Guest Reviews

Manukan Island Resort: "Fantastic way to start the holiday!"

"Arrived at Manakan and the staff were fantastic greeted us straight from the boat, check in staff Welter was BRILLIANT and couldn't do enough for us helped us with transfers to our next destination and was just really helpful, warm and friendly. The room was great in hindsight it would have def paid more for one of the rooms within the trees as the view from there rooms just looked amazing! Great walks through the jungle but mosquito spray is ESSENTIAL!!!!! Dinner was lovely could do with more veggie options though but that seems to be a theme throughout Borneo. Lovely beach and just like everyone says once the tourists go you feel like the islands yours. Food was really good and a great price! Especially when compared to other hotels. Diving was nice although the corals are looking a bit sad and a lot have died but no fault of the resorts. Sunset point whilst it has a bin really needs someone to take the trash as over flowing bins kind of ruined it a little also once the tourists have gone a bit more effort into taking trash of the bin could be in place. A great start to the holiday and honestly a beautiful place which I'd def recommend"

Pindaya Farm House: "Great Shan State retreat"

"My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our 2.5 day, 3 night stay at the farmhouse. After working/living in Yangon for six weeks, Pindaya Farmhouse is a little paradise, a beautiful building, with wonderful spaces indoors and out to enjoy the rural scenery, along a quiet drive and road out from which we birded quite happily in the afternoon (enchanted by the Sooty-Headed Bulbuls...). The décor is stunning, including bright paintings by Myanmar artists that grace the common room's walls. We also appreciated the farmhouse's efforts at sustainability, with solar panels, solar heated water for showers, rainwater harvesting and storage, and ample vegetable gardens and newly planted fruit trees. I can't wait til the mango trees begin to supply fruit! The rooms are extremely comfortable, each with private sitting spaces outside affording vistas of the rural countryside. Lighting is excellent, and the wifi system was quite reliable (also surprising to find!). The kitchen offers a nice array of dishes for lunch and dinner, although Win Naing also recommended an excellent restaurant, the Golden Moon, on the outskirts of town. We spent one half-day touring the caves, the nearby paper/umbrella artisans, and a weaver. On our second full day, we hired a guide to take us on a 5-mile hike up into the hills, where we visited a village in the bamboo grove and watched potato ""crackers"" being smoked/dried and enjoyed green tea and good conversation with the lady of the house. Along the way, we were passed by a couple and two Myanmar guides who were hiking from Pindaya to Kalaw, a three-day trek. I also collect textiles, and was sent to a little gift shop that had a beautiful selection of women's ""longyi"" cloths. Afternoons were for relaxing and reading, while evenings we especially enjoyed our final dinner shared with fellow travelers. In mid-February the air is still cool and delightfully dry in Pindaya, a welcome respite from Yangon, although it was always a bit smoky from the farmers who are burning crop residues in preparation for the upcoming growing season. That gave a special glow to the sunrises and sunsets, which were both stunning. Thahara made it very easy for me to arrange all aspects of the trip, managing my extensive email inquiries, helping me to settle on dates, and even arranging flights for us between Yangon and Heho near Taunggyi. I paid online via a secure epayment website, it could not have been easier. I plan to recommend Thahara's Pindaya Farmhouse to all my Yangon colleagues!"

Le Calao: "Fabulous location, food, wine and service."

"We discovered this new restaurant which has connections with L'Elephant when we wanted a glass of wine prior to the Storytelling. We were made to feel very welcome and had a glass of delicious New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. We returned the next night for dinner and had a excellent Lao meal in beautifully restored building overlook the Mekon. Portions are generous and only the best vegetables and ingredients are used. Another bottle of the SB was enjoyed. Good sevice with just the right amount of attention. Le Calao has only been open for a couple of months so it was only a quarter full but I am sure one will need to reserve once it is better known."

VILLA SONG SAIGON: "Indulged myself"

"Travelling solo and arriving jet-lagged in Saigon, I wanted to indulge myself in a little luxury before my onward journey. Villa Song lived up to my expectations. I really enjoyed my Writer's Room - all dark wood, sparsely decorated but tasteful with a charming balcony. I slept so well that I have considered smuggling the bed back home with me! The staff were extraordinary...very helpful for this first time traveller to Vietnam. I enjoyed my a la carte breakfasts by the river, especially the fact that they were served all day. Just right for jet-lagged, lazy, old me. I have really enjoyed my three - night stay at the Villa Song. To be recommended, especially if you need a little peace and quiet, in elegant surroundings from the whirlwind that is Ho Chi Minh City. "

Villa Song Saigon: "Luxurious Hotel and Great Chef"

"I've started to miss Villa Song very much. We normally have a weekend there to escape from busy noisy down town, and get relaxing after heavy working days. It was pity that our last asking to stay there on the weekend of 12-13 August was unsuccessful, because ""our"" room 203 was occupied. It made me miss the sunset over the balcony to the river, dinners prepared by Chef Kevin with lots of creative tastes and caring. I really enjoy the room with the big bath room served with nice bathtub, and separate shower, and really comfortable bed under nice temperature. Last of not least, I can tell the foods made by Chef Kevin are the best in town. We can feel his heart on the dishes, his caring for the wine pairing. Kevin and the staff always make us the most warm welcome ambiance. We really feel like home there."

Villa Song Saigon: "Last destination and wow"

"After a 20 minute taxi drive we arrived at the hotel in the evening. Our first thoughts were - very nice place but outside from the buzzeling district 1. However the hotel offers a shuttle boat service and while enjoying the boat ride you are very fast in downtown. We stayed 4 days with a break and we got 2 upgrades. The staff is very friendly motivated and helpful. The breakfast is a selection from the a la carte Menu. Therefore the food is always fresh cooked and very delicious. Yesterday evening this was topped by the dinner. Fantastic and very tasty food. A great thank you to all of you. Stayed April 2017, traveled as a couple"

Maduzi Hotel: "One of the best and even better than some 5 star hotel"

"I was really impressed with Maduzi hotel and it has well surpassed my expectation. The hotel is cozy, staffs are friendly and helpful and make me feels comfortable like home. I have decided to choose this hotel because we could customise the early check in and check out time which I highly appreciate as I had early flight to Bangkok and late flight home. I checked into the hotel at 8am and get to checked out at 7pm. The hotel is in walking distant to Terminal 21 and Asoke station which is very convenient for travelling around Bangkok. Beside the hotel is 7-11 and you can get almost anything you need. Their staffs are very friendly and genuinely nice and they are always there when you need help from them. I checked in on the 14 of Oct, and was greeted warmly by all the staffs. The guy that helped us for the check in carried our luggage and placed it in the walk in wardrobe while pointing out the coffee machine and explaining to us how to use the Jacuzzi bathtub etc. He also explained to us in detailed on how to go about Bangkok which is really helpful. The room is clean and the bed is super large and comfortable. I have never seen such a huge bed in a boutique hotel before! The Jacuzzi bathtub is fantastic and is large enough for 2 person. Breakfast was delicious and has beautiful plating. I have had such wonderful experience at Maduzi and would definitely recommend anyone to stay here when in Bangkok. This hotel deserve a 5 stars rating and I would definitely choose this hotel again if I ever visit Bangkok in the future. Cheers Maduzi Hotel!"

Neeleshwar Hermitage: "THE BEST"

We traveled through 12 time zones for our second two week stay at this wonderful place and found it even better than our last trip. Why? The food, accommodation, daily yoga, beach walking for miles, warm ocean swimming, spectacular sunsets and friendly/accommodating staff set the stage for a truly magical experience of total relaxation and joy. We find a level of serenity and solitude that is the best. The uniqueness of this special place touches our souls and we are already planning a return trip.

The Tiger’s Eye: "Creativity"

Great to see Chef Timothy's creativity back. After trying The Common Tiger, good to see him in his new address at The Tiger's Eye. Different venue, but same vibe, same team around him, same effort to source locally and to shake the established dining scene in Phnom Penh. A must try for connoisseurs!

Golden Buddha Beach Resort: "Glorious in every way"

"Well, probably our sixth review of this place over past 10 years and it continues to amaze us, and is better each time. You know already what this place offers, so briefly this time a huge pat on the back for every member of staff; and a warm embrace for Alex who continues to plough his own yoga furrow, teaches beautifully and cocks a snook at modern middle class yoga cultists! Go, before places like this become inaccessible or even slightly over developed. It remains unique. Stayed February 2017, traveled as a couple"