Mathis Retreat: "Little gem in Ubud"
We spent 4 nights in Mathis Retreat in April 2017. It was perfect. Excellent service, great restaurant with endless view over the rice fields, owner who is taking care of each guest and make him feel special. Organization of any tour or transport you need. Shuttle to the town every hour. Stylish rooms, great pool..... Highly recommendedThe Apsara Rive Droite: "Lovely quiet place in Luang Prabang"
We chose to stay at the Apsara Rive Droite because it is close to the old town of Luang Prabang (without being in it) and on the banks of the river. The hotel is small but has everything you need: charming + helpful staff, swimming pool, delicious breakfast, a boat to take you across the river to the old town, bicycles and lots of recommendations of things to do. We had a great stay and would recommend anyone going to Luang Prabang for a few days to stay here.Rachamankha: "A haven within the walled city of Chiang Mai"
"This hotel was simply amazing! So peaceful! The grounds are stunning, the service impeccable. The location is perfect as it is within the walls of the old city of Chiang Mai, so easy to walk everywhere, but yet you don't hear any of the noise. We walked easily to the night market on Sunday as well as Wat Chedi Luang. The food was amazing and breakfast included. Just the breakfast set up was peaceful. You are served on the patio with blue/white china and tea/coffee cups. Everything is served on china or silver. The pool looked amazing, but we unfortunately didn't have time to use it. The room was quaint and relaxing. The shower was great! I loved the large heavy doors. The wifi didn't reach to our room well, but that didn't matter to me much. One of the best hotels I've ever stayed in!"Muang La Lodge: "A gem away from the crowds"
"If possible go for a river view room, where you can idle any free time watching the world go by. The managers look after your every need and the place is spotless although the bathroom wasn't quite up to the high standard as the rest of the room; everything worked but just didn't look great, the whole area was done out in sort of polished green concrete. The food at dinner is Lao French fusion - beautifully presented but we did find it a little bit bland and beige, although as it's a set menu, I appreciate that they have to cater to provide meals that everyone can eat. Breakfast was from a menu, not a buffet and simply excellent. Drinks a tad pricey. We had a 5 hour trek which was thoroughly enjoyable and a 2 hour one which wasn't so good. Make the effort to get up early to see the monks going out to collect alms, about 7am, it's nothing like the circus in Luang Prabang, just very quiet and dignified. Overall, a very good experience. Stayed February 2017, traveled as a couple"The Hue House: "Beautiful restaurant and wonderful food"
Highly recommend! This is one of the best restaurant in town that serves the best local food. The scenery is so beautiful with a nice garden and traditional decoration. The food was excellent. So fresh and delicious with authentic flavor. I would definitely come back.Maison Polanka: "Totally great"
We were bowled over by our stay at Hotel Polanka. The staff are unfailingly helpful - and go out of their way to provide the little touches that makes the hotel feel sooo luxurious. Would 100% recommend it - it's a 10 minute bike ride to town (bikes provided) or tuk tuk about the same. 20-25 minutes to the temples. 20-25 mins to the airport. All incredibly easy and beautifully done. Thank you!Tugu Lombok: "A place to unwind, forget the hustle and bustle……relax!"
"We wanted a place in the warm tropics with green gardens, a beach to comb, comfortable accommodation away from the madding crowd. Tugu ticked all our boxes and then some....the heart of Tugu most definitely is the wonderful compliment of staff. We were really made to feel most welcome, nothing was too much trouble for anyone....a very big thank you to you all. "The Apsara Rive Droite: "Classic Modern"
"Well, may not look busy but great menu with fusion of traditional and western influences. Don't be put off by what may appear to be lack of patronage. Staff are well trained and friendly. Try, Fish Cakes, Pumpkin Curry, Buffalo Cheeks (Yummy) etc., Manager, Chris can discuss any special requirements. This is also a highly regarded boutique hotel on the Historic Peninsula over looking the Nam Kahn river. Stayed January 2017"Sanak Retreat Bali: "simple luxuries"
It may be unpretensious, ethical, and eco-friendly - but don't presume for a moment that Sanak Retreat isn't as beautifully designed and sumptuous as a high end hotel. Forged by the friendship between a local Balinese and a French businessman, the beauty of Sanak Retreat is the loving thought that has gone into every detail. It's the simple things after all that mean so much - the sweet sounds of the rice fields as dusk falls, the sensuous vivid green that surrounds you when the sun rises, the joyful bubbling of the river that runs through the property, the cool mountain air (and no mossies). The beautifully crafted timber villas are decorated with Indonesian textiles and wooden furnishings assembled by an astute collector, giving each room a sense of personal intimacy, and wifi and digital facilities are cutting edge. Local coffee and teas are generously provided. Every standing point has a view over the undulating highly oxygenated valley clear of both modern buildings and any hint of traffic noise. The retreat is deeply immersed in the local community, running a successful plastic recycling project with village children. And the restaurant offers a world class menu, including an extraordinary lemongrass creme brulee and a fine wine list. They will even bake you gluten free bread and pizza with a little warning, but local seafood is also fresh and delicious. There is a gentle, connected sense of calm and beauty here that you will be hard pressed to experience anywhere else in Bali. The spa facilities and private dining gazebo were created by die-hard romantics. And yet nothing is tizzy or florid. Good taste after all, is worth its weight in gold - or rice. And with several pools and lots of local treks, this is also a great place to holiday with children.Noel Rodrigo’s Leopard Safaris: "The highlight of my trip"
"Noel and Cecile were fantastic hosts and the whole experience at the campsite was wonderful. The staff are really friendly and everyone works so hard to make the experience memorable. The tents are thoughtfully equipped with everything that you need including a torch, mobile phone, fans, electrical sockets and ear plugs for when the jungle gets noisy at night! The food is delicious (best I had in Sri Lanka) and I loved the fact that everyone ate together around a big table so you got to know your fellow campers. The safaris were brilliant and Noel accompanied us on the morning drive and shared his extensive knowledge about the animals and their habitat. It was very exciting getting up at 4:45am and driving off through the semi-dark to the jungle! All in all it was a brilliant experience and I can't speak highly enough of this place. I would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone else who is thinking of visiting Sri Lanka."
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