Guest Reviews

Muang La Lodge: "Comfort in Northern Laos"

"This was our second trip to Laos and we decided to go further afield to the northern part of the country to trek and explore the region. The Muang La resort was a very welcome refuge in an area that has really not seen considerable investment in tourism infrastructure. The resort is all inclusive and does a very good job looking after its guests. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, and offer up nice views of the river and mountains. Our three days of trekking were organized by the hotel. Each day was a discovery, and while strenuous, our hiking took us up mountains to remote villages inhabited by Khmu and Hmong. We also visited jungle waterfalls, local markets, temples and rice fields. Our guide was terrific and he gave us access to places I'm sure we would not have been able to discover. After a challenging day of hiking, it was great to get back to the hotel, soak in one of the hot tubs fed by a natural spring, have a swim in the pool, accessed by a bridge suspended across the river, and play with the adorable baby monkey adopted by the hotel staff. The food at the hotel was very good - with diverse choices available, including both Laotian and foreign food. The hotel provided us with packed lunches for our treks, typically a rice or noodle preparation wrapped in banana leaf, accompanied by local fruits. There are nice walks to do right from the hotel -- crossing the river in the nearby town and wandering into the local villages on the opposite bank is interesting, and the return to the hotel side can be done on a river raft built from bamboo by one of the local farmers. The hotel plays an important role in the local community, providing employment and management and language training to the local population. All staff, apart from the hotel director, are Laotian. I'd highly recommend this property for a visit to this part of Laos. It's well worth the 5 to 6 hour drive from Luang Prabang, through breathtaking scenery, especially on the stretch from Pak Ou. Heading back to Luang Prabang, we took a river boat for part of the journey, again arranged by the hotel. Pack good walking shoes, an adventurous spirit, and a curious mind and you will love the Muang La resort and all it has to offer."

Mie Cafe: "Really really good"

Went on the recommendation of a local and were blown away by the quality of the cooking here. We weren't surprised to hear that the patron/chef had trained in a Michelin 2 Star in Switzerland. The food shames many one star restaurants I've eaten in elsewhere. We both started with scallop tartare with seaweed and heart of coconut. I followed with Fish Amok and S with a risotto. All just superb. We are going back tonight. Do not miss if you are in town.

Blackitch Artisan Kitchen: "Kreativ, authentische gehobene Küche"

"Sehr köstliche, kreative und authentische gehobene Küche. Die Atmosphäre ist trotzdem familiär und ungezwungen. Die verwendeten Zutaten ideal aneinander abgestimmt. Es war unheimlich köstlich. Gerne wieder!"

Inle Princess Resort: "Exquisite"

"The place was soooo breath-taking in a peaceful way, we did not want to leave the room for going around. Elegant in design, perfection in details, the service quality is top-nudge, the rooms are spacious, comfortable, thoughtfully designed (we loved the shower outdoors) and simply beautiful... This comes in the heavenly view to the lake, which is isolated from the touristy crowd, and they made an effort to reduce the noise as well by not allowing the very noisy motors of the boats to run at a certain distance... (If anything, wifi strength in the rooms was deviating; but then again, all connections outside of bug cities in Myanmar is tricky; and I was happy to be disconnected for the 2 days, just to enjoy the beauty of the location) Simply gorgeous"

Heritage Suites Hotel: "Incredible genuineness, a real gem!"

The Heritage came up in almost list of top boutique hotels to stay at in Cambodia, so I knew it would be a good choice. Getting picked up at the airport in a vintage Mercedes was amazing, such a great way to start off the experience. Having the adventure company in the hotel helped a lot, they organised 3 customised tours for me which were all equally amazing. All three were well worth it. I stayed in the Orchid suite, which I could of hid in during my entire stay and would of been really happy, the steam room was a pleasant surprise. Had breakfast and two dinners at the hotel which was also very good. The thing that left such an impression on me was the staff. There was this incredible genuineness to everyone I met. The hotel supports Sala Baï, a hospitality school for young underprivileged Cambodians, which they also helped organise a visit to. Heritage helps train and hire students from the school and offers them placement at the hotel, with everyone I met there, especially the students coming from Sala Bai, there was this genuine pride in working in hospitality and at the Heritage. As a guest you felt not only very welcomed, but that you also contributed to giving back to the community and not just taking from it. Kudos to the entire team at Heritage. I work in travel and hospitality and can honestly say this is one of the most unique and best offerings I’ve come across. I can’t wait to visit again.

Satri House: "Perfect. bliss"

"Nothing to add really to the other reviewers. This place is splendid with style and characters, quiet because a bit away from the main road. Will absolutely return. Would only say that breakfast service is a bit difficult - you have to order piecemeal (or anyway, that's what our waitress did). Stayed April 2017, traveled with family"

Samanea Beach Resort: "Perfect tranquility"

"We absolutely loved our stay in this beautiful, peaceful resort. It is perfect relaxation. The room was huge and perfectly secluded in the lush tropical grounds with plants strategically placed to ensure maximum privacy. The bed was super comfortable, there was TV, mini bar, tea + coffee and lovely open air (but very private) bathroom. Well serviced daily with clean towels etc. The swimming pool was beautiful and not crowded, really quiet and relaxing in a natural setting. Pool towels are provided every day, you just pick them up from a basket by the side of the pool. There is also a large carp pond next to the pool, the carp put a real show at times leaping about. Quite entertaining if you get bored of watching the amazing sunsets. The food was excellent with a good choice of both local and Western, although you may find the menu a bit limited if you are there for a long stay. The Kampot Pepper ice cream is delicious! Breakfast is a la carte, there was no problem or extra charge for ordering more than one dish. All the staff were wonderful, really helpful and friendly. If you want to sit up late drinking and partying, or need to have nightly entertainment laid on, this is not the place for you. It is a beautiful, relaxing resort for a total de-stress. The peaceful town of Kep (which has a beautiful sandy beach perfectfor swimming) is just a short trip away via tuk tuk, which the hotel will book for you."

Sea Dance Resort: "Amazing 1 night stay."

"We booked to stay at Sea Dance resort for 1 night in December. We stayed in a Sea Shell pool villa and ee could not have asked for a better stay. From the warm welcome and delicious dinner to the large clean room and pool, everything was perfect. Upon booking we mentioned that we were on our honeymoon and the hotel very kindly decorated our room with flowers and there was also a bottle of bubbles on ice waiting for us. These small details really made this an extra special treat for us. Thank you to Pay and his team."

Rice & Zen Boutique Resort: "A small peace of Heaven here in Ko Samui"

"A funny story about this resort. My partner and I were at Ko Samui for the first time 3 yrs ago and found this place – a small piece of heaven here on earth. We were actually the first ones ever to check in to Sea Dance who just had opened. This resort has since been on our favorite list. Now 3 yrs. later we were able to have another stay here and it’s still as amazing as last time. They had since last time added some more bungalows (all hidden behind hedges you can’t even see them) they also had a new reception and a Spa department. It all looks so great. As Scandinavians we love the design of concrete together with wood. We both tried the oil massage and yes, it’s more expensive than the one you get on the beach – but then again, it’s so much better. Coming here I strongly suggest that you try their food in the restaurant. I had their Fish Taco – the best one I ever had. We got to talk to the chef and they even make their tortilla bread themselves – and trust me, you can taste that. As a final request to the reader planning to go there – you have to try their Passion Fruit Mojito (no words needed) Would I go here again, NO DOOUBT. We love this resort and their staff."

Slow Villas and Spa: "Relax, recharge and rejuvenate"

"We spent 3 nights in Slow Gili Air and just had the nicest experience. We planned on staying only one night and ended up staying 3 nights...thats the perfect time to get the slow feeling in completely :) Everything is made with love and thought through with great taste. From the beautiful cutlery to the cellphone bags, we were just charmed by the planning and realisation of this private villa. It is a home away from home. If you like you can even prepare your own meal in your kitchenette or order food from the best restaurants on the island, slow staff will get it for you. We also had a great Aloe Vera Massage at the brand new spa. The staff just came back from their training in Bali and was absolutely qualified. Generally the staff is super friendly and helpful, as all people in Indonesia :) They arrange everything for you Snorkelling, Horseback riding, Diving, etc. Slow Villas is just a beautiful place with beautiful people <3 and I will recommend it to everybody."