotel is really, really gorgeous, but the highlight is the service - they went WAY above and beyond anything I've ever experienced. We forgot a backpack, so the owner lent us one - and not only that, but very kindly stocked it with bug spray and band-aids for our climb up Santubong! Then, when we got a little stranded and couldn't get a taxi back, the hotel chef came to pick us up - couldn't believe how helpful they were. We did two activities while we were here (climbed Santubong and a day at Bako) and they organized everything for us at VERY reasonable prices. We spent no time at all making our own arrangements, which made the weekend super enjoyable and relaxing. I couldn't recommend this place more highly. We've been to the Kuching area three times and this is by far and away the best place we've stayed - and in all my travels, the best customer service I've ever received from a hotel! "

Neeleshwar Hermitage: "Paradise in Northern Kerala"

"My partner and I stayed at Neeleshwar Hermitage for 4 nights in January. It is a beautiful resort made up of 18 cottages in a remote part of Northern Kerala. The setting is tranquil with the cottages dotted around over 3 acres amongst lush greenery and by a beautiful secluded beach. The cottages were beautifully appointed and modelled on traditional fisherman’s huts. I particularly liked the partially open roofed bathroom. We were welcomed warmly by the wonderful staff who made us feel relaxed and pampered throughout our whole stay. The food was a particular highlight with one restaurant on the beach serving fresh catch of the day seafood dishes and the other serving authentic Keralan and other Indian dishes (the menu changing daily). All dishes were superb. Some of the best food I’ve eaten in India. There is an Ayurvedic doctor on site and she gave us a free consultation about our health and which foods we should be eating and which to avoid as well as advice on exercise. We had a lovely massage there too. Neeleshwar Hermitage was the perfect place for us to relax with a book for three days by the stunning infinity pool overlooking the beach."

Rice & Zen Boutique Resort: "Very glad we stayed here"

"First & foremost, the staff at Seadancer were fantastic. Tum, Poy and Faith went above & beyond the call of duty to ensure my wife and I had a relaxing holday. I can't thank them enough and we would love to come back one day. Our room was very clean and had the most amazing view over the beach. The food was really nice and we also had a wonderful Thai massage in the Spa. Only one downside - the beach which was very rocky. Everything else absolutely fantastic. Thank you all so much! Stayed March 2017, traveled as a couple"

Neeleshwar Hermitage: "Neeleshwar Hermitage offers a truly peaceful and luxurious stay in a beautiful setting"

"Neeleshwar Hermitage transpired to be the most beautiful, tranquil and restful place you could possibly imagine. On arrival, with the warmth of the greeting, the hectic world faded away and we relaxed into having time stand still. Ayurvedic massage, beautiful gardens, warm sea, the infinity pool...... and a superb chef all played their part in making it such a memorable experience. The cottages were delightful from the spacious bedroom to the open air bathroom. The hospitality, warmth and genuine charm of the staff was truly heartwarming. After a free consultation with the Ayurvedic doctor I went daily to the beautiful Ayurvedic spa - Priva, for massage and treatment with warm oils. What luxury and weeks later I am still feeling benefits."

Reverie Siam: "Favorite place we stayed on our honeymoon"

"This resort is truly phenomenal! This place embodies elegance, comfort and class. Not only are the grounds gorgeous, but the service is fantastic as well. We checked in and were greeted with drinks and a tour of our room and the facilities. The hotel had a very quick transport service to drive us into the city whenever we needed. The beds were really comfortable and our room had wonderful locally made toiletries that smelled like freshly peeled ripe oranges. I cannot recommend this hotel enough. We ate at the Silhouette Bar & Restaurant every morning for breakfast and once for dinner. The presentation was beautiful and the food was fresh and tasty. When I think back to my honeymoon, I will always think about this beautiful retreat in Pai!"

Villa Song Saigon: "Part of my 60th birthday trip to Thailand and Vietnam"

"I have never been to Vietnam before and after spending a week in Thailand we flew to Saigon ( Ho Chi Minh) I had booked the Villa Song hotel whilst in the UK. I like staying near a river or the sea and the hotel looked ideal for us. There were 7 of us incl my wife, her cousin, our 3 children and my eldest sons girlfriend. The hotel was perfect! We arrived and as a surprise some friends of ours who live in Hong Kong had flown in and were at the bar as we arrived. The setting was so good we decided to stay at the hotel for dinner and it was excellent. Great French wines at great prices The chef who also came out to see us was really nice. He was born in Luxembourg and was very helpful. The whole place was excellent - a real original Colonial house that had been renovated into a fabulous boutique hotel. The food, the breakfasts, the cocktails were all superb Great spacious rooms with satellite TV and all the staff could not have been nicer. Above all the prices were sensible and affordable I could not recommend this hotel highly enough - right on the river and just 20 minutes into the centre on a free shuttle bus provided by the hotel You must go!!"

Cheong Fatt Tze – Blue Mansion: "Stunning"

Magnificently well restored 19th century Chinese Mansion, with a museum area. We could stay for four days, only. Could have stayed for weeks, it was such a good experience. Staff were super friendly, helpful, and it was as if they felt priveliged to be at the Blue Mansion. Shiro at reception was a standout with her advice and info about the Mansion. Breakfast was impressive it was so good, served in a beautiful location. The rooms were amazing. The most comfortable bed in a hotel I have ever found. Bathroom worked well. Pool was smallish, but most appreciated. The Indigo Restaurant, beautifully decorated, was definately worth while, at least once. We had a great dinner there. Guided tours several times a day. The tour we joined was run by a highly knowledgable Hakka Lady. A must do if you are staying. Will be back !

The Hue House: "Nice restaurant"

"The Hue House Restaurant offers Hue and Vietnamese food, plus will be the only place which I have found in HCMC which has a great model of ""bun thit nuong"" (grilled pork, peanuts, noodles, sprouts and greens that's extremely well known within the south of the country). Food is genuine and portions are respectable. Staff is beneficial (to a fault) in ensuring you recognize the way to eat the meals properly (banh was ordered by me cuon there once, so the server insisted on coming 1 for me despite the protests of mine that i knew how you can do it!) The prices here are much more than reasonable. To match up against the adornment, quality of food and services, you are going to have an inexpensive price but five star service."

4 Rivers Floating Lodge: "A truly fulfilling bucket list worthy destination that defines the future of sustainable tourism"

"4 rivers is a resort in Tatai, Koh Kong that floats in its entirity on a river! You will book this destination most likely because of the idylic overland pictures, but read some more about it and discover what hidden treasures lie around and near this location... Once we landed we met with our driver and were on our way to 4rivers. We were pleasantly surprised on our car journey when we made a stop at a picnic resort and were able to enjoy a fantastic lunch of fresh seafood. Upon reaching the starting point of the destination is the 4rivers riverside departure point. There we were greeted with an exceptionally warm and friendly welcome explaining the short boat journey ahead. The adventure begins! We were explained the history of the area and the significance of the river enroute and it's quite interesting to hear about. You will notice immediately that there is no pollution and the water is still and clear. 4rivers is a place where you will not care if you have a wifi/3g signal or not as you are immersed in nature and truly able to absorb your pristine surrounds. It is my sincere belief that 4rivers can be healing for your soul given its placement and eco concept that takes into account the 360 degree impact of what they do there. We learned that a few of the activities they have including treks are done by former poachers or hunters who now make an income from tourism by being guides. 4rivers links with a small island of inhabitants who also work with the resort. They have very interesting stories to tell about life on the river. You meet interesting local characters here and that is part of the charm. Arriving at 4 rivers is much like discovering a lost paradise at a distance on your motor boat as it putters along the incredibly still river surrounded by lush jungle. Again a warm welcome awaits at the pier by your hosts. We are given a welcome drink and a small debriefing about the resort and a tour of the room workings. What I would highly recommend is to plan your stay by your activities, as there is plenty to do here aside from taking an instant dip in the crisp cool river or a kayak workout around the nearby island. There is the waterfall cruise where you can see and bathe in one of the most beautiful waterfalls you will ever see up close and personal. There are also treks which are of various levels of challenge and duration - some of which include a meal with some locals at a village - these require some notice. The minimum stay recommended here is 2 nights although more nights are needed to fully appreciate the location. We left thinking we should have at least stayed 1 more night and planned for a trek or kayak session. The food at 4 rivers is nothing short of delicious - the set menu options are great as are the appetizers and a la carte items. The barman serves up great drinks which is an added bonus here. You can also talk to the guys and get something made if you like as they are very attentive. You do get to know the staff here quite well even over 2 nights which is special given all that they do for you to make your stay memorable. The tent-rooms at 4rivers are well appointed with fans to keep you cool and ample space to move and lounge around. The tent structures can be fully covered with curtains or opened up with mesh liners for better air circulation, which can also be opened up to really connect with your surrounds. Bugs are easily kept out of tents and that is a relief! They do have insect repellent on-site and its recommended to use this - especially if you go for seeing the fireflies. The barrel like standing bath enclosures, which are locally constructed, have to be some of the most unique I have encountered. Overall a very wholesome experience that binds you to nature coupled with exceptional service. We departed 4rivers with a solemn promise to return again and perhaps with some more company & for a longer stay."

MesaStila Resort and Spa: "Perfect romantic/family getaway"

"My wife and I stayed in MesaStila for 4 nights at the end of October, the occasion being our babymoon (last holiday before the baby is born). From start to finish our experience was wonderful and relaxing. Firstly the level of service from all staff at the resort (drivers, waiters, reception, spa) was exemplary. My wife had a couple of (minor) health issues during our stay, the staff were accommodating and helpful and coordinated (i.e. our driver had been told in advance to help us pick up medication after our visit to Borobodur). The location may be the primary draw for most first time visitors and they will not be disappointed. The old colonial resort is charming, set amidst a coffee plantation and ringed by volcanoes. The greenery gives way to new shades of green, wave after wave of lush vegetation. I found it simply stunning. Activities are many and will suit all sorts. I did some very tough road biking in the area, hitting a couple of almost 20% gradients, fortunately giving way to breathtaking views and awesome descents. My wife relaxed by the pool and enjoyed the spa. We both were amazed by the temple of Borobodur and were fortunate to witness a stunning sunrise. The restaurant is also very good, serving a wide variety of Indonesian and European cuisine and was enough to keep us well satisfied throughout our stay. We very much enjoyed our stay and have thoroughly recommended the resort to many friends. We are already looking forward to coming back (again and again!)."