Guest Reviews

Nimmu House: "A really nice change of pace"

Most people spend their first night in Ladakh in Leh (the site of the airport) which is fine, but another- and arguably better- option is to drive one hour west to the village of Nimmu near the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers, and stay at the wonderful Nimmu House. I stayed in one of the excellent and comfortable tents, which were both spacious and quiet (unlike Leh). The food was really good, especially the lemon chicken which was absolutely delicious. The staff is friendly, and the only improvements I could suggest would be some better grounds maintenance. I would definitely stay here again!

MesaStila: "Wonderful and different"

"Just left beautiful Mesastila Hotel. In the middle of a coffee plantation surrounded by jungle. We stayed in a typical Javanese villa, like nothing I have stayed in before. It had lovely furniture and antiques and was huge. And as for the terrace-enormous. Fabulous spa and restaurant. The staff couldn't do enough for us. They arranged our trips and were friendly and polite. It is a very different kind of experience at Mesastila. The attention you expect but the buildings, history and immaculate gardens make it an experience you are unlikely to forget. Wonderful."

Rahai’i Pangun: "Wonderful relaxing and informative weekend"

"We flew from Jakarta on Friday and stayed the night at Aquarius hotel (probably best available even though only mediocre, but food surprisingly good, especially dinner) We were picked up at 8.30 am by Eva who proved to be an excellent, charming, chatty, well informed and intelligent guide who really made the weekend an excellent one. The company should be very happy to have her on the staff, even though the others were also good and friendly. Everything was good or excellent: - two of us had the boat to ourselves -in fact the only improvement would have been some extra interesting guests - but we enjoyed it anyway - ample, delicious food - interesting trip to the village, even though rather more modernised than one might hope - apparently it's now rather difficult to find a genuine untouched forest village - charming ""oldest man"" who sold us some delicious spiced coffee made with beans from his own garden - beautiful, serene boat trip on the big boat, and even better when we switched to the small boat for the last trip through the swamp to the information centre - awesome trips in the small boat round the islands where the Orang Utans live before they are released - boat is better than walking as you can get very close without disturbing them - highly informative and thought-provoking briefing at the information centre Important thing to remember is that the Borneo Orang untan Society are doing a great job for an animal which shares 97% of its DNA with humans and showed us many aspects of their behaviour (such as the playful greeting at the information centre) which made them seem like us. They are also successful both in rehabilitating, reclaiming habitats and educating people not to kill the animals. And every trip with Wow includes a donation to the BOS, as well as showing local people they can earn a living from conservation-related activities (in line with their traditional beliefs of respect for nature)."

Tugu Lombok: "Happy Place"

Spent 4 days at Hotel Tugu at the end of a brief trip around Indonesia with the family. This is an excellent hotel on the beach. It has some amazing buildings and antiques which make it unique but the best bit is the happy and attentive staff. The kids even got taught how to make animals from the bath towels by the housekeeper. Also ideal for golf at nearby course and, of course, beach activities like snorkelling.

Rachamankha: "Absolutely perfect"

"This is a beautiful, wonderful oasis. Every single detail has been thought through in this serene, beautiful place. It whispers luxury, but - as a welcome change - doesn't shout it. I want to package it all up, and take it home! We lived in China for many, many years, and being here felt like coming 'home', only better. The Rachamankha has the ambience of a very old Chinese courtyard home/hotel, but with the convenience of a new one. I thought it WAS old, but learned that it was built in only 2004! The ornamentation (spectacular screen doors, statuary in every courtyard) is all old, though. And stunningly beautiful. You will also see a smattering of gorgeous Thai antiques adorning the walls and public areas. Don't miss the library. Or the pool. Or the outdoor, covered 'lobby' lounge area. The only disappointing thing about this lovely spot is that you have to leave it to explore the many attractions of Chiang Mai. But they're all close, and you've got this oasis to return to at the end of your day. Oh, and (I almost forgot to mention, because it really goes without saying) the service is wonderful -- unobtrusive, attentive, and friendly. Sigh. We're checking out this morning..... Enjoy!"

Maison Polanka: "Slice of Paradise"

After a long, hot day visiting temples, driving up to the front gates of Maison Polanka was a welcome relief. You knew from the moment you stepped through the gates, you would be well taken care of and be in an oasis of green. The staff treated us like long lost family and knew all our names from the moment we arrived. Our room (purple room) was spacious and well appointed with a great shower. It was clean and perfect. Meals by the pool were peaceful and delicious. There was really no reason to leave to go for meals. The swimming pool was small but the perfect place to cool off. My son (10yrs) was entertained by the bunnies and puppy and wandered the property freely. The tours and tuk tuks that were arranged were fantastic and reasonably priced. All in all, a great experience.

The Village House: "A diamond in the middle of nowhere"

We stayed here to enjoy a relaxed couple of days after a demanding tour theough malaysia and Borneo and though we have stayed at some of the fanciest and most luxurios hotels in the world we have to admit that the village house is one of the best accomodations we have stayed at. Sure it isn't a five star hotel with such amenities as flat screen tv's, tennis courts, jacuzzis and sorts but it makes up for it by being charming, romantic and being well taken care of. The house itself is as beautiful as it gets and gives you a 'home' feeling right from the start. You are welcomed by the manager herself and she takes care of your every need. If there is anything just let her know and she will find a way to wirl it out for you. Sort of like a good spirit. The girls are really nice as well and take good care of the facilities. The rooms are very well maintained and will be cleaned up twice daily. The food is (compared to malaysian standards) a bit pricey (but compared to western standards still ok) but soooo worth it! We can barely remember having had better asian food than the local Bidayuh cuisine. True, there isn't much you can do or explore around the village house but if you plan on a relaxing couple of days by the pool, maybe read a book then this is the place to go. My husband still claims its 'the best hotel/b&b i've ever stayed at'. We simply loved it!!

Bali Jiwa Villa: "A dream becomes reality"

"The Bali Jiwa Villas are one of the most beautiful places I ever been. Apart of the beauty of the location - situated in the middle of rice field ( without destroying them ) the Villas are very carefully furnished. The wonderful furnishing taste signs of deep understanding the story of Bali. The charm of this place is simply stunning. Big bathroom ( indoor ad outdoor ), wonderful bed and sheets, enlightened by big windows and the wonderful pool just in front of every villa, very clean and just the way it should be. The staff is amazing and the food is typically balinese - very tasty and home made with a lots of attention. A real place to calm down, to enter in the deep soul of Bali - and a place where service is written in very big big letters.."

Inle Princess Resort: "Perfekt"

"Ich kann nur sagen: perfekt! Ich wüsste nicht, was ich an diesem Hotel bemängeln sollte. Schon die Anreise im kleinen Boot inkl. Einbein-Ruderer ist ein Erlebnis. Die Lage des Hotels am Ufer des Sees ist ein Traum und der Anblick vom See aus gibt einen Vorgeschmack auf das, was einen erwartet. Nette, freundliche Begrüßung in der offenen Lobby. Wir hatten einen wunderschönen, sehr großen Bungalow, der mit viel Liebe zum Detail eingerichtet war. Die üppige Terrasse mit Liegestühlen am Teich mit Lotusblumen lädt zum Entspannen ein. Ich kann jedem nur empfehlen, hier nicht nur eine Nacht im Rahmen einer Rundreise zu verbringen sondern mindestens 3 Tage zu bleiben, um diesen wunderschönen Platz auch genießen zu können. Tipp: Zum Hotel gehört noch ein sehr gutes Restaurant mit Ausbildungseinrichtung mitten im Inle See. Leider nur mit dem Boot erreichbar."

Tugu Lombok: "Perfect holidays"

"Tugu Hotel is such a lovely place to rest and enjoy holidays! Very quiet and peaceful place, beautiful beach, wonderful massages, very good food ! Absolutely everything was fantastic. Last and not least, all the staff is so smiling, helpful and professionnal. I highly recommend this hotel. Sophie"