Guest Reviews

Mume: "The perfect place for dinner"

"I read about Mume just days before a quick trip to Taipei and to my luck the restaurant had availability! I loved the relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere, open kitchen and how the design of the restaurant makes good use of the space. The size of the tables are very comfortable and you are seated at a nice distance from other guests. Cocktails were of course delicious and the food was fantastic. Everything we ordered was perfectly balanced in flavour, texture and appearance. Each dish showed creativity, brought excitement and every bite was wonderful. The waiters and waitresses were very sweet. Thank you to everybody, front of house and kitchen, for the incredible meal!"

Rachamankha: "An Oasis of Peace"

"My wife and I stayed for just one night at the Rachamankha hotel at the end of our wonderful holiday in Laos (courtesy of Pandaw) and Northern Thailand. It was just perfect, from the large beautiful room, to the restful swimming pool, to the bar and dining room. Its close to the main temple, and also for last minute souvenir shopping, the ""walking street"". The quality of service was outstanding, and our evening meal, just a light one, tasted amazing. I almost didn't want to write a review, as I would like this place to stay as it is, an oasis in the midst of a vibrant city. When we come back to ChiangMai, as I hope we will, this hotel will be a no-brainer of a choice."

Glenburn Tea Estate: "What a stunning place"

"After a bad experience in one of the ""top"" hotels in Darjeeling itself, we came to the Glenburn a night earlier than we had planned. As soon as we arrived and got a very warm welcome from Alex we knew we would like it here. Our room was spotless and beautifully decorated in a colonial style. After settling into our room tea and cake was brought down to us (another major plus as far as we are concerned). The staff were fantastic. Dinner was very civilised and the food was great. A 2.5hr trek down to the river was another highlight...it's quite a trek but we had a great guide and upon arrival one of the team was waiting with cool towels and a drink. We then had G&Ts and a delicious lunch served by the river bank. Magical. Highly recommended and we will definitely come back."

Noel Rodrigo’s Leopard Safaris: "Enchantingly Memorable"

"We (family of 4 with kids 8 and 11) spent 2 nights at Noel's camp. This included 4 Safaris. Both Noel and Cecile were our hosts, a lucky thing as they are not always present at the camp. Tent - we are not campers and had just come from several days in Amanwella, so ""glamping"" was the intention. We got the aircon tent, a semi-permanent structure that runs on solar power. Very comfortable, and the AC was a key feature during the stifling dry heat of the day, and also made it a lot easier to fall asleep at night. There were a few quirks here and there but when glamping, you factor that into the mix. Overall the tent delivered beyond expectations. The one observation I will make is on security - nothing happened and there is a safe in the room, but the tents are zipper operated (no locks). The camp site is not that far from village areas. I would advise to bring 2 padlocks to lock the zipper clasps together at the 2 entrances (front flap and back flap leading to the bathroom). Your valuables will be secure enough in the safe but I didn't like the idea that someone could unzip and enter while we are asleep at night. To be clear, none of the camp staff are an issue, but it's outsiders who know the price of staying at this camp who could get ideas. Food - spectacular. They source organic and fresh from the farmers in the area, and their talented chef put together very flavorful breakfasts, lunches and dinners. It was all local cuisine, and there was always spicy plus non spicy varieties to ensure the kids would be fine. Your taste buds will be in for a real treat. Camp ambience - charming. The volunteers (especially Christina from Spain) entertained the kids with games. They also organized the building of an insect hotel which the kids loved, and also had them participate in tree planting to show the importance of giving back to nature when you leave a carbon footprint. Both entertaining and educational. Meals were communal style and made for enjoyable conversation. Breakfast and lunch under a thatched roof, dinner under the stars. Yes you will now and then see a small lizard or mantis or other creature on your armrest or the table... to be expected in a wildlife park. Safaris - prime time to see stuff is at dusk and dawn, so the AM departure is before 6AM and the PM outing is from 3pm to 6:30pm. On our first two outings, we saw numerous spotted and barking deer; eagles, kingfishers, peacocks, many other birds; mongoose; crocs; elephants. Watching 2 alpha deer bucks clash was neat but we still had not seen what we came for - leopards. The third outing was the charm, and we watched a large leopard lounging in the grass. I don't quite know how to describe the feeling of watching a beautiful and free animal in its natural habitat. All I can say is: a zoo ain't the same. My iphone camera shots won't do it justice. Fortunately, Noel was our guide and when you combine a passion for wildlife with an 8kg-supersonic-Nat Geo-caliber camera lens, the results are amazing. Attached are 2 of his pics of our leopard. As a bonus, we also spotted a young sloth bear. Noel is very knowledgeable and gave us valuable insight and commentary during the rides. His Toyota Land Cruiser vehicles were properly decked out, and I noticed in the park many other outfits carrying tourists in rickety vehicles (one was even lopsided due to different sized tires). Also must credit Noel for truly trying hard on safari #3 to spot a leopard. He badly wanted for us to spot one before we depart, and made it his mission. There are no guarantees but it helps when your guide badly wants you to leave happy. We did the 2 night package and I highly recommend it. Had we done 1 night, we would have missed out on safari #3 which was the highlight. After safari #4, we had our fill and were ready to head off so the format was just right. I guess you could get lucky on a 1 night stay but your chances go up much more on the 2 nighter. There are some who do a day excursion from their beach resort, and this would be a mistake as you would arrive past dawn and leave before dusk, i.e. be on safari while the animals are asleep in a hidden shade. This is an eco-minded camp run by owners who are passionate about wildlife and conservation, and keen to impassion others by delivering on client experience. If you visit a big city like London or Manhattan, the hotel you choose plays a part but the city itself largely makes the experience. At a wildlife park, the hosts who run your camp and guide your safaris largely make for good vs bad experience. Is this value for money? I will answer same as when someone asks me that about my Porsche: I won't describe it as value for money but will just say, it's worth every penny."

Supanniga Luxury Bangkok River Cruises: "Dine in style on the river"

This is a wonderful way to see some of Bangkok’s major attractions at night as you pass slowly by sipping Tattinger champagne and eating delicious Thai food.

Noel Rodrigo’s Leopard Safaris: "Great time"

"I loved it! From the first steps we made into the camp, till the minute we had to leave. Noel´s Safari Camp is probably the best and most ecological way of luxury living around the national park. Every tent has a comfy bed with netted windows, monkeysafe and outdoor styled bathroom facilities, solar lights, eco soap and wonderfully scented and clean towels and linen. Although we knew that we´re already in the national park, surrounded by wildlife we felt totally safe. We sadly didn´t get the chance to see any leopards on our safary, but the fact that we could spot lots of other animals in their natural environment itself is woth going there."

Le Passe-Temps: "Year End dream family"

Spent ten wonderful days at Hobbies for Christmas and New Year 2018 with our 3 children and spouses and 10 grandchildren (4 to 16 years). Excellent beachfront location with excellent restaurant on perfectly shaded beach (but not swimmable at low tide). Bungalows very comfortable (excellent bedding, top bath, perfect cleanliness). Decoration of the whole site and original and neat premises, Zen atmosphere. Excellent home owners Olivier and Kiet, the manager of the site and the entire available and smiling staff. The day trips are offered all quality and well organized and we have programmed a day (exploring local islands and Phi Phi, the Phang Nga Bay, jungle, caves, temples, markets and city ​​Krabi ..). We found perfect balance breakfast (excellent) took quietly, a day spent exploring and return late afternoon to enjoy the Hobby - pool, aperitif with magical sunset and dinner. Children and Grandchildren delighted with the stay.

Sanak Retreat Bali: "Family vacation"

"What a wonderful stay / experience - We just love Sanak Retreat Bali. After travelling around asia for 2 months We arrived at this wonderful, beautiful and most quiet place at Bali. We had a lovely and warm greeting by the staff / No I Will not Call it staff but the Sanak Family. Due our stay they where all so kind, helpful and aware of every guest. The surroundings are breathtaking and even in rain season this is the perfect place to be for exploring and relaxing. We are looking forward to come back!"

Mathis Retreat: "No words can explain this place"

"After two nights we've decided to extend our stay! It's a romantic place This place us right in the middle of the rice fields, impressive nature the only noise you get here is from the nature, green all around. We had a really good massage surrounded by nature The service is great and polite, their Terracotta Restaurant is one of the best of this area, we had an amazing dinner here. The management is very helpful, they gave us lot of advices."

Cuca: "Wonderful"

"Went to Cuca last night for our first visit We had the Chefs Tasting Plate..what an amazing experience Beautiful variety of tastes and textures Great value for money We will definetly be back. Don't miss out on the Bali Breakfast Dessert when you go there Lovely staff and wonderful service ... Thank you to everyone at Cuca"