Guest Reviews

Tugu Bali: "The Art, Soul and Romance of Indonesia"

"What really puts this hotel into my ‘most memorable’ category is its ability to deliver an authentic Indonesian experience, steeped in traditional culture whilst maintaining the highest degree of luxury. Nowadays that’s something that most modern hotels on the beautiful island of Bali lack. Hotel Tugu’s calming surroundings provide an incredibly peaceful atmosphere. The building itself and the expansive yet intimate grounds naturally emanate a purposeful sense of romance. It was here I found a somewhat tangible soulful experience. An experience I didn’t know I was truly seeking until I was immersed in it and one that will stay with me long since my return. Hotel Tugu claims to be the Art, Soul and Romance of Indonesia and I for one wholeheartedly agree. The Walter Spies suite was my favourite, an art deco inspired room merged with Balinese themes, complete with plunge pool and private garden. Very private. Worth noting JI at Bale' Sutra 1706' is the onsite restaurant & bar. The contemporary Japanese/Chinese fusion cuisine is a commendable example of fine dining in a casual and yet classy atmosphere. It also hosts a rooftop bar with ocean views and specialized sake bar. There is an extensive choice of fine wine available (usually so hard to find in south-east Asia) and the cocktails are next level goodness."

Flower Island: "Relaxing in paradise!"

"Staying here was like being in paradise- your own tropical heaven away from everything. There's some incredible coral reef around which makes for some excellent snorkelling: we saw turtles on a number of occasions as well as a plethora of tropical fish. They also have some giant clams in the coral right in front of the beach. The staff were really friendly and welcoming and on one day took us to a pearl farm. I highly recommend a visit to the pearl farm - it's so fascinating to see this industry at work (not to mention more amazing snorkelling opportunities along the way!) (...) You can also hike up to the light house (around 10-15 mins) to get some lovely 360 degrees views. And there is a stone path going around the island for running: a complete cycle is around 1.7km, so 3 rounds, we did 5.5km ish. Oh - and did I mention those stunning sunsets...?"

Satri House: "Quiet very stylish place with excellent breakfast under new competent management"

"The place is a ""total work of art"" - the traditional building- the impressive collection of precious regional artifacts . We felt very relaxed in a wonderful secluded and quiet atmosphere- yet with one of the hotels bicycles or also by feet very close to the center of Luang Prabang or Mekong river site. The personal was very friendly and helpful -they even followed our taxi as we had forgotten something when leaving. Stayed March 2017, traveled as a couple"

Muang La Lodge: "Halte de rêve au bord de la Muang La"

exotic garden at the end of the world, spacious rooms on stilts, steamy baths in hot spring water in high towers alongside the trees, open-air restaurant overlooking the river Muang La, braziers to foot tables to soften the freshness evening and allow to comfortably enjoy the original and delicious dishes that succeed, sky lanterns illuminating the night, taking all the worries to the stars, in short, the middle of a wonderful trip through Laos, have a dream, further embellished by the warm availability of Mathilde and kind words of welcome Raphael manuscripts guests.

Muang La Lodge: "Da non perdere"

If you go in northern Laos you should definitely stop at the lodge. Rooms comfortable and spotless hospitality and impeccable service. Lovely pool ... turkish bath massage and two beautiful pools of thermal water from which to admire the view while sipping a delicious cocktail. Breakfast and dinner excellent. Delicious also picnic during a hike.

Misool Eco Resort: "snorkel in paradise"

second trip to misool eco resort, and it just keeps getting better. getting to this place was quite a hassle a few years ago, but is now a breeze. better transfers, better boats, better hotel. same wonderful resort experience--world's best snorkeling, super guides, delightful accommodations, good food, friendliness all around. I saw new and wonderful creatures underwater, and every snorkel was a delight. an added dimension is learning about the work that this group is doing to conserve the natural treasures of this area, and to fight for the endangered sharks and manta rays.

GOLDEN BUDDHA BEACH RESORT: "Pure bliss"

"My husband and I stayed at this lovely resort for 5 days at the end of our travels through Thailand and it was an absolute dream! All of the staff were very helpful, welcoming, and instantly made me feel at home. As we rode on the long tail boat to the resort I could start to feel my stress and worries melt away, which continued throughout our time there. The food was absolutely amazing and there was a huge variety. I don't think they offered the same thing twice in the week we were there. The breakfast buffet was heavenly and the best way to start each day. Although I have traveled somewhat extensively, I have never been so sad to leave a resort. I would go back in a heartbeat and would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to get away from it all. "

Locavore: "A.M.A.Z.I.N.G"

"It's just crazy how the guys and gals in the kitchen put together the meals. We enjoyed every single bite of our 7 course meal which turned out to be something around 16 courses! The drink pairing was perfectly fitting to the dishes. Service was nice and we had a great talk with the chefs while they were cooking since we were sitting at the kitchen bar, which was also an amazing experience. Thanks to the whole team and we are definitely coming back if we ever go to Bali again (and that might happen as well)"

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.

Samanea Beach Resort: "Perfect for when you want to getaway"

On first arrival at Samanea we were pleasantly surprised at how pretty the resort was! A true resort, getaway in the quite town of Kep. Villas were very nicely decorated, had a real tropical feel. Bathrooms are novelty with outdoor tub and rain shower. Big, spacious rooms. Individual villas. Rooms have some air conditioning and an additional fan is provided. However aircon isn't strong enough to really cool the room down. Also as bathroom is outdoors - it has no air conditioning. Beautiful pool, lovely view out to the sea. Amazing sunsets. Please take insect repellant as being close to the water and mangroves there are alot of mosquitos and bugs. Overall food was good but not fantastic but the environment makes up for it. The open dining area was really nice. Good for a few days getaway. Great for couples - but as travelling with a friend a few days was enough. Note: no gym, wifi was relatively stable. We would highly recommend Samanea as a secret resort getaway.