Rak Ko Jae Seoul: "Rakkojae first 3 nights, Ritz Carlton last 2 nights. Cried the last 2 nights"
"Out of selfishness, I wish I could keep the Rakkojae a secret and post the stay as poorly managed, noisy, and uncomfortable. Or maybe that the Rakkojae reminded me of a fake Hollywood set for a Korean drama. Or better yet, that Rakkojae is located in a completely inconvenient location with zero access to historic areas and their iconic shop-filled alleys. Selfishness loses this one. The host was too nice to ever wish anything bad for them. Take everything stated and translate each into their polar opposite. That's Rakkojae. The stay carries a physical and emotional warmth that can't be described without using the word ""home."" A super nice, quiet home with heated jade floors, and served breakfasts causing one to reflect upon why one needs energy and brain robbing sweet carbos to start the day. How about fresh rice, cured fish, panchon with amazing kimchi, rice porridge tea and a different secret dessert every day. The Location If you arrive in the evening, your cab driver will wonder if your address is correct. Once you take a final turn down a narrow alley, you'll also begin wondering if you missed a digit on your address. But it's oh, sooo right. Once you start walking to any of the sights, you'll realize how perfect the location is for walking everywhere. Moreover, it's close enough to the subway for jaunts into the city. In the main city or otherwise, the street food alleys will help you regain your faith in the idea of street food. Unique, scrumptious, and absolutely no digestive drama -- other than various self-induce triggers from over-indulging. Kids OK? I have a feeling that if you have more than one child (we had our lone 8 yr old), and/or if your kids are typically loud and excitable, you might feel self-conscious because Rakkojae and the area is very quiet. The people are too nice to reject you for this, but you will be aware of how loud you actually can be. Ahhh. Peace and quiet. It's the price we parents often pay for having our bundles of joy. In fact, in the historic residential area you'll see more ""keep quiet"" signs than you'll ever see in a dozen libraries. It's not that kids can't run amok with joy, laughter while screaming their bloody lungs with excitement, but perhaps limited ""happy drama"" on the Rakkojae premises will allow one to blend-in a bit. Frankly, our child had no interest in running and screaming amok on site. It's so beautiful and peaceful that even a kid can feel odd belting the lyrics to Moana at 11p under such peaceful conditions. She saved it later for the streets. Sorry Seoul. Our last days at the Ritz Carlton in Seoul were fine. But all of us would have traded it all to move back to Rakkojae in a heartbeat. Go. I'm Hawaiian, so I don't promise anything, but the Rakkojae is a stay that will become part of your memory of the trip vs. merely being a cool place because they have bounce rooms for kids, mini bars and lots of people you could have met at some function back home. MOAAana!"SEEDS Restaurant & Lounge: "Great food in a lovely location"
A comfortable, modern interior with funky sculptures and lots of light. A gorgeous lake view and terrace to sit and enjoy a pre-dinner drink. Delicious food and knowledgeable, attentive service. The genuine hospitality of Lucia and Felix. And it is truly vegetarian friendly. We let them know beforehand that I am vegetarian and without asking, the amuse bouche and other little extras that came were all vegetarian, which was very much appreciated. A really lovely evening in a special place. Well worth it.Heritage Suites Hotel: "Beautiful and serene."
We were recommended to this Hotel by a friend who has lived in Cambodia for may years and has come to know and appreciate the subtlety that Khmer heritage holds ... this property embodies the essence of that subtlety. Form our transfer pickup in veteran Mercedes saloons to the welcome and registration process, everything was luxurious and effortless; the Suite we stayed in was absolutely glorious, sort of neo-Khmer classical without being ostentatious, and extremely well-appointed. The staff were attentive to all our needs and went out of their way to make our stay both relaxing and interesting; the poolside bar staff were always ready with an ever-available cold drink and recommendations as to which of the delicacies were best with which accompaniments. Similarly, the Restaurant staff were knowledgeable about the history of the dishes and were happy to recommend daily specials. The on-site Boutique and Travel Consultants also were a pleasure to deal with.Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge: "Heaven on earth"
"Having trekked for six days in the hills, Tiger Mountain Lodge was exactly what we needed. We arrived and were immediately offered refreshing drinks whilst sitting on the veranda looking at the stunning scenery.The view was incredible every single day and it was magical to sit out over breakfast and just see the mountains in the distance. The staff were on another level. They were so attentive, willing to do anything (which included making endless amounts of popcorn) and really professional. They knew exactly when we needed something and were polite and chatty. The rooms themselves were fantastic, the beds really comfy and the views stunning. The bathrooms too were much appreciated and the showers were very welcome after the hills! The food was five star: every day was something different and the breakfast especially wonderful. As a vegetarian, they were very accommodating. (...)It really is a place like nowhere else."Sea Dance Resort: "Excellent from start to end"
Excellent Service! Great location; quite and private; at the same time close to all the hustle and bustle of Samui. Excellent food. Excellent Rooms! Very nice people... Overall highly I highly recommend Sea Dance!Reverie Siam Pai: "Lunch at Riverie Siam"
My friend has recommended me to this place for overnight stay but unfortuniately all rooms were occupied. I decided to stop over for lunch which I had nice Italian dinning, good taste, great presentation by the waitress and I guess the owner. Totallo love it and looking forward to coming back soon!Villa Song Saigon: "Beautiful Hotel"
"We had a great stay here. The best bed we have ever had in a hotel.A lovely tranquil place on the river. Very friendly staff, nice rooms and public areas. Excellent breakfast and dinner. In district 2 about 30 mins from the centre of town. Regular free boat service in to town. A perfect place to stay just a little way from a very busy, noisy and bustling city. Would love to go back "The Island Lodge: "The perfect place to stay in the Mekong Delta"
Having been to Vietnam before i wasn't looking to explore but it must be said that Island Lodge would be the perfect place to explore the Mekong Delta from, everything is literally on your doorstep when staying here. I was looking for a quiet place to work and relax and it is perfect for this too. Set on an island facing the Mekong, the property has the feel of a grand home with warm, friendly and discreet staff on hand when required. Such a peaceful spot, time seems to slow down here, Ideal to catch up on some work or to just relax with a good friend or a good book. And I never tired of watching the boats on the Mekong from the balcony of my room. The perfect place for a city break, the perfect place to explore the Mekong delta from and the perfect place just to relax and unwind. If you are heading to Saigon make time for a few days here. Thank-you Michel and the team for making us feel so at home. See you again sometime soon I hope.Golden Buddha Beach Resort: "Paradise"
"This is Thailand's best kept secret. Charming and secluded and really really well run by Massi, the hotel manager. We were in heaven and are dreaming about our next visit. No tvs, no air conditioning, running water that smells a little due to minerals, but none of it matters when you are at the golden Buddha because you are drawn into a Robison Crusoe fantasy that you seldom find anywhere these days. Lots of nature and very little to do except enjoy the surroundings. Stayed April 2017, traveled with family"Villa Song Saigon: "The Gem on the riverside"
"I can just agree with other reviewers,this place is lovely ....a quiet haven after hours in the city of HCMC with noise,traffic,and stress. Just relax in the shade by the pool with a nice book,or have a drink by the riverside watching the boats passing. Very confy bed and pillows.Lovely breakfast and lunch. The staff very helpful sorting out some issues with my airline for the returnflight. I have already reserved my next stay at Villa Song. See you in november.Thank you. "
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.
Get inspired and make savings!
By booking direct with Secret Retreats and enjoy peace of mind from our full on the ground support. Contact our concierge and plan then book your Asia holiday now!
