Guest Reviews

Mathis Retreat: "Small, classy, boutique hotel with very lovely staff"

"My husband and 20 month year old have just returned from a lovely relaxing stay at Mathis retreat. We chose to be picked up and dropped back at the airport by the Mathis team as this meant our little one could travel in a baby seat (we didn't lug one all the way to Bali). The staff were very friendly and the hotel was great - I don't think the pictures of the bungalows on this site do justice to the decor of the rooms - they were very large and tastefully decorated. The bath was so large that all three of us could fit. Karine helped coordinate a few activities from the hotel- one day we went on a hike through the jungle, lunch with locals and a stop at a more friendly monkey park (Sangeh). Another time we went to Lake Bratten and looked at the wonderful rice terraces at Jatiluwih and tasted the local coffee overlooking other lakes. Karine also organised, on our behalf, a cycling tour of the local rice paddies and villages and ensured their was a baby sized helmet provided. The huge advantage of organising all of our activities through the hotel meant that we could use the hotel's baby seat. We ate at the restaurant (Terracotta) numerous times - breakfast is amazing - overlooking the rice paddies. Dinner was also beautiful - lights in the rice paddies and lanterns floating on the pool with delicious food. So good, we ended up doing a cooking course at the hotel for lunch one day. The staff were wonderful, very helpful with our little one and friendly. Nothing seemed to be a problem. The pool has a large shallow section that is suitable for little ones and the hotel's duck's were also very popular with our child and others' children. Another tip: There is a great path through the rice paddies and small village streets from the hotel into Ubud - certainly worth doing the walk early one morning so you can catch the Udud local food markets. Room Tip: The bungalows by the pool were great as the baby monitor was in range. We were in the pool relaxing..."

Cabochon Hotel & Residence: "Boutique hotel in Sukhumvit"

"We stayed in Cabochon in July this year and were blown away by this beautiful small hotel. We were unsure if we would like Bangkok but ended up loving it. I'm sure a large part of this was down to Cabochon. Firstly, it is an excellent area of town to stay. It is a 5-10 minute safe walk to a BTS station which takes you quickly to the hustle of town. Plus, it's incredible air con makes it a pleasure to travel on. Sukhumvit itself is also a lovely area where we always felt safe and there were tons of great places to eat. The hotel itself is beautifully decorated and you wouldn't believe you were in the centre of busy Bangkok! Firstly, it is so quiet. It is also beautifully decorated and immaculately clean. The room is a good size with an excellent bathroom. Also loved the free fruit and soft drinks in the mini bar! They have an excellent (but very spicy!) on site and breakfasts are both buffet and a la carte for no extra cost. Amazing French toast! If I was going back to Bangkok I wouldn't even consider anywhere else. Many thanks to the staff who were outstanding throughout. "

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."

SEEDS Restaurant & Lounge: "Just Sensational !"

"This restaurant would STAND OUT anywhere from its pure white Zen architecture with its giant wall of glass & bamboo roof overlooking the Inya Lake in Yangon its pure perfection. We arrived for dinner and decided to have cocktails outside by the lake filled with water lilies. Perfect Yuzu Sours & fresh blended juices so good you could of drunk them all night, we were so happy and oblivious to time it was just us and the lake.Although happy the restsurant was full but with its spaced tables its just you ! We were offered the choice of seating inside or on the upper terrace which we chose. They offer two set menus of four or five courses plus a la carte. We selected the Lotus menu which offered more seafood/fish options. Presentation was modern and beautifully simplistic with each mouthful an explosion of perfectly balanced flavours. We chose four courses appetizer soup main with a choice on all and desert, we could of added cheese. Its European with a touch of Asian ingredients but the sauces that dot the plate are super and bring out the Asian taste. They offer a very nice wine list and some super wines by the glass. This is One superbly run restaurant, everything has been thought out with impeccable friendly service. Dinner was so good we came back for a late Sunday lunch and was able then to really see how beautiful the setting was. To the Chef & the beautiful Lady owner Thank You xx "

Villa Song Saigon: "More luxurious after renovation"

It's been awhile since I stayed at Villa Song Saigon. I was surprised to see that the place has become even better after the recent renovation. The restaurant looks better and the new menu is even more gastronomic than the previous menu. It is really worth checking it out again. The staff continue to be accommodating and nice as always.

Nimmu House: "The perfect place to enjoy the beauty of Ladakh"

We stayed at Nimmu House in the beginning of May, only 1 week after the road between Nimmu and Leh opened. Nimmu house is is located in Nimmu village, at about 40km from Leh. Nimmu village is situated in the Himalayas with stunning views of the surrounding mountains, which we could enjoy from the garden of Nimmu House during breakfast and lunch. Sure, you can get the same views in Leh as well, and throughout Ladakh, but you would be missing out on the tranquillity of a small village, the kindness of the local people, and above all the great food and ambience in Nimmu house and the hospitality of the team, in the skill full and experienced hands of Will, the French manager, who attended to our every need during our stay and explained everything about the fascinating history of the premises. The food was amazing. A mix of delicious Indian and European food cooked with fresh products form the gardens off Nimmu village. For us (living in Delhi), it was the perfect escape of our daily lives in the busy city to go take long walks, embrace the silence and get a breath of fresh air. Nimmu house became one of our favourite places in India.

Satri House: "Wonderfully peaceful boutique hotel"

"Had a wonderful time at Satri house in late August for the first few days of our honeymoon. The whole hotel is full of the most fascinating antiques and curios, and is really beautifully designed. We stayed up in the Satri House suite, in the building where the prince of Laos used to sleep! The suite was so beautiful, and had a view over the serene swimming pool. If you are a fan of vintage and mid-century antiques, you will love it! Whilst staying at Satri House (due to it being the raining season) there were no other guests, so we were treated to the experience of staying in our 'own private mansion' with all of the fabulous and incredibly helpful staff there to cater for our every need. Just perfect! No matter the time of day or how late we had been out, we always returned to the hotel to find 4 people at the front desk ready to help us, and two behind the pool side bar, just in case we fancied ordering a drink! The food deserves special mention too. Dinner on the first night was delicious - lots of carefully crafted local specialities with 5* presentation. Although the hotel is set away from the main part of town, it's still within walking distance or a very easy 2 minute tuk tuk ride. We preferred being slightly further out as the peace and quiet was exactly what we wanted at the end of the day. "

Sukoon Houseboat: "Sukoon House Boat refined luxury experience"

"We were greeted at the airport with an experienced and very knowledge local guide and immediately made to feel truly welcome and at home, A unique experience to be transported on your personal Shikara (small decorated row boat) across Dal lake to the luxury Sukoon House Boat. The welcome at your boat include cold towels, welcome drink and monogrammed pashmina. The decor, fittings and layout of the boat were all high quality and were complimented with a very strong environmental theme. The food was prepared by a professional chef who always checked with your personal tastes and was served by friendly and professional staff. There was nothing that they would not get for you. A truly relaxing stay in luxury. "

The Island Lodge: "Beautiful hidden gem"

A wonderful hotel with a lovely garden and pool. After a drive from Saigon we were warmly welcomed by the owner and some of his staff with refreshing drinks and cakes. The rooms are spacious, clean and nicely decorated. The hotel has a great restaurant and serves lovely food. Because it was low season the restaurant was open just for us. That's how service should be! We loved it here.

SEEDS Restaurant & Lounge: "A Meal to Remember"

We dined here about two weeks ago. A truly fantastic meal and incredibly beautiful outdoor space. It is expensive but well worth the cost. My only complaint would be I hate it when the owner of a restaurant stops by the tables and asks how your meal is. I guess some people might like that, but I'd prefer to be left in peace. Anyhow, this was the best meal I've had since an incredible dinner two years ago in Madrid.