Guest Reviews

Talabgaon Castle Heritage Resort: "Lovely stay"

We had a great stay at this property. The rooms are beautifully appointed and the castle itself is quite lovely. The food was enjoyable and dinner was served around the pool area. Each table had a bon fire which added to the atmosphere and was very effective in keeping us warm on a cold winters evening. We enjoyed a walk around the local village in the late afternoon. It was very authentic and the local kids were cute. We didn't see the need to go on the camel ride around the area. The service was extremely attentive, bordering on overbearing. That would be my only (minor) criticism. The staff seemed overly desperate for tips and we felt that there was constant pressure on us to put our hand in our pocket. The rates for this hotel were very high at the time we visited (it was peak season) and we tipped generously but still felt that we hadn't given enough. We wonder what the staff are paid. It made us feel a bit edgy during our stay. Overall though I would recommend a night at this place. It was enjoyable stay and the peace and quiet was a welcome relief from the chaos of Jaipur.

Tugu Malang: "The most wonderful hotel in Indonesia"

We have stayed in Malang city for a week or two almost every year for 44 years & for the past 22 years we have stayed at Tugu Malang. Not only is Tugu Malang the best hotel in Malang but we maintain that it is the best hotel in Indonesia. The atmosphere, the design, the décor, Pak Anhar's wonderful collection of antiques and artifacts displayed about the hotel, the swimming pool, the bridge over the koi pond with the most beautiful koi fish I have ever seen - the experience never ends. The food at the popular & wonderful Melati Restaurant never fails to satisfy. Fabulous menu, always excellent food and the largest range of Nasi Gorengs in Indonesia. Never miss Nasi Goreng Tugu & Nasi Goreng Bang Samin - my mouth is watering at the memory. We always bring friends & guests to eat at the Melati Restaurant and it appears that many of the travellers who stay at other hotels in Malang also prefer to dine there. The best spa and massage facility is without a doubt at Tugu Malang. Most of all, the wonderful, friendly staff are fantastic. Nothing is too much trouble. We love being spoilt and pampered at Tugu Malang and would never consider staying anywhere else in Malang. See you again next year.

Villa Song: "Tranquil and luxurious"

We ended our Vietnam visit at the Villa Song Hotel. It was the perfect ending to a fascinating holiday. Saigon is an exhilarating, bustling city with challenges at every corner: motorbikes in swarms which do not respect pedestrian crossings. How wonderful, therefore, to be able to whisk into the very heart of District 1 by speedboat and to return the same way and thereafter relax by the river, sip a sunset cocktail and be pampered by the hotel staff who are so anxious to please. We were impressed with every aspect of this elegant hotel, particularly the salt-water swimming pool which is large and inviting. A big breakfast is served from 6am until 10pm! Such a brilliant idea. The rooms (we stayed in the Arts suite) are tastefully appointed with a complimentary mini-bar, fruit every day and a surprise sweet delight in the early evening. A stunningly beautiful hotel with stunningly beautiful and attentive staff.

Tugu Bali: "Hotel Tugu 11/17"

"What can I say about Hotel Tugu other than it’s the most enchanting friendly and amazing hotel we stayed at while on Bali. From the minute you enter driveway you will be welcomed with a friendly greeting and the first of many incredible historic relics from the island. From the minute we walked in my wife and I felt like family and were always taken well care of…upon leaving we were provided a fruit basket and a gift for staying at the hotel…we stayed at much more costly and higher rated villas during our stay but did not receive any kind of sendoff like we had at Tugu… PROS – You will not stay in another hotel like this in Bali – trust me – we stayed at much higher end hotels and did not have near the experience we had while at Tugu. Free Balinese dance show every Thursday night where dinner is served – can’t miss this if you have the chance. The beach (although a 100 meter walk from the hotel) is filled with plenty of friendly locals and surfers from around the world. If you ever wanted to surf, this is a great place to learn with the easy rolling waves. Finally the town surrounding the hotel is a lot of fun and gives you a chance to get out of the hotel and mingle. CONS – Bed is not very frim – I am used to a really firm mattress so I might just be complaining for no reason – also there is no gym which is quite common in Bali hotels… Honestly there was nothing wrong with this hotel and I promise if you give it a shot, you will not be disappointed. FYI the price for pickup from the airport (246,000) is better than any driver will give you upon arrival…It’s a 45-60 minute ride from Denpasar…"

David’s Kitchen: "Simply Amazing"

"Hard to put into words how much my wife, daughters 11 and 8 and I enjoyed this meal. David is an incredibly generous host, making sure that every single dinner was hapoy and well looked after. We discovered our two daughters share the same names as David's children. I jad the braised wagyu cheek and was blown away. All of our dishes were if the highest order. Price was inline with the quality of food and service we received. Thank you David and staff for a wonderful meal."

NEELESHWAR HERMITAGE: "Heavenly Retreat!"

"Elegant, tasteful and spiritual haven. A wonderful end to an amazingly busy and eventful tour.We left feeling rejuvenated and fully refreshed having enjoyed the wonderfully comfortable and harmonious ambience. The attention to detail and care taken at every level contributes to the magic of this place.With only twelve cottages, we were given personal service and attention of the highest order. The breakfasts served at the beach cafe are beautifully presented and delicious.In the evening we enjoyed supper under the stars at the beach cafe too…eating freshly caught fish and sea food."

Inle Heritage Stilt Houses: "Hôtel Parfait"

"Excellent hôtel-concept. En effet, outre les 6 bungalows, on y trouve aussi une école hôtelière, un espace sur la culture intha et la faune/flore du lac, un parc à chats birmans dont le but est de réintroduire l'espèce dans son pays d'origine. Les chambres sont donc des bungalows sur pilotis en bois. Très bien décorés, modernes et sobres mais dans un style assez local. Très belle salle d'eau avec quelques bambous décoratifs du plus bel effet. Terrasse donnant sur le plan d'eau, magnifique au couché du soleil. La chambre est vaste et la literie est vraiment très bonne, ce qui n'est pas toujours le cas en Birmanie. Il y a aussi de l'eau en suffisance et dans des bouteilles en verre remplies chaque jours, ce qui évite la surconsommation de bouteille en pet. Un safe, le seul vrai que l'on ait vu dans le pays, mais sans doute dans l'endroit où c'est le moins utile. Le personnel, principalement issu de l'école, est aux petits soins et est vraiment dévoué et se fait un plaisir de présenter les différentes parties de la structure. Deux petits bémols: premièrement le bruit des pirogues de tôt le matin à tard le soir (village tout proche et canal important menant au lac Sankar) mais c'est le cas pour tous les hôtels flottant du lac Inlé). Deuxièmement, c'est vraiment dommage qu'il n'y ait pas un spa dans ce magnifique hôtel. C'est peut-être la dernière chose avant la perfection! Ne serait-ce qu'un petit coin massage avec vue sur la superbe végétation lacustre. Attention par contre, il vaut mieux prévoir son arrivée voire même ses activités pour le séjour un peu à l'avance (même si l'hôtel peut le faire sans problème). En effet il faut compter 1h de pirogue (+1h pour que le piroguier puisse rentrer). Donc pensez à arriver assez tôt, 15h30 dernier délai depuis Nyaungshwe, et oubliez tout de suite une arrivée nocturne. Finalement, le soir, pas le choix il faut manger au restaurant de l'hôtel. Ce n'est cependant pas un défaut puisque celui-ci est vraiment de très bonne qualité."

Villa Song: "Wonderful!"

We stayed here for four nights and loved it. It's location out of the hustle and bustle of downtown Saigon is perfect and if you need to get downtown they have a shuttle boat that will take you (and it is a lovely ride along the river). Accommodations were luxurious and well worth the price. The pool was beautiful; service great; lovely breakfasts. You can't find a better place!

Tugu Lombok: "Unique Antique Boutique Retreat"

"We were totally spoiled by the beauty and warm hospitality of this place. A feast for the eyes and senses. Park-like grounds littered with art and antique structures collected from around Indonesia. We had a spacious and comfortable villa room – (with a koi pond!). The beach is long enough for a good walk and there are two pools – one Olympic size that's good for doing laps to work up an appetite for the outstanding meals (we mostly ate off the local menu, sate, curries, grilled fish, street food breakfast – consistently excellent), wine by the glass is entirely drinkable and the martinis are good and dry (although they should shake and pour at the table so the ice flakes don’t melt). We had the relaxing Balinese style messages at the spa - the therapists were lovely, easy to communicate with and skilled. Our three night stay was hardly long enough. We’d go back in a heartbeat. Note: if you like cycling, go for a ride in the surrounding countryside – you’ll feel like a celebrity. The retail opportunities suggested by our driver from the hotel on the way to the airport are high quality and not tourist traps: a pearl gallery that has natural (not dyed) golden pearls special to Lombok and the weavers’ village offers high quality, authentic local weaving."

Glenburn Tea Estate: "Wonderful!"

While the last few kilometers of the road to get to Glenburn are the worst road EVER, once you reach this tea plantation, you are pampered and cosseted with the best of service, in one of the most beautiful places in the world. Rooms are large and extremely comfortable. The grounds are beautiful. Your hosts are friendly and engaging. Local shop has great stuff. Food is really good. A shame that lunches (while excellent) are continental fare -- the Indian and Tibetan foods served at dinner and breakfast are far superior. Remarkable service, and a place one wants to return to again, and again, and again!