Guest Reviews

Manukan Island Resort: "Charming villas with great staff"

"We stayed for one night in a beachside villa. Staff encountered were all very friendly and professional. Upon check in we were shown to our room, given a welcome tea and a friendly introduction to the room and facilities on the island. The room itself was so charming - spacious, well laid out, clean and very comfortable all round with beach towels and thongs provided and a cute little balcony overlooking the beach, it suited the environment perfectly and you really couldn't ask for anything more. We were warned that they switch generators several times a day and as such we may experience power disruptions but this was very minimal. The outside breakfast buffet was okay, we did notice insects crawling over some of the breads. Dinner, although the menu was somewhat limited, was really lovely with tables and fairy lights set up next to the beach complete with three musicians performing songs for every table - very romantic. Most of the many tourists on day trip leave the island by 4pm and after this you can really appreciate and enjoy the environment you are in as during the day it is not as pleasant, crowded and noisy. The walk to Sunset Point was a highlight though the pagoda there doesn't offer the best view - continue down the small path to the rocks, very serene. We had an earlyish flight to catch on the day of our departure and the staff were happy to ensure an early boat back to KK was made available to us. We were offered a friendly farewell and as we boarded our boat and were about to depart, a staff member ran out to return a power cable we had accidentally left behind in our room which was much appreciated. If you are planning on visiting Manukan Island we would recommend staying at this resort - very enjoyable and well managed and you are able to experience the island without the daily crowds."

Maison Polanka: "Wow….Spectacular"

We stayed at the Maison Polanka with 2 families recently. The owner Kathy and her staff were outstanding. This place is basically 1 acre property with a 4 bedroom homestead on it as well as a 1 bedroom homestead. We were fortunate enough to have the run of the place for 4 nights which meant we had our own staff whenever we need them. Lovely place to stay, really enjoyed the tranquility of the property.

Heritage Suites: "Amazing Boutique Hotel"

"I stayed at the Heritage Suite Hotel for a friends wedding and it was literally the most beautiful experience. The staff are beyond helpful and lovely. The rooms are amazing. The pool is so serene! The food is amazing and I had the best time there. Highly recommended!"

Supanniga Eating Room: "Food overdose"

The menu is very extensive from fish to vegetarian. Lovely ambience albeit the size of the restaurant. Gets pretty busy during peak hours. The prices are not expensive but the quality is almost fine dining.

Bassac Cruises: "Fascinating and beautiful cruise"

This is such a great way to explore the Mekong Delta. The boat gives a comfortable experience as you sail by fabulous scenery , observing families and enjoying delicious food. Our guide , An, was a delight. She shared with us how people live in the Delta villages including first hand experiences and such interesting information. Visit to rice factory and floating market great!

Satri House: "An Oasis of Calm"

"I must say that when we first arrived very tired after 24 hours of travelling my wife and l wondered where we were. It was dark and the hotel is just off the main road and we could not see the hotel.However on entering the hotel we were delighted with our choice.The staff were extremely helpful and the room was one of the nicest and comfortable rooms we have stayed in The whole hotel and rooms had wonderful objet d'art which added to the ambience. The restaurant was a separate building with outside verandas . We had 2 evening meals and breakfasts during our stay.The food was very well prepared and delicious although the restaurant lacked atmosphere ,most probably because we were out of season. The hotel is a 10 minute walk to the centre of town but there were plenty of tuk tuks There are two swimming pools which when we visited in April were very necessary due to the high temperature 40 plus. We didn't want to leave.A delightful hotel"

Glenburn Tea Estate: "A hidden gem not to be missed!"

A stay at the Glenburn tea estate is a truly unforgettable experience and we loved every minute of it. Whichever way you look from the delightful gardens or from either of the beautiful bungalows there is a wonderful vista, even when the mountains are shrouded in mist. Unfortunately for us, the weather was not at its best when we stayed in late March/early April, but we were lucky enough to be there for 5 nights and so we at least had 2 fabulous mornings when we were treated to the breathtaking views of the Kanchenjunga mountain range from the comfort of our room. Our room (Camelia) was fabulously spacious and beautifully decorated in English country house style with a lovely seating area, and French doors onto a small balcony with magnificent views. The bathroom was enormous with roll top bath and huge walk in shower. We did not see any of the other rooms but all other guests seemed just as impressed with theirs, and we gather the views are wonderful from each and every room. The food was delicious with an imaginative and varied menu and, despite initial reservations, we really rather enjoyed the communal dining in the evening. It was very interesting to meet such a variety of people from all over the world. I think perhaps my husband was a little bored on the last evening being the only man at a dining table full of rather verbose women! There was plenty to keep us amused during our 5 night stay with a visit to the tea factory, walks around the estate looking at the flowers, birds and butterflies, a lovely (though quite tiring) hike to the river camp with a tasty meal when we arrived, and a day trip into Darjeeling. We could have done a lot more but, after the hustle and bustle of Kolkata, and because the gardens were so idyllic, we relished in the opportunity to relax, reading, chatting, playing cards and drinking plenty of Glenburn First Flush tea! All of the staff were friendly, helpful and efficient, and hats off to the multi-talented Nilima and Luna for being such lovely and well-informed guides, but also for running the shop and helping with the organisation of the staff welfare programme, amongst a multitude of other skills. A very big thank you to Jemima, Holly and all the staff for a truly memorable and delightful stay........ We hope we will return one day.

Noel Rodrigo’s Leopard Safaris: "There is more to see than leopards"

"An efficient and comfortable campsite in Yala Park. The staff are knowledgeable and helpful and the food prepared is varied and in great quantity at breakfast, lunch and dinner. The location of the meal moves around the camp, so there is always a new view. There seems to be almost as much wildlife in and around the camp as there is in the park, with water monitors below the walkways, all kinds of birdlife in the bushes and trees and elephants visiting to the edge of the camp. We visited blocks 1 and 5 and yes, we did see a couple of leopards in block 5, but for me the glory was the stunning birdlife and incredible scenery of block 1. An excellent 2-3 night break. Room Tip: Go for the luxury tent (tusker) if you can."

Cheong Fatt Tze – Blue Mansion: "Pretty as the pictures"

We stayed here two nights rather than the three scheduled because of a change in itinerary. Room was gorgeous, pool and gardens the same. Probably the best breakfast we had throughout our stay in Malaysia (mostly in Borneo). Front desk staff helpful in answering our questions, set up a day long tour with local guide, to visit the specific sights we wanted to see. All around excellent. We just wish we could have stayed the extra night.

Cabochon Hotel & Residence: "A lovely hideaway from the loudness of Bangkok"

"A really special place in Bangkok. Unlike nearly every other hotel there, this is a low rise, colonial style hotel which is super relaxed. Located perfectly for exploring trendy Sukhimvit, you will have a wealth of great places to drink and eat within 15 min walk (again unlike many hotels which are often quite far away any cafe/bar/restaurants) Hotel itself has a real personality, feels like you've stepped into a time-warp back to 'French-indochine' times but is very nicely maintained. Rooms are spacious and comfortable with lovely hard wood flooring, huge windows. Restaurant is good for dinner, breakfast nothing special but fine. Staff very helpful, but never too pushy. In short, it's a very nice, very quiet place to hide away from the noise, smoke and general madness that is Bangkok."