Guest Reviews

Bassac Mekong Delta Cruises by Secret Retreats: "Brilliant way to see Mekong River"

We only had a limited time in Vietnam so decided that a trip on the Basic 111 would be a good idea, and we were not disappointed. The cabin was small but had a very comfortable bed. There was airl con, small bathroom with shower and toilet. There are lots of photos taken by other tourists. Our english speaking guide was Annie. Wonderful lady who was on hand to offer advice and explain about all we saw. Only three cabins were occupied, us, one Belgian couple and an Irish couple, which made for very pleasant company. we had a superb lunch followed by dinner in the evening. We couldn't finish the supper as we are used to only having one large meal a day. Up at dawn the next day, just in time to catch the sunrise over the river. Worth getting up that early. Breakfast had warm freshly baked bread along with eggs marmalade etc.We also had a visit to Annie's home village where she explained about life there. Later on we visited a floating market, again worth seeing as our guide explained that with improved roads and bridges it most probably won't exist in 4 or 5 years. The trip on the Bassac came to an end with a visit to a market on land. I wish I had taken pictures in the first bit, a covered fish market but I was too busy trying not to step on people or fish! Recommended.

Villa Song Saigon: "Amazing stay"

"We had quite an amazing stay at Villa Song in the beautiful Artists Suite. We travelled with our two little boys & the room allowed us to spread out with ease & the boys slept in the separated dining area which was great. There was a huge terrace in our room overlooked the Saigon & we spent the later part of the evenings drinking the complementary bottles of Merlot & watching the various boats pass by. Breakfast was sumptuous, fresh fruit, eggs Benedict & pancakes to name but a few. We also had a delicious dinner on our first evening, a fusion set menu with delightful cocktails all within the beautifully lit terrace overlooking the river. Lots to do & see, one of the highlights for us was a visit to Cu Chu tunnels, which the boys loved. The hotel is a little out of town but with plentiful cheap taxis & a boat shuttle it really is a little paradise in Ho Chi Minh. Huge thanks to the Manager & staff for making us feel so welcome & recommending great restaurants in the City. 3 nights was simply not enough, go you won't regret it! "

Misool Eco Resort: "Dream Holiday"

"This place is AMAZING. Best place I've ever stayed. It's the one place I'd go back to. Again and again. Or indeed, just never leave. If you dive, it's incredible. I've dived all around the world, and this was by far the most outstanding and varied I've seen anywhere. But it's not too shabby above sea too. The rooms are incredible. You walk down into the sea and swim. With incredible wildlife. We had great food too. All in all, it was all round excellent. I really really can't wait to go again. It's a b**** to get to from London, but it's worth it."

Locavore: "world class dining in Ubud, Bali"

This is an extraordinary French fusion cuisine restaurant. Everything is first class: food sourcing, preparation, presentation, taste.

Supanniga Eating Room: "Supanniga Cruise Menu"

Wow! What a nice surprise. This was my first river cruise in Bangkok, and I never really expected a Thai gourmet dinner. The food was very good and beautifully presented. There was: Taittinger champagne and an Amuse Bouche of fried Thai mackerel wrapped with Chaplu leaves, an Appetizer of 3 minced pork stir-fried with garlic and peanuts, pomelo salad with grilled prawn and spicy minced chicken salad, a Soup- Thai spicy soup with jumbo prawn, then 5 main dishes- pork, crab, fish and "Son-in-law" eggs, Dessert- mango sticky rice (the mango had been shaped into a flower) and to finish Petit Fours and Tea. All outstanding

Neeleshwar Hermitage: "Chill-out excellence"

This was the last venue of a bespoke tour organised by Trailfinders and it was an excellent way to finish a memorable 10 days in Kerala. We stayed 2 days, but 5 would be infinitely preferable! There are two retaurants, one upmarket indoor with a wide menu, but we favoured the beach restaurant, for breakfast and evening meals, specialising in fish and, for our last meal, lobster - fantastic! The service could not be bettered and, even for our short stay, staff recognised and greeted us regularly. We flew from Calicut airport, via Abu Dhaby to UK but its a long drive there. There is a smaller much nearer airport at Mangalore which might be worth looking at. This is a super venue for chilling out with its infinity pool.

David’s Kitchen: "Great BD Dinner"

My first impression at the David's kitchen where is a very good atmosphere with the nice staffs (k.bua and others) especially, the food is very tasty.We love it❤

Tugu Bali: "Secret pearl"

"It was the second time in 3 years that we stayed in this lovely boutique hotel. The dedicated staff takes 24 hrs. care about you and you are not a ""number"" in this hotel. The food served is delicious and the atmosphere is relaxed. We will absolutely come back in this ""secret pearl"" when we will visit Bali again."

VILLA SONG SAIGON: "Wonderful! Keep Up The Great Work"

"Stunning boutique property in district 2 of the city yet feels and looks like you are far more rural. We stayed here twice and were given a very warm and typical Vietnamese welcome each time. Service was impeccable and attentive without being intrusive. All seemed to have a very genuine interest in how we were and what we had done each day. Great sized lovely pool for the number of guests accommodated, chilled to exactly the right temperature! To the rear of the hotel is a beautiful garden, bar and indoor/outdoor restaurant overlooking the river and across to the fields. Chilled music adds to the very comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. We thoroughly enjoyed sitting out by the river with a drink (or two) each evening! An excellent menu and wine list provide great choice and all of the food was beautifully presented and absolutely superb. The hotels speed boat provides a courtesy shuttle service between the hotel and centre of the city in just 15 minutes, far quicker than going by road! Exceptional service from a clearly dedicated, highly trained and competent team. Nothing is too much trouble. We hope to return soon... "

MesaStila: "Coffee Plantation in Paradise!"

"What a peaceful and beautiful place to stay! The late Gabriella Teggia worked a miracle when she put her heart and soul into saving this part of Indonesia! The plantation itself is incredible; the food at Java Red and Java Green Restaurants was amazing; the staff are kind and welcoming; and the village walk to Losari and other villages is delightful! We loved the batik we purchased at Batik Losari from the charming owner and her daughter! Munir, our guide for a day trip to Jogjakarta, tried very hard to show us all of the sights. Tia gave us an excellent tour of the plantation itself. In the restaurant, Nur, Ana, Deby, and several other amazing young people did an excellent job taking care of us. We would highly recommend at stay at this wonderful retreat! "