David’s Kitchen: "Excellent Birthday Dinner in Chiang Mai"
"My girlfriend, Allie, and I went to David's kitchen to celebrate her birthday. We wanted to go somewhere very nice and make the night special and David's Kitchen was an obvious choice from all of the 5 star reviews on Trip Advisor. When we pulled up to the restaurant we were immediately greeted and escorted in. Every employee we passed on the way in wished Allie a happy birthday. When we sat down, there was a happy birthday card and a named place card for us. The service was absolutely amazing. I did not feel like the waiters were hovering in anyway but as soon as I needed something, someone was there to help. David himself made rounds around the restaurant and had private conversations with each of the guests. We thoroughly enjoyed speaking with him and hearing his stories and he even gave us recommendations for restaurants and activities in other countries that we were going to visit on our trip. We got the highly recommended pumpkin soup and it was out of this world! Really do try it if you go to David's! We both got the braised beefs cheeks and it was melt in your mouth tender. I think I would get something different if I went again but it was still a very good dish. Finally, for dessert we got a delicious chocolate lava cake and the employees came out to sing Allie Happy Birthday. It was a great night and was made very special by David and his staff. Absolutely worth the price. (Book reservations early because they go fast!)"Nimmu House: "The perfect place"
We chose to end in Nimmu House a rather full program of trekking and touring in Ladakh. We couldn't be happier with this choice. Our heads full of memories to process, we were given space, the beautiful apple and apricots orchards, the relaxing terrasse, our own luxury tent, and time, no rush for anything, to digest all we had done so far and also the idea that we would have to leave soon. The old house is beautiful. It is being restored with great attention and respect for locale traditions. The staff is very kind and extremely helpfull and the food is fresh and delicious! The perfect place ...Tugu Malang: "Fantastic experience"
"Loved basically everything about this hotel. The room was luxurious. Bed was big and soft, the bathtub was large enough, the room itself was the right size, and everything on that end was great. Amenities were also wonderful. There was a tasty fruit basket in my room when I arrived, there was a complimentary tea service which was extraordinary, live music (a local band) played in the evening and was excellent to listen to, and more. My favorite amenity was the tour of the hotel's extensive artifact collection; it was fascinating to see all the different sculptures, paintings, and architectural details. The food was good. I particularly enjoyed the grilled satay (both chicken and lamb) and the extensive breakfast spreads. The complimentary pastries upon checking out were also great. The grounds themselves, including the pool, were very nice. My only complaint was flaky and slow wifi. But otherwise, my stay was absolutely perfect. Would definitely stay again. Stayed March 2017, traveled solo"Rak Ko Jae Seoul: "Traditional house in bustling Seoul"
"Stayed for a night in the separate house (which has 2 bathrooms) with 3 other friends. The house was well maintained and clean!Hosts were responsive and helpful. You could borrow the hanboks from the host to try on and take Instagram-worthy pictures with the traditional setting. As if you just hopped on the time machine! What we love most was the breakfast! It's ""SEOUL YUMMY!"" (So yummy, pun intended). Just by looking at the picture is enough to salivate!' It's so good that we felt all other meals we had during our trip were just so plain and average! Words can't express how good it was. You have to try it to know it! :) The location of the house is not so straightforward. It would be good if you have wifi-egg to navigate and locate using your phone! Otherwise I would advise you to get detailed directions from the host before the trip. "The Cabochon Hotel: "Outstanding and charming"
Amazingly beautiful colonial style hotel where every single detail has been meticulously thought through. Great staff, beautiful breakfast and the most charming bar with crazy good gin and tonics. Incredible to find such a zen like oasis in the middle of Sukhumvit and all it offers.Flower Island: "Pristine paradise!"
"We spent 2 nights at flower island resort and loved every minute! The corals surrounding the island are stunning and thriving with life. We saw a turtle on our first snorkelling just a few metres away from the beach. The visibility is great, around 20-25m and there is plenty of fish. Our cottage had a direct access onto the beach with a beautiful view (especially for sunset). The staff on the island is very friendly, they even prepared a last minute dance show for us on our last evening there. We also had the chance to visit one of the pearl farms nearby, a fascinating industry. This place is a true paradise, we did not want to leave. Thank you flower island resort for such an amazing time."arumdalu: "a hidden gem filled with surprises!"
We never expect to find such a refine place at the very southern tip of Belitung island. A very creative and delicate cuisine, sustainable practices to save energy or natural fogging, an attentive service, large villa with private pool, 800m of white sand beach and beautiful landscape. Only recommend to people who appreciate quiet beauty!!!David’s Kitchen: "If this were in Europe it would have a waiting list of 3 months"
"Of course, as the number 1 rated restaurant on Trip Advisor we knew it was going to be good. But we were not prepared for one of the best dining experiences of our whole lives and for the fact that this was going to be much more than just about food. We were greeted by the owner, David, himself, who was entertaining, humble, informative and passionate without being pushy. He made us feel so much at ease and I felt a sense of being at home and being well looked after. This was after a greeter had walked with us to the door shielding us with an umbrella. As we had not booked they had to improvise fast and every table gets a name shield! It is such a nice touch. When you walk into the restaurant area you can feel that the staff love their job. They are all so happy, cannot do enough for you, do not hover, are courteous, smiley and discreet. They exude an aura of people who are well treated. It was more of an extended family atmosphere than anything else. The food was, what I can I say, truly amazing with the best pumpkin soup I have ever tasted in my life and succulent duck with, again, the best mashed potato I have ever eaten, ever. Furthermore, between starter and main course you get served a scoop of sorbet to cleanse your pallet and prior to the soup, a square of watermelon with cottage cheese. Such a delight. We had several chats with David who was floating around, checking that all the diners were happy (amazing that this man is so passionate and committed to his life’s work) and he let us go into the kitchen and meet the chef who was a very unassuming, clearly very talented guy who was also a partner. It was amazing. When we got the bill we laughed as this, in Europe, would have cost 200 Euros at least and we paid 75 Euros (total including all costs and tip) for 3 courses. For fine dining, this is amazing. There is a 10% service charge on top which goes to the staff (we checked) and 7% VAT added but still, we found it amazing value for money for the whole experience you get. As said, if this were in Europe there would be a waiting list of months to come here. When we got home there was an email waiting for us thanking us for our visit. David had remembered everything we talked about and referred to it in his email. We are still raving about our best dining experience in Thailand to date. Service – unbeatable, atmosphere and setting – amazing, food – exquisite, company – out of this world. You MUST come here when you are in Chiang Mai."Inle Princess Resort: "Everyone is right"
"It's gorgeous. We looked out on the lake to see sunsets. Food in restaurant was very good. Staff are lovely. We had an A&K guide meet us at the dock each day and take us various places. Highly recommend. Getting spa treatments tomorrow - high hopes. Prices reasonable for spa compared to US.Weather cool in the mornings and evenings (need a jacket) but gets warmer as the day goes on. Hot but not horribly hot. We had to ask for flatter pillows as theirs' were too big for our necks. Outdoor shower is great! Room Tip: Ask for lake view."Cuca: "Best food I have eaten….anywhere"
This restaurant is without doubt the best I have ever visited. The food was absolutely delicious, modern cuisine that took us on a culinary adventure. I personally think it's good value for money, a little more expensive than most places in Bali but 100% worth the money.
Travel Asia with Secret Retreats
Secret Retreats is a curated community of independent boutique hotel, villas, yachts and river boats keen to share their Asian Homes with travelers, sustainably and responsibly.
Conservation of the environment, culture and traditions of Asia is of paramount importance to all in Secret Retreats.
A community of like-minded hospitality professionals, we offer our guests authentic travel experiences that go beyond typical offerings to unveil the essence of Asia. Supporting the Asia based hoteliers and hospitality professionals and providing incredible holidays in Asia and tailor-made Asia travel itineraries direct to public ad travel agents.
Get inspired and make savings!
By booking direct with Secret Retreats and enjoy peace of mind from our full on the ground support. Contact our concierge and plan then book your Asia holiday now!
