Guest Reviews

4 Rivers Floating Lodge: "The floating lodge"

Both peace and activity, trips, walks, exploration, all from these luxury floating "tents". People excellent, very helpful, nothing too much trouble, they even repaired my broken sandals. Great food too, in such a relaxing situation. Our only complaint was that we had not booked for longer, to appreciate all that is on offer here you need to allow enough time.

Satri House: "Perfect Respite"

I was visiting Bangkok and wanted a peaceful break. Three days in LPB at Satri House was perfect. The staff -- at reception, restaurant, pool, were all helpful and sweet. Great location for quiet but still so close to the Night Market. Bicycling into town (bike courtesy of Satri) to explore the temples and shopping was fun. Every detail of decor and hospitality are addressed flawlessly. I will go back again, and send friends too. Completely lovely.

Locavore: "Still surprised after reading all the reviews about Locavore"

"It doesn't happen to me very often, but in this case the atmosphere and expectations raised by the reviews of hundreds of Tripadvisor members did not reflect the genuine experience we had by dining at Locavore. This kind of intro-paragraph will mostly precede a rather negative and contrary viewpoint but in this case I must say the evening we spend here was truly mesmerising. The amuse-bouches were drenched in local flavours even though some fitted on my fingernails. Imagine with that the 'Ashes' cocktail (you will indeed put a burning stick into the concoction, thus releasing a fair bit of ashes in your drink) and culinaire paradise in coming into wide view. The mains - we went for the 7 courses menu - were a mixed bag with caffeinated fish as a weird but surprisingly good part of it. Overall it is the combination of the nouvelle-cuisine presentation on the dishes combined with the exotic, original and authentic taste of local ingredients (chili pepper flowers, anyone?) that made this a very special evening for the both of us. Do try the Balinese coffee at the end. With a total bill of around 2.700.000, including two glasses of excellent Sangiovese, we probably spent more than half the average salary of the people working there, but as this works out at 160 Euro it was money more than well spend."

Jings Residence: "Fabulous peaceful retreat in Pingyao"

A superb hotel - with attentive staff, very well appointed rooms and food second to none. The traditionally laid out courtyard, with room off it, provides a serene haven for recovery after a long journey (you must have travelled a long way to get to PIngyao!). The staff - led by Imam - are quietly attentive seeing to all of your needs. The room are well appointed and comfortable. If you can, eat in - the standard of food is the very highest. I wish there were more places like this!

Satri House: "Exquisite"

This is a warm and welcoming place that feels like a secret hideaway with attention to detail in all areas. The spotless grounds and beautiful gardens create a serene and relaxing atmosphere. The staff was always ready to make our stay the best possible experience by helping with any and all details from transportation to making sure we had bedside water and fruit in our room every night. This is the place to stay in Luang Prabang if you get the opportunity to visit.

Locavore: "Amazing Lunch in Ubud"

"Our experience at this restaurant was truly amazing. We were recommended by our good friend to come here and we left happy, full and satisfied. We sat in the kitchen rail and got to see the chefs create some of the dishes. The front of house staff was friendly and attentive. We ordered the 7 course lunch and kitchen staff explained in detail of every single course that came to us. There was also an prologue and epilogue to the 7 course, which added to the whole experience. I'm originally from Indonesia and accustomed to the traditional tastes and meal presentation. These guys took it to the next level and blew my mind. The intertwining of complex flavours are interesting. Some of the flavours brought me back to childhood, some exposed me to new tastes. This is all to say that my tastebuds were very happy and wanting more. We had a really nice time. 2 hours well spent!"

SEEDS Restaurant & Lounge: "Excellent Culinary Experience"

"I have been to Seeds a couple of times over the past few months. It is great to see and feel how the team is growing in experience and professionalism. The Service is very pleasant and attentive, with a good knowledge of the product they are serving. The dishes presented were very innovative and well presented. Fine-tuned culinary creations of high international standard, at times with a slight local twist in flavor! A great culinary experience at the shores of the Inya Lake."

Slow Villas and Spa: "Heaven on earth"

Absolute luxury, low key, discreet, perfect. Quiet oasis....wouldn't want this place to be anywhere but hidden away from the mainstream vibes. Those who say location is poor are fools...it's a perfectly hidden gem. Attention to detail here is amazing...even down to the chique dinnerware. Breakfast amazing...people and services fantastic. So peaceful. Come.

Nimmu House: "best place to acclimatise and enjoy the natural beauty of Ladakh"

"http://blog.happy-tripping.com/2015/09/06/property-review-nimmu-house-ladakh/ Nimmu house is a beautiful place, replete with apricot and apple trees is just perfect to acclimatise to the high altitude either by traversing the journey to Ladakh on road ( from Srinagar or Manali) or to stay put for couple of days at a quite place, while soaking in the stark beauty of the wonder that is Ladakh. THE SETTING The location is perfect. Conveniently located 30 minutes from Leh (30 min from the airport) , the village of Nimmu is also close to the ,confluence (Sangam) of the Indus and Zanskar rivers and the monasteries of Lamayuru, Likir and Alchi (30 minutes – 1 hour drive). Nimmu is a charming little village where time has stood still, most people are farmers and happy with their simple lives. IMG_0133 Nimmu House is a noble house belonging to the cousin of Ladakh’s King from the early 90s, beautifully restored by a Frenchman Alex . During the property tour , our manager told us about the history and the supposed curse on the house due to which the occupants never bore any children, until the curse was dispelled by buddhist monks. Quite interesting! On offer are 5 spacious tents and 2 rooms in the house , with an open terrace for meals .We stayed in the tent, which had a stunning view of the landscape , comfy bed and modern bathroom . For city dwellers like us the best part is that the property is spread over orchards with hundreds of Apple and apricot trees and the rivulet running through . Lying on the large hammocks ,smelling the sweet scent of apricot and hearing the faint constant gurgling sounds of the stream makes you put all the sightseeing plans on hold. But really who needs to step out when you can experience the nature , warm Ladakhi hospitality in absolute peace and comfort of Nimmu house . IMG_3901_1 THE SERVICE There is no formal reception desk , but the staff is always available to make your stay comfortable. This place is serviced by one chef, one french manager and two local women. We received a very warm welcome by the French manager followed by 2 days of comfort and lot of personal attention. There is so much warmth in people that you forget about demanding any hospitality. We wanted to sample momos at one of the local restaurants on our evening walk and we were not carrying any money. To our pleasant surprise, a plate of steaming momos were served to us during dinner in Nimmu House, courtesy the local restaurant. Even as we were leaving , staff come out to see us off . It was almost like staying with family . THE FOOD Chef Mahesh cooked simple , delicious meals which were served on the open terraces as the weather was lovely. Breakfast had eggs, fruits and bread, as per preference. We loved the fresh apricot jams and juices. Lunch and dinner were 3 course set meals with starter (soup /salad), main course and desert. Sample this :- – Green Salad, Lasagna, Lemon Pie – Tomato Soup, Hakka Noodles, Philadelphia Cheese Cake – Gobi Soup, Paneer Masala/ Mutton Masala, Mud Cake All meals are simple and wholesome, using fresh produce from adjoining farms and stables. The food is largely tailored to suit the western palate as most guests are westerners. But they will keep your food preferences in mind and ensure that you leave the dining table with your tummy satisfied ! Lunch at Nimmu House Lunch at Nimmu House THE FACILITIES and Activities ON OFFER Nimmu House offers the following activities to make most of your stay there . Indoor: A library and game room , Guided tour of the house , stables or cooking classes . Outdoor: village tour , short guided hike , rafting on the Zanskar, guided tour of the monasteries of Basgo, Likir and Alchi. For us it was all soaking up the apple-scented air, lying on a hammock during daytime and hiking upto local gompas in the evening. View from the Gompa View from the Nimmu village Gompa WHAT STOLE THE SHOW? Amazing setting of orchards and Ladakh’s landscape with spacious tents. Best place to acclimatise , relax and learn about Ladakhi culture. It is a far cry from dusty lanes of Leh City and will give you exactly what you came for. IMG_3899 Now that you are convinced, lets bring you up to speed with the practicalities. Know more about Nimmu house Getting there The property is in Nimmu Village and 30 min drive from Leh Airport/ Leh City. Hole in your wallet Expect to pay around Rs 10,000 per night for the tent. Internet / Television There is no TV in the room and Wi-Fi signal is available on the terrace and house. What else – this is a family guesthouse , do not expect 24/7 room service or an elaborate ala carte menu. – Be prepared to relax and enjoy the simple life"

Rachamankha: "Our Third Stay And It Keeps Getting Better"

"The key to this 24 room gem is tranquility and solitude. The owner has this down to a science. The staff are quiet but friendly if you want them to be. The service is impeccable. The Rachamankha is an oasis of calm. Not a good venue for a family with pre teens. We upgraded to a deluxe room this time from a superior room. Was a lovely experience."