Guest Reviews

tugu lombok: "Beautiful location, excellent service"

"Spent six nights at Tugu Lombok and can thoroughly recommend it. The beach location is fantastic and the staff at the hotel couldn't do enough for us. If you want a real get-away-from-it-all holiday it would be hard to beat, you can just enjoy the views, swim and laze. But if you want more activity you can go on excursions - the snorkelling trip to the Gilis is probably essential for most, but we did decide against the trekking! The rooms are amazing, we had our own 'bungalow' with a huge double bed, veranda for sitting outside and a small private courtyard if required. But best of all was the bathroom open to the outdoors! The restaurants offer great food and plenty of variety, and we must thank the staff for their friendliness, and helpful service, they made us feel very welcome. The last night send-off was most unexpected and touching. We've stayed in some lovely places but this is hard to beat. "

Tugu Lombok: "Tugu to be true…..not in this case"

"Well esteemed reader I have to say this is an exceptional and unique hotel. This isn't a 5 star in the traditional sense of the more developed regions of the world. The rooms are pretty basic (but massive), the drains can smell and the wifi is unreliable (which his a blessing on holiday!!!). The building is eclectic - bits are approaching 150 years old - and this hotchpotch approach is the real charm of the hotel. It doesn't try to make a statement - it doesn't have to - it just works and create a lovely relaxing environment. The location is amazing. Set on the pretty unspoilt Sire beach with views to the Gili Islands and the volcanos of Lombok beyond it really is an idyllic setting. The staff are lovely and cant do enough to please. The food is good - the Indonesian dishes being especially excellent. For dinner food can be served on tables set up on the beach - this is a must, but needs booking daily. Breakfasts not the high point - but adequate. The gym facilities are essentially non existent - a few broken weights machines, a tiny number of free weights, a few cardio machines - including a non-functioning treadmill - soon to be replaced apparently! The lap pool is great - big thumbs up from the piscatorial Mrs Foodi8 for this. The lack of gym forces you to enjoy a run on the beach - which is magical. A 5 mile run is easy to do along the largely deserted beach. You need to wear trainers though as there are lots of sharp bits of old coral and shells lurking in the sand. I have the feeling in 10 years time Lombok will be much more like Bali - more tourist oriented and developed. So go soon if you are going."

NOEL RODRIGO’S LEOPARD SAFARIS: "Absolutely charming"

"The staff were wonderful, the food was terrific, and the guide was incredibly knowledgeable. Our guide took us to secluded areas of Yala (away from the crowds of jeeps) where we saw leopards mating, leopards sleeping, and leopards messing around being leopards. We spent two great days there, and overall it was a great safari experience! "

Rachamankha: "Charming hotel"

Rachamankha is a charming hotel with a friendly knowledgable staff and excellent service. The ensuite rooms are well appointed with lovely antiques, are air conditioned and the bathrooms have plenty of hot water. There is also an excellent restaurant that serves Thai and western fare. The hotel has a great pool which is wonderful after a hot day of sightseeing. The hotel is also an easy walk to the Sunday night market. If you are coming to Chiangmai I wholeheartedly recommend this hotel.

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.

Les Maisons d’Itac: "Worth The Effort"

"I considered whether to score 4 or 5 for a couple of days and despite a couple of criticisms decided it was worthy of a 5 rating. First things first - it is unsignposted and extremely difficult to find. Even locals seem unaware of it and unable to help with directions. The Manager, Bryan, explained that they try and keep it exclusive. I think they are taking this exclusivity too far. There were only two of the beautiful chalets occupied during our stay. This place deserves to be fully booked every day of every week. One nagging question I was left with was whether the (French?) owners wanted to sacrifice custom for this quiet exclusivity or if it was really Bryan who didn't want the place busy! But lets look at the accomodation. Stunning and superb. It was so relaxing. Each chalet / villa had a good-sized private pool with views to die for. The resort would be ideal for two or more familes to get away and spend a great time together. Dinner was effectively take it or leave it with only two choices, however it tasted wonderful. I will definitely go back for a long weekend when I get the chance. Loved the place."

Sanak Retreat Bali: "just wonderful"

"probably my favorite place in Bali. Sanak Retreat is the perfect place for family. the place is stunning, with a very nice restaurant which serves an excellent food, the pool is just in front of the restaurant and allows the parents to enjoy a drink while watching the kids having fun. The rooms are really cool and cozy. The massages are great. We absolutely adore the activities for kids, kite flying, balinese dance, rice harvesting, preparation of the offerings.... the personnel is super nice, we will come back, it was just an amazing experience Stayed August 2016, traveled with family"

4 Rivers Floating Lodge: "Floating Paradise in the Jungle"

In a remote location, I can accommodate in a very luxurious and comfortable place. Breakfast is a lot, can have eggs with bacon and ham with hash brown, and pancakes (the other day is muesli with fruits), and fried noodles (or other day is fried rice). The staffs are modest and helpful. The excursions are wonderful.

Locavore: "What an unexpected surprise!"

"We got the recommendation from a friend of us and as we stayed for a view days we wanted to check it out ourselves for lunch. The Restaurant is pretty small (make your Reservation well in advance!) but tastefully decorated,with very friendly and attentive staff looking after us. For the Food you can either choose a vegetarian or conventional menu, which starts with a few Amuse Bouche, followed by the courses from the menu. The taste of the Food, the creativity and ingredients used for the dishes and the presentation of the meal was outstanding! We were so positively surprised by this meal and the Restaurant as a whole that we can't wait to be back. Many thanks"

Reverie Siam: "Fantastic hotel"

Everything is great about this hotel. Nice mountain view, excellent restaurant, great customer service. One of the best resorts I have stayed. Choice place to relax and chill out. Keep up the good work, Reverie Siam. Will definitely come back again.