Guest Reviews

Noel Rodrigo’s Leopard Safaris: "Expertly guided & amazing hospitality at Yala"

"Wonderful! Look no further if you’re planning a safari to see the leopards of Sri Lanka. Noel and Celine + their crew have years of experience and the depth of knowledge about the park and its wildlife and flora. They have an extraordinary ability to locate and spot animals. We saw leopards 3 days in a row thanks to Sajith’s eagle eyes. Aside from the actual safaris, the accommodation and the food are truly first class. We feel very fortunate to have been introduced to high end Sri Lankan cuisine by Noel and his team - a wonderful variety of curries, sambols, breads and rice dishes. Sri Lankan cuisine is uniquely delicious and varied with an emphasis on freshness and fine spices. Noel’s on-site kitchen is top notch. There are many other safari operators that we considered but Noel’s team takes a very principled approach to the experience that they want to offer their guests. While on safari, we had observed other tour operators acting in cavalier and reckless ways. Noel and his team take a very long term view on conservation and encourages responsible tourism - this is evident in all their practices. We feel extremely privileged to have experienced Yala National Park up close and personal with Noel and his team. We would happily recommend this experience to anyone! 5⭐️"

misool: "Paradise!!!"

After 8 flight connections and a 4 hour boat ride from the US, this place was just paradise! The passion that these 2 individuals have for this area of the world is evident in their respect and protection of the ecobalance of nature...from the use of only fallen logs for the buildings and furniture to the use of natural bacteria and plant life to filter the water services. The food was wonderful with a local influence and nice variety. The staff were from the surrounding and some far away villages and so very friendly. (...) Our dive guides on our boat, Marafel and Ferry, were so great to hang out with. So fun and friendly, and knowledgeable of the reefs and fishes! They even rescued our camera after we got excited with the mantas on our safety stop. Even though we don't know their names, all the behind the scenes staff were wonderful in making this vacation so relaxing and exciting at the same time! Even if you're not a diver, the house reef is wonderful for snorkeling and the view from the water cottages is breathtaking! We would go back in a heartbeat and I urge you to go and see this piece of paradise for yourself!! Terri F., St Jacob, IL

Cheong Fatt Tze – Blue Mansion: "Blue Peace"

"The Blue Mansion has been restored beautifully and it felt like a privilege to stay there. The rooms were beautiful, I slept in an adjoining room to my daughters which worked out perfectly. The little extras were thoughtful and enhanced the experience. Breakfast was fabulous. The staff were warm friendly and helpful, and their knowledge of Georgetown very useful. Would definitely recommend this beautiful hotel. Stayed April 2017, traveled with family"

Amata Lanna: "an oasis in the rush of Changmai"

If you believe that small is beautiful then you will love this niche hotel. Just twelve large rooms based on the old Northern Lana style - that is teak buildings and platforms around a central pool. The staff are charming and attentive. A place to chill and relax after a busy day

Satri House: "Beautiful and Serene"

The Satri House is the perfect hotel to spend a couple of nights in Luang Prabang. Great location to main village and serene environment the pools make it very inviting. Rooms were beautiful Lao decor and the attention to detail was on point. The restaurant menu was good but not much of a selection. We wanted to try the spa but because of a staff shortage they could not accommodate us.

Neeleshwar Hermitage: "Holiday perfection"

"This is our second time visiting here and better than ever. The staff and rooms are amazing. The food is the best I have ever tasted and I love Indian food the stability of the Hotel from the manager to the gardeners is wonderful and doesn't change. Anyone who needs to unwind this is the place to do it if you love the beach and the sea you have it in abundance. Room Tip: Pay a little extra and have a sea view room so tranquil"

Manda De Laos: "Special"

This restaurant is very special, it has charm, charisma, but most importantly fantastic food. The setting is amazing and the staff are friendly and efficient. This restaurant is a must if you are in Luang Prabang.

Tugu Malang: "Luxurious hotel with impressive staff"

"We were so pleased with our several day stay at the Tugu Malang. It is located very close to the train station. The hotel is like being in a 'luxurious' museum. We were so enthralled with all of the antiquities and beautifully designed rooms. Even if you don't stay here....pay for the tour....it's completely worth it. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful. The restaurant was excellent! There is also a bakery/coffee shop associated with the hotel. Food was wonderful....spiced nicely....varied offerings and prices. The staff treated us like ""family"". Our favorite waitress would have a table saved for us by the pool with our names written on a leaf in silver pen. They think of every detail We recommend taking the time to have their free tea offering in the afternoon. The spa massage was also very relaxing. Have them call you a bicycle tuktuk and cycle around town some evening. Definitely stay here if you have the opportunity! "

The Island Lodge: "A Great Place for Weekend Getaway"

"A very nice boutique resort, one hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City. Stayed one night at this remarkable resort for my family of four. Relaxed and enjoyed totally with the attentive service from all the staff. Restaurant offer good food and beverages with reasonable price. The sightseeing tour is sufficient and good for the kids to explore the locals in Mekong Delta. Only one negative comment is that the wifi connection in room was not stable throughout my stay at The Island Lodge. Highly recommended for a short trip stay (2 nights) away from the bustling of Ho Chi Minh City."

Muang La Lodge: "Total relaxation – piece of heaven in Laos"

"Set by the confluence of two small rivers, the Muang La Lodge is a piece of tranquility set in a picturesque location. Comprising of 10 rooms all in pairs of buildings either along the river or in the lush grounds. The river rooms are certainly worth the little extra cost to secure. It is a 5 hour drive up from Luang Prabang through some spectacular scenery but the journey is well worth it. The lodge provides inclusive meals - there is little else in the village near by - but these are excellent. All the staff are local and the chef, who we understand had been there six years, is very talented. There is a five course set menu each evening though they go out of their way to accommodate likes and dislikes ensuring everyone has a wonderful time. The managers whilst we were there were French and on call pretty much 24/7. The lodge also will organise trips out to visit the hill tribes and also treks through the countryside - both very worth doing. There is a bridge linking the lodge to an island in the rivers which has on it an infinity edge swimming pool and a viewing platform to watch the sunset. After dark it can turn cold so fleeces are provided by the lodge and also they will put buckets of hot coals by each dining table - it can get that cold. Really it would be hard to find anything to be picky about here so do go and have a relaxing time. Stayed February 2017, traveled as a couple"