Guest Reviews

Hotel Tugu Lombok: "Idilic Tugu"

What a wonderful Aloon Aloon room we chose with a partly outside bathroom - which did tend to get a little wet in parts due to a deluge of rain at times but we had plenty of towels to mop up with if needed - well it was the rainy season-Many rooms to choose from - The hotel is approx an hour and a half from the airport - but the last half an hour has very winding roads which have amazing views but I felt quite sick sitting in the back of their private taxi - the driver was very good and stopped for me when needed - on the return journey I sat in the front and was much better - we had a lovely welcome from Mr Lin - we sat in front of the wonderful pond with the fish to greet us - Mr Lin let me feed them a few times which was very nice of him - All the staff were very helpful indeed and special thanks to Ellie - sorry if spelt name wrong - enjoyed our chats etc - I couldn't believe the vast grounds of the hotel - you have to see it to believe it - and two amazing swimming pools -not the best beach Ive been to swim in - but you could get their dragon boat which was fun over to the Gillies for half or a day - so comfortable - I could go on and on about Tugu but all in all had a fabulous time so again thank you to everyone - just one thing - the hotel does not have hair dryers which I did find out about before I come after reading trip advisor so I took my own - but it wouldn't hurt to have one for the ladies.

Satri House: "Perfect. bliss"

"Nothing to add really to the other reviewers. This place is splendid with style and characters, quiet because a bit away from the main road. Will absolutely return. Would only say that breakfast service is a bit difficult - you have to order piecemeal (or anyway, that's what our waitress did). Stayed April 2017, traveled with family"

TIGER MOUNTAIN POKHARA LODGE: "Rural eco-lodge with stunning views"

We stayed here for a couple of nights in October 2015. It was the ideal relaxation before embarking on a trek in the Annapurna region. The lodge aims to be very eco-friendly and produces much of its own food in the grounds. Escorted walks are possible; we went on a short 2-hour one and gained an insight into Nepalese rural life. We stayed in our own bungalow, and took meals and drinks in the main building, which has a bar and restaurant. The food was excellent! Our lunches were Nepalese and dinner more European in style, and the breakfasts were huge! We enjoyed sun-downers and snacks in the evening in the bar, and during power cuts it was romantically candle-lit! We were woken early with coffee at our room to view the sunrise over the Fishtail mountain - a fabulous sight! Attentive and friendly staff made our visit perfect.

GOLDEN BUDDHA BEACH RESORT: "Pure bliss"

"My husband and I stayed at this lovely resort for 5 days at the end of our travels through Thailand and it was an absolute dream! All of the staff were very helpful, welcoming, and instantly made me feel at home. As we rode on the long tail boat to the resort I could start to feel my stress and worries melt away, which continued throughout our time there. The food was absolutely amazing and there was a huge variety. I don't think they offered the same thing twice in the week we were there. The breakfast buffet was heavenly and the best way to start each day. Although I have traveled somewhat extensively, I have never been so sad to leave a resort. I would go back in a heartbeat and would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to get away from it all. "

Tugu Lombok: "We were totally spoilt"

Our family of five (kids 19, 16, 9) spent 11 nights at Hotel Tugu in July and it was sensational. We picked Lombok because the weather is perfect at this time of the year, the water is like a bath and we wanted somewhere less commercial than Bali. We had two of the least expensive rooms and they were huge, one accommodated the three kids easily. We spent our days snorkelling (at high tide you can swim out directly in front of the resort to see lovely tropical fish and we saw a turtle once); paddling; reading; eating and drinking; and reconnecting as a family. A day trip around the Gili Islands is a must and the nearby Autore Pearl Farm does a great tour although you'll need LOTS of money to buy their pearls. Instead I bought cheapie freshwater pearls from Ali who sells them on the beach! As with all holidays its the people who set a place apart. The staff at Tugu couldn't have done more for us. Trips to chemists for cold medication, aranging tours, making delicious food that they will serve literally anywhere you like, bringing sun lounges to you when they see you laying on the sand, and a final night display of folded towel animals, the likes of which we've never seen. If you need a real break, Tugu comes highly recommended. If you do go, please consider Lombok's Forgotten Children's Foundation (just google for details). We took over a couple of bags of good quality children's clothes and I'm currently collecting pre-used laptops and phones to send over. It's an incredible grass roots charity making a huge difference and if you're lucky enough to stay at Tugu I'm sure you can also do something small to help when you visit Lombok.

GLENBURN TEA ESTATE: "Outstanding"

"We stayed 3 nights for a family birthday celebration. We were 5 adults. It was a wonderful respite after travelling the rough roads of Sikkim. I agree with the earlier reviews and experiences and won't repeat the wonderful activities available. We did the walk to the river which we really enjoyed. On arrival (after being met with cool refreshing flannels and homemade lemonade) I lay down on a wooden bench by river and within seconds a lovely man appeared with pillow and large cushion for bench. I enjoyed a snooze while lunch on the barbecue. Wonderful care and our needs were met before we realised we had a need. Lovely lovely people. We chose not to dine communally but enjoyed wonderful candlelit family dinners on the terrace of our bungalow, served by a lovely gentle caring man. The drive into Darjeeling is long, bumpy and slow. I would recommend you don't waste a day of your precious time in Glenburn. Rather spend two nights in Darjeeling before or after Glenburn. We would have liked at least another night in Glenburn. It really is worth the journey in. "

The Cabochon Hotel: "An oasis in the middle of chaotic Bangkok"

The Cabochon was heaven. The hotel is wonderfully decorated with antique items and gorgeous little nooks and crannies that make you want to photograph everything. The staff were incredibly kind and helpful, catering to anything we needed. The breakfast was scrumptious - great way to start your day touring around Bangkok. The restaurant served the best food we had during our entire stay in Thailand.

The Island lodge: "Gorgeous retreat along the Mekong River; exceptional staff"

Gorgeous retreat along the Mekong River. We stayed in one of the garden bungalows and had such a peaceful and lovely time after our frenetic few days in Ho Chi Minh City. The hotel grounds are beautiful with wonderful landscaping of the lush, natural greenery. Breakfast is included and is taken in the open air lounge looking onto the pool and the river. The pool itself is beautiful with plenty of loungers and a good mix of sun and shade, and you can watch the Mekong River drift by as you enjoy a drink from the bar a few steps away. The staff at The Island Lodge really made the whole experience extra special - everyone was so kind and welcoming to my husband and I during our stay. Chau (the manager) was absolutely the best - she was so helpful and attentive to all of our requests, coordinating with her staff to ensure we were well taken care of the entire time. She gave us recommendations of local restaurants and some sightseeing places in My Tho, too, when we wanted to venture out, and helped arrange our transportation. The hotel is very secluded and a bit out of the way from the town and other attractions but for this kind of property I believe that is sort of the point. We chose to stay here for a few days between Ho Chi Minh and a river cruise leaving from Can Tho. I would highly recommend staying here if you plan to go to the Mekong Delta area (it’s worth a stay on its own, even if you DIDN’T already plan on coming to the area)!

Maison Polanka: "GREAT AMBIENCE, TASTY FOOD!"

Visited Maison Polanka a day after my birthday and I had nothing but a super pleasant experience. Surrounded by beautiful greenery and a nice, calming atmosphere, it helped me relax for a bit and forget city life. Tried their Beef Samosas and their expertly brewed coffee... Will I ever come again? DEFINITELY.

Le Calao: "One of the better restaurants in town"

Visited twice, good food, excellent service, smiling and smart staff. Have tables on several floors and terraces, indoor and outdoor. Situated in an old newly renovated house, well done. Highly recommend.