Guest Reviews

Rachamankha: "Absolutely perfect!"

"This is a beautiful, wonderful oasis. Every single detail has been thought through in this serene, beautiful place. It whispers luxury, but - as a welcome change - doesn't shout it. I want to package it all up, and take it home! We lived in China for many, many years, and being here felt like coming 'home', only better. The Rachamankha has the ambience of a very old Chinese courtyard home/hotel, but with the convenience of a new one. I thought it WAS old, but learned that it was built in only 2004! The ornamentation (spectacular screen doors, statuary in every courtyard) is all old, though. And stunningly beautiful. You will also see a smattering of gorgeous Thai antiques adorning the walls and public areas. Don't miss the library. Or the pool. Or the outdoor, covered 'lobby' lounge area. The only disappointing thing about this lovely spot is that you have to leave it to explore the many attractions of Chiang Mai. But they're all close, and you've got this oasis to return to at the end of your day. Oh, and (I almost forgot to mention, because it really goes without saying) the service is wonderful -- unobtrusive, attentive, and friendly. Sigh. We're checking out this morning..... Enjoy!"

Samanea Beach Resort: "Samanea. Lovelier the Second Time"

"I fell in love with Samanea two years ago. So many improvements have been made since. The villa, service, staff, food are delightfully better. Still, the best part is the serenity Samanea offers. The view is as breathtaking as I remember it. The sunset is simply spectacular. It’s family-friendly,too. A family brought their infant with them, and another had a toddler. Seeing them added to the natural beauty of the place. It says a lot how amazing this place is. Over-all, Samanea is a must-see, must- experience destination. When you leave, you’ll find yourself promising to come back. And you will. I did."

SEEDS Restaurant & Lounge: "Contemplative lunch"

What a relief. This restaurant is a real "island" of tranquillity next to the lake. Soft music. Whispering waiters. Prompt service and a smile.

Maison Polanka: "Secluded Oasis"

An oasis of calm , good food, and excellent service. Such friendly and welcoming staff. Rooms are superb. You really are in another world once you have passed through the gates. Just check on the next door neighbors building project as this could affect the peace and quiet.

Glenburn Tea Estate: "Wonderful and timeless"

An unforgettable stay, at 2000 meters above sea level, in cottages dating from the British colonial era, in the heart of a tea plantation ... a delight for the eyes and taste buds ...! Everything is done to satisfy you. Here you can relax while contemplating the Himalayas or participate in multiple and varied activities in an exceptional and timeless. Do not miss a picnic (or even overnight) to camp at the river! With 8 accommodations you will not be faced with the crowd! ... Dinner is traditionally eaten together, candlelight, and theme menus are absolutely amazing! The quality of massages provided on site is exceptional. The staff is totally dedicated, always available and very smiley. After the factory tour (and tasting) you will be unbeatable on tea! A wonderful shop will let you take in your luggage a little of this paradise!

Jing’s Residence: "Sublime"

Stayed in the master suite which was stunning with its 200 year old beams and tastefully designed room. Service from all the staff was excellent especially Imam who couldn't have been more helpful. Meals were also good and the location excellent.

The Island Lodge: "So glad that we stayed at the hotel, although it was for only one night"

The quality of the service in Vietnam is first class. This is the fifth hotel we have stayed in during our visit and they have all been excellent. The Island Lodge is a bit special. It is the vision of the owner and his wife. You get the feeling that you are staying as a house guest. The only pity for us was that our stay was only for one night. Do have a massage or other treatment. I am sure there is lots to see around the hotel but we just soaked up the atmosphere along with having some great food and a few beers.

Jings Residence: "Just perfect"

This place is totally overwhelming... You must stay at least one night if you have the opportunity to do so. So quiet, so gentle. You will certainly remember your stay in the Jing's Residence. I have been staying twice already and will certainly come back, even I do know really well Pingyao, but just to rest in the Jing's Residence.

The Cabochon Hotel and Residence: "Tell all my friends"

Tell all my friends - that's how i feel after 3 nights at this hygge hotel in a hipsterish area of Bangkok. The hotel is unique and delightful in every way (those seeking sterile glass and brass should look to chain hotels). Service is welcoming, helpful and gentle. My family of four (children 4 and 10) felt really comfortable and the other guests were a diverse mix of well mannered and cosmopolitan fellow travellers - we will definitely be back and will be telling our friends this is the place to stay in Bangkok!

Golden Buddha Beach Resort: "Supporting the Local Community-True Eco Tourism"

"After spending a week at Golden Buddha, my greatest appreciation of the resort I can't emphasize enough (beyond the seclusion in a mesmerizing natural environment unparalleled in my experiences living in Thailand) is their mission to support the local community with true eco-tourism. I was amazed and overjoyed to learn all of the staff members, from the smiling and friendly faces behind the bar counter to the women working in the kitchen to the maintenance men who wave as you walk by, are all local people from the small fisherman village on the other side of the island. I actually had the opportunity to visit the village, Tey Pey Yoi, through an eco-tour offered by the resort where guests have a chance to learn from local school children the art of batik painting while contributing positively to the community and school as guests. My experience with our tour guide Eak was absolutely AMAZING. His giant genuine smile and his passion and local expertise about the wildlife we saw as we crossed the savannah to reach the village was the highlight of my stay at Golden Buddha (listening to the whistles he knows by heart to communicate with different birds isn't something you easily forget). The village itself is incredibly humble and reflective of a very low standard of living, with stilted one room homes over the water or small concrete houses covered by tin roofs on the sand. While the village way of life is a beautiful culture to witness and set in an awe-inspiring backdrop of local fisherman boats, mangrove trees, and mountains from the mainland, it brings a reality to where Golden Buddha's staff come from, and made even more clear to me the dedication and mission of the resort to train and offer employment opportunities specifically to the inhabitants of the island. They even hire an English intern every season to provide free English language lessons to the staff, an opportunity I can now fully understand after visiting the humble and under-funded school where most of the staff recieved their education. In a competitive tourist industry near places like Phuket and Khao Lak, Golden Buddha is true to the label ""eco-tourism"" by being an integral contributor to the local community. Knowing I am directly helping contribute to the livelihoods of the warm and beaming staff who made my stay so welcome gives me a feeling of pride as a traveler who is intentional about the footprint she leaves behind as a guest in a foreign country."