Dewakan: "Impressive modern Malaysian cuisine"
I had a dinner here on the christmas night. Impressive 10 course meal with additional snacks and dessert. It's a marathon dinner of almost 3 hours with variety of food items to try. Each dish is unique and burst of flavours. The chef uses local herbs and spices creatively in each meal. You will think that such a simple ingredient wouldn't be done it this way. Each meal is also an art by itself especially blue mackerel with raja ulam which the cured fish meat topped with edible flowers. Overall almost all the dishes were excellent except two which I don't quite like it. However, the food concept may not be for everyone. People who don't like the smell of ulam and spices may not like the overwhelming flavour of the dishes here. Also you also need to be patient and enjoying good time here of enduring 3 hours of eating session. The food here are even better than some of the Michelin star establishment. Dewakan does not serve ala-carte meal. They only have 3 or 4 course meal during lunch or 5 or 10 course during dinner. Price starts at MYR80.00 for 3 course lunch and the dinner of 10 course at MYR209.00. I would say for fine dining, the price is actually quite reasonable with total of 10 course.SANAK RETREAT BALI: "INCREDIBLE"
"We stayed at Sanak in early January of 2015. Unfortunately it's taken me this long to review them! After arriving on a particularly rainy afternoon, we were greeted by the lovely staff in their bar/reception area. I was blown away by the incredible view that lay before me. The hotel is nestled right on top of farmed rice paddies so provided an amazing taste of the real Bali. The food was particularly impressive. The menu has a French/Balinese fusion twist; and every meal they served us was amazing quality. It's truly a perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of Kuta. I was a little worried about becoming ""bored"" due to the quite, but the constant massages, yoga and laying by the pool quickly calmed those nerves. One of the people in the group I stayed with even got the chance to work the rice fields with the locals, yet again adding to the authenticity! Couldn't recommend the place any more highly. Loved it! "Mathis Retreat: "Very nice Boutique Hotel"
I stayed at the Mathis Retreat with a friend for 2 nights and we loved it. The rooms are specious and very beautiful. The breakfast is great and right next to the pool with a beautiful view over a rice fields. The staff is very friendly and helpful. It was a great experience, thank you.Jing’s Residence: "Great Property"
The highlight of our trip to Pingyao was experiencing Jing's Residence. The accommodations, staff, food, and service were 5 star all the way. Mr. Hadianas, the General Manager, and his excellent staff made you feel like one of the family. It is the ONLY place to consider when staying in Pingyao. Experience authentic old world charm while luxuriating in modern conveniences and amenities. A truly wonderful property. I highly recommend it.Mudanwan Villa: "Tranquil and GREAT hot spring facilities!"
"I have stayed in Mudanwan for 2 night with my family. We got a big room on the ground floor with our own hot spring pool and swimming pool in the back yard (privacy guaranteed), a large bathroom with another indoor hot spring pool, two king size beds, and it was just fabulous!!! We went for a full board package and the food was just gorgeous and fresh! There's a 24 hr juice/snack bar too. The staff was extremely helpful and friendly, and the services were just great. We really had a fantastic time there. Although the location is really in the middle of nowhere, they do offer a nice shuttle service."Villa Song Saigon: "Fantastic"
We loved our 2 night stay at Villa Song. Room was extremely spacious with balcony. A major positive was the location next to the Saigon River - great location and only a short boat trip to the city centre. The boat ride on the river was in itself very enjoyable. Had an excellent massage at the spa. Without asking, we had a room made available through to our evening flight. Can recommend dining nearby at the Deck.Villa Mathis: "Very good value for money in a high-end boutique hotel"
Tasteful hotel displayed along 5 "villas" (sort of open-air living rooms), each of them with its own swimming pool. Around each villa, there are about 5 independent rooms, mostly with open-air bathrooms (Bali style). Beautiful gardens.Mathis Retreat: "Fantastic property"
"If you are travelling for the first time to Ubud.. Think no further and just book this place.. When u reach seek out the manager Karen and ask her for advice.. She will help you plan your entire trip, from great bike tour, to restaurant suggestions and even massage booking.. She will tell you the best places.. And then just enjoy your trip.. The staff is attentive and pampers you.. The rooms are big and perfect for relaxing after a day of adventure around Ubud.. The food at the restaurant Terra cotta is calming and refreshing at the same time.. Look no further.. This is the place..!"Hotel Tugu Lombok: "Simply The best resort in Indonesia"
"The Tugu is not a Hotel, is an experience. Is one of The best Resort I have ever been. All is exceptional and unique. The art pieces, the structures, the decorations, the furnitures, the optimal service, everything. One of the places where I wish life will take me back. Feel blessed for having been there.."Poring Hot Spring Nature Reserve: "A variety of activities, available in one place"
We visited on a weekday - a previous review says the tubs are empty. Yes, they were, but that is so as not to waste water. The taps (one hot spring water tap, one cold water) are there for you to fill at your leisure. We clambered up to the Canopy Walk - it's a bit of a hike, but well worth the effort! Also visited the serene and informative butterfly garden and information centre. My husband and I sat in the pool at the base of Kipungit Waterfall, while our daughters trekked off to see the bat cave. I was surprised by 'sucker' fish, nibbling at my toes - you know, the ones you pay for in the 'fish massage' places? And I got mine for free! There are also sites for a rafflesia garden (world' largest flower), and an orchid site. I think this place is underrated, and offers so much for someone who has a morning / day to spare
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!
