Locavore: "A wonderful experience."
"Fantastic fine dinning in the heart of Ubud. The seven courses plus matching drinks were excellent and delicious, as was the pre dinner 'snacks'. The highlights for me were 'into the sawah' and 'bubur sumsum'. The service was outstanding with each dish and drink fully explained by the waitress. My partner and I left full and very satisfied. The experience is not cheap by any means but certainly worth treating yourself when in Ubud or Bali."Cuca: "Fabulous"
Best food and staff . Great interior or watch kitchen working and eat . Very professional went three timesNoel Rodrigo’s Leopard Safaris: "Absolute magic. Just go"
"If you are considering a trip to Sri Lanka, this has to be on your list. We spent a week travelling all over the country but our single night at Noel's camp in Yala summed it up - the welcoming and charismatic people and the pride in the land and its nature. We arrived just after midday and were met by Danu - who was to be our guide for the trip - in full safari regalia in his 4x4. We were already laughing at animal stories as we bounced down the track to the campsite - which has a special entrance to the park which beats the crowds we'd heard about. On arrival there was cold juice, beers and space to chill out before our first game drive. We'd booked normal tents but they were beautifully equipped, totally private and immaculately clean. An outdoor, screened shower as well as charging for phones topped it off - luxury for the middle of a national park! Over the course of our two game drives we were lucky to sight birds, wild pigs, water buffalo, crocodiles and of course - a beautiful lone elephant at sunset and a leopard at sunrise. Danu knew the right spots to take us to catch a glimpse, chose always to work with the local wardens on drives, and had a network of spotters on the radio to get us to the scene of sightings. Racing along the track, holding onto the truck with one hand and the binoculars with the other, laughing all the way was pure excitement. We would recommend anyone going to Sri Lanka to consider a safari a must. But don't go cheap - it's easy to drive around the park and spot no major game, or get stuck in traffic through the normal entrances, if you pick the wrong company and guide. Danu and all the guys at Noel's - Dilanke and the others - had a spirit of adventure and commitment to conservationism that was contagious. The park and animals of Yala are in good hands with these boys - and you will be too! You MUST do this."Les Maisons Wat Kor: "Fabulous stay"
"Although a little further away from Battambang (around 2km) than other hotels, the beautiful surroundings, well-appointed rooms and excellent food are well worth it. The staff are lovely and extremely helpful. We were there to celebrate a 60th birthday and they arranged dessert with candles and sang happy birthday! We had a great tour of all the sights around Battambang with Mr Dan the tuk tuk driver, arranged by the hotel. Also, we had a cookery class in the restaurant just for two of us which was a great experience. Thank you for a brilliant stay."SEEDS Restaurant & Lounge: "Fantastic.."
"..international restaurant in a beautiful setting. Superb in every way, the class reflects the commitment of the chef, his wife and staff. We chose tasting menus, fabulous! Food is global but the setting overlooking a lake is pure Myanmar. Wonderful wine list at sensible prices for what you get. Special mention to thank the staff for assisting us at our second visit when one of us was taken ill. Helped us wonderfully and we were very grateful."The Twelve Hotel: "Excellent stay"
This is a place not to miss in Bangkok, in the city and at the same time in a very quiet area. Home both discreet and friendly availability of the owners to advise addresses, tours, hearty breakfast. We stayed for 3 very comfortable nights in rooms with XXL size, tastefully decorated. Wonderful!Mie Cafe: "Really really good"
Went on the recommendation of a local and were blown away by the quality of the cooking here. We weren't surprised to hear that the patron/chef had trained in a Michelin 2 Star in Switzerland. The food shames many one star restaurants I've eaten in elsewhere. We both started with scallop tartare with seaweed and heart of coconut. I followed with Fish Amok and S with a risotto. All just superb. We are going back tonight. Do not miss if you are in town.4 Rivers Floating Lodge: "Tranquility Base"
"I stayed with my wife and son for a couple of nights on one of the floating tents recently. Our hosts had arranged an extra bed for our son and a lovely bouquet of flowers for my wife's birthday. The 4 Rivers team really enjoy making your stay as comfortable and unique as they can. Swimming in the river straight from your lodge makes you feel like you're in the middle of a jungle. Do get up early and listen to the dawn chorus. The trip to the fishing village and collecting clams in a mangrove swamp is great. There are bugs around at night but they are dealt with. The management did everything they could to make arrangements when our plans changed at short notice. A big thank you to the whole team for making our stay so memorable. "Rachamankha: "Such a great place"
"We were very surprised by the quality of the staff ans hotel itself. Buetifully planned, very well maintained witch charming atmpsphere of an old ""monastery"" type of building. Staff is vert well trained, good English, very helpful and attentive. Rooms are of good size, nicely decorated, very high ceilings, perfect AC, good shower. Breakfast really with plenty of choice both on buffe and menu. Location is quiet, in a tiny street but very close to main attractions. Wifi OK. Nice pool, well maintained greenery. Very much recomendable place. Stayed January 2017, traveled as a couple"Golden Buddha Beach Resort: "Total paradise and relaxation exceeding expectations"
"This was our first visit to this amazing resort. The journey there, from the welcoming sign at the airport, to a quick efficient drive to our boat to the bay, exceeded our expectations. The arrival view was mesmerising: a wide open bay with a vast long sandy beach with a little hut for lunchtime and a yoga sala, and of course dense nature. Massi, the manager, embodied true professionalism. He welcomed us to our beautiful house Baan Tamarind and gave us thorough details about the resort's amenities. Our house was beyond our expectations. With two stunning bedrooms both with an amazing view of the sea, and stunningly designed outdoor bathrooms, we also had an amazing living space upstairs as a canope amongst trees with a sunset view everyday! The food was probably the peak of the stay. The Club House has been renovated in a spacious way that makes you feel at home away from the busy city life. There is a new menu EVERYDAY (something rare in the hotel industry where after a few days, you run out of culinary options) with completely different meals - each very distinct and deliciously made at defying prices for the quality. The staff constantly walks around with smiles on their faces and are always available if you have an inquiry. The morning buffet and cooked meals are my favorite. You get to sit outside or inside (your choice, although I recommend outside due to the beautiful sea view) and make your own freshly squeezed juice. They have an amazing tea selection and of course the fruits are exquisite. I specially recommend their Thai omelette with rice - a must have during your stay, truly a taste of Thailand! I cannot describe the joy I felt when going to get massages. Porn and Poy are possibly the kindest ladies and although they may seem gentle based on their graciousness, their hands work wonders. I have had back problems for quite some time and honestly, felt rejuvenated every time I came out of the massage sala! The Thai massage is a must. In all, the hotel was anything I could have asked for. You are truly immersed in nature, at night hearing the strangest most relaxing sounds from this rich ecosystem to walking on their vast empty white sand beach with a light breeze brushing against you in the bright sun. Room Tip: Sea front views are the most rewarding due to the proximity to the beach and stunning view!"
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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