Guest Reviews

Villa Mathis: "A 5* hidden retreat … Yet so close to the action"

"I've now stayed here twice as after the first trip, I was so wow'd by the place, I couldn't wait to stay again! The villas are really original in their layout. It's kind of a 'complex' but also kind of private villa-esque! There's several large pools with a handful of very private and secluded (lovely, lovely) villas around each of them. And the whole complex is set over huge grounds! To the point where I actually kept getting lost trying to find my way out! Which is why I say the place is a lovely mix ... Complete privacy, seclusion, lovely grounds and beautiful villas ... but yet, you can still go to the 'complex's' bar, restaurant or main pool to socialize with others ... Or just people watch!! The villa is about 15 mins drive to central Seminyak - so not far at all. And the staff are more than helpful in arranging taxi's or there's the shuttle bus that they have which will take you wherever! The other great thing about this place is the staff! Despite being very discrete, they are always around to cater to whatever it is you need. Nothing is too much trouble. Frank, the manager, is wonderful. He was there to greet me on arrival, showed me round and made me feel very welcome. And in the evenings at the bar - he was there offering advice on what to do, things to see ... As well as once again, making me feel very welcome and at home. A true star ... who I felt genuinely enjoyed what he did! Thanks Frank! Oh and whilst we're on the topic of the bar ... Please order a Pina Colada! Wayan, the barman ... Genius with cocktails! All in all, this place is great! I've stayed in many villas in Bali - love the place! - but this had the benefit of that private villa feel but with the option of 'complex' facilities should you wish to be a bit more social! And of course, as is often the case, it's the staff that make it! Suksma to Frank and the team "

Cheong Fatt Tze – Blue Mansion: "Hauntingly beautiful"

"Staying at the Blue Mansion was an experience in itself! One of the highlights of our time in Penang! This courtyard house is exquisite beyond words, from the lobby to its inner courtyards. Calm and quiet, we were immediately transported to another century. Guests can join any of the daily tours for free. The guides were fantastic in explaining the history of Cheong Fatt Tze, the man and the house. There are small displays that remain open throughout the day that guests can browse at leisure. The mansion is bright and open in during the day. And turns mysterious and haunting at night with its glowing red lanterns. One of the most romantic places we've ever stayed. Breakfast was simple and elegant, with a la carte options as well. We had dinner at the restaurant which was good but not particularly memorable. Everyday, the staff will bring some small desserts for afternoon tea (always different and carefully created!). The location is also very central. Right next to a large covered open air food market with every type of cuisine imaginable (and very cheap). The hotel also provides bikes for rent for free but bikes are not all well maintained. We will never forget our stay at the Blue Mansion and if we return to Penang, we will not stay anywhere else."

JL Studio: "Amazing. Just amazing"

Booked through a website called Secret Tables. When I arrived I was escorted to a secret table. Basically a room with a little table just for me. Bit weird. But loved it for that very fact. Staff were brilliant. A lovely candle. Won't spoil it for you. Just admire upon arrival. Highly attentive service. Subtle at the same time. Welcome drink amazing. And more if desired. Then the degustation meal came. Each dish a masterpiece to be admired before consumption and more so upon it. Great thought has been put into the entire experience of dining here. You will be rewarded for going. There will be no regrets. I walked 5km to get there from where I was staying. Not a step back unworthy of what I encountered. Congratulations team. Soon you will have a star or two and they will come. Please change nothing when the deserved success arrives.

Heritage Suites Hotel: "Good Retreat at the End of the Day"

We spent 4 nights at the Heritage Suites in Siem Reap, while visiting the Angkor Wat ruins and surrounding countryside. When we returned in the late afternoon every day, it was an excellent refuge from the heat and humidity. The grounds are lovely, the staff are excellent, and the rooms are well appointed. It’s a great place to reflect on what you’ve seen and heard during the day, and rest up before the next day. All and all a fine accommodation.

Sanak Retreat Bali: "Luxus inmitten von Reisfeldern"

"Das Sanak Retreat ist unsere absolute Empfehlung für Zentralbali. Wir wurden sehr nett begrüßt und erhielten im Restaurant einen tollen Willkommensdrink in Form einer ganzen Kokusnuss. Die ""Hütten"" haben eine große Terrasse und einen wunderbaren Schlafraum, dessen bodentiefe Fenster sich komplett öffnen lassen. So kann man direkt in der Natur schlafen. Was uns im Sanak Retreat sehr gut gefallen hat: - hervorragendes Restaurant (tolle angerichtete Teller, sehr gute Qualität) - kleine, fast familiäre Hotelanlage - Umweltschutz und soziale Aspekte - tolle Massage zu einem fairen Preis Einzig die laut quakenden Frösche rauben einem den Schlaf."

Chakrabongse Villas & Residences: "Hospitality and Location"

Exceptional location and warm hospitality. Our family of four booked one of the river suites and one of the garden rooms for 4 days over Christmas. First off, the property is a gem in the heart of the historic area. It makes it very easy to walk to many of the top sites, take the ferry, see the flower and medicine markets and more. Secondly, both Atom and Ohm and their warmth made the stay exceptional. They provided so much historical and local knowledge that was pure gold. Thirdly, the owner, the third generation from one of the last kings, was in town, and she kindly sent around champagne for Christmas. A nice touch. And finally, the river view for dinner and breakfast was lovely. This is a true oasis in the heart of Bangkok. Skip the soulless hotel and experience a Thai boutique villa. Thank you again, Atom and Ohm!

Le Du Wine Bar & Restaurant: "One of Asia’s best"

Modern Thai at its best with this award winning restaurant with it talented young Chef whose partner does a mean wine pairing to go with your meal. Highly recommended

Cheong Fatt Tze – Blue Mansion: "Not Just A Hotel But An Experience"

"GOOD: -historical and cultural hotel with a vast Chinese history -price is relatively high in Penang but it is worthy definitely -huge room, clean washroom even it looks old (looks old, not physically old) -consistent and thoughtful interior from the lobby to the stairs, from the atrium to the room, you will feel you are in the old China -nice place for breakfast BAD: -as there is a lot of open area and trees, do expect there will be mosquito in your room, you better check once otherwise you will be bitten like a fresh meat that I experienced Room Tip: Old but Not Physically Old"

Satri House: "A very special place"

"We stayed here for 3 nights ( A group of 4 in 2 luxury rooms ) The staff were.delightful and could not do enough for us. The rooms were large, spacious, spotless and very comfortable. During 17 nights in Asia, this was definitely our favourite property and we would not hesitate to recommend it to fellow travellers. Room Tip: Choose 2nd floor as noise travels on wood floors"

Sanak Retreat Bali: "Parfait"

"Très belle endroit pour se ressourcer, un lieu paisible, proche de la nature et classe à la fois. Le service est efficace et très sympathique ( accueil, resto, massage et guide) Très très bon moments Merci,"