Guest Reviews

Golden Buddha Beach Resort: "Lovely"

"This is our second visit to Golden Buddha, the first was 4 years. I would say that many things have improved since then, First and foremost,the new manager, Massi, is truly wonderful - what a change! The restaurant have been rebuilt and now looks more smart, a new shop has been added and a pizza bar near the beach has been built. The staff is extremely friendly and smiley - many thanks to Nin, who works at the restaurant - she is a gem. The massages, we had one every day for 11 days are great too. We loved the food, but I think guests would welcome a slightly wider selection of dishes. The villas are truly well kept and very comfortable - I would recommend staying in a beachfront one and away from the restaurant. You also may want to check how close your particular cottage is to the neighbouring one. the island, with its long, deserted beaches is unique. the fact that there are truly just 3 resorts, of which Golden Buddha is the smartest, remains a big plus to us. There are a couple of things we were not too keen on. I should say that we decided to return to Golden Buddha to relax, enjoy the peace and quietness and pick up yoga again. Since our last visit the resort seems to have become popular with families with young children. Whilst some kids were well behaved, others where not and it made dinner and breakfast at the clubhouse less enjoyable that it might have been. The biggest disappointment were the yoga classes. Alex, the so called teaches ranted at each lesson about, what he called, new age yoga. Basically everything but the pure original yoga. He therefore stated that he was tracking Indian gymnastic instead. What was most annoying was his lack of interest and the fact that he did not want to correct people, hence, in my view, did not teach at all. Lastly, prices for food and massages were a tini bit high I thought and I would recommend that the resort buys lounge chairs for all its guests. In any case, I would still highly recommend Golden Buddha,. Stayed February 2017, traveled as a couple"

Samanea Beach Resort: "Charmingly cosy resort in a great location"

"Thank you to Jonathan and the staff at Samanea for such warm and welcoming service. Samanea is a small well kept resort with a good sized pool and excellent restaurant on the coast in Kep. The resort had a nice calmness about it, so it is a great place if you want to relax. The rooms are comfortable and a good size. It is not top end luxury but superb value and clean and well maintained. I recommend the restaurant and lazing on the loungers by the sea, letting time drift by. We did the TYKA Boat Cruise and it was a really great day out; I really recommend it. A short walk into Kep or a 3$ tuk-tuk. I would go to the Pepper Plantation and Kampot which are both a tuk-tuk's ride away. We will be back next year as we had a lovely time."

Misool Eco Resort: "DC"

World class diving...the staff was friendly, accommodating, and excited to share any knowledge about marine life or surrounding area. The food was fresh and plentiful while offering a nice variety. Beautiful resort with paddle boards, kayaks, snorkeling, scuba diving, and spa services. Having air condition over the beds at night was comforting and being able to step off your deck to walk, swim or snorkel was lovely. Bring whatever you need with you as this is a remote island. Small refrigerators are in villas. Loved this resort!

Neeleshwar Hermitage: "Silently Beautiful"

"Where to start?? I was very happy and fulfilled with my stay at Neeleshwar Hermitage. A 2.5 hour drive from Mangalore airport. They organize pick up for you offering a cold ice towel which is much needed after few hours of flight. Also, there is fresh fruit in the car to help you get through the drive. Staff: The staff is what impressed me the most about Neeleshwar Hermitage. The service staff are insanely courteous and sincerely caring about providing the utmost in hospitality. Chef Anish and Chef Deepak prepare wonderful dishes that are full flavored with local spices bringing the taste of India directly to your senses. The fact that I want to name every single department and staff member who left an impression on me should illustrate how amazing I thought the service at Neeleshwar was. Why I recommend you go: -The place has a weird way of making you forget yourself and focus on everything around you making you wonder all sorts of things. -It's beautiful. Beach tables where you're eating deliciously seasoned fresh fish listening to the sounds of the Arabian Sea taking small glances up at the sky to view the stars. -Mediation and yoga are classical bringing you back to a simpler frame of mind. It's like Mr. Anil takes the beauty of the resort and channels it within you. -Ayurveda aims to balance your mind, body, and soul. They don't only sell it, Neeleshwar Hermitage embodies it. There is direct communication between the restaurant, the spa, the mediation and yoga instructor, and the management of the hotel. This is to ensure that all aspects of you are getting the best for your mind, body, and soul. This communication made you feel that the whole place had your best interests at heart. -Ranipuram Trek. Went to the highest point 1050m above sea level and it was stunning. A moderately difficult climb but well worth it. Not for the lazy. -Some of the freshest fruit you'll ever have. I drank a fresh glass of orange juice and couldn't believe how sweet it was. -They literally climb the trees to get you coconut water. Can't get better or fresher than that !! -STAFF once again was amazing! Overall, the place is great. It all depends though on what you're looking for. There are things to do but ultimately it's just a place to getaway from the world and focus on yourself. And they do everything they can so you don't have to worry about anything but you."

Flower Island: "Gorgeous, stylish resort with a strong personal touch"

"Stayed three nights here last week, and had an unforgettable time. I think what sets this apart from some of the top end resorts is the personal touch and the tasteful, considered aesthetic. The cottages and restaurant are set back behind the palm trees so as not to create an imposing man made frontage. The use of natural objects like sea shells, bamboo and palms feels, along with the 'ethnic' decor somehow feels more inspired than the cliched attempts you usually see in these sorts of places. (....)the island does genuinely create a special sort of intimacy and calm. I really can not speak highly enough of this place."

4 Rivers Floating Lodge: "<3"

A few days before the trip, I happened to feel insecure about the trip. Because it was my first time to go such an adventurous place without my family members. As the day came, i still joined with my friends. My first impression about the hotel was the "Security" that they gave to me. I was actually over thinking about how dangerous it was to visit a place located in the middle of the river surrounded by the forest. But I felt relieved as they did everything they could to have my trust. My second impression was the interaction between the people and the environment. It was so refreshing and beautiful. That's how the nature is supposed to be like. My third impression would be the hotel, 4 Rivers Floating Lodge itself. It was incredibly amazing how the products that were placed in the hotel were actually could be decomposed and not going to effect the environment. The facilities that we needed in our daily life were placed in the hotel too even though it's on the river. I felt so safe and secure because they provided materials that could save us in some cases. The people were so nice and polite. The foods was great in every meals and the transportation was good too. I've learned something new there. I hope to visit that place again <3

Tugu Lombok: "Amazing location, great staff and stunning beaches"

"After an amazing week in Bali my wife and I flew to Lombok and made our way to Hotel Tugu with high expectations, and boy did it deliver! The amazing location, friendly staff and stunning beaches were the epitome of paradise. It has to be one of the most calming places I have ever visited. As it was our honeymoon we splashed out on a Bhagavat Villa which was the icing on the cake. An enormous villa with an outdoor bathroom, private pool and direct access to the beach. It also had the biggest bed I've ever seen! It truly is a stunning hotel with excellent staff and gets a 10/10 from me and the Mrs. Tip #1 - It's a long drive form the airport to Hotel Tugu. Rather than taking our chances on a local taxi company we contacted the hotel prior to our arrival and arranged a taxi directly with them. It was a really nice car, the driver spoke English and it helped us to relax from the moment we stepped off the pane. Tip #2 - The next hotel we stayed at was on Gili Trawangan. The hotel arranged a boat transfer directly from the beach (right outside our room) to Gili T. What a way to say goodbye!"

Rachamankha: "Absolutely perfect!"

"This is a beautiful, wonderful oasis. Every single detail has been thought through in this serene, beautiful place. It whispers luxury, but - as a welcome change - doesn't shout it. I want to package it all up, and take it home! We lived in China for many, many years, and being here felt like coming 'home', only better. The Rachamankha has the ambience of a very old Chinese courtyard home/hotel, but with the convenience of a new one. I thought it WAS old, but learned that it was built in only 2004! The ornamentation (spectacular screen doors, statuary in every courtyard) is all old, though. And stunningly beautiful. You will also see a smattering of gorgeous Thai antiques adorning the walls and public areas. Don't miss the library. Or the pool. Or the outdoor, covered 'lobby' lounge area. The only disappointing thing about this lovely spot is that you have to leave it to explore the many attractions of Chiang Mai. But they're all close, and you've got this oasis to return to at the end of your day. Oh, and (I almost forgot to mention, because it really goes without saying) the service is wonderful -- unobtrusive, attentive, and friendly. Sigh. We're checking out this morning..... Enjoy!"

4 Rivers Floating Lodge: "An escape from city’s loudness to a haven of tranquility"

It is indeed a wonderful experience staying at 4 Rivers Floating Lodge. Beautiful location, professional and ecologically knowledgeable and concerned management team associated with very accommodating staffs, great foods and marvelous ambience. Kayaking around the resort, simply enjoying and appreciating the river and nature, fireflies, and waterfall experiences are rad!

The Island Lodge: "Another blissful stay with attention to details"

Resident of nearby Saigon, we came back to island lodge one year after our first discovery. Staff is still ever smiling and full of little attentions. Menu offers variety and treats. Bike tour dropped from the boat offers the best point of view on rural Mekong delta (we took the longer Fish farm tour this time after the Cocoa tour last year). And great addition to have this year a full 9km jogging loop in the village pathways on the island. All in all a great stay just 2h drive from Saigon.