Guest Reviews

MesaStila: "One of a kind experience"

"We stayed at MesaStila from 10/2/17-10/9/17. We had a wonderful experience. The property is truly magical. When we arrived, the coffee trees were blooming white, fragrant flowers. The property is wonderful, mixing reclaimed old Javanese homes with old Dutch colonial buildings. Here are some notes for fellow travelers: Weather: We were worried about the weather (beginning of rainy season). However, apparently, we were lucky with weather for this time of year. We stayed a total of about 7 days. Most days, it was sunny. Some of the days, it only rained for about 10 or 15 minutes at night. One day, it rained in the afternoon. The first few days it was in the 70s Fahrenheit. Other days, it got warmer but not unbearable. Maybe the 80s or low 90s Fahrenheit. It was truly the best weather we could have wanted. Room: We stayed in the Arum Villa. I would totally recommend it. There is a beautiful red dividing wall with carvings. The huge balcony overlooks the coffee trees. The bathroom has a big blue tile tub with doors that you open, so it's kind of like an open-air shower. There was a little walkway with a fountain and trees leading to our room. We were very happy with our villa. It felt private and like we were ""somewhere else."" Excursions: Some days we spent at the resort, which we recommend. At the resort, there is a beautiful pool, yoga classes, gamelan (music) performance, Javanese dance performance, fantastic spa, croquet, and walks through the coffee trees. We also did excursions. Here are some notes on the excursions: First, we went on the Borobodur Temple sunrise tour. We enjoyed it. It was a cloudy morning, which impacted the sunrise. The resort hires a tour guide, which was very helpful in learning about the temple. You also got to see other smaller temples in the area, drink luwak coffee at a local luwak coffee roaster, and visit a local family's traditional home. We also opted for the elephant ride. We enjoyed it, but it didn't make the excursion for us. Second, we did the bicycle ride that takes you through the rice paddies, to royal baths, and an option of a local waterfall. This was my boyfriend's favorite thing that we did in all of Indonesia. You need to be a little bit athletic to enjoy the bicycle ride, because you're literally biking on a few-inch-wide path between rice paddies. The rice paddies were beautifully tiered and green with the volcano/mountains in the background. Third, we went to the Pramaban Temple and Ramayana Ballet. This was my favorite excursion. It's a long drive (about 3 hours), but you get to go to the temple, a really cool, delicious restaurant, and the Ramayana Ballet. The restaurant was this dark lit, exotic restaurant with truly great food. The ballet was performed with the temple in the background and featured traditional dances and costumes. We went on a night with a full moon and it was really cool. Fourth, we went to the local railroad station museum. You get to see old colonial trains and station houses. You also get to go on a train ride through rice paddies on an old train. This was probably our least favorite excursion, but the others were so great that it's more of a perspective issue than anything negative about the old railway station museum. Also, we highly recommend the MesaStila spa. They truly make you feel special. Food/Drinks: From our experience, we basically relied upon MesaStila for our meals. We didn't have a rental car (driving there is craziness) and you're surrounded but very small villages, so MesaStila is the ""only restaurant in town,"" if you will. The breakfast buffet is amazing. We were very happy with cocktails and drinks. You must try the gin and tonic with spices and the mojito with brown sugar. The soups, fried rice, fried noodles, and tuna appetizer were also very good. Service: The staff were very lovely. Thanks so much to Lily (reception) and Deni (driver/tour guide)!!! Central Java Overall: We were enchanted by Indonesia. The people are so friendly. You see volcanoes, mountains, tiered green rice paddies, coconut and banana trees, lizards running everywhere, and ancient temples. Between the people and the landscape, the country is a wonderful way to spend a vacation."

Glenburn Tea Estate: "It is a beautifully located property on the crest of a hill giving you a 360 degree view of all the hills around."

"This boutique hotel gives you the experience of complete tranquility, as it is situated in the middle of a tea estate surrounded by luxuriant greenery. The bird life, the changing cloud patterns and occasional rain immerses you in nature and your inner self. The staff is very obliging and attentive and the cuisine is delectable. A total experience."

Inle Princess Resort: "Charming hotel in a beautiful place"

As part of our trip around Myanmar, we spent two nights at the Inle Princess Resort. We arrived at night, meaning we didn't see the grounds until the sun came up the next morning - it was magical. Little bungalows either directly overlook Inle Lake, or two sweet ponds covered with lotus flowers within the resort. The rooms may be a little dated but are very well maintained and truly charming - lovely painting on the walls no matter where you go in the resort. There is also an in-room fireplace for the winter-time where staff can keep a fire going all night! Beds are very comfortable, all the amenities are there and should you seek more the staff will go out of their way to accommodate you. The out-door shower is fantastic! Especially during a rain storm... very romantic. The food is delicious, all locally sourced and prepared either Myanmar style or Western. I had dietary requirements as I have allergies and they were very helpful. Truly very delicious- don't miss the tofu dish on the Myanmar menu, and you must try Shaan noodles for breakfast. The pool is also adorable, set in the middle of rice paddies. Delightful. Our stay was really wonderful, and visiting Inle Lake was a magical experience within itself. Probably our favorite hotel from the entire trip. Thank you!

Maduzi Hotel: "Spacious & wonderful hotel in e midst of a busy city"

This hotel room is huge beyond imagination. I had a free upgrade to corner suite. The mini bar was free. There was a huge bath tub with the water coming down from the ceiling. The width of the bed was about 2 meters and it was super comfortable and soft. Service was great and efficient. Furniture is a little damaged here and there but it is negligible. Overall, it was a very pleasant stay.

Tugu Bali: "A true gem"

We stayed at this beautiful and unique hotel two nights and enjoyed every moment. There is much to see with it's great collection of art and well curated furniture. General feeling is very welcoming, easy going and effortless luxury. The room was really our kind of taste: eclectic furniture, natural and nice ocean view. Def coming back with better time!

Goldhen Budha: "beautifuly untouched island"

we spent 5 nights in this beautiful island. We had a great adventure including excellent meals, great snorkeling in Sourin, swimming, sun bathing, day trips in the island, kind and helpful service, meeting and fighting new creatures and more. this is a true pearl outside the "wrong path" of tourism.

Jing’s Residence: "Little bit of paradise in Pingyao"

"The Jing's residence is a lovely hotel right in the center of Pingyao. Pingyao itself is quite noisy, however you don't hear this at all inside the hotel. We booked a courtyard suite, which was actually two courtyard rooms converted into one room, with bedroom, sitting room, walk in wardrobe and bathroom. All very nice and the complimentary mini bar was a nice touch too, plus there is a turn-down service on a night. We ate in the restaurant which it is the most expensive restaurant in Pingyao by far but we really enjoyed the food, service and having the entire restaurant to ourselves! would recommend. We also had the afternoon tea which contained a selection of savory and sweet finger food (local to the area), along with Chinese tea of your choice. The ginger and lemon tea is particularly nice! The staff at the Jing's are all very efficient, pleasant and happy to help - a feat you do not normally get in China so this makes it stand out straight away. Would 100% recommend this hotel, its worth the extra pennies!"

Cheong Fatt Tze – Blue Mansion: "Stunning"

Magnificently well restored 19th century Chinese Mansion, with a museum area. We could stay for four days, only. Could have stayed for weeks, it was such a good experience. Staff were super friendly, helpful, and it was as if they felt priveliged to be at the Blue Mansion. Shiro at reception was a standout with her advice and info about the Mansion. Breakfast was impressive it was so good, served in a beautiful location. The rooms were amazing. The most comfortable bed in a hotel I have ever found. Bathroom worked well. Pool was smallish, but most appreciated. The Indigo Restaurant, beautifully decorated, was definately worth while, at least once. We had a great dinner there. Guided tours several times a day. The tour we joined was run by a highly knowledgable Hakka Lady. A must do if you are staying. Will be back !

Reverie Siam: "An experience to remember"

Reverie Siam will always be a very special place for my mother and I. As soon as we arrived we were transported, this place is so much more than a hotel. Every detail has been thought about, the staff were always one step ahead of us. A special thank you to Mr Sabastian for making each night so lovely, we thank you for your talent and experience. To Toffy for your humor and care, we looked forward to seeing you every morning. There is no doubt we will be back to visit you again and will recommend this oasis to all the special people in our lives. Thank you!

Summertime Villa: "Beautiful Villa, Great Location"

"The villa is absolutely fantastic in terms of decor and amenities. Designed and built by the owners, every artifact in the house has been very carefully selected. It's a a beautiful home best experienced personally as no pictures can do justice to the beauty of the place. It's managed very professionally with very accomodating staff. The location though is the best part, just off main Calangute road with easy access to beaches, restaurants and other fun activities. Kudos to the owner Hans, who is an extremely warm person and knows a lot about hospitality and how to keep his guests comfortable."