Guest Reviews

Cuisine Wat Damnak: "Dining experience not to be missed"

"The setting, food and service were top notch. If you are someone that wants to enjoy a unique and delicious meal this must be on your list in Siem Reap. I saw on their website that reservations must be made weeks in advance. There were 4 in our party. There were two tasting menus to choose from and 2 of us had one menu, 2 the other. The chef and his staff take great care in presenting beautiful, unique and wonderful dishes. The price point is so reasonable that as U.S. Citizens we were blown away for what is brought to the table. The owner reached out to me once the reservation was confirmed to ask about any food allergies.I found that to be very considerate and a testament to wanting to be certain that the menu offered to customers is not compromised . The owner greeted us warmly after we arrived and the chef came out to speak to us as well as others having dinner. The ride from our hotel in a tuktuk was fun as well. As I said earlier, the setting is lovely. We all loved the entire experience at Cuisine Wat Damnak. We did sit inside by the way which was comfortable and a personal preference, rather than outside with fans. That may or not be an option depending on when you make your reservation. I would not bring children here."

Misool Eco Resort: "Healthy Reefs = Happy Heart"

"WOW. On so many levels. 1) Diving is outstanding. This is how coral reefs are supposed to be. Vibrant, diverse, and CLOUDS of fish! An enforced and patrolled Marine Protected Area is actually possible beyond just a paper designation. And being located in the heart of the Coral Triangle at the epicenter of coral reef biodiversity doesn't hurt either! Dive guides and boat drivers are excellent. 2) The lodge itself is the result of the founders' clear vision -- to preserve the area by allowing people to experience it. While this should be the goal of any ecotourism operator, Misool does it exceptionally well. The lodge was built with reclaimed timber, and a lot of blood, sweat, tears, and love. Wastewater is broken down by beautiful plants. A solar array adorns the dive center roof. Food waste is composted. No plastic water bottles. No shrimp served (one of the most wasteful and destructive fisheries in the world). Accommodations are stunningly beautiful, built on stilts over the turquoise lagoon. Outdoor shower is the BEST -- showering by moonlight and stars is a real treat. 3) The staff is beyond outstanding. Friendly, helpful, genuine, and quick to smile and laugh. 4) The food is heavenly -- Indonesian style, fresh, and plentiful. 5) Dive center is extremely well thought out. Clearly, a diver and underwater photographer designed it. Plenty of space to suit up, rinse and hang wet dive gear. Dedicated camera rinse tanks. And terrific camera work space to service cameras, charge batteries, and keep cameras dry and protected. 6) Interesting manta ray and shark research was going on during our stay. Guests can contribute to the manta research by photographing manta identification shots during their dives. The manta research has been instrumental in getting the government of Indonesia to ban manta fishing. Again, Misool puts the ""eco"" in eco resort! 6) If there's a downside, it was that we had to leave! This is a place worth returning to over and over again."

The Tiger’s Eye: "Excellent unique food made with passion and great care + Fantastic service"

"After being recommended to attend the restaurant, I was impressed at the outset with the customer service from my phone communications with Timothy (chef) and Nick (manager). As a vegetarian with the exception of chicken, I wasn't impressed with the dinner menu, but after being lured there for dinner I was amazed with the food I ate. It was the first posh restaurant I have experienced in my life where the small quantities of food actually filled me up, making the price great value for money. I also loved how non-exciting menu descriptions resulted in explosions of flavour in my mouth making it a very unique eating experience. I had a starter, main and dessert. The carefulness in thought of what to have in each dish was very evident from the moment each dish I received came with a detailed explanation of what was in it. Myself and my guests were equally surprised with how great everything tasted, particularly when we were reluctant to try non traditional desserts. Each dish we ordered came in a different designed plate, contributing to the clear message that all aspects of the dining experience have been carefully thought. Similarly, the drinks also exceeded expectations. I loved the smoothies and my guests, who requested cocktails to be conjured up based on their preferred tastes, loved what they received. Each drink we ordered came in a different vessel, adding to the excitement of experiencing the unknown. I'm told the dinner menu will change each week, making this a place to visit regularly if it is within one's budget. I also went for brunch a few days later and enjoyed their pancakes. If you love North American pancakes, then it is a dish worth checking out. If I had to give any criticism, it would be to provide a greater selection of vegetarian and chicken dishes for the dinner menu. But, overall, I'm really really glad I went here despite my initial reluctance, and I know my guests had an amazing time too."

Jing’s Residence: "Stay and be immersed in 1000 years historic China"

WHen I visited Pingyao, I felt like stepping into an Ip Man/Kung Fu Master movie. This hotel amplified that experience as, like most of Pingyao, it is a beautifully restored 1000-year old historic oriental masterpiece. It really felt like one was staying at Ip Man's place itself!...well in addition of the excellent breakfast, modern amenities like WiFi and television, cozy and luxurious lounge. Since this hotel is located at an unassuming street in Pingyao, it is also very quiet. If you can afford it, stay here when visiting Pingyao.

Tugu Lombok: "Tugu to be true…..not in this case"

"Well esteemed reader I have to say this is an exceptional and unique hotel. This isn't a 5 star in the traditional sense of the more developed regions of the world. The rooms are pretty basic (but massive), the drains can smell and the wifi is unreliable (which his a blessing on holiday!!!). The building is eclectic - bits are approaching 150 years old - and this hotchpotch approach is the real charm of the hotel. It doesn't try to make a statement - it doesn't have to - it just works and create a lovely relaxing environment. The location is amazing. Set on the pretty unspoilt Sire beach with views to the Gili Islands and the volcanos of Lombok beyond it really is an idyllic setting. The staff are lovely and cant do enough to please. The food is good - the Indonesian dishes being especially excellent. For dinner food can be served on tables set up on the beach - this is a must, but needs booking daily. Breakfasts not the high point - but adequate. The gym facilities are essentially non existent - a few broken weights machines, a tiny number of free weights, a few cardio machines - including a non-functioning treadmill - soon to be replaced apparently! The lap pool is great - big thumbs up from the piscatorial Mrs Foodi8 for this. The lack of gym forces you to enjoy a run on the beach - which is magical. A 5 mile run is easy to do along the largely deserted beach. You need to wear trainers though as there are lots of sharp bits of old coral and shells lurking in the sand. I have the feeling in 10 years time Lombok will be much more like Bali - more tourist oriented and developed. So go soon if you are going."

Tugu Bali: "Ultimate feeling of peace, love and happiness!"

"A heartwarming welcome, a super nice room and an excellent breakfast. Hotel Tugu Bali has it all. Enjoy the wonderful spa, the beautiful sunset and the variety of activities. Find peace in this hidden treasure. I greatly enjoyed this pleasant stay. Super compliment to the friendly staff! "

Sea Dance Resort: "Amazing 1 night stay."

"We booked to stay at Sea Dance resort for 1 night in December. We stayed in a Sea Shell pool villa and ee could not have asked for a better stay. From the warm welcome and delicious dinner to the large clean room and pool, everything was perfect. Upon booking we mentioned that we were on our honeymoon and the hotel very kindly decorated our room with flowers and there was also a bottle of bubbles on ice waiting for us. These small details really made this an extra special treat for us. Thank you to Pay and his team."

Flower Island: "Amazing place"

My boyfriend and I stayed here with two friends for 4 days and it was undoubtedly the most wonderful part of our trip to the Philippines! The staff are so friendly and helpful and the island itself is like paradise. We did some fantastic activities too - a tour of a pearl farm (which was fascinating), snorkelling trips, paddleboarding.. And we saw turtles just off the house beach. The huts are beautiful too and all look out to sea. Truely wonderful - we'd recommend this to anyone either as part of an active holiday or looking to chill out for a few days.

Satri House: "A true retreat in the midst of a bustling small city"

"This is a delightful place to have as ""home"" during time in Luang Prabang. In 10 minutes of walking you will be in the night market and the main shopping street during the day. Or take the tuk tuk and be there in 5 minutes. Breakfasts are good with al fresco seating. The shower is the only funky part of the stay. It is nearly impossible to stand under the shower head as there is a permanent seat in the front of the shower. Stayed January 2017, traveled as a couple"

Villa Mathis: "Awesome Wedding Venue"

We went for a wedding and family and friends had booked the entire Villa for the time we were there. The staff were very friendly and helpful and the rooms, lounging areas and pool areas were fantastic. My only concern was to do with the tile areas around the pool as they got extremely slippery when wet and as there are no fences around the pool areas probably not really suitable for younger children who cant swim, having said that my grandchildren who are nearly 10 and 5 had a wonderful time. I would have no hesitation recommending this beautiful Villa.