Guest Reviews

Sandat Glamping Tents: "The best accommodation I have ever experienced, bar none"

"Where to start? I was a bit uncertain about the 'glamping' concept. But upon arrival I was instantly won over. My fiance and I were blown away by the design, comfort, beauty and cleanliness of the 'tent' we stayed in (the word scarcely does it justice). We stayed in the 'Ylang-Ylang' suite. Our own plunge pool, isolated from the world and facing deep into the jungle was perfect for quick dips to cool down from sunbathing, reading and generally relaxing. The wonderful staff even added rose petals in the evening of our last night, which was very romantic and an incredible touch. The circular bed was supremely comfortable and a great size (surprisingly - I'm 6'3). Every detail of the room was beautiful and perfectly presented. The area is a short drive from Ubud. The free shuttle service into and out of Ubud worked seamlessly, and the drivers were very happy, friendly and great to talk to. The breakfast was amazing. There were hot savoury Indonesian options, freshly brewed Kopi Bali (Balinese coffee), fresh pastries and muffins, incredible spreads (like local mango honey and coffee honey), and more. Breakfast is available from 7.30 - 11.30 - which suited us perfectly for our lazy, relaxing stay. Other reviews have mentioned insects and wildlife, so I will add that we didn't have any issues whatsoever. You should of course apply sunscreen and bug spray liberally whenever you go outside in Bali, and then you'll be fine. Lastly the staff here were just incredible. From Buda, our shuttle driver, to Wayan the yoga instructor who gave us our own personal lesson in the most incredible setting amongst the rice fields, to the amazing receptionist who after we complimented her on her local jewellery offered for us to take it(!!), to Tengo, the lovely manager who drove us all the way to the airport on our last day when the resort was short-staffed due to a religious festival. Please extend our personal thanks to everyone! This review might sound over the top, but I really am wondering how I will find another resort, ever, that will match Sandat. We absolutely adored the comfort, ambiance and the incredibly friendly staff. We will definitely go back and would recommend it to anyone."

Glenburn Tea Estate: "Absolute gem in the Himalayas"

"My mum and I spent a wonderful, serene few days at Glenburn and we absolutely loved it. Each (huge) room was quaint and charming in old Colonial style, all with their own unique theme - ours was the Rose Room. We went at the recommendation of two friends, who also stayed at Glenburn together with us, and we even made new friends over the communal dinner table. The staff were helpful with everything from making a cup of the delicious home grown tea to organising hikes and day trips. They prepared three meals a day, of various Indian and western cuisines, and even packed delicious picnics that were brought to us on our hikes. They were also very accommodating with food allergies. The surrounding gardens and tea plantations are absolutely exquisite, and it is definitely worth going on hikes around the area, especially the hikes down to the river through Darjeeling's own plantation, and up through the local village to the neighbouring plantations in Kalimpong. There is free wifi but the signal isn't too strong in the rooms - leave the laptop behind and bring a couple of books to read while soaking in the view on the terrace. Be prepared for an extremely bumpy and windy ride from Bagdogra airport. If you are at all prone to motion sickness then I would strongly recommend bringing a motion sickness armband or tablets, and ask the driver to take the calmer road through Darjeeling town rather than the precarious ""highway"" that passes the Bhutanese border."

Sanak Retreat Bali: "Retreat of all retreats"

"We actually stayed here in October 2015 and took the risk of heading up into the mountains to go see what we can find. We came across this special peace of Bali and could not have been happier. The location is stunning and the concept is magical. True Balinese warmth makes this retreat a little slice of heaven. A true experience of all senses and one of the highlights of magical Bali. It is a little trek to get here away from the main coasts and hustle and bustle of Ubud but it is worth it. Step away from the tourist trail and places like this allow you to discover the real beauty of Indonesia and their people. Stayed June 2016, traveled as a couple"

Maison Polanka: "An oasis of calm"

Tranquil hotel in a tempest of tourism. Friendly and helpful staff made our stay a delight. Nearly forgot to mention the food which was cooked to perfection. Really sutle flavours, we just loved it. Pick the yellow room if you can.

Jings Residence: "Clear winner"

"In 5 weeks of travel across mainland China, this is the standout, hands down, fantastic winner. The staff, guided by the competent and gracious host, Imam, are truly unique for their hospitality within China. Everything was meticulously prepared and organized, from check in to tea service to additional activities within the hotel. Keep up the great work and the friendly hospitality."

Rice & Zen Boutique Resort: "Exceeded expectations"

"Brill stay. Staff,food,views. Staff did all they could to make it a pleasant stay. Tum (resort manager) even came to get us from the airport You do need transport to travel around but we just chilled on site. Private pool is a bonus and self cleaning. Food is priced reasonably. Although its a limited menu the food is tasty. Really recommend 1-1 cooking classes . Take pen paper and make sure cameras charged! Private dining on the beach was fab,Faith was flexible with the menu and made sure it was how we wanted Wednesday is optional social buffet with free coctail hour (you can go for coctails and not have buffet) ,and couple of other nights has goid live music Note that its a shingle beach and only one other hotel next door has access so always quiet. Free kayaking and paddleboarding for guests Make sure you put on deet spray as theres lots of mosquitos at night. Shower wasnt too powerful but sufficient. Stayed March 2017, traveled as a couple"

Rachamankha: "Elegant & beautiful, a pretty perfect south-east Asia hotel"

Two years ago I had dinner here after stumbling across it when wandering round the old town of Chiang Mai. I immediately had hotel envy and as soon as I decided to come back to CM I knew I had to stay here. I was not disappointed. The beautiful courtyards unfold before you, each one shady and alluring, housing antique furniture and prints down the side galleries, and with frangipanis and palm trees dotting the central space, one of them enclosing a lovely quiet pool, another an exquisite library. This is the kind of building you often find yourself paying to wander round, to stay here was a privilege and I loved it. Every detail here was considered and I would definitely recommend it. My only comment to the owners is that the bathrooms need some love and attention, compared to everything else it felt shabby (but in fact, it was absolutely fine and with lovely Molton Brown toiletries - it just didn't live up to the quality of the rest of the experience). Location-wise it's also great, down a small back street inside the old city walls and a five minute walk from the main temple complex and one end of the night market. I was sad to leave, you'll be delighted to arrive.

Reverie Siam Pai: "Best hotel in Pai – great design. Superb breakfast!"

"This is by far the best hotel in Pai. Beautifully designed with quirky touches. The restaurant is voted the best in Pai - but isn't actually very good. However, the breakfast is sublime and staff incredible. The main swimming pool is lovely and relaxing, the 'riverside bar' is a waste of time so just head straight out and explore the unique Pai - it's what you are here for afterall? We had room / bungalow 8 which was gorgeous but a little dark, I would have liked to see another, brighter room. That said, really comfy bed and the bathroom with Jacuzzi is fantastic. I highly recommend this hotel!"

Neeleshwar Hermitage: "Spa/restaurant/beach"

This place is one of a kind. The location is beautiful. The seafood is excellent with authentic Kerala food. Our room is awesome and very rustic. The beach was beautiful. We were surrounded by wild life and everything was wonderful.

The Apsara Rive Droite: "Excelent boutique hotel"

I stayed 2 nights. It is a small and very comfortable hotel. Staff is very friendly ready to make your stay in Luang Prabamg memorable. The food was good. Hotel located on the other side of the Khan River making it quite and more local. The hotel has a boat to cross the river (2 min.).