Guest Reviews

NOEL RODRIGO’S LEOPARD SAFARIS: "Memorable and fun packed 2 day safari in Wilpattu"

"We had high hopes for the 2 day safari, and were not disappointed! Pila was our naturalist host and he drove the jeep and hosted us throughout the safari. He is a knowledgable and experienced guide, very committed to providing a wonderfully memorable and diverse experience. We saw many varieties of birds, mammals and reptiles, often thanks to Pila's sharp and expert eyes. He was happy to provide as much information as we wanted, and carried a selection of reference books on the jeep to add background information to what we were seeing. The highlight was seeing 2 leopards, one up close and magnificent! But we were also delighted by the mongooses, deer, mugger crocs, jackals, painted storks, eagles, brown fish owl, langurs, monitors, turtles, woolly neck storks, adjutants, kingfishers, bee eaters, and many other stars. Pila also educated us about the flora and especially species unique to the area. We observed other professional park guides greeting Pila with respect and deference and realised we were fortunate to be with one of the best. The campsite was in a very natural setting. We had the impression it was actually within Wilpattu National Park, which isn't the case. It's about 15 minutes drive to the entrance. However there were only short queues and the campsite location was fairly peaceful and very beautiful, with plenty of natural sights and sounds. The cook and team produced delicious and beautifully presented food, and all manner of lovely small touches. Cold towels on arrival and each return from game drives, a small library of reference books, torches, campfire, refreshing King coconut water, warm showers on request, solar powered lights in the tent, gorgeous fresh fruit, 4 course meals with plenty to go around. Our first night was on a full moon night, Poya celebration for Buddhists. It was very special to be served a wonderful moonlit dinner in this amazing setting. The second day we were joined by 2 delightful New Zealanders and their Sri Lankan friend, who were great company on the game drives and during our lovely meals, which also added to the magical and memorable experience. "

Maduzi Hotel: "Refreshed, rejuvenated, renewed"

"Was supposed to stay in another hotel w friend but through a last min change of plans, I made an impromptu booking for Maduzi as it fits my criteria of budget, proximity and also safety. The best things abt Maduzi: 1. Flexible check in timing allowed me so much more time to explore the city upon arrival. I'm impressed that at 7am, my room was ready and boy, the next point is the surprise I received. 2. Huge rooms are apparently something which Maduzi rewards her guests with as I had such a huge disappointment w another hotel the night before. Below are some photos to justify my claims. No kidding. Not only does the hotel set up instruction manuals for the various hotel amenities in the most interesting way through the form of comic strips, the management is set to impress and pamper the guest w: a. A huge walk in wardrobe B. A personal jacuzzi tub C. An impressive powder room beside the wash area D. Thoughtful mini bar in room refreshed on a daily basis E. A huge (I mean humongous!) deluxe bed that swallows you up F. Boss sound system. No kidding ok! G. Your personal coffee making machine in the room.... *hey management, you are just so into spoiling your guests are u?? I'm soooo loving it! 3. Location wise, how could the management have understood a girl's heart so well???? Besides being right opposite TERMINAL 21 (and that means you are near BOTH BTS AND MRT), Maduzi is also very well situated near the sukhumvit area. The strategic tie in w Oasis spa which provided 2 way transportation certainly made a girl's day shine brighter than a diamond. 4. Breakfast options are far from the same old same old boring buffet spread. Call me a bore, i was really expecting the normal fare such as toast, cereals, porridge blahx3. Imagine my surprise when a full selection of different cuisines presented as a full meal was offered. Not wanting to disappoint the usual crowd expecting a buffet spread, Maduzi offers a petite line of fresh fruits, yoghurt, mini croissants, cheese and salami platter tucked in a corner elegantly waiting for guests to help themselves in a delicate manner. What is this you call? Superb fine dining to help kickstart your day without the unnecessary extravagance. 5. As a solo travelled, safety is my top priority and while many other accommodation choices were presented which could be more convenient eg, on top of shopping malls et al, a girl just needs a safe haven for a personal quiet retreat yah? Enters Maduzi whose outlook appears to be a normal apartment along the road but is securely gated to ensure guests privacy and security at all times. I like it that the gates are well maintained by the diligent guards and it's not a flashy entrance for the guests but more reflective of a place which embraces personal retreat. The already-superb but can be better areas which I hope Maduzi can improve on is as follows: 1. May I have a swimming pool pls? It's impt that one can chill both body and mind at the same time and it's a pity I can't swim in such a nice place to enjoy the view and clear my head. 2. Blame it on myself for gg back late (~9pm) on a Saturday night. The road outside Maduzi may be a tad quiet and there was a guy behind me who splashed water on me as a prank. Thkfully it was a short walk and I was able to reach the hotel v quickly. May I suggest that a tuk tuk svc or pick up svc be made available for lady guests as a value added svc? The ladies will truly appreciate the kind thoughts of having their interests at heart. Last but not least, I just want to shout out in desperation, 'Why aren't there enough time for me to retreat in my room despite the late check out at 8pm?' My sincere thanks to the hotel management once again for allowing me to have this little enclave to chill, relax and refresh my mind. I truly wish I had more time to spend in the hotel just to enjoy its facilities which I didn't have time to explore eg the TV room, my welcome drink which I didn't cater enough time to claim and oh yes, time for another unwind session in the jacuzzi. Till the next time we meet again, you shall always be the best destination in BKK and I'm sure to come back again for more."

SANAK RETREAT BALI: "INCREDIBLE"

"We stayed at Sanak in early January of 2015. Unfortunately it's taken me this long to review them! After arriving on a particularly rainy afternoon, we were greeted by the lovely staff in their bar/reception area. I was blown away by the incredible view that lay before me. The hotel is nestled right on top of farmed rice paddies so provided an amazing taste of the real Bali. The food was particularly impressive. The menu has a French/Balinese fusion twist; and every meal they served us was amazing quality. It's truly a perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of Kuta. I was a little worried about becoming ""bored"" due to the quite, but the constant massages, yoga and laying by the pool quickly calmed those nerves. One of the people in the group I stayed with even got the chance to work the rice fields with the locals, yet again adding to the authenticity! Couldn't recommend the place any more highly. Loved it! "

Pindaya Farm House: "Just Wonderful!"

"We completely endorse all previous comments. Having driven thro a patchwork of colourful fields in rolling hills, we were warmly welcomed. You can hear the silence here. Very comfortable beds, excellent bedding (warm too luckily, it hit freezing at night!) and high class shower and bathroom fittings. Midday saw us sitting on our balcony in the sunshine drinking in the view. The owners can arrange all sorts of trips and treks, but don't miss the weaver in the village up the road. Our only small criticism, which didn't bother us too much, or detract from our enjoyment, is that the sound insulation between us and our neighbour was not very good. It certainly helped us get to know, and make friends with them quickly! We hope it improved trans Atlantic relations"

Summertime Villa: "Blissfully chilled"

We absolutely loved Summertime and cannot wait to go back. The owners have spent a lifetime delivering amazing holiday experiences in India and it feels like they poured all their learning and experience into creating and running this idyllic house.

The Village House: "Fabulous retreat-you must stay here!"

"We stayed at The Village house in mid August this year (2015), and we loved every minute of our stay. The rooms are luxurious, wonderfully comfortable and thoughtfully and tastefully decorated. The hotel itself is stunning, everything has been done for you to effortlessly enjoy the stunning surroundings and allow you to fully relax. We took lots of trips from The Village House, all of which were excellent and extremely hassle free. We ate in the restaurant every day and never had a bad meal, again a really thoughtfully put together menu and everything was fabulous. The greatest accolade goes tot eh staff, they are amazing, made us feel very welcome and at home, fantastic experience."

Villa Mathis: "Le paradis"

Nous n'aurions pas pu imaginer meilleur découverte pour cette première nuit à Bali.un concept magnifique,le cadre exceptionnel,le personnel discret mais toujours là quand il faut,quel bonheur pour ce premier réveil au paradis.Un grand merci à Bruno pour ce dîner romantique aux chandelles pour notre voyage de noces,malheureusement,nous n'avons pu te remercier directement.et merci de nous avoir confiés ensuite à Karine à Mathis Retreat.une chose est certaine,nous serons vite de retour au paradis.

Villa Song: "A must stay"

Welcomed warmly upon arrival after a long flight from the UK. Arrived early and offered a complimentary breakfast whilst waiting for our room to be made ready along with shower facilities to freshen up. We had a lovely room overlooking the river, the bed was divine as was everything actually. The staff could not have been more helpful, we were booked in originally for 2 nights but extended to 3 as we had such a lovely time. A salt water pool at bath temperature, complimentary speed boat shuttle into District 1, fabulous breakfast menu and located in an oasis of calm in the madness that is Ho Chi Minh City. We highly recommend staying here in this beautiful Villa Hotel. Thank you to all of the wonderful staff who made our stay so enjoyable. It was greatly appreciated and we will certainly be telling all of our friends about you.

Rachamankha: "A perfect oasis in the city"

It is everything that all the positive reviews have been about. The perfect getaway for someone who needs a beautiful ambience, and oh so different from the cookie cutter chains with their flashy marble foyers and crystal chandeliers. Truly a boutique hotel. Small enough for personal service but large enough to provide all the comforts needed. A beautifully maintained garden, extremely tasteful. A credit to the owners who I gather live within the compound. Incidentally it is well located, within the old walled city. Highly recommended.

Villa Mathis: "Our new Balinese secret hideaway"

We arrived in the middle of the night and what a pleasure it was after the long flight to see our driver patiently awaiting our arrival. It took about 20 minutes from the airport and when we entered our room we knew this was a special place! I immediately regretted booking for such a short stay. Our room (I think it was called The Bintan) was super spacious with an outdoor rainfall shower, soaking bath tub and a GIGANTIC wooden carved bed that is probably one of the sexiest I've ever seen. My 6 foot 4 husband said it was his "dream bed" LOL! We woke to a beautifully designed outdoor area filled with Balinese art and luxurious drapery and made us so happy to be away from the European winter! The breakfast was great with made to order eggs/omlettes and fresh pastries. My travel motto is "you get what you pay for" but Mathis Villas is in my travel experiences a rare exception because the cost was fantastic for what we received. In fact, I am writing this review from a highly rated and more expensive hotel in Ubud and mentioned to my husbsnd (on more than one occasion) that I wished we had stayed at Mathis...I'm aware there is also a Mathis Villa here in Ubud so the next time we're in Ubud we hope to give it a try. Keep up the good work and Im certain we will return!