Neeleshwar Hermitage: "I’d give it six stars if I could!"

Review by: Einon_E_Mouse | Source: Trip Advisor
Stayed for seven nights in January 2017 after a mammoth ‘Golden Triangle’ tour in the north. In summary, I’d have to say that it’s a beautiful, relaxing hotel made extra special by the staff, who were unfailingly happy, welcoming and helpful. The resort itself would best be described as barefoot luxury - this isn’t a place to come and dress up for dinner, and all the better for it. If you want to truly relax in beautiful surroundings with attentive staff, this is the place for you. As we’ve moved to another so-called 5-star resort not 45 minutes away, we’ve begun to appreciate the Neeleshwar’s unique brand of laid-back, relaxing luxury even more. The rooms themselves are lovely - spacious, full of natural materials (including a coconut palm in your open-air bathroom!). I agree with other reviews that suggest tea-making facilities in the room would be beneficial, but the verandah service also meant that you could phone for tea/coffee and it was delivered to your verandah in minutes - at a cost of around 400 rupees/£4.50 for two people, often accompanied by cake or cookies, so the hotel is certainly not over-charging for the service. The grounds are beautiful - it truly is like walking through a tropical jungle to get to the pool/beach. The pool is stunning - large, quiet, plenty of loungers, no noise! Food in the two restaurants was faultless. Try the aloo gobi, if available - it certainly shames the mush we get served in Indian restaurants in the UK. The spa and treatments were both excellent, and reasonably priced. Again, the spa is not one of these with annoying chill-out music on a perpetual loop, but total silence - so peaceful! There are some local attractions, but we found it hard to pull ourselves away from the place - the furthest we ventured was an hour on the complimentary bikes to visit the fishermen hauling in their catch. Please also visit the shop early on in your visit - it’s not one of those typical hotel gift shops selling tat, but it actually has some really nice, reasonably priced items that you’d actually want to buy. Not to mention a tailor sitting there amongst bolts of material, happy to run up anything from a pattern or your measurements as you choose the fabric. Go visit - you won’t be sorry, and we usually avoid this type of thing like the plague. My final comments are reserved for the staff - I don’t know how they select them, or what training goes into making them what they become, or whether they’re all just naturally lovely people (probably), but they’re probably the nicest staff we have ever come across, and you can see by my reviews that we’ve stayed in some world-class hotels (I offer this just as a comparison, not a boast!) - these are the nicest people we’ve ever met in a hotel situation, and they go out of their way to ensure you have a peaceful, happy break.

Villa Song Saigon: "The best hotet ever"

Review by: Nikobal | Source: Trip Advisor
This is the most amazing hotel I have stayed in Asia! Excellent service, friendly people, design and style, real french charm! Michelin level restaurant, high call massage, boutique gym and beautiful pool!

MesaStila: "An excellent experience!"

Review by: nietodanielcarlos | Source: Trip Advisor
"Great hotel with a fantastic staff. The food at the restaurant is very nice and the SPA service has been one of the best experiences of my life. Ideal for couples on honey moon. The coffee tour is recommendable"

VILLA SONG SAIGON: "Indulged myself"

Review by: Allaround1 | Source: tripadvisor.com
"Travelling solo and arriving jet-lagged in Saigon, I wanted to indulge myself in a little luxury before my onward journey. Villa Song lived up to my expectations. I really enjoyed my Writer's Room - all dark wood, sparsely decorated but tasteful with a charming balcony. I slept so well that I have considered smuggling the bed back home with me! The staff were extraordinary...very helpful for this first time traveller to Vietnam. I enjoyed my a la carte breakfasts by the river, especially the fact that they were served all day. Just right for jet-lagged, lazy, old me. I have really enjoyed my three - night stay at the Villa Song. To be recommended, especially if you need a little peace and quiet, in elegant surroundings from the whirlwind that is Ho Chi Minh City. "

Manda De Laos: "Beautiiful ambience; very good food"

Review by: AndoverDan | Source: Trip Advisor
This restaurant is outdoors surrounding a pond. The frogs supply background music. The ambience is very pleasant. It is upscale for Luang Prabang and the food is more refined (and tourist friendly) than most places. We enjoyed it very much. It is pricey for Luang Prabang, but not by U.S. standards. Friendly service

Mathis Retreat: "Lovely place"

Review by: Celine M | Source: Trip Advisor
Very nice and quiet place located 10 min scooter drive form the center. The staff is nice and the manager will help you with what ever your questions must be. The breakfast is very good. Loved it here

Sukoon Houseboat: "Sukoon means peace on heaven of"

Review by: neerajdesign | Source: Trip Advisor
Kashmir’s beauty can leave you gasping for air, yet amidst such splendor, exists one tiny, wondrous place to stay. Of all things, a houseboat on the Dal Lake would be the most idle place to take in Kashmir’s beauty, with the looming snowcapped peaks -far away yet so near and the lotuses floating at arm’s length on the Dal.

Mie Cafe: "Best Dinner in Siem Reap"

Review by: debbied433 | Source: Trip Advisor
On our final night in Siem Reap we came here and it turned out to be our favorite restaurant. What a lovely dinner in a beautiful setting. We had the prix fix menu which was delicious from start to finish. Highly recommend this lovely gem.

Nimmu House: "Absolutely lovely and charming hotel"

Review by: 571wanderlust | Source: Trip Advisor
A beautiful heritage property with a lovely staff who is always ready to help. Peaceful and relaxing days spent at Nimmu, and the best food! Would love to go back again soon. Close to Leh and the tent spaces outside are lovely.

Supanniga Eating Room: "Refined thai food great flavor"

Review by: sudirmanman | Source: Trip Advisor
Heard a lot of good things about this place and was NOT disappointed when I finally ate there. As there was 2 of us We were limited in how many dishes to try. We had the Issan pork sausage, pa neng beef red curry and the crispy fish with mango relish. All 3 dishes scored top marks. Sausage was fragrant and had a good texture. Curry was full bodied with the right level of heat. Crispy fish salad was generous serving and the mango dressing was light. Food was enough for 3. Was stuffed but very satisfied. Best thai food I had on this trip.
instagram youtube linkedin blog tiktok

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!