Misool Eco Resort: "Umweltfreundliche, entlegene Taucherlodge in paradiesischer Umgebung"
"Andrew und Marit, heutige Besitzer der Misool Lodge, haben aus einer Vision eine Realität gemacht. Wo einst ein Camp von illegalen Haifischern stand wurde eine traumhafte Ökolodge geschaffen: nicht luxuriös im herkömmlichen Sinne, aber von höchstem Niveau: Hütten, Restaurant, Tauchbasis sind perfekt. Beim Bau wurden Treibholz und umgefallene Tropenbäume verwendet, das Riff wurde (im Gegensatz zu den meisten Malediven-Inseln) nicht angerührt. Inzwischen hat die ""no-take"" Zone eine Fläche von 220 km2, und eigene Patrouillen sorgen dafür, dass illegale Fischer gestellt (und manchmal auch verhaftet) werden. Die erstaunliche Erholung der Fischbestände (um bis zu 600%!) wird wissenschaftlich dokumentiert. Es wird viel für die umliegenden Dörfer gemacht, und über 100 Personen haben Arbeitsplätze bekommen. Die Hütte war geräumig, die Klimaanlage überflüssig da es nie wirklich heiß war. Es gab einige interessante Vorträge. Das Essen war leicht und schmackhaft, die Betreuung freundlich. Die Tauchbasis hatte für jede Hütte eine eigene ""work station"" mit mehreren Steckdosen, auf 4-6 Taucher kamen jeweils 2 Tauchguides. Die Tauchplätze waren meist nur 5-10 Minuten entfernt. Die Unterwasserwelt prachtvoll mit tausenden Fischarten und Korallen, meist etwas trüb durch Plankton. Ein Höhepunkt war Magic Mountain, eine Putzstation für zwei Mantaarten, die uns umkreisten. Das Preisniveau war sehr hoch, und wir mussten für Leihausrüstung, Tauchen, aber auch Internet, Wäsche und Getränke zusätzlich bezahlen. Aber es hat sich gelohnt! Ein Wermutstropfen war das durchwegs graue und teils regnerische Wetter im Januar. Stayed January 2017, traveled as a couple"Satri House: "Un havre de paix"
"Arrived for 4 days in Luang Prabang we stayed 3 nights at Satri House. This hotel in the colonial charm only deserves compliments. A very original architecture with large rooms decorated former local objects. You feel more in a big mansion than in a traditional hotel. Our room was spacious, very clean, wooden floors and a large balcony. Very quiet, a nice staff and very caring. The breakfast (Western or Lao) was plentiful and very fresh. 2 swimming pools (a bit small) but with a large green space surrounded by large tropical trees to relax. You can borrow bikes for walking and / or go into town. Would recommend without reservation! "Misool Eco Resort: "An incredible marine experience"
Andrew and Marit have accomplished the almost-impossible by building this remote, luxurious resort on an island in Raja Ampat, mostly from driftwood, and without a fresh-water source. It is a dive resort, but we are snorkelers, and were extremely well taken care of by Andrew, Marit, Mark, Sue, Calvin, two wonderful men both named Ali in the restaurant, and also young "Soo press", and the lovely masseuses Banne and Reeshna at the spa. We were assigned a private boat driven by the excellent Sam Saul and a private guide, "Son" (for Nelson), who took us on very many enlightening snorkelling excursions near the island. We even swam with 3 manta rays at "Magic Mountain"! We were in paradise! The conservation philosophy of this resort is commendable and inspiring, and we were left with a feeling of hopefulness for the future of this marine habitat. Well done, Andrew and Marit, and staff!Samanea Beach Resort: "Stunning location – pontoon into the sea a great plus"
"We were only there for one night, but it's a spectacular location - 12 nicely designed bungalows in a green park where you can't see or hear your neighbors. There were two Khmer families shooting their wedding albums - which gives you some idea of how nice it was - and with a 25 mètre pool you don't need to do into the sea - but there is a 59 mètre or so pier which takes you over the initial mud and far enough out that the sea is easy to swim in Food was excellent - although slightly bizarrely they had no fish or crabs. Extremely Eco friendly, and very nice staff Stayed February 2017, traveled as a couple"4 Rivers Floating Lodge: "Wonderful stay"
I wish I could have stayed longer - 4 Rivers is truly one of the most refreshing havens that I've had the fortune to stay at. We had an amazing time in the excursions, meeting communities who are clearly engaged and involved by 4Rivers in their business model. Enjoyed the firefly ride and mostly just staying here and being offline, enjoying every day just reading, swimming, and exchanging banter over good food.4 Rivers Floating Lodge: "Amazing"
"I can't say enough about this hotel! We booked at 4 Rivers on the recommendation of some friends who had visited the area and had seen the hotel from a far. It really is a one of a kind experience. Here are the highlights: - The food was gourmet (and we are food snobs...), including the lunches packed for day excursions. There is also good wine list. - The staff were all incredibly courteous and went out of their way to ensure everyone was having a good time. Adonis, the manager, really seems to have pulled together a great team. - Our lead guide Rambo (his nickname!) gave good advice on the tours and made the days very fun. Definitely take the trip to the waterfall, and try the sunset cruise too. - The pre-dinner firefly viewing was very cool - The tents themselves are really special. They are very spacious, and the fans in the room kept the temperature just right for sleeping. Having a ladder right of the deck made swimming super easy and we were in and out of the water all the time. - Watching the sky change colours every night was an activity unto itself. - The lodge arranged our transportation to/from, and it was very professional and reasonably priced. Overall I would say it was excellent value for the money. We were there for 3 nights and i would say that was the perfect amount of time. Definitely stay there if you have a chance!"Supanniga Eating Room: "Excellent Thai food"
"The Thai food here tastes like the home cook food. There is nothing fancy but very satisfying. The portion served is quite small so we did ordered many dishes for share. We love the pineapple and mussel curry as well as the grilled beef. There is also vegetarian menu for one of our friends so that is another plus. The place is quite busy at dinner time so it is better to book ahead."SUMMERTIME VILLA: "A Paradise"
Summertime Villa represents the beautiful journey of Sucheta and Hans together and their various travel tales...There will never be a dull moment during you stay! Every corner of this gorgeous place represents the taste and expertise of its beautiful owners..The staff is so helpful and polite with smiles on their faces..The meals that they serve is to die for with so much of love in it, be it local or international cuisine!! Whether watching birds, reading books or having simple conversations over a glass of wine, this place will embrace you unconditionally! Please do visit this place to add some everlasting and memorable moments in your lives......Tugu Malang: "Amazing and they know what GF means!"
Loved this place! Simply beautiful and charming! Every detail, every flower and candle was just perfect. The hotel is very clean and everybody is kind and helpful! We had dinner at the restaurant and I have to admit that I was a bit nervous telling them about my celiac disease and how they had to be careful! The menager himself discuss with me about what I could eat and how everything had to be done! I had an amazing dinner and a delicious breakfast!!! Rubby as well manage to treat us so well making us feel at home!!! Definetly a place to stay!!!Inle Princess Resort: "Heavenly Spot"
This is a spectacular property. From the moment you approach this resort by boat, you feel tranquil and welcomed! To protect the peaceful nature of the resort, it is required that the long boats shut off their motors. You are paddled to the reception dock by a local paddling with his legs. The property is well laid out, with cabins spread out along the property. Some of them are lake view, others are pond view. The cabins are comfortable, with teak woodwork everywhere. The beds are comfortable. The bathrooms are spacious and clean, with an outdoor (enclosed) shower to boot. The service is attentive. Overall, this is a relaxing, enjoyable property that strives to fit in with the local culture. The only downside was spooty internet access, but this is a minor detail which is easily overlooked. Highly recommended.
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