Noel Rodrigo’s Leopard Safaris: "Highlight of our trip"
"Besides being fortunate enough to see a leopard on our first game drive, the entire experience at Noel Rodrigo’s safari camp is outstanding! The camp itself is beautiful, very comfortable, and clean. It’s a small camp, which is perfect for getting to know the other guests, and it’s directly outside the park boundaries, making it both quiet (except for the lively jungle sounds, of course) and convenient for embarking on game drives. Despite some reviews that Yala is overrun, I didn’t find that to be the case. Often we were the only group (the camp has two vehicles), and sometimes there was one other group nearby. The camping facilities are deluxe! The king size bed and hot (outdoor) shower were amazing and comfortable! And the food was 5 star, absolutely delicious, and impeccably presented. All the guides here were so passionate and knowledgeable, and worked as if they were owners of the camp. They were so kind and helpful, and spoke fluent English, which was helpful for answering all our questions about the wildlife and plants. I certainly recommend going on safari in Sri Lanka — it was the highlight of our trip for sure — and in my opinion, Noel Rodrigo’s camp and crew were absolutely outstanding! Thanks for the incredible memories (and photos!)."samar: "Beautiful Retreat"
"This is review is long over due. My husband and I stayed here in April and was blown away by it's charms, service and location. Upon arrival, we were greeting with a refreshing non-alcoholic drink and invited to sit in the the sunken sofa in the lobby area. It was nice not to have to stand around and wait to check in at a counter. The reception came and handed me my paperwork while I was relaxing. The General Manager/Owner came out to meet me and explained that my original room that I had booked had a broken AC and they had offer another room for me to stay instead. All of the rooms are gorgeous, well-appointed and and large. It didn't matter which room we were but it was a nice touch that he would personally delivered that message to me. The grounds is nicely kept and looks exactly like that picture on the website, the location is a bit tucked away but it kept the street noise at bay. It was only a 5-7 min scooter ride to the gates of Angkor Wat. We are dinner there every day and the food was good, avoid the steak, as I think the beef quality in Cambodia can be a bit tough. Breakfast was included with our rooms and it was a la cart and it was very well presented. The bathroom reminds me of an old french colonial style with a claw-footed tubs. However, the amenities (lotion, shower gel, etc) was in a ceramic container. Be careful, Since the shower gel can get slippery, it slipped out of my hand during my shower and the top broke off. Upon checkout, they charged me for a replacement since they said it was imported from Thailand. I didn't questioned it but it seemed a little silly to put a ceramic container in a shower and not expect the guest to drop it on the bathroom tile. All in all, A perfect retreat to come back to after a long and sweaty day touring the temples. Highly recommend it!"Muang La Lodge: "Relax here"
"This is luxury and the perfect place to relax, with great rooms, good food and a peaceful atmosphere just sitting in the gardens or by the pool. We stayed a few nights in upper floor riverside rooms. The rooms were a good size with comfortable beds and great balcony overlooking the river and the hot springs bathing area. Its well worth doing the 4x4 drive into the hills, as well as a guided walk around the local area which includes a pole raft across the river. The staff are friendly and helpful."Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge: "rejuvinating natural splendour"
"At this point in your travels this is the perfect place to be. Whether you've just completed your travels over to begin a trek or are in the middle of your journey you're probably ready for some clean air, beautiful views and sophisticated but understated pampering. The lodge itself sits astride a mountain ridge outside Pokhara allowing views to the north (Himalyas) and south (Pokhara). If your expecting ""bling"" (flat screens etc) forget it. If your expexting a proper mountain lodge then this is it. Beautiful architecture, natural building materials, total comfort, privacy and unbelievable scenery. I stayed for 3 days and never tired of the food, on the contrary I was left wondering what's next. Every meal has a local or continental version impeccably prepared and served. The chef and many of the staff have been at the lodge since it opened and have the food, beverage and service dialled in. I know this might sound a little ridiculous but I spent 3.5 weeks travelling India and Nepal and this was my favorited place to spend a few days. I guess it was just the perfect place at the right time. Next year we are hoping to do a 2 week trek, this is where we plan to start and end, I can' wait. "Mie Cafe: "Fantastic food!"
The restaurant in a nice wooden house is located a bit outside of the center of Siem Reap. We got there by Tuk-tuk and chose 3 courses: Tuna tartar with mango, traditional fish Amok and fried bananas with mango and vanilla ice. We loved it so much that we came back the day after and ordered the same items again. Really nice!Cheong Fatt Tze – Blue Mansion: "Excellent say in a period mansion"
"My wife and I stayed here for 9 nights recently in the traditional Nanyang room and the enormous 50's retro rock n' roll style room. The mansion has undergone a superb restoration unlike the mostly shabby restorations seen in similar historic buildings in China. A lot of care and love has gone into this great house. The staff were all excellent and helpful. The breakfast in the superb dining room was a highlight. The food was a basic buffet supplemented with cooked to order choices. Everything was fresh and tasty. Did not try the inhouse restaurant but other guests we spoke to recommended it. Location is excellent. Will come back again."Rice & Zen Boutique Resort: "A cracking place. True hidden gem"
"No point in rebooting all of the positives from previous reviews. Hard to fault this place. The food is simply superb. The staff are friendly and thoughtful. The pool is beautiful with wonderful ocean views. Rooms clean and comfortable. If you like swimming in the sea, this is not the place for you. If swimming in the sea is not your thing, then you must come here. A great team will welcome you with open arms. Location is a little off the beaten track, but it is very possible that you won't want to leave. Thanks to Poi, Faith and Helen and the team for looking after us and our two little girls for the week. It will live in the memory for sure and we will be recommending to friends for sure."Sukoon Houseboat: "A special and memorable experience"
"Even before we stepped aboard people we met were in awe of Sukoon. It is held in such high regard. The staff are exceptional and go out of their way to please and cater for your every need. We relaxed upstairs on the roof where tea and delicious homemade biscuits were served. Once you have pre-ordered the choice for dinner, it is bought locally and cooked to order in the evening. Delicious. The rooms were extraordinary with their rich wood carving and offered every modern convenience. A most memorable and special experience."Rachamankha: "Perfect"
This is one of the prettiest places we have ever stayed. Every thing about it was beautiful. Incredible attention to detail. We wanted to move in!!!! The restraunt had a great chef and live oriental music during diner that was very special. The hotel is a pretty close tuk tuk ride to to most anywhere. Best vacation ever!Summertime Villa: "An oasis of seclusion"
"Summertime Villa is an oasis of seclusion in one of the most touristy parts of Goa. I can't decide which was my favourite part of my time there... Mornings by the koi fish pond, which I could access from the room I was put up in. Or the afternoons lazing on the deck chair, watching the starlings take quick dips into the water. Or the evening swims in the infinity pool, with the sun setting into a horizon of palm trees. The rooms were cosy yet spacious, the meals were delicious, and the owners delightful company!"
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!
