Guest Reviews

Tugu Lombok: "Entspannung pur auf Lombok"

"Im Anschluss an eine lange Indonesien Rundreise waren wir für 5 Tage im Tugu Hotel auf Lombok. Nach schlechten Erfahrungen im Tugu Hotel in Malang auf Java sind wir mit einem etwas mulmigen Gefühl angereist. Zum Glück haben sich unserer Befürchtungen nicht erfüllt. Das Hotel liegt an der Nordküste von Lombok quasi gegenüber von der Gili Air in einer noch recht ursprünglichen Bucht mit einem langen und breiten Sandstrand. Hier gibt es nur noch 2-3 weitere, ebenfalls kleine Hotels. Nach dem Trubel von Bali eine Oase der Ruhe. Da wir mit dem Bluewater Speedboat von Bali angereist waren, hatten wir nur 10 Minuten Fahrt vom Bootsanleger zum Hotel. Der Empfang war sehr freundlich und wir fühlten uns gleich willkommen. Trotz der frühen Anreise um 09:30 konnten wir schon um kurz nach 10 Uhr am Vormittag unsere Svarga Villa beziehen. Die Svarga Villa ließ kaum Wünsche offen. Sehr schöne, stilvolle Einrichtung mit landestypischen Möbeln. Der Wohn- und Schlafraum war sehr geräumig mit großem Bett, mehreren Tischen, Sesseln und einer Couch. Zwei Klimaanlagen sorgen für ausreichend Abkühlung. Das Bad liegt im kleinen, von einer Mauer umgebenen Garten und ist teilweise überdacht. Die Villa verfügt auf der Eingangsseite über eine Terrasse mit Sesseln und Tisch. Einen Kritikpunkt haben wir: Das Licht im Bad ist zu dunkel. Das macht das Schminken für die Frau unmöglich und das Rasieren für den Mann schwierig. Auch ein großer Spiegel im Wohnraum wäre hilfreich. Das Hotel verfügt über zwei Restaurants und zwei Bars, wobei das zweite Restaurant nur an einigen Tagen geöffnet ist. Da das zweite Restaurant nicht regenfest ist, kann es vorkommen, dass man bei schlechtem Wetter im anderen Restaurant etwas enger sitzt. Einmal mussten wir sogar in der Bar essen, da die Anzahl der Gäste anscheinend falsch kalkuliert worden war. Das war sogar relativ gemütlich. Trotzdem wäre zumindest ein kostenloser Aperitif als Entschuldigung eine nette Geste gewesen. Das war aber der einzige Patzer, den sich der Service geleistet hat. Ansonsten waren wir mit dem Service rundum zufrieden. Die Bedienung im Restaurant ist zwar etwas unkoordiniert, funktioniert aber trotzdem erstaunlich gut. Für das Essen ist man auf das Hotel angewiesen, da es außerhalb außer den anderen Hotels und einem Country Club keine weiteren Restaurants gibt. Die sehr gute und abwechslungsreiche Küche des Tugu läßt jedoch gar nicht erst den Wunsch aufkommen, woanders zu essen. Neben dem Standardteil der Speisekarte gab es täglich wechselnde Gerichte. Auch für Vegetarier bietet die Karte eine große Auswahl. Die Qualität der Speisen war hervorragend, die Portionen so groß, dass wir uns immer zwischen Vor- und Nachspeise entscheiden mussten. Beides war nicht zu schaffen. Die Preise sind der gebotenen Qualität angemessen. Die Fischgerichte und die indonesischen Gerichte waren immer eine gute Wahl (Red Snapper, Hühnchen im Bananenblatt gedünstet, Auswahl an Sate Spieße und vor allem mein persönliches Highlight ""Empal daging sambal ijo""!). Für einen angenehmen Start in den Tag sorgt das Frühstück, das ""open end"" serviert wird. Man kann also auch mittags frühstücken. Das Frühstück wird a la carte am Tisch serviert. Kein nerviges Gerenne zum Buffet. Man bestellt nach Herzenslust aus der Karte, auch mehrfach. Die Auswahl ist sehr umfangreich. Am besten geschmeckt haben uns die diversen Frucht Bowls mit Müsli. Aber auch die verschiedenen Omelett- und Eiervarianten bieten für jeden Geschmack etwas. Dazu kommt eine große Auswahl an Tees, Kaffees und Fruchtsäften. Mit das beste Frühstück, das wir bisher in einem Hotel hatten. Das Hotel bietet eine ganze Reihe von Ausflügen an, die an der Rezeption gebucht werden können. Nach 3 Wochen Rundreise wollten wir aber nur noch ausruhen und haben das Angebot nicht genutzt. Lediglich einen kurzen Ausflug mit dem Mountainbike haben wir unternommen. Am Strand und an den beiden Pools stehen ausreichend Liegen zur Verfügung. Zusätzlich gibt es kleine Hütten oder Bambusbetten mit Polstern, auf denen man hervorragend relaxen kann. Der Strand ist sehr sauber. Baden ist bei Ebbe aufgrund des niedrigen Wasserstands nicht möglich (nachmittags), aber die beiden Pools sind tolle Alternativen. Am Strand kann man kostenlos eine Schnorchelausrüstung leihen. Leider ist auch Lombok von der Korallenbleiche betroffen, sodass es außer einigen Fischen wenig zu sehen gibt. Zum Schwimmen sollte man unbedingt Badeschuhe tragen, die kostenlos geliehen werden können. Es gibt scharfe Korallenbruchstücke und v.a. sehr viele Seeigel! Zu empfehlen ist auch ein Ausflug mit einem der Kanus. Wir haben unseren Aufenthalt im Tugu Lombok sehr genossen und können das Hotel nur empfehlen. Ein idealer Ort, um einmal richtig auszuspannen und sich verwöhnen zu lassen."

Mathis Retreat: "Een prachtige plaats met fantastische service"

What enjoy, good rooms, nice view over the rice fields, excellent service, small, beautiful pool and excellent restaurant. The Belgian manageresse was very helpful, the shuttle service to the city center, 10-15 minutes, very convenient.

Golden Buddha Beach Resort: "Pure bliss"

My husband and I stayed at this lovely resort for 5 days at the end of our travels through Thailand and it was an absolute dream! All of the staff were very helpful, welcoming, and instantly made me feel at home. As we rode on the long tail boat to the resort I could start to feel my stress and worries melt away, which continued throughout our time there. The food was absolutely amazing and there was a huge variety. I don't think they offered the same thing twice in the week we were there. The breakfast buffet was heavenly and the best way to start each day. Although I have traveled somewhat extensively, I have never been so sad to leave a resort. I would go back in a heartbeat and would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to get away from it all.

4 Rivers Floating Lodge: "Heartfelt luxury on the Tatai"

"My partner and I work in the area and had passed 4 Rivers from time to time, drooling at the sight of this oasis on the river. Last month we had the opportunity to stay and as high as our hopes were, the place surpassed all expectations! Their guide Darong gave us a warm welcome at the dock and spoke passionately about the biodiversity of the area, pointing out things along the way to the resort. On arrival, owner Anna and resort manager Paulo made us feel instantly at home with refreshing welcome drinks and a brief tour of the reception areas before showing us to our room. Our first impression was wow, just wow! Rooms are sumptuously though tastefully decorated, with everything you could need, from fans for freshness to dry bags for adventures on the river. We loved the water hyacinth furniture and the sprung mattress and comfy pillows were especially welcome. The bathroom is a masterpiece of innovation and attention to detail- we were delighted with the shower (you have to see for yourself!) and the beautifully fragrant ecological products were a great touch. Food and service in the restaurant was excellent, with a great choice of locally sourced fresh ingredients, a breakfast menu which changes daily and a delicious set dinner menu. The ambiance of the resort was something special and we enjoyed wonderful conversation with other like minded travellers during our stay. We took kayaks out around the mangroves and swam in the river, which is wonderfully fresh and clean year round. The kayaks are streamlined, easy to manoeuvre and easily the best maintained of any we've seen in Cambodia. We didn't spy any otters on our journey (they're shy creatures!) but apparently they hang out nearby, and for us nature lovers this alone would make it worth the visit! We've stayed at a number of eco resorts around Cambodia and none can match 4 Rivers for comfort and hospitality. Anna and her team have truly thought of everything, and all with sustainability of the area in mind. To top it off, to our great surprise and delight, on the morning of our departure, Paulo brought us a heart-shaped cake oozing with yummy chocolate mousse to celebrate our recent engagement, which just goes to show that staff go the extra mile to make your time here super special. We will be back! If you haven't made your mind up yet, cast doubt aside and book today! Go for the wild and wonderful nature, stay for the rare luxury that leaves no trace."

Villa Song Saigon: "Sunday Song"

How lovely! Sometimes on holiday you just need to check in, hang out at the giant pool, order great food and drinks, sleep in and reflect. This weekend was one of those. Thank you you villa song you made it all worthwhile.

Jing’s Residence: "Old World Charm and Service"

Jing's Residence is a place where you can relax and recharge while travelling through China. You are staying in the centre of Pinyao and it is a busy place but once you are through the discreet entrance everything is all calm.

Cheong Fatt Tze – Blue Mansion: "A wonderful time"

"My wife and I had the most wonderful stay at the Blue Mansion over Christmas and wanted to pass on our thank you for the hospitality we experienced throughout our stay. Our time at the mansion was that beginning of our honeymoon and we were greeted with flowers on the bed in the shape of a heart. The room was an excellent balance between heritage and modern comfort, and each time we returned to our room after exploring George Town it was an absolute joy to return as we made our way through the beautiful building to our room. The staff were amazing and genuinely happy in their work, and we looked forward to the wonderful breakfast each morning in the courtyard. For me, these breakfasts were very relaxing, the food amazing, the staff friendly and attentive, and the atmosphere just perfect. As we were spending Christmas away from home, it was lovely to receive a small gift on Christmas day. It is these little things which really stand out and remain in the memories of a stay. The cherry on top was being told we could open the back door of our room (which we were unaware existed) and be the first to use the new pool area which had been finished that very afternoon. Again, this is something we will never forget. As my wife and I sit now at a resort in Langkawai, we find ourselves thinking back to our stay and actually miss being back in George Town at the mansion. You have very special accommodation offering which we would recommend to anyone and would love to come and stay again in the future. Stayed December 2016, traveled as a couple"

Villa Song Saigon: "Could not be better"

"We just came back from out trip to vietnam. While in saigon we stayed 4 nights in this beautiful villa. The villa is far from city, but its next to river and they have their own a very nice speed boat which can take you to the city and pick u up back to hotel (they have schedule when the boat go n back to hotel) it took around 15-20 minutes. So everyday we could enjoy the hustle bustle of saigon city and when we back to villa, we have the quiet, nice, cozy place to relax.. And beautiful view. I will definitely be back to this hotel whenever I visit Saigon in the future. But for the traveller who really into big hotel with so many rooms, crowded n just want to see the city just outside the hotel door, this isnt the place for them"

Neeleshwar Hermitage: "A perfectly relaxing idyll with fabulous staff and great food"

We stayed here for 8 days in early January & loved it. The resort is situated on a very quiet beach with golden sands & has amazing views of the sunset every evening. The pool is large & there are plenty of (very comfortable) loungers & the grounds are pretty and well maintained. There are 2 restaurants which offer different & delicious menus each day. The rooms are large, comfortable & immaculate & I really liked the half open bathroom. I had one spa treatment which was reasonably priced & very relaxing - I also appreciated the free ayurvedic consultation beforehand. We also took an evening cruise along the back waters on a houseboat organised by the hotel - we were the only people on a quite large boat so that was lovely. What really makes the resort stand out is the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff - they were lovely all the way through but particularly on my husband's 50th birthday when they decorated his breakfast table with flowers, presented him with a bouquet, presented him with a personalised birthday cake (& the whole team turned out to sing happy birthday) & wrote happy birthday in flowers on the bed - all of this for free & without my requesting it. It made the day & the holiday so very special - we were really touched & very appreciative.

Villa Song: "Great Boutique Hotel"

Our stay here was very short but we very much enjoyed the attentive service and the wonderful terrace by the river. Very relaxing. A perfect spot for drinks and dinner. A nice change to the hotels downtown.