Guest Reviews

Dewakan: "Amazing restaurant – GO!"

"When we watched John Torode's Malaysia programme back in the UK , he showed this place and so we booked it for our last night in KL. I have to admit as it got closer I got concerned that we had made a mistake. No malaysian we spoke to in KL had heard of the place and it soon became apparent that it was on the outskirts of town, a good hour away from central KL and forms part of the KDU campus. I need not have worried however. The whole experience from start to finish was brilliant. The service was attentive, the team enthusiastic about the food and the food itself was inventive and interesting. We had the 17 course tasting menu and every dish was different and innovative in its use of traditional Malay ingredients. Notable dishes included a perfectly rendered crispy duck skin over succulent rare duck meat, as well as the almost Heston Blumenthal like childish fun of putting together the slow baked red snapper in broth dish. There was only one dish we didn't particularly enjoy, which was the prawn dish and we found the texture of the raw prawns a bit odd, but it was clever cooking nonetheless with the flavour combination. This place is worthy of a Michelin star. My only concern is that being so far out of town and having only 10 tables, it is not getting enough clientele. So please, please if you enjoy inventive and innovative cuisine, go to this restaurant."

SANAK RETREAT BALI: "INCREDIBLE"

"We stayed at Sanak in early January of 2015. Unfortunately it's taken me this long to review them! After arriving on a particularly rainy afternoon, we were greeted by the lovely staff in their bar/reception area. I was blown away by the incredible view that lay before me. The hotel is nestled right on top of farmed rice paddies so provided an amazing taste of the real Bali. The food was particularly impressive. The menu has a French/Balinese fusion twist; and every meal they served us was amazing quality. It's truly a perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of Kuta. I was a little worried about becoming ""bored"" due to the quite, but the constant massages, yoga and laying by the pool quickly calmed those nerves. One of the people in the group I stayed with even got the chance to work the rice fields with the locals, yet again adding to the authenticity! Couldn't recommend the place any more highly. Loved it! "

Neeleshwar Hermitage: "Quaint Sojourn"

"I visited this hidden gem along the strip of Arabian Sea with my husband, upon a friend’s recommendation. True to its word, Neeleshwar Hermitage is everything what it claims and beyond! We were marveled at how the property have merged itself into the locality but still takes your breath away. (...) We enjoyed each and every moment spent at Neeleshwar Hermitage. The selection of the songs played in the room is one of the best that I have heard. So are the books in the library. The authentic food served was deliciously prepared. The beach was so clean and pristine that the walk along the coastline was refreshing. If not the beach, one could also spend all their time by the infinity pool. We spent quite a lot of time lounging by the pool, enjoying the beautiful sea beyond. The rooms are spacious and the traditional architecture adds charm to it. The simple yet luxurious room was the icing on the cake for us! We would like to give our special thanks to the wonderful staff of Neeleshwar– each and every one who seamlessly provides the finest service."

MesaStila: "Heavenly Abode"

Firstly, you are surrounded by 7 mountains. The scenery at MesaStila is breathtaking. This is the Java you have been searching for. You are also on the grounds of a working, organic coffee plantation, whose history dates back to the Dutch times in Java. Afternoons are my favourite here (yes, I am a long term fan of this place and have been visiting since 2001) and you can wallow around the original colonial plantation house, which is drenched in the afternoon sun and as the light softly fads and disappears behind the towering mountains you are served a "high tea" - a complimentary coffee and tea service just to make you really feel at home. It is a real experience staying here. I would recommend flying into Semerang, as its only 45 mins on the toll road. The service is impeccable and the villas which grace the grounds are spacious and all antique, lovingly presented with the finest of antiques. You simply have to go.

Muang La Resort: "Relaxing setting, great food and lovely staff"

We spent three days at Muang La resort. We went in the low season so had the resort (10 room resort) to ourselves. We had a river view room (highly recommend) and we could hear the relaxing sounds of the river flowing outside our room. The resort has two elevated hot tubs, using water from the hot natural springs. We enjoyed a Lao massage too.  The resort is set on the river, which is constantly used by the local villagers to fish and bathe.  We organised a couple of excursions once we had arrived. This was probably easy for us to do as we were the only residents.  The food was great. Every night there was a five course set menu based on local Laos cuisine. Breakfasts were great, with tropical fruits, divine home made yoghurt, croissants and scrolls, as well as eggs as you like them. Nothing is too much trouble. Everyone is very friendly and helpful.  The village of Muang La is a little difficult to get to but worth the effort. I am happy to recommend Muang La.

Cabochon Hotel & Residence: "Excellent Boutique Hotel"

Our family really enjoyed our stay at the Cabochon Hotel during our recent trip to Bangkok. Everything from the unique and interesting design, the amazing gin and tonic bar, the rooftop pool with great views of the city, the quiet location, the excellent restaurant and the extremely helpful and friendly staff made our visit very enjoyable. I would highly recommend this hotel. Also try the French toast for breakfast. It was delicious.

Chakrabongse Villas: "A real oasis – beautiful and worth every cent :)"

"Chakrabongse Villas is a really luxurious boutique hotel. We were guests here for 3 nights in April, and we wanted for nothing. We were offered a welcome cocktail when we arrived late in the evening, and our villa was traditional Thai style, and it was well appointed, clean and cool. We had a lovely private balcony overlooking the garden, with fresh flowers, pool towels, daybeds and shade aplenty. Having large villas, lovely gardens and only a handful of villas, we hardly ever saw another guest! We enjoyed the pool and the activity on the river, which we were on the banks of. Grounds are very private, with locked gates. Staff are unobtrusive but efficient, and the clamour, heat and bustle of Bangkok stops at the gates, and you enter a true oasis of calm and luxury. The riverside restaurant is also lovely and we enjoyed a delicious breakfast there each morning, with exquisite service, lovely food, and tourism advice as required. We took their longtail boat tour through the canals one afternoon, and thoroughly enjoyed it, and it was reasonably priced, too. One night we ate at the restaurant for dinner, and really, we were treated like royalty. A treat for the soul, and lovely, simple set menu, deliciously prepared. It was my husband's birthday one day, and they gave him a lovely gift. Add all of this together, and you have an exemplary service provider. Expensive but as i say, well worth it. Congratulations Chakrabongse crew, keep up the good work! Stayed April 2017, traveled as a couple"

Villa Song Saigon: "Beautiful colonial boutique hotel"

Stayed here for business and then my husband joined. In district 2 away from the hub bub but still close to everything. Walking distance to great food and a short ride to the center. The hotel is on the river and you will start your day with a lovely made to order breakfast outside with a view. The hotel anticipates your every need and is beautiful inside and out. Would definitely stay again.

Maison Polanka: "The perfect retreat"

This hotel is amazing, I can't wait to visit again. A little oasis in a beautiful country. The Khmer house was so beautiful. The hotel pays super attention to all the small details that make your stay so perfect. Food, ambience, staff all amazing, you really couldn't wish for more! Thanks Cathy, Natalie and all the staff for an amazing retreat!

Babe: "Sensational. A really special experience"

"Among all of the places I have eaten at, Babe exudes an atmosphere that rivals the most energetic of places, with the food sharing that same energy. Chef Jeff Ramsay and his team of chefs and hosts provide an experience that's unlike any other in Malaysia. The food is refreshingly inventive, executed well, and finished off with attentive explanations. I really enjoyed my time here and I recommend the place to anybody who's looking for a good time. "