misool: "Even better the second time around"
"My wife and I first visited MER in 2013 (if interested, see my review dated July 9, 2013) and returned for our second visit in February of this year. Our observations: In the three years between visits, the fish life has continued to rebound in a remarkable fashion thanks to MER's No Take Zone and ranger patrols of that area. There is so much to see on every dive site. Brilliant colors abound, along with critters galore, sharks and mantas, too! Diving was the focus of our visit and we found the dive operation to be efficiently and expertly managed by Calvin and his support staff. The food was once again plentiful and delicious. A change since last time was the switch during lunchtime from buffet style to family style, where heaping plates of food were passed around each table. Great conversations were had daily when the guests came together at meal time. The grounds are clean and well maintained, the staff helpful and friendly, the spa services are varied and most satisfying and while my wife and I have traveled extensively around the globe, we found ourselves more relaxed on this trip than anywhere before. Marit and Andrew have a spectacular vision for this place and continue to look for ways to conserve and protect this beautiful part of the world, while allowing guests to come along for the ride. What a privilege for those who visit. We're already planning to return in 2018 and we can't wait to once again see the friends we've made at MER. Dave and Elaine "Slow Villas and Spa: "An absolute treatment"
"Staying at Slow Villas is such an experience ! I've been lucky enough to spend a few days there - and that was definitely too short. The villas are beautiful, solid construction, tastefully decorated, spacious, clean. The open air bathroom is beautiful, and the private swimming pool just in front of the bedroom is great, and even I didn't think it was really useful at Gili Air (the sea is less than 10 minutes away along a cute pathway), it's nice to cool off a bit that easily. Plus, breakfasts are awesome ! And the spa, God ! Clean, spacious rooms, a great choice of treatments to choose from, a professional service that considers your expectations and level of habit in massage, people are treating you with such a sweet care and a good professionalism at the same time, such a treatment ! The staff is so lovely as well, from Julie to her partners and all the team working on making you have such a great experience. No hesitation here : if you can afford it, even for 2 days, that will stay engraved in your memory for a loooong time ! Stayed April 2017, traveled as a couple"Rice & Zen Boutique Resort: "Bliss a truely unique Boutique Resort"
"A magical tropical resort with amazing personalised service from the wonderful team at Sea Dance Resort. Memorable!.... and we are already planning our next visit! Relaxed and friendly ambience and we loved the overall vibe of the resort, live music (on specific days) and professional service. If you're looking for a place to go to experience a feeling of a personalised high end boutique resort this is the place for you. Sea Salt Restaurant has a menu that will leave you wanting to make sure ensure you try every dish! Unique and fresh and scrumpdelicious! Stayed March 2017, traveled with friends"Samanea Beach Resort: "Wonderful Resort"
Can be the best place to stay in. The view is great and the services are wonderful. The stuff are so friendly and warm welcoming that they gave make me wanna go there again. The decoration are so classic and l love it.Rachamankha: "a superb accommodation in CM"
"We held our wedding and stayed at this beautiful property last month. We have booked two suite rooms facing the library garden (if you know where the hidden library is) and a few superior rooms. Our family and guests loved the peaceful and oriental ambience of the property. Located in the old city, waling distance to Wat Pra Singh, Oasis Spa Lanna and Sunday night market. only 10-15mins drive to the airport. If you would like to stay away heavy touristy area and would like to enjoy the resort indulgence and retreat, this could be an option. If anyone is also considering a destination wedding at non-beach location in Thailand, highly recommended!! The hotel does not offer a package but will customise according to your needs and preference. We would like to thank you for Rachamankha to have made our big day successful and memorable! We would love to visit and stay on our anniversary day again! Please note that the hotel does not allow a child under 12 years though. Stayed February 2017, traveled as a couple"Dewakan: "WONDERFUL! FANTASTIC! Whatever you call~"
If you are looking for a restaurant with amazing food and great atmosphere, it is THE place! The food looks astonishingly good and tastes wonderfully ! You can count on the great team in the kitchen, they will not let you down!Les Maisons Wat Kor: "Paradisiac"
A warm and friendly hotel where you feel good, I occupied a room during a couple of days, the room was spacious and comfortable, the gardens were just amazing and the staff was smiling and thoughtful. I warmly recommend The Maisons Wat KorTugu Lombok: "Magical in every aspects"
"We could have not chosen a better place to celebrate our special anniversary. We were spoilt from the moment we arrive until the very sad moment we left. All staff without exception went out of their wat to make us feel like royalty and gracious care. Everything about Tugu Lombok was magical. We felt both at home and in an island paradise at the same time. Would love to go back to this magical island and Tugu as our home.."Tugu Malang: "An incredible night in a lively museum"
"The TUGU Malang is a unique place on earth, being both a magnificent museum and an ultra-comfortable hotel with a pool. You will be flabbergasted by the magnificence of the place: antiques, artefacts, wooden doors, Bali temples...all inside the hotel. Take to your time to wander and step back in time. The food is delicious and the breakfast amazingly rich of flavours. The location is very central, the service is of high-standard. The only weaknesses of the place would be some rooms facing a wall (but the hotel kindly moved us to a pool view), and the busy and noisy traffic circle outside (ask for a room not facing the traffic circle)."4 Rivers Floating Lodge: "Best floating paradise"
We have just left 4 rivers today and were very sad to leave. We had the most amazing time and everything about the experience was excellent. The staff are friendly and cannot do enough for you. The service is excellent. The setting is beautiful and peaceful and all facilities that you would expect on a floating camp are available. The meals offered are that of a 5 star experience, wonderful food, amazing presentation and served professionally. The day trips and guides were also fantastic. Make sure you go on the fire fly boat trip just 20mins and it's free plus you're back in time for dinner. You MUST visit this camp and experience it yourselves.
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.
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