The Cabochon Hotel: "Urban Bangkok feel — Hit it twice this so far"
"For those seeking to experience the vibe of Bangkok as a psuedo-denizen for a couple of days -- that is, to live/to sleep amid that ordinary urban street mix of local food vendors adjacent to gleaming skyscrapers, [and, with some solid benefits such as a being near a handy supermarket, the Skytrain Phrom Phong stop, a hip juice bar, and a small city park] the Cabochon offers this kind of feel in the Thai metropolis. It's not on the famed river, and it's not super luxury. Rather, it's under-the-radar subtle. Hidden down a small alley from that urban mix, the colonial-era building is a sweet spot -- surrounded by lush foliage and filled inside with Asian collectibles. Venture out into the Bangkok chaos, and return back to the chill of the Cabochon, where the genuinely warm staff will greet you with smiles -- more smiles when you order a couple of rounds of mojitos. Relaxed without anyone in your grill. Clean, more than acceptable, not over-priced. And best, it is super understated."Villa Song Saigon: "One of the best hotel experiences"
This was the most luxurious, tranquil hotel that I have probably ever stayed in!! We arrived here after 12 days cycling holiday and I just needed to be pampered for a few days and sleep and boy does this hotel provide that.. The hotel is small with very high standard setting for meals and the breakfast is all day!! Regardless of when u wake up you can have it, and it was well worth waking up for.. Loved this place and only a boat ride into town which was provided for brill brill brill....Glenburn Tea Estate: "Paradise!"
We had been told that Glenburn was a special place by others that had stayed, but that goes a little way to describe the experience that myself and my partner had... it's a truly magical destination. Our room Rangeet was stunning, as is the rest of the estate, so beautifully maintained by the meticulous staff and gardeners. We loved the communal dinners, especially the tea themed night which was extremely tasty. The staff throughout our stay were always very helpful and friendly, there is always someone around too. We decided to take the hike down to the river and have lunch there, which was beautiful, as again the food exceptional! I would also really recommend having a massage, one of the best I have ever had... We were lucky enough to see an extraordinary sunset one evening, I don't think there can be another view like it anywhere in Darjeeling. The whole place, and our stay felt so serene and relaxed that a special shout out must go to Jemima and Holly who manage the place and are obviously making sure things run so smoothly - thanks you two! My only complaint would be the road, lucky for Glenburn they have some of the best drivers in the world! Can't wait to go back.Satri House: "A little bit of paradise!"
"We stayed for 4 nights in two deluxe rooms and loved everything about the hotel. We didn't see a junior suite but were more than happy with our rooms which were located on the top floor with balconies. The rooms were spacious with large shower rooms and separate toilets and free wifi. The hotel was fully occupied when we were there but as the rooms are spread around the grounds we often felt that we were the only ones there. The staff were excellent and always happy to help you. They organised for us to visit the waterfalls by travelling along the Mekong on a private boat to a nearby village where we were then picked up by a pick up who took us then to the waterfalls. It was one of the highlights of our 3 week trip. The hotel grounds were beautiful. The inside communal areas were filled with wonderful antiques and furniture that added to the charm and peacefulness of the hotel. It takes about 10 minutes to walk onto the centre of Luang Prabang, but there were free bicycles to use if you preferred. If we returned to Luang Prabang, we wouldn't hesitate in returning to this hotel. In fact, we wouldn't stay anywhere else! Thank you to all the staff that made our stay so enjoyable."NOEL RODRIGO’S LEOPARD SAFARIS: "Leopard Safaris sure live up to their name!"
"We saw a leopard! What an amazing experience that was. Having slept in one of the most luxurious ""tents"" Ive ever stayed in, we wined and dined under the stars, had our own personal safari with a fantastic guide. He really knew his stuff and we saw beautiful birds and many other creatures. He showed respect to the animals by keeping back and not 'chasing' them in the jeep like we saw others do. The jeep was great fun and comfortable considering the terrain. The food was fantastic as well. Thank you so much for a wonderful morning and night safari and for the fabulous experience of ""glamping"". "4 Rivers Floating Lodge: "A Wonderful Experience"
We stayed here recently for 3 nights at the end of a month long tour of Vietnam and Cambodia.Everything about it was fantastic. The location, the wonderful luxurious tents, the food, the friendly helpful service by all of the staff, the excursions...it was all magical. We did the early morning jungle trek and the boat trip to a remote village and kayaking in the mangroves. Our guide was so helpful and interesting (sorry can't remember his name) and it was lovely to see his family waving from their home just over the river. We also took kayaks (my first ever venture) and crossed the river to visit the local village. We were greeted by one of the families, given a tour around by foot to some of the villagers homes and they went out of their way to get fresh coconuts down for us to drink. The whole setting is wonderful and was such a relaxing treat after such a hectic holiday. We would thoroughly recommend 4 Rivers, we only wish we could returnTugu Bali: "A memorable one of kind type of hotel"
From the moment you enter this peaceful beautiful hotel you know that you are somewhere very special. Artworks and sculptures abound and even a Chinese temple has been tastefully installed into one of the restaurants. This place feels more like a very large private residence and I imagine it would be a great secluded retreat for anyone trying to escape the spotlight. My brother and his wife chose to have their wedding here and WOW what an event that was! A private bar was set up out the back on the lawn with the beach and ocean nearby as the backdrop. Furniture was set up for the guests and a thick trail of marigold petals and frangipani flowers littered the lawns and marking the walkway for the bride - it was a colourful and touching tribute evoking tears in me even before the ceremony had commenced. Earlier in the day florists were hard at work making bouquets, floral arrangements and weaving flax decorations to be hung from the pergolas. On nightfall candles were even lit marking the walkways to services for the guests. Every detail had been thought of and the waiting staff were helpful, friendly and eager to serve. The Indonesian wedding feast was bountiful and delicious! We had an upstairs room and other family members had the downstairs. Although they had their own private gatehouse entrance, fish pond and private plunge pool I found our spacious room with ocean views overlooking stunning gardens and waterlily ponds - just as secluded and peaceful, to be just as lovely. I can't recommend this place highly enough, for not just the food, massages and friendly staff but for its absolute ambience. Upon leaving we were waved goodbye, given gifts, fresh fruit platers and drinking water for our journey. I couldn't help but feel sad to leave this place that had provided us with not only amazing food and comfort but the most restful holiday I think I've ever had. We loved the main pool though my only suggestion would be to consider putting proper height steps in and a handrail for easy exit from the pool for the disabled/elderly.David’s Kitchen: "Warm welcome and excellent food"
Just wonderful. Made a last minute booking and they were able to squeeze in myself and my girlfriend the next day. (I'd advise planning ahead, you might not be so lucky.) We were warmly welcomed by every member of the staff we encountered, and David himself stopped by our table near the beginning and end of our meal to have a chat and ask us what brought us to Chiang Mai in general and the restaurant in particular. Friendly, gracious and genuinely interested. The staff pulled off the rare trick of being super attentive and friendly while remaining casual. As for the food, we had the Japanese pumpkin veloute, spicy raw salmon, pomelo salad, wagyu beef cheeks and lobster in wine. All delicious and paired nicely with wines suggested by our waiter. At the end of the night they presented my girlfriend with a bouquet of roses to congratulate us on our engagement (there's a section on the online reservation form for special occasions -- nice touch). A wonderful capper to a lovely weekend.Golden Buddha Beach Resort: "A little piece of heaven"
"Only for who is looking for relax and real contact with nature. No windows, doors or keys, forget shoes and phones, bathroom is openair. Andamane sea in front, savannah behind, mangroves canal, jungle around you. Typical and excellent dishes served for breakfast and dinner. Opportunity to make some really thrilling experiences with a thai guide. Thai original massages in a beautiful setting on the beach. Staff is really nice and helpfull and give you all the privacy needed. We were there for new years eve and was a wonderful beginning with bonfire on the beach, fireworks, lanterns throw. As I said a little piece of heaven!"The Island Lodge: "Excellent experience"
"We only stayed at The Island Lodge for one night but had a great experience. The staff including Michel the owner was very friendly and welcoming. Great rooms with view to the mekong delta and cleaning was spotless. Breakfast was really good and the winelist for dinner is second to none in all of Asia. We can definetely recommend The Island Lodge Stayed February 2017, traveled as a couple"
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!
