Guest Reviews

MesaStila: "One of a kind experience"

"We stayed at MesaStila from 10/2/17-10/9/17. We had a wonderful experience. The property is truly magical. When we arrived, the coffee trees were blooming white, fragrant flowers. The property is wonderful, mixing reclaimed old Javanese homes with old Dutch colonial buildings. Here are some notes for fellow travelers: Weather: We were worried about the weather (beginning of rainy season). However, apparently, we were lucky with weather for this time of year. We stayed a total of about 7 days. Most days, it was sunny. Some of the days, it only rained for about 10 or 15 minutes at night. One day, it rained in the afternoon. The first few days it was in the 70s Fahrenheit. Other days, it got warmer but not unbearable. Maybe the 80s or low 90s Fahrenheit. It was truly the best weather we could have wanted. Room: We stayed in the Arum Villa. I would totally recommend it. There is a beautiful red dividing wall with carvings. The huge balcony overlooks the coffee trees. The bathroom has a big blue tile tub with doors that you open, so it's kind of like an open-air shower. There was a little walkway with a fountain and trees leading to our room. We were very happy with our villa. It felt private and like we were ""somewhere else."" Excursions: Some days we spent at the resort, which we recommend. At the resort, there is a beautiful pool, yoga classes, gamelan (music) performance, Javanese dance performance, fantastic spa, croquet, and walks through the coffee trees. We also did excursions. Here are some notes on the excursions: First, we went on the Borobodur Temple sunrise tour. We enjoyed it. It was a cloudy morning, which impacted the sunrise. The resort hires a tour guide, which was very helpful in learning about the temple. You also got to see other smaller temples in the area, drink luwak coffee at a local luwak coffee roaster, and visit a local family's traditional home. We also opted for the elephant ride. We enjoyed it, but it didn't make the excursion for us. Second, we did the bicycle ride that takes you through the rice paddies, to royal baths, and an option of a local waterfall. This was my boyfriend's favorite thing that we did in all of Indonesia. You need to be a little bit athletic to enjoy the bicycle ride, because you're literally biking on a few-inch-wide path between rice paddies. The rice paddies were beautifully tiered and green with the volcano/mountains in the background. Third, we went to the Pramaban Temple and Ramayana Ballet. This was my favorite excursion. It's a long drive (about 3 hours), but you get to go to the temple, a really cool, delicious restaurant, and the Ramayana Ballet. The restaurant was this dark lit, exotic restaurant with truly great food. The ballet was performed with the temple in the background and featured traditional dances and costumes. We went on a night with a full moon and it was really cool. Fourth, we went to the local railroad station museum. You get to see old colonial trains and station houses. You also get to go on a train ride through rice paddies on an old train. This was probably our least favorite excursion, but the others were so great that it's more of a perspective issue than anything negative about the old railway station museum. Also, we highly recommend the MesaStila spa. They truly make you feel special. Food/Drinks: From our experience, we basically relied upon MesaStila for our meals. We didn't have a rental car (driving there is craziness) and you're surrounded but very small villages, so MesaStila is the ""only restaurant in town,"" if you will. The breakfast buffet is amazing. We were very happy with cocktails and drinks. You must try the gin and tonic with spices and the mojito with brown sugar. The soups, fried rice, fried noodles, and tuna appetizer were also very good. Service: The staff were very lovely. Thanks so much to Lily (reception) and Deni (driver/tour guide)!!! Central Java Overall: We were enchanted by Indonesia. The people are so friendly. You see volcanoes, mountains, tiered green rice paddies, coconut and banana trees, lizards running everywhere, and ancient temples. Between the people and the landscape, the country is a wonderful way to spend a vacation."

Poring Hot Spring Nature Reserve: "Gorgeous Lodge"

"We stayed in the River lodge. OK, so the small water tank doesn't enable you to have a deep bath, but that didn't bother us. 2 great bedrooms, 2 enormous bathrooms, 3 sitting decks, 2 separate sittings areas, good air con and cable TV. Right next to river and entrance to the nature reserve. No internet but there is some at the resort restaurant (although not fast). Better wifi at Round Inn cafe near the car park (2min walk away). Staff were very professional and friendly. Additional service offered to see Rafflesia flower if one is blooming nearby. A guide drove us less than 10 mins to see one on a local fruit farm. RM30 each is a bit steep but it's a rare opportunity and hopefully it encourages the locals to nurture these amazing flowers."

Reverie Siam: "Out of this world experience"

"We are so glad we booked that place. It was a family reunion and we couldn't have wished for more. It is not only the place itself which is just amazing but the staff as well whom are all so genuinely friendly and warm. Everything was perfect from the time we checked in until out and this memories will last for long. Spoil yourself and book the villas, they are just simply perfect. Thanks, keep up the great work and see you soon again !"

Tugu Bali: "Very lovely"

"A true TUGU experience. Peaceful, good service. They have a lawn area with direct access to the beach.Turn left and the beach goes on forever and it's a clean beach too (a rarity in Indonesia). Anyway the room are beautiful, it has a lovely garden and as usual the hotel is full of antiques and artifacts. To note: The rooms upstairs have access via a spiral staircase, it quite steep. (this might be a consideration for some if you have mobility restrictions or don't like heights) The restaurant was good but pricey for the quality (I'm used to Jakarta price/quality ratio)"

Flower Island: "Stunning, paradise, Robinson Crusoe Island"

"For us this place was perfect. Absolute heaven. Its secluded, quiet, relaxing etc what more can you want? The resort is sympathetic to the environment and the staff are unobtrusive and get on with their job. I say this because I think you need to be aware of these things before booking. Because this is remote I don't think you should expect; Ultra high speed wifi, staff attending to your every need waiting on you hand on foot, luxury Egyptian cotton, etc.. This isn't that kind of place. If you want that go and find a faceless, corporate resort. Instead, check in, turn off your phone, put your swimming trunks on and relax..... The staff were super friendly, and I loved their level of service, approachable, friendly, nice etc... Not uptight in any way. (...) I liked the food, always a good variety - 5-6 pots from which you could help yourself and always plenty of it. Really enjoyed the Pearl Farm, trip a wander around the island and Amber the dog rocks !!!! (and i don't like dogs!!)"

Neeleshwar Hermitage: "Quiet, restful luxury"

"Located on a beautiful stretch of beach, the Hermitage is perfect for a relaxed stay. The staff is excellent - very courteous, attentive & helpful. It was a pleasure to be able to have all our meals by the ocean as one of the restaurants is on the beach. We had a very large room & a gorgeous open-to-sky bathroom. Definitely going back! Stayed December 2016, traveled with family"

Mie Cafe: "Amazing dinner in Cambodia-Siem Reap"

Excellent Chef! What a great and wonderful surprise! I strongly recommend! The food was superb and the service is top. Best dinner in Cambodia! It would be a successful restaurant in Europe!

The Hue House: "Lovely Restaurant"

The place so nice, staff so lovely... and food also delicious. You should to come in the everning and enjoy this place.

Maison Polanka: "An authentic oasis"

"We had the Green Room which was large enough to accommodate a couple with an adult daughter. It also had a large porch over looking the pool in a beautiful walled garden. It was a quiet oasis away from the hustle and bustle of Siem Reap but close enough to town for an easy visit. The room is authentic looking with beautiful art, comfortable beds and terrific large bathroom. The staff is amazing! They took such good care of us from arranging tours, restaurants, spa services (try the blind therapist shiatsu massage) and tuk tuks to town. Breakfast is included with terrific fruit and juices. I love the Cambodian fried rice with egg on top. We ate lunch and dinner there most nights as well. Made our way through the menu and loved everything we tried. 4 nights was the perfect amount of time to relax and to see the temples. Room Tip: There are only 6 rooms in the property. All are good."

Maduzi Hotel: "Suprising Find"

"Another Small Luxury Hotel booking . Arriving at the hotel I was a little worried . The entrance is unassuming and you walk past a small bar area to a very small reception area but the suite was great when we went upstairs. Large bedroom , separate lounge/ work area Good bathroom with jacuzzi and wet room shower , separate toilet and separate dressing area / walk in wardrobe, free mini bar with soft drinks and water and a great coffee machine. Only dislikes in the room were the quite fierce aircon which was difficult to manage, the glass screen door on the toilet ( not as private as one would wish) and also the bed ,as in many Thai hotels ,was on on the firm side . Breakfast was delicious and went on until 2.30 . Free tea and coffee available all day in the bar such a welcome after a day trekking around . The staff were able to organise an evening out suggesting a great alternative after a first choice was unavailable . They were unobtrusive but available whenever needed Situation just off the junction with Sukhumvit is perfect for BRT and MRT . Would definitely use the place again . Stayed January 2017, traveled as a couple"