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."

Locavore: "Gastronomic aerobatics and spot international level"

We saw that the schedule of booking tables in Manhattan traditions is full for a couple of weeks ahead. So we tried with a pounce, straight from a tropical rainfall to get to lunch. Day to day it did not work, but we found out about their sister cafe around the corner in the next street and signed up for tomorrow. For lunch too ceremoniously and formally (dishes, not the atmosphere - that's quite a casual one, we met Americans, saddened by Trump at a nearby table), but for a memorable evening, that's it. It offers two sets - large and small. For 5 and 7 meals. And there are options for veggie. The surprise was that to five dishes there are five apetizers and about the same number of digestives. Extremely authored and fantasy, small and incredibly tasty. Yes, another point is that it is necessary to arrive at the appointed time, as all tables are served by simultaneous courses. And the whole ceremony thus stretches for 2-2.5 hours) At this time, you seem to disappear from the noisy colorful streets of Ubud in the mirror world of real flowers and shades of pistachio. Smiles and conditioner. Wow

Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge: "Great staff, great views, enlightening walks"

Marcus Cotton and the rest of the Tiger Mountain family have created a unique oasis in one of the most beautiful spots in the world. Superb food, well stocked bar, appropriately appointed rooms and a morning view from the infinity pool that simply cannot be believed combine to let you relax from the bustle of Kathmandu and enjoy the rest of the country as you continue your trip after a few days. While Pokhara had its pleasures, we found the nature walk, particularly the interaction with locals (particularly children) from the homes scattered nearby, to be one of the highlights of our almost month long trip. We were there prior to the date in the TripAdvisor menu, but our travel agent says the location remains largely unchanged. When we talk about checking off all the bucket list places, and starting round two, Tiger Mountain is always the first location mentioned. We'll be back, Marcus...

Villa Mathis: "Fantastic stay in a little piece of paradise"

"Stayed in La Villa Mathis for three days and enjoyed every bit of it. Me and my travel companion tremendously enjoyed the quiet ambience of the villa and the villa manager Christian was extremely helpful and attentive to our needs. The villas have several swimming pools secluded from one to another and we felt like it is reserved specially for us! What a treat! The villa is located quite near with Seminyak strip and the villa staffs will assist you in arranging the transportation. The room was designed in a very thoughtful details and we felt like we can really switch off and rejuvenate in this place. Overall it is an absolutely amazing stay and we definitely will come back to Villa Mathis!"

Supanniga Cruise: "Exquisite dinner and tour on the Chao Phraya !"

A must do and see when in Bangkok, charming cruise that will ride you close by the upmost historical places and monuments.

Glenburn Tea Estate: "Paradise"

We had been told that Glenburn was a special place by others that had stayed, but that goes a little way to describe the experience that myself and my partner had... it's a truly magical destination. Our room Rangeet was stunning, as is the rest of the estate, so beautifully maintained by the meticulous staff and gardeners. We loved the communal dinners, especially the tea themed night which was extremely tasty. The staff throughout our stay were always very helpful and friendly, there is always someone around too. We decided to take the hike down to the river and have lunch there, which was beautiful, as again the food exceptional! I would also really recommend having a massage, one of the best I have ever had... We were lucky enough to see an extraordinary sunset one evening, I don't think there can be another view like it anywhere in Darjeeling. The whole place, and our stay felt so serene and relaxed that a special shout out must go to Jemima and Holly who manage the place and are obviously making sure things run so smoothly - thanks you two! My only complaint would be the road, lucky for Glenburn they have some of the best drivers in the world! Can't wait to go back.

VILLA SONG SAIGON: "Just Wonderful"

"We loved staying here. It is a beautiful oasis in the middle of a bustling city. They service was impeccable! They allowed us to check in early and check out VERY late which was so convenient for us. They have a wonderful scheduled boat that takes you to the center of Saigon in 15 minutes which was just so fun. The idea that you can have your free breakfast any time of the day is perfect! They scheduled a tour for us and we were picked up right on the hotel's dock. The pool was nice and quiet. The restaurant is right on the river and has very good food "

Inle Princess Resort: "Charming hotel in a beautiful place"

As part of our trip around Myanmar, we spent two nights at the Inle Princess Resort. We arrived at night, meaning we didn't see the grounds until the sun came up the next morning - it was magical. Little bungalows either directly overlook Inle Lake, or two sweet ponds covered with lotus flowers within the resort. The rooms may be a little dated but are very well maintained and truly charming - lovely painting on the walls no matter where you go in the resort. There is also an in-room fireplace for the winter-time where staff can keep a fire going all night! Beds are very comfortable, all the amenities are there and should you seek more the staff will go out of their way to accommodate you. The out-door shower is fantastic! Especially during a rain storm... very romantic. The food is delicious, all locally sourced and prepared either Myanmar style or Western. I had dietary requirements as I have allergies and they were very helpful. Truly very delicious- don't miss the tofu dish on the Myanmar menu, and you must try Shaan noodles for breakfast. The pool is also adorable, set in the middle of rice paddies. Delightful. Our stay was really wonderful, and visiting Inle Lake was a magical experience within itself. Probably our favorite hotel from the entire trip. Thank you!

Dewakan: "Great experience!"

"Just checked their website and they seemed to have changed their menu! Seems like what I had was a mixture of their old menu and the new one. Snacks (Choy Sum Nori, Beef Tendons, Mango Curry, Yoghurt and Roselle): Choy Sum Nori was quite cool and memorable! The others were ... interesting? Could be too weird for some. Starters (Blue Mackerel, Roast Mushrooms, Grilled Vegetables, Home Made Noodles): Quite liked the roast mushrooms. Was told to eat from right to left, but perhaps plating it from left to right would be make more sense since most people hold their forks on the left and knives on the right? Just a suggestion! The noodles weren't that great, however. Mains (Pike Conger, Duck, Quail): The highlight of the night! I really loved each of the 3 main dishes, but sadly two of them don't seem to be on the new menu anymore. Probably one of the most memorable dishes I've had. Desserts (Mulberries, Gula Melaka, Chocolate Tart, Popsicles): The 3 desserts from the menu were great. At the end they gave us 3 additional popsicles even though we were absolutely stuffed by then. Really didn't like the weird popsicle flavours, but to each their own perhaps? Can't imagine it would be popular since none of us liked the popsicles. Service was great, however some were a little too soft-spoken when it came to explaining the dishes. Not sure if having descriptions left on the table would be too tacky but I would love to have something to refer to while eating."

Inle Princess Resort: "Simply wonderful"

We loved every single moment of the 4 days we spent in this resort. The place is so beautiful and peaceful that you have impression of living in another planet. Great rooms (lake houses are top), super service, excellent food - all is perfect. The architecture of the place is amazing and the decoration has been done with great taste.