Guest Reviews

Hotel Tugu Lombok: "The Most Beautiful Resort I’ve Ever Been"

"My last birthday, I wanted to go somewhere quiet and unique. So I opt for one of my favourite hotel group: Tugu in Lombok. Tugu hotels are known for their design and stories. The owner is known as one of Indonesia's biggest antiques collectors, and his collection is so big that whenever he build a hotel or a restaurant, the place will be filled with antiques with lots of stories. This is exactly what I got. Their Lobby is an antique house called Rumah Ampenan from the Dutch inquisition era, brought to Sire Beach for safekeeping. Their restaurant is called the Bale Kokok Pletok because its roof is shaped like a chicken - and it is made inspired by the tale of Dewi Sri. The whole resort is filled with stories and history of how the thing was made. And all the staff will happily share the stories with you. So they made my whole trip really memorable. Other than the design part, the whole place is super eco friendly yet still have modern convenience and great amenities. There are two main pools available, aside the ones in the villas. But you might find it hard to leave the beach because it is filled with white soft sands and quiet waves. We love everything about our trip at Hotel Tugu Lombok. Oh and the food is great too. Their policy is to have breakfast anywhere you want, and we chose to have it in our room on the first morning, and by the beach on the second one. Not just anywhere, but you can order anything you want too. AMAZING!"

Kinabalu Park: "Amazing view, cooling and great experience"

"I need to be at this place every year as the experiences were really great, the air much fresher compared to the city, amazing view, it was really chilling at that time about 17-19 degrees at night, but we were enjoying every moment of it. The Liwagu restaurant food was getting better compared to the last few years, the menu has been extended. However, the cakes and muffins could be better as I had last year, this year it wasn't that inviting. The next day I still see those cakes and muffins exactly at the counter, remain ""untouchable"". There are portions of the restaurant under maintenance and a huge Christmas tree is going to set up. You must visit this place for Christmas. The buffet for dinner and breakfast is ok just that it really needs some improvement to the taste. It can be much better! Last year the TV was really blurry due to the reception, I guess. But this year was better. The hotel room was clean, really comfy bed with extra blankets and pillows, really appreciate that due to the coldness. I have also forgotten 2 of my kids' jacket at the hotel, however, the ""lost and found"" team immediately took action. I have these jackets courier back to me. Really appreciate the staff effort to do extra miles for the guest. Thanks. Shall see you guys next year!"

Samanea Beach Resort: "A lovely place fr a hideway"

"Second visit to Samanea, and the gardens have grown, the views from the jetty still amazing, the mangrove project ambitious and fascinating... and the team and service much better than the first time. Congratulation for the good work!"

Rachamankha: "Incredible!"

This was our favorite boutique hotel in Chang Mai, Thailand. It was located down a side street, but was an incredible venue. The architecture and flow was impressive. The rooms were comfortable and beautiful. The grounds were laid out artfully and were gorgeously landscaped. Breakfast and meals there were wonderful. We stayed several days and were able to sample almost everything on their menu and were never disappointed. They also have a small museum on property that should not be missed. The hotel was a refuge of tranquility and beauty. Very close to major attractions all of which were a short drive away. Highly recommended for romance or architecture lovers!

The Apsara Rive Droite: "Charming boutique hotel"

Located just across its sister hotel, The Apsara, the Rive Droithe is located in a quiet part, less touristy area of Luang Prabang. The hotel manager, Hann, is delightful and friendly. Good breakfast, friendly service, charming French colonial style buildings, nice pool, and good dinner selection if you do not feel like venturing into town at night, although please note that the selection is less compared to the Apsara across the river. Also please note, although the wifi is pretty good, not all rooms can receive wifi reception. Overall, a very good boutique hotel in Luang Prabang

The Island Lodge: "Another blissful stay with attention to details"

Resident of nearby Saigon, we came back to island lodge one year after our first discovery. Staff is still ever smiling and full of little attentions. Menu offers variety and treats. Bike tour dropped from the boat offers the best point of view on rural Mekong delta (we took the longer Fish farm tour this time after the Cocoa tour last year). And great addition to have this year a full 9km jogging loop in the village pathways on the island. All in all a great stay just 2h drive from Saigon.

MesaStila: "Heavenly Abode"

Firstly, you are surrounded by 7 mountains. The scenery at MesaStila is breathtaking. This is the Java you have been searching for. You are also on the grounds of a working, organic coffee plantation, whose history dates back to the Dutch times in Java. Afternoons are my favourite here (yes, I am a long term fan of this place and have been visiting since 2001) and you can wallow around the original colonial plantation house, which is drenched in the afternoon sun and as the light softly fads and disappears behind the towering mountains you are served a "high tea" - a complimentary coffee and tea service just to make you really feel at home. It is a real experience staying here. I would recommend flying into Semerang, as its only 45 mins on the toll road. The service is impeccable and the villas which grace the grounds are spacious and all antique, lovingly presented with the finest of antiques. You simply have to go.

SEEDS Restaurant & Lounge: "Best fine dining in town"

Great chef Felix, friendly stuff and amazing food. Price value best! May surprises included during the courses. Come sunset for great views on the lake, dont forget to reserve a table

Cheong Fatt Tze – Blue Mansion: "Living like a queen for 3 nights"

"Just checked out of The blue mansion and all I could think of was - I need to write about this on TA. I rarely take the time to review my experiences but this was something else. I have always been a big fan of unique stays and this tops the bill. Imagine living inside a UNESCO world heritage site which also happens to be one of the top 10 greatest mansions in the world? Hell yeah, count me in! Absolutely wonderful indigo blue decor, spacious rooms with Jacuzzi, ever smiling and helpful staff and loads of heritage and stories behind the walls. We had the perfect stay at the cheong fatt tze mansion."

Sandat Glamping Tents: "Special place to stay"

"This place really lives up to the Glamorous-Camping expectation. The resort stands out beautifully in the sea of rice fields. Once inside, the decor is stunning. Room are very comfortable but still manages to make you feel like part of nature. Bed and pillows were a bit hard but turned out to be just as comfortable in the end. Breakfast was good but limited. Understandable that they do not provide a big buffet spread as the resort only has 8-9 villas. Service is exceptional. Staff really pamper you and go out of their way to make your stay better. Made (from front office) helped to research for places to watch kecak dance around ubud town when I mentioned that I was interested. Special mention also goes out to the drivers Buda Yaso and the older one with a moustache (sorry I didn't get your name). The resort owner Frederick was also attentive and friendly, yet gave us our personal space. Truly a recommended place to stay if you are looking for a special holiday."