Rakkojae Seoul: "Ticked all the boxes for us"
"Thank you Mr Kim for a wonderful stay in your beautiful 130 year old Korean house. After visiting the National Folk Museum (15 minute walk), I felt like we were staying in one of their exhibits. Just the same – amazing. The location at Jongno-gu was perfect as we are into history so we could walk to the two main palaces, as well as Insadong. Meyongdong is just a short taxi ride away or the metro just 5 minutes’ walk. Also the Airport bus is just near the metro Anguk. There are lots of restaurants around, the difficulty is choosing which one. The underfloor heating was very warm and the beds on the floor very comfortable. The Korean bath was a unique experience to us Australians. But the most amazing part of our stay was the Korean breakfasts – both very tasty and something different every day – YUM. We used the sauna once, and it was hot, so if you are into saunas you will be very happy. We only lasted 10 minutes. The service was never intrusive, just a little hello, and someone popped out to see what you wanted. Mr Kim was always willing to help and make suggestions. Access was very easy, but you really have to phone ahead to announce your arrival to get through the front gate. We had our taxi driver call ahead and Mr Kim was waiting outside. Once you have the access code, you can come and go whenever you want. You can also pre-order dinner which we did on arrival night and we were presented with an amazing feast – really a mini buffet of Samgyetang Korean Ginseng Chicken and all the side dishes. An excellent idea after a long flight from London and transfer through the Seoul traffic. Again thank you Mr Kim and your wonderful assistant who made our stay at RakJoJae very comfortable."Glenburn Tea Estate: "10 Person Photo Group from the USA"
"Some of the reviews are missing the point. If you want to spend your time whining about the road, then don't go. On the other hand, if you think of each destination as an adventure and you want to experience a wonderful property having only eight rooms, with great food and warm hospitality, then go to Glen Burn. You will not be disappointed! Even though the tea factory was idle, it was still an interesting tour through the plant to see the equipment and to listen to the story of Glen Burn Walking the nearby villages with a Glen Burn guide was perfect! So many fantastic shots!!Because of a previous trip to Glen Burn, our I-Phone teacher (Karen Divine) said it was an absolute must destination being so close to Darjeeling. Stayed February 2017, traveled with friends"Reverie Siam: "Gorgeous grounds"
Quite possibly the best hotel I have ever stayed in. Stunning grounds and bedrooms. The staff here are so friendly, particularly in the restaurant. The food was very tasty, in fact we had dinner here twice and lunch once, as well as breakfast every morning (try the avocado omelette and then a mojito later in the day!) it was the small touches in the hotel which we liked. For example the bean bag cushions on the decking overlooking the river, we spent an entire afternoon lazing on these watching the world go by. Yes the hotel is not in the centre of Pai, but then most hotels and guest houses in the area aren't. Reverie Siam is a little over 1km from the walking street, and the hotel provide a free shuttle service at any time upon request. They also gave me a mobile so that I could phone them when I wanted to be picked up. One minor irritation was the dim lighting in the room, but everything else was so lovely including the free standing bath tub that this didn't bother us. Definitely somewhere I would stay again.Yandabo Home: "Great! Wonderful! Brilliant!"
"This is a small hotel right on the river. It's nestled among trees which does mean the inevitable wildlife around you (although we didn't see mosquitos!). The room we had was huge and wonderfully well equipped. The terrace area was comfortable and peaceful. The staff were very helpful and friendly (not always visible but never very far away). For a two night stay to see the villages it is a great base."The Village House: "Best homestay in Kuching, Sarawak"
"Approximately 40 mins from Kuching International airport to The Village House (taxi ride is about MYR60/ car). This place is a total gem, very well hidden (no kidding as there's nothing much to explore around this homestay except for a quiet beach). If you're going for a short weekend to relax & chill with friends or couple, then this would probably be the best choice but if you're thinking to have a party there, maybe not unless you've pre-booked all their rooms! Food and drinks (Tiger/ Heineken beer per bottle is about MYR15 each) are available from morning till 10:30pm at night only (so pre-ordered your food/ drinks before they closed). Staff will clocked off after 10:30pm (Bar/ Cafe will be closed) but 1 of the staff who's staying next to this place is easily located incase of any emergency. I must say their sandwiches & Nasi Goreng Kampung is amazing but Potato wedges (do not try this if you're a big fan of wedges!) & Sarawak Curry Laksa definitely needs some improvement. Prices are affordable. (You can have your food billed to your room & make payment only when you check-out. Visa/ Master card accepted but with 3% surcharge incurred. AMEX not acceptable unfortunately). Rooms & bathroom (attached) are very clean and the air-condition can get pretty strong if you've it switched on the whole day (warning!). The only problem is they've very thin walls if you do not want to be heard by next door or anyone downstairs! They've extremely helpful and attentive staff here named Ms.Aliffah and Flora as they've helped us get our missing mobile phones (left it near the pool area at night), call and arrange our transportation. If you're not a local like me, you can even get some travel tips from them! The nearest sightseeing place is Sarawak Culture Village which is about 10 mins drive away (Daytime transportation is about MYR5/ way by car). If you want to explore downtown city centre, it'll be about 30 mins car ride (that'll cost you MYR60/ car per way). Do ensure you make prior transportation arrangement with the staff as there's seriously no transportation available there. I'm already missing this place and just can't wait to be back!"Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge: "Stunning views of Annapurnas"
"Loved this sanctuary at the foothills of the Annapurnas. The host was Super friendly and had dinner with us our first night. We had a villa just near the restaurant/bar which was quintessentially Nepalese. This is not for Budget travellers as the restaurant is on the expensive side and there's no where else in the immediate vicinity to dine. Stayed March 2017, traveled with friends"David’s Kitchen: "Great service, personalized experience"
The food was great, but what set the meal apart was the service. David and his wife have trained the staff exceptionally well, and David stops by each table to say hello and check in on everything. He also sent a personalized email after the meal. Real class act and great food. A must in Chiang Mai.Muang La Resort: "Fantastic!"
"We stayed a few days in this quiet, comfortable, very well located resort. The food is absolutely delicious and very well presented. The staff cordial, efficient and knowledgeable. The resort offers spa with massage, etc. very excellent. And having the hot springs nearby is a plus that I very much enjoyed. Mixing with the locals in this way is a wonderful way to have a taste of the local culture. The managers, two young but very welcoming and available. An experience not to be missed. Highly recommend, and would love to go back there and enjoy more of the surroundings, doing some of the activities that are available. Beautiful surroundings."MesaStila: "32nd wedding anniversary"
"We had a very happy 4 days stay at this very lush and well kept 22 acres resort / staying ins huge garden. The service was superb and all the staffs including the villagers where we walked were very friendly. We enjoyed the very interesting background of this coffee plantation. We had a huge villa facing Mount Andong which we also climbed to have a good view of the farms below. It is a 11/2 hrs steep climb but not difficult. Stayed April 2017, traveled as a couple"Reverie Siam: "Truly memorable stay"
Amazing place, very quiet and peaceful. The garden and hotel grounds are gorgeous. Room is huge and clean. Food is really delicious, great option for breakfast and dinner. Staff is super warm welcome and will sincerely do everything to make your stay truly memorable. They know very well how to provide the best service. Especially thanks to Khun Dee from restaurant. We'll definitely be back.
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!
