Manukan Island Resort: "Excellent service, wonderful view but overpriced food"

Review by: phik | Source: Trip Advisor
"Excellent service. Convenient to reach via Jesselton Point although the numerous boat company counters made the experience a little chaotic. Note that for an additional RM10 per person, the boat company offers return trip. Staff know the various companies very well and will contact them regarding the return trip on the behalf of guests. Upon arrival, we had to pay the conservation fee before we were brought into a small room next to the reception for registration. We booked a beach side villa which is near the two resort-run restaurants, a local cheaper restaurant and the sundry shop (selling water, ice-cream, snacks, etc at a more reasonable price). The private beach for guests is on the other side of the main building. There are beach chairs with umbrellas and hammocks. Internet worked but sometimes the signal was not very strong. Staff served us with complementary drinks and apples in our room on the first day of arrival. Room was very clean. We were lucky as we were told that the beach side villa has just been renovated. So everything was new. We received complimentary mineral waters. Breakfast was included in the cost of the room. International spread with sufficient variety. Dining at the Perahu restaurant was pretty expensive but there were no other choices at night. The selection was rather limited that we got bored pretty fast. Would recommend the burger and the ayam penyet. Room service available at no extra charges but limited food selection and there was a slight price difference for the same meal we could get from the restaurant. Very convenient when it is raining outside. Nice jungle trekking towards the sunset point. Took us about 40 minutes to trek through the forest. We could also take the normal paved road but we decided to be a little bit more adventurous. The path was clear. Torchlight and umbrella were provided in the rooms. Those were very useful when we happened to trek on a rainy late afternoon. Had a really enjoyable stay. Great for lazing around. Staff was ever so helpful. They made arrangement for us with the boat operator, Sunny Rainbow, for our return trip. We were initially told that we have to wait till 14:00. As we had two hours to spend, we went to the restaurant. An hour later, the staff came to us that a boat is leaving at 13:30. They had already gotten our bags out from the reception and were ready to help carry the stuff onto the boat. Would definitely love to visit again. Hope that more will be done to ensure the cleanliness of the sea. Pity to see so much plastics gathered near the beach at the sunset point."

Samanea Beach Resort: "Perfect for a relaxing getaway"

Review by: MJanssen1 | Source: Trip Advisor
"We stayed at Samanea for a long weekend and had a wonderful time. The resort is spacious, with a large swimming pool and a private beach. The villas are quite big, with a private patio and an outdoor shower and bath, which I really liked. The restaurant was good, we had daily breakfast and a few times lunch and dinner during our stay. I would say that Samanea is ideally located for a relaxing getaway, it's not in the center of town, but privately located at the edge of Kep. Still within walking distance to the crab market and to the Kep National Park, or alternatively the hotel can call a tuk tuk for your convenience. We'll be back!"

Mathis Retreat: "Charming Ubud resort !"

Review by: Phong1976 | Source: Trip Advisor
Back to this charming resort. Everything is magic, decoration, situation over a rice field and such a nice service. Special greeting to Karine the hotel manager who is a truly customer oriented person. Last but not the least, because we are in Bali also for food ... the Terra Cotta restaurant is just amazing, quality and tasty. We will come back again soon.

Muang La Resort: "Fantastic!"

Review by: Helena H | Source: tripadvisor.com
"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."

Cabochon: "Excellent + cozy"

Review by: Jackie C | Source: tripadvisor.com
Well-appointed, comfortable and quiet. Probably the best hotel we stayed in during our month in Asia. A wonderful little hideaway amidst the madness of Bangkok's 10 million noise-makers. Don't sleep on the restaurant, either. It's quiet but truly exceptional.

Bassac Mekong Delta Cruises by Secret Retreats: "A must do in Mekong Delta"

Review by: Carol S | Source: Trip Advisor
We travelled on Bassac 111 with Annie who is charming and lovely,very clear with her instructions and information. Food is amazing, you never seem to stop eating and it is superb. Cabins are comfortable but compact as you would expect on a junk with only a small number. The trip to local village where Annie's Aunty lived was interesting, authentic look at delta life. Very relaxing on board, great views, peaceful and quiet. A highlight of our holiday.

Rachamankha: "Inner city oasis"

Review by: jurgen53 | Source: Trip Advisor
"Rachamankha is more than a boutique hotel – it is an architectural master piece and a very comfortable oasis right in the middle of Chiang Mai`s hustle and bustle. The rooms are nicely decorated in a very tasteful mix of antiques from different parts and time periods of the world. Everything has been done in a very comfortable way. Attention to detail is visible all around the grounds. During our 7 night´s stay at the Rachamankha we enjoyed the view to the pool from our room and considering that it is located in the middle of the city it is very quiet during the night. The breakfast at the elegant restaurant consisted of a delicious variety of cooked dishes from the menu and a small buffet. The dinner menu offered a wide range of international and Thai dishes which tasted well but not outstanding. To avoid misunderstandings it would be perfect if the waiters would speak a little bit more English."

David’s Kitchen: "Wine tasting and apps to match each"

Review by: Dave M | Source: Trip Advisor
Absolutely fabulous!!!!! All the wines were great and the finger food, yum yum. Lamb lollipops, scallops, shrimp and pork. All terrific. The tasting cost 900 tb per person and well worth it. We're going back and have checked out the menu and have picked a 7 course tasting. We figure without wine it will cost 4,000-4,500 tb. Very expensive but we hope worth it. Well deserved reputation, we'll let you know if it's worth the cash. Bon Appetite!

Anopura: "A lovely escape"

Review by: pashmina55 | Source: Trip Advisor
My mother and I had one of the nicest stays of our trip to India here. The food is excellent. The staff are lovely and the location is peaceful.It was a nice break from the frenetic cities of Rajasthan. The accommodation is excellent. The decor is very tasteful. We regretted not being able to stay a second night. The staff are very well trained. They are helpful without being intrusive.

Manda De Laos: "Superb setting and attentive staff"

Review by: plh4kids | Source: Trip Advisor
My wife and I ate there last night and were thoroughly impressed by the attentive staff and the quality of the food. Presentation was beyond anything you see in Canada and American. Prices are a little high by Laos standards but a bargain compared to equal caliber restaurants in the West. If you are in this quaint town.....it’s a must visit.
instagram youtube linkedin blog tiktok

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!