Inle Heritage Stilt Houses: "Another world"

Review by: Stuart J | Source: Trip Advisor
Incredible concept to support the local economy. Wonderful and gracious service in one of the best settings on the lake. Food was plentiful and tasty. One hour boat ride from the jetty but fairly central to attractions on the lake.

4 Rivers Floating Lodge: "Peaceful trip away from the city"

Review by: Meita A | Source: tripadvisor.com
"The resort arranged a car to pick us up at the airport, which took us on a long drive out of the city and into the woods. Afterwards, we still need to take another ride on a boat, that was waiting for us on the docks. Once we arrive at the resort and greeted with an extremely friendly service, we immediately felt charged up. We were told that there are a variety of activities that we could do, and the best thing is that there is no internet, cell phone reception and absolutely no wifi. It is the ultimate getaway tactic. They have a small reading room filled with books, dvds and board games that you can borrow though. Each tent has a tv and dvd player and strictly no AC. The food is fantastic, I typically like breakfast, where you can pick one of each selection on the menu (I did gain weight after this trip). Each and every one of the staff is amazing and helpful. We stayed there for a few days, so we are able to do plenty of activities. We went to a small fisherman village at Koh Srolao, saw Tatai waterfall and kayaking around the mangroves. Try kayaking near the resort, just on the back there is a hidden area that is so peaceful and quiet. Didn't go off the boat because a few staff warned us of leeches. Also tried fishing, but that didn't go so well, the current is too strong. It was a perfectly amazing trip. Away from emails, social medias, texts and other things that ""concerns"" us. Try staying a few days here, be in touch with nature and yourself, surrounded with nature, wonderful people and delicious food."

Villa Song: "Villa Song Excels"

Review by: Murray Y | Source: Trip Advisor
It is not at all surprising that former patrons of Villa Song are so enthusiastic about this boutique hotel. It is located in a quiet part of Saigon and has river frontage. The hotel is very well appointed, with friendly staff and very good food. A private (free) water taxi can quickly take you to the heart of Saigon thus avoiding the crazy city traffic. The rooms are large and our bed was very comfortable. My only concern was the steep spiral stair case to the top (3rd) floor bedrooms. This can be a bit of a challenge with those with knee/hip issues, as there is no lift. Do not miss the large swimming pool that is located at the rear of the hotel. If you are wanting a boutique quality hotel in Saigon, then this is it.

Cheong Fatt Tze – Blue Mansion: "Blue Mansion – Penang History"

Review by: A TripAdvisor Membe | Source: Trip Advisor
"The 'Blue Mansion' as it is called as it's Blue is a piece of Penang history that you should visit whilst in Penang. A guided tour of the mansion tells the story of Cheong Fat Tze who originally built the mansion and the great detail and care in the architectural process. Tours are in English 3x day and go for about 1hr, but you should arrive at least 10-15min before the tour times as the gate closes until next tour. Toilets are located within the mansion grounds near the exit. Stayed January 2017, traveled solo"

misool: "Mind Blowing"

Review by: Andrew H | Source: tripadvison.com
"This would have to be the best overall holiday experience of my life incredible diving and snorkelling a resort that doesn't just talk ECO but walks it in a big way lovely accommodation in a beautiful setting, you don't want to leave. Fabulous staff who really look after you ( get a massage) the food is excellent and they will do something special if you don't fancy anything on the menu. Room Tip: the rooms on the side of the island where the restaurant is save walking. "

Satri House: "Perfect in every way"

Review by: mcmc1953 | Source: Trip Advisor
"Spent 4 days here exploring the lovely city of Luang Prabang. After a hectic 2 weeks in Vietnam this was a welcome oasis. From the moment you enter the property you feel a world away from the noise outside. Close by there is a temple so you can hear the soft chanting off and on throughout the day. The staff are attentive and helpful, the pool is lovely and the breakfast was excellent and the rooms gorgeous and comfortable. A 10 minute walk to the night market and chaos of downtown. We were lucky to be there for the beautiful full moon and end of lent celebration. What a sensory treat. We highly recommend!!"

Anopura: "Amazing creation in middle of nowhere"

Review by: VishvVijaeS | Source: Trip Advisor
"After reading trip advisor review, i booked this smallest luxury Oasis in middle of nowhere. There were no signages, google map was unable to assist you with direction, there was no signage outside the hotel and even the last patch of road was not in existence...... despite all this i just loved this property. I loved it for its tranquility, isolation and the creation of its maker. Anopura is very tastefully made and very professionally managed with limited people hanging on your head. The food was amazing and the dog 'Latika' was the best companion you could expect at a property like it, very well trained and joyful. Having just two rooms adds the charm to the place as it give you lot of privacy. This is simply great for couples looking for intimate and quality time with each other. Property has a beautiful square swimming pool made of black stone. There common place, kind of ‘baithak’, is very well planned and has comfortable seating, one can see 4/5 kind of mosquito repellants placed here as its an open area. I can keep telling all goodies about this place as my list in endless. Finally I will conclude that I fall in love with this place, will surely come again."

Rachamankha: "AN UPSCALE CLASSIC"

Review by: FrequentFlyer013 | Source: Trip Advisor
After checking out of a modern new boutique hotel across the river, we checked into this upscale refined location. It is truly beautiful, full of antiques and designed like a wealthy Chinese family's vacation home. With a large pool, a lovely library, and a superb restaurant, my husband and I truly enjoyed our stay.

Sea Dance Resort: "Glad to be back"

Review by: Caroline T | Source: Trip Advisor
It's always a pleasure to be back.Friendly & helpfull team,great & peacefull surrunding.U can even go out and check on the Fisherman village or stay and listen some life jazz music in the resort. It's my paradise 'bubble'.Only 1regret,I never stay long enough...

NOEL RODRIGO’S LEOPARD SAFARIS: "Grrrreat"

Review by: MikeLeicester | Source: tripadvisor.com
"Went with our friends who had been three years ago and they couldn't get over how much the camp had improved. We were there for two nights and everything worked like clockwork. There is a learning curve relating to keeping the tent free of mozzies but that seemed to largely work. There is an outside flush toilet for each tent together with a separate shower room. You will need to let the staff know if you want a warm or cold shower and they will fill the container appropriately! Worked OK. The vehicles take 6 people together with driver and ranger and there is a cold box with beers, soft drinks and water. When we arrived, we had lunch and then headed off to the relevant section of Yala NP. On our return, shower, change, drinks and dinner. Early morning call at 4:15am and there's time for tea or coffee plus biscuit or fruit before heading off for the morning safari and then have breakfast/lunch on the return. We really enjoyed the safari experience. Very efficient with each element having been carefully considered and the process operated seamlessly. Other than not seeing a leopard (my wife did although she had the benefit of binoculars and Saj had informed her where to aim them!) we all had a great experience. Saj took us to the reservoir in Zone 5 and we had some fun at the fish feeding frenzy with simple biscuits! Our other guide was Praneeth and he, like Saj, was very knowledgable and interesting. Saj is multi talented — not only relating to wildlife and nature but photography and astronomy! The night we were there was when Jupiter was close to earth and Saj set up his BIG telephoto lens on his camera and took a picture which showed the four moons! Something I hadn't expected! "
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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.
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