David’s Kitchen: "Incredible from beginning to end"
All of the superlatives for David's kitchen are well deserved-it is clear that all the people here care and pay attention. Yes David does make an effort to speak to all diners and even more impressive he actually remembers what was said. We received an email the next day detailing our conversation and giving the name of a restaurant in Singapore he had suggested we would love. The food is among the best we have had-Chinag Mai is indeed lucky to have such a high calibre restaurant. We had the seared Tuna(which was presented as beautifully as it tasted) and Foie gras. I had the surf and turf as it was my birthday celebration and my husband had the beef cheeks that were exceptional. The attention to all the details from reservation to greeting to seating and through the dinner, we felt cared for and appreciated. This truly is an exceptional team who deliver on the promise of a fine dining experience- and that it is- A SUPERIOR EXPERIENCE.Well done!Cheong Fatt Tze – Blue Mansion: "Charming Mansion"
"My experience at the Blue Mansion was pleasant from start to end. The staff was very welcoming, courteous, and polite. Our room was very spacious, clean, and included little snacks and juices. Walking through the mansion's dimly lit walkways, having the fresh air outside your door, and admiring the architecture and detail of the decor add to a majestic feel I appreciated while staying in Penang. The included breakfast was very well prepared and the staff always accommodating. I would no doubt stay at the Blue Mansion the next time I'm in Penang. Stayed November 2016, traveled with family"Poring Hot Spring Nature Reserve: "Fun place to do small vacation"
This place is suitable for the young kid to enjoy playing in the pools and also for the adult to enjoy the hot spring.Dewakan: "Fine dining with lots of local flavours, something really different"
"Inexpensive ingredients but the amount of effort put in to make it look so fine. Worth the dining experience. Unlike the usual Western style where you get rosemary / fennel / thyme, we get typical ingredients that can be found in Asian dishes, eg. cumin, ulam, green curry paste, local flowers. The 5 courses lasted from 8pm till midnight and staffs were already tired by then. It was so obvious we could tell it from their expressions and all. Well I feel bad for making them stay up, but then again, we don't decide when the dishes should come out so..... either buck up on serving time or.... improve on being professional even if it's till late. Don't get me wrong about service, they are pretty good in that, taking extra time to explain to us, repeating when we were a little too chatty about it. They are nice people, students learning I believe. Maybe it's better to be there earlier so it could end by 11."Heritage Suites: "Amazing Boutique Hotel"
"I stayed at the Heritage Suite Hotel for a friends wedding and it was literally the most beautiful experience. The staff are beyond helpful and lovely. The rooms are amazing. The pool is so serene! The food is amazing and I had the best time there. Highly recommended!"Villa Song: "A very special place!"
"As many have said, Villa Song is a bubble of peace and tranquility in a chaotic and noisy city. I would thoroughly recommend it. The boat is a great way to get to the city. The room (Art Suite) was beautiful, with river views. If I was to be critical about one thing, it would be the restaurant menu. The kids menu was excellent, however the regular menu we found a bit strange. It was fusion-ish! Strange combinations. It all tasted pretty good mind you, but I would prefer to see more true Vietnamese on there. Personal taste perhaps. A real gem. We will be back for sure! Gareth."Villa Song Saigon: "Charming old French Colonial property"
"We loved staying here despite the lack of a lift! Our room at the top was large and comfortable with views over the Saigon river and of the dining courtyard below where we loved to eat. The service was impeccable and then we found the pool! It was so pretty and tranquil and just the place after a hectic morning's sightseeing. Altogether a delightful and peaceful place to stay. Room Tip: Lovely rooms at the top but quite a climb!"Misool Eco Resort: "Misool Eco Resort is unforgettable"
This is the third year I go to Misool Eco Resort and each year brings me so many surprises that makes me submit my bookings next year. You can not imagine that Three or four sharks will be hanging out in the waterfront of my cottage saying hello to me every day. And they are growing bigger and healthier each year. In the past two years I did snorkelling and it was not till this year I do diving. OMG wow what a wonderful and diverse sea life you can find here. Mantas, barracudas, nudi, Pygmy seahorse,all sorts of clownfishes, anemone shrimps, colourful soft corals that makes you thrilled and dizzy in every single dive. Thanks to my dive guide Agus who led me see those cutie species and their team Benny, Bram and James that adds so much fun in our dive. I also need to thank Sabine for her Wonderful choices of dive destinations and her attentiveness to details. My gratitude also to Banne who gives such nice massages to me and my husband.And last of all for Mark and Sue for the great sunset beach tour and helping me out for my rescheduling of my booking. This is a dream and loving place looking forward to see you all again.Maison Polanka: "Intimate boutique hotel"
"This hotel is small only 6 guest rooms I believe. We booked the Khmer House which was huge. We felt like we had our own house which we did. Ground floor is an outside seating area with massage tables. Room had so much character with unique pieces of furniture and even an old gramophone. Service was attentive and they were very helpful in booking our tours. Great pool to cool off after a sweaty day of sightseeing. This hotel is about 10mins from Pub street and the markets. Not much else nearby but that makes it all the more a beautiful sanctuary. "The Tiger’s Eye: "The attention to detail and clear passion for food is impressive!"
After a day of bustling around Cambodia, sitting down to a long dinner with a friend at The Tigers Eye was just the sanctuary we needed. Not at all stuffy, but definitely an air of simple elegance. The staff are friendly and attentive and clearly are committed to the product that is coming to your table. The menu satisfies all range of happy consumers. This is one menu that certainly does not leave vegetarians as an after thought! The home made tofu and fresh egg noodle dish was sublime and a true indication of the love and pride Chef Tim has for the treats coming from his kitchen. My more carniverous partner in food,was equally as impressed with her confit duck curry. An indication of the scope of what is availble here.As for my dessert.... The much maligned jackfruit combined with other tropical fruit shines in this icecream combination with honey and subtle earthy (and so on trend) tumeric icecream and sticky rice donuts complete the dish perfectly. Very much looking forward to my return here!
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!
