Guest Reviews

Neeleshwar Hermitage: "Wonderfully relaxing"

"For years my wife and I's favorite place to stay was a boutique hotel in Thailand that we discovered while working there: a (for us) perfect combination of luxury, service and simplicity. Since that closed we've vainly been searching for a replacement. I suspect nothing will ever completely replace Laem Set in my heart, but Neeleshwar Hermitage is the closest we've come. After a week travelling in Rajasthan we were ready for a recharge. Neeleshwar allowed us to completely rejuvenate in a tranquil, beautiful environment with a wonderful ayurvedic spa and yoga and meditation options. The accommodation and food are of a high quality and the staff very solicitous (barring an unfortunate and atypical experience with an incompetent and impolite tailor at the resort shop). A shame that due to the Kerala liquor laws there are no spirits sold, so no pre-dinner cocktails, we'd maybe look to bring our own fixings next time. Local wine and beer is available on request, billed as ""cold supplies"" or some-such. Overall, much to recommend, and hopefully we'll be back soon. Stayed February 2017, traveled as a couple"

Villa Song Saigon: "Lovely hotel"

"Two nights after a long flight- excellent spa- fantastic views across the river - nice breakfasts and helpful staff. Shuttle water taxi works well and it's nice to return to relative calm at Villa Song. We would choose to stay here again and will recommend it to our friends. "

MesaStila: "Jewel in the heart of Central Java"

"We traveled the world and stayed in some of the most beautiful hotels but we have to say that Mesa Stila is a class of its own. The fantastic combination of Dutch colonial buildings and the most beautiful Javanese historic villas in the middle of a functioning organic coffee plantation surrounded by impressive volcanoes is second to none. We loved the restaurant with its organic vegetables from the resort's own garden. Every meal we had during our 9 days at Mesa Stila was delicious, beautifully presented, well sized and well prized (we usually had two courses each, one or two vegetable side dishes, water, tea, or fresh fruit juice or beer and never paid more than app. 40 US$ which is OK for a 5 star resort even for Java). Breakfast was very good and never boring. A special treat at breakfast was a complimentary health tonic of herbal combinations presented by the Jamu lady. We also enjoyed the complimentary high tea in the afternoon as well as the free yoga classes and all the other activities offered by the resort. The villa we stayed in (Merapi 3) was spacious, beautifully decorated with Javanese antiques had a gorgeous bathroom with a sunken bathtub and a huge deck with stunning views. We loved the magic pool and of course the Hamman Spa for the most relaxing massages. Top of all is the wonderful staff. Always friendly, good English speaking and very helpful. We loved our stay at Mesa Stila and can absolutely recommend this jewel in the heart of Java to everyone."

Locavore: "world class dining in Ubud, Bali"

This is an extraordinary French fusion cuisine restaurant. Everything is first class: food sourcing, preparation, presentation, taste.

Tugu Lombok: "Best hotel I’ve ever stayed in. Genuinely"

"Where do I start...Hotel Tugu Lombok is quite simply the best hotel I've ever stayed in. I have travelled a fair amount, both for business and holidays, and I have never stayed anywhere quite as special as Hotel Tugu. In the first night of our stay we actually got engaged here, however engagement aside, I adored this place. The staff are wonderful, every single person. Truly lovely, warm and kind people. I can't say enough good things about them! The setting is stunning with a private beach and clear ocean. The two swimming pools are gorgeous and the restaurants with their views are so quiet and peaceful. Quite simply this hotel is an idyllic oasis of calm where you can truly switch off and relax. The grounds are beautiful and so well cared for with hammocks, seating areas, day beds, etc. We stayed in villa 205 which was gorgeous - a giant four poster bed which was the most beautiful and biggest bed I've ever slept in. The outdoor bathroom was stunning and huge, with a massive tub and the coolest overhead rain shower you'll ever see! Breakfast is delicious and served until late, with gorgeous smoothie bowls - about 10 to choose from. Lots of egg dishes, pancakes, waffles, fruit, juices etc! Every afternoon between 4 and 6pm there is afternoon tea in the gardens which is a wonderful touch with homemade cakes, that change every day. We loved everything we ate for dinner, and there is a new page of specials every evening. You can dine on the beach in amongst lots of candles and it feels so private and special. There are paddle boards, snorkels and kayaks for your use - they've thought of everything! One evening we took bikes and rode to a different beach to watch the sunset. It felt like one of the most special moments ever and was quite simply breathtaking. The locals are lovely and showed us the way so there was never a chance we had could get lost. On our final night while we were at dinner and the staff created what can only be described as animal farm made of towels in our bedroom. It was ridiculously good!!!!! They'd also lined the whole path to our villa with flower petals and candles! To sum up we didn't leave the hotel apart from to cycle to sunset. We stayed 4 nights and I did not want to leave. If I could give this hotel 10 stars I would. It was the most luxurious, relaxed and incredible hotel. Cannot recommend enough."

NOEL RODRIGO’S LEOPARD SAFARIS: "Just amazing"

"We are a family of five and have been in several luxury lodges around the world so far and for that matter we are not easy to impress. But, the devotion to fulfill his guests’ expectations as seen in Noel Rodrigo’s Leopard Safari Camp is hard to mach. Everything is so well organized and you feel special from the first minute you arrive there. Since we are not used to such high temperatures and humidity, we were afraid how we will cope with that, but stepping in to an air-conditioned tent and cold, wet towels as a first thing when you step down from your jeep made our fears totally irrelevant. The tents and amenities are excellent, very clean and safe from bugs. Even if you never stayed in tents before, there is no reason to fear from lack of comfort. The touch of luxury that we found in our Luxury tent was in range of a five star hotel. You cannot admire enough the hard wood furniture and commitment to details that makes this tent an accommodation for royalties. This is a rare lodge where breakfast, lunch and dinner, could compete with any top restaurant (or a million star Michelin as Noel calls it since it's under the amazing starry sky). You can ask for a special menu for kids and if you are celebrating a special occasion, the staff will do their best to make it unforgettable. Even the birthday cake made in a jungle kitchen is not a problem for them.  The staff shows extensive knowledge on all the animals, but having Noel as a guide and driver is incomparable to any other. Noels lodge is a 20 minute drive from the park entrance Block 5, but the jeeps are comfortable and there are interesting things to see even on the way. The landscapes in the park are just breathtaking and beyond this world. The park is a treasure box for a birdwatchers. We love all the animals, but spoting leopard was our goal. Spoting animals in such a thick jungle is very difficult and it's not always easy to find one in an open space. But, Noel has a six sense for it and with him on the wheel, you cannot miss. His years of living in nature and his devotion to leopards taught him how to read signs, leopard footsteps and monkey alarms, to be able to bring his guests to amazing sights of animals in their natural habitat. The respect and love for nature that he and his staff are showing must surely impress you. And the passion he shows when he finds that leopard is just contagious. We saw leopards up close, sloth bears and many other animals, more then we could ever hope for. Of course, a camp like this, has its price and it´s a lot of money, but don't let the price be your main decision factor. In Noel Rodrigo’s Leopard safari camp you are buying something money can't buy - the love and passion for animals and nature and absolute commitment to every wish you might have during your stay in this camp. We returned home with some great pictures, unforgettable memories and I might say, friends for life. Thank you Noel and Cecile for making it happen! "

4 Rivers Floating Lodge: "Paradise"

Turning the bend in the river and approaching the floating river camp is magical. There is nothing but jungle enveloping you, sparkling water and perfect tranquility. The welcome on the pontoon is warm, professional and swift. Your chosen tent is suitably luxurious with good sized beds,spotless linen and a spacious bathroom with an enormous wooden barrel bath tub - witty touch. The food was always delicious, especially the snacks we ordered during the day, and dinner was always a treat (the Cambodian dishes in particular). The service was efficient and gracious, from every member of the team, whether young trainees, or the more mature, experienced members. Activities with guides were easy to arrange and well conducted. But for us the great joy was being able to swim in the dark waters of the sparkling river as the sun sank over the horizon. 4 Rivers is an altogether unique experience and highly recommended.

Talabgaon Castle: "Best of India"

"I can't begin to express how incredibly gracious the manager and staff are and how hard they worked to make sure our stay was nothing short of magical. Do yourself a favor and add this to your itinerary if exploring Northern India. We went to Jaipur right after by car and driver. So this was definitely doable, even if just for one night. Be sure to get cash out before you arrive and come hungry. The chef is fantastic. They have a bar and a beautiful pool on the property as well. Safe travels! Stayed February 2017, traveled as a couple"

4 Rivers Floating Lodge: "Amazing experience"

"What an amazing experience it was to stay at 4 Rivers floating lodge. I only have positive things to say, starting with the warm welcome at their reception area , to the boat trip, friendly and efficient team ! The tents are extremely comfortable, the attention to details is quiet exceptional !!! The breakfast is gigantic , the food is good. 4 rivers is very much involved in preservation and supporting local community, they raised money to build a school in a small village nearby. It was a very special moment and one of the best accommodation I saw in Cambodia. Will be back for sure !"

Cuisine Wat Damnak: "Fine dining at very good value for money"

So pleased I reserved this restaurant 90 days before we got there! It is so much in demand and I am not surprised. We chose the 6-course dinner accompanied by their recommended wine and with each course you look forward to the next one. Art on a plate and simply delicious. Just $31 for the 6-courses! Unheard of!!! Chef came round each table for our comments which we really did appreciate especially when the restaurant is so busy. The hostess was also very helpful and pleasant.