Guest Reviews

Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge: "A Unique Experience"

"We chose this ""add on"" to our small group Saga tour of India and Nepal. It turned out to be the best possible decision. It is difficult to write about without overdoing the superlatives. So I will attempt to reign myself in. In a way it was the very best kind of late fifties/early sixties time warp. Style, grace and comfort, fine dining without the affectation that can spoil simple first class food. As much as possible was home grown and home made. The jams and marmalades just delicious on freshly baked bread. Nothing was wasted, it was an excellent lesson in green, sustainable tourism. Days ended with sundowners in front of a roaring fire.The chef was also kind enough to show me how to prepare one of the very tasty appetisers we enjoyed with our drinks. As we happened to be the only guests for dinner on our last evening we were treated to a table set in the small dining area in front of a log fire. We had five courses all freshly cooked and prepared right down to the final tiny crispy granola bars with coffee. We did enjoy a short walk to meet some of the locals and a great bird watching lesson from Harri.. I intend to start a new hobby now! There was plenty to do but nothing was forced on us. We were really tired after a strenuous tour and mainly wanted to enjoy the peace reading outside in sunshine, and have wonderful food....with choice between continental or local,,,, then tuck up in an enormous bed with hot water bottles at the end of each perfect day. We had three such days and were very sad to leave. Thank you Marcus and please thank your amazing staff."

Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge: "An amazing experience.."

"Firstly, my apologies, as my review comes in very late. We travelled as a family of 5 and had planned a one-night stay at Tiger Mountain in late March. The moment we stepped into the lodge, its location took our breath away. Looking down at the valley below and the clouds in the distance, my family was instantly taken with the property. I, of course, had ulterior motives, Tiger Mountain is renowned to be one of the best birding destinations in Nepal. We were welcomed very warmly by Jhalak, the property's customer service manager who gave us a complete overview of the property. We had arrived at lunchtime, so after taking our lunch (all freshly made, the highlight of which was the tomato chutney), we retired to our rooms where the view was equally marvelous if not more. (...)As my family had some specific food requirements, the hotel stage were kind enough us to whip us something when the regular meal choices didn't make sense. At night once the weather had settled, Hari brought me out to listen to the haunting call of the Mountain Scops Owl, and since I had a flashlight, he said I could try my luck to catch the eye shine of a wandering yellow-throated marten (no luck there!). Next morning, I was up again to go with Hari, and after a quick clouded view of the Himalayas, we were off. We saw many more species, including the Khaleej pheasant scurrying away from the owner's bungalow into the forest. Truly a birder's paradise this. Jhalak and all the other staff ensured throughout our stay that we were well looked after (Jhalak, I did mention you to Jitudai at Chitwan, he beamed brightly when he heard yours and Hari's name). All in all, a wonderful stay, cozy, relaxing and for an amateur birder, downright enjoyable :) "

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"

Muang La Lodge: "A magical property in a hidden oasis"

"Muang La Lodge was one of the most beautiful places I have ever been to. Everything was splendid - the onsite hot spring baths, magnificent views, swimming pool on a private island in the river, well-appointed, luxurous rooms and wonderful variety of food. The staff were impeccable - the two young French managers, Raphael and Matilde, were outstanding in their work as our hosts, and the local staff who supported them couldn't have been more friendly and delight to be around. Every morning I awoke to the sound of the river going by and loved watching the scenes of natures beauty right outside my door. The little pet monkey, Cookie, who was rescued by the owner as a baby, was a great source of fun and delight for me also. We did some incredible tours of the local area through the Lodge guides. An absolute MUST if you are there. It made for one of the most special travel experiences of my lifetime. Travelling to the high country tribal villages was a as educational as it was magnificent. If you are after a holiday with a difference, this is truly the place to visit. I would recommend this journey to everyone."

The Village House: "Gorgeous little place"

"I really LOVED it here. It's no 5 star Marriott or anything... But the staff are super hospitable, accomodation very clean and comfortable. The pool and relaxing areas are great and the food is good-okay. Around the accomodation, there is not very much to do. You cannot swim at the beach located 100m down the street as there may be crocodiles. Apparently the sunset is nice from there though. I stayed in a six person dorm for 123 RM, but it's cheaper on the Agoda website I've been told. This is a great place to relax, swim (the pool is GREAT!), read and relax. Stayed January 2017"

Sanak Retreat Bali: "Une belle surprise"

"Une vue sublime sur les rizières, des hébergements spacieux et joliment décorés, une approche éco responsable et une très bonne table. Le service est à la hauteur et les activités proposées (balades, spa...) agrémentent utilement le séjour. Le genre d'endroit idéal pour se reposer, simple et de bon goût"

Cuisine Wat Damnak: "Best Meal – Must Eat Here"

"Spectacular experience! Food, setting, service - all were perfect. The chef really draws on Cambodian flavors and seasonal fruit and vegetables, and combines them in an impeccably thought-out menu. The fish and seafood dishes were particularly delicious - although we loved everything we ate. You could easily pay three or four times the price for this standard of menu in the US. I cannot recommend Cuisine Wat Damnak highly enough. They were very accommodating of my pescatarian diet. And it was such a charming and relaxed dining experience. Ps. Opt for the fan seating rather than the A/C as the fan seating is in the more charming upstairs of the restaurant. Make reservations at least a few weeks in advance. I would also recommend the tamarind collins if you would like a cocktail with dinner."

Supanniga Cruise: "Probably the best stylish dinner cruise in Bangkok!!!"

"Love the cruise design, so chic and stylish. Not way traditional Thai like other cruises. I especially love the lounge area at the front of the boat where you can chill, sip champagne, and enjoy Bangkok's nighttime river view. For the food, it comes with 6-course authentic Thai food and a glass of Taittinger champagne as a welcome drink. And I must say the taste is really Thai, unlike some other cruises that compromises way to much to suit foreigners' palate. The service is top-notch, very attentive and friendly. The cruise manager, Khun Joe, is the real gem. He helped us taking pictures and we loved the wine he recommended. All in all, a must do if are into river cruising."

The Island Lodge: "Magnifique"

Superb hotel in colonial design with views of the Mekong, run by a charming French couple. We ended our trip to Vietnam by staying at the Island Lodge and the only regret we had is not there longer. The home is perfect with a welcome drink, the decor is sought and done with taste, rooms are spacious and comfortable. There is a beautiful pool, a spa with a great massage, and a restaurant. It's very nice to meet service standards "French" after 2 weeks in the end of the Vietnam background. Congratulations to the owners who have created this beautiful jewelry.

MesaStila: "Wonderful and different"

"Just left beautiful Mesastila Hotel. In the middle of a coffee plantation surrounded by jungle. We stayed in a typical Javanese villa, like nothing I have stayed in before. It had lovely furniture and antiques and was huge. And as for the terrace-enormous. Fabulous spa and restaurant. The staff couldn't do enough for us. They arranged our trips and were friendly and polite. It is a very different kind of experience at Mesastila. The attention you expect but the buildings, history and immaculate gardens make it an experience you are unlikely to forget. Wonderful."