Guest Reviews

Rachamankha: "Inner city oasis"

"Rachamankha is more than a boutique hotel – it is an architectural master piece and a very comfortable oasis right in the middle of Chiang Mai`s hustle and bustle. The rooms are nicely decorated in a very tasteful mix of antiques from different parts and time periods of the world. Everything has been done in a very comfortable way. Attention to detail is visible all around the grounds. During our 7 night´s stay at the Rachamankha we enjoyed the view to the pool from our room and considering that it is located in the middle of the city it is very quiet during the night. The breakfast at the elegant restaurant consisted of a delicious variety of cooked dishes from the menu and a small buffet. The dinner menu offered a wide range of international and Thai dishes which tasted well but not outstanding. To avoid misunderstandings it would be perfect if the waiters would speak a little bit more English."

Blackitch Artisan Kitchen: "Thai Degustation"

"We stumbled across this diamond in the rough after dodging a restaurant with a sick (coughing/sneezing) waitress and another with no fan or a/c working. After dodging these first world problems we wandered past the nightlife at the surrounding bars and noticed Blackitch. Artisan kitchens can be rather hit and miss but this location is quaint coupled with enticing reviews welcomed us in. Obviously we didn't reserve a spot prior to dining and after a brief discussion with the kitchen hands the sous chef encouraged us to dine. We were unsure what to expect with no menu or information about the experience other than a drinks list. The house made plum wine was superb over ice and my partner enjoyed the root beer (sarsparilla for those playing in Aus). We were delighted from the first dish of the degustation through to the dessert. The chef showed pride and pleasure with our dining experience adding to the evening. Yes the price is significantly more than what you may pay elsewhere however the quality and personalised service for both of us including drinks for circa 4,500BHT is reasonable in comparison to other degustation dinings. Our favourite dish was the duck blood sausage followed by the banana fritter dessert. Unfortunately the only pic I managed was that of an empty bowl as I devoured the bouquet of flavours shortly after each serving. Recommended for a couples night of fine dining."

Neeleshwar Hermitage: "The perfect end to our wonderful Kerala Tour"

We stayed 2 nights here at the end of a wonderful three weeks in Kerala. We arrived at 10am having spent two nighst on the Lotus Boat which was just magical. We were immediately show to our room, which was beautiful, leaving us the whole day to just relax.The food in the restaurants, was possibly a little pricey, and lost a bit in translation but we could forgive this for the perfect setting (right on the beach) and the service and attention of the staff. Walking along the deserted beach for over an hour, only seeing fishermen bringing in their nets is something we will never forget. We had a very late flight home and they kindly let us stay in our room so that we could enjoy the day and have dinner before we left. If you want to relax after touring, or just chill out this is the place to do it. Thank you for the perfect end to our holiday. I hope we will be back.

Bali Jiwa Villa: "Unforgettable"

We stayed here in May 2014 as a part of our honeymoon. We enjoyed every second. The location is fantastic. We loved the atmosphere and wouldn't change a thing in this place. Time passes and we really miss Bali..Really hope to come back someday!

Nam Bo Boutique Hotel: "Wonderful hotel in Can Tho"

Great hotel with lots of character. We stayed in the Nam Bo Suite which was enormous, comfortable and well equipped. Staff very helpful. We only stayed for one night - but wish it could have been longer.

Satri House: "Just perfect"

My friend and I have just had five fabulous days in Luang Prabang, Satri house was just perfect the hotel is just stunning mixing old charm with beautiful gardens and is just so peaceful. We had a room near the small pool on the ground floor which was very comfortable and well serviced with a lovely large bathroom. All the staff were so helpful and polite,nothing was too much trouble and everyone took time to talk to us each day. We felt very welcome and at home there. We used the spa which was very relaxing and the restaurant, where the food was amazing, but more expensive than the good places in the town and very quiet. If you want peace and quiet and the bonus of being able to walk or jump in a tuk tuk for the short ride into town then this hotel is ideal.It doesn't have super modern bathrooms and shiny TV,s or an expansive breakfast buffet with endless services. However it has wonderful staff with great service in a beautifully decorated boutique environment that more than exceeded our expectations. I know what I prefer and we will be back because of this.

Le Calao: "Fabulous!"

Visited on our last night in Luang Prabang and it was the best meal we had there. It was a cold night so we had to wrap up but we had a table with fabulous views over the river. The food and service were superb. Just wish we had discovered it on our first night then we could have visited again!

Rakkojae Seoul: "Hidden Gem"

"This was truly a hidden gem! Beautiful Hanok with modern amenities in a tucked away quiet neighbourhood yet very close ( 8 minute walk) to subway, restaurants, shopping and sightseeing. The grounds are truly magnificent! we really felt like we were back in time... so serene. We chose the traditional Korean breakfast and are so glad we did..delicious! Thank You Mr. Kim! you were truly a gracious host! We will definitely come back and have already recommended Rakkojae to our friends and family!"

Manukan Island Resort: "Charming villas with great staff"

"We stayed for one night in a beachside villa. Staff encountered were all very friendly and professional. Upon check in we were shown to our room, given a welcome tea and a friendly introduction to the room and facilities on the island. The room itself was so charming - spacious, well laid out, clean and very comfortable all round with beach towels and thongs provided and a cute little balcony overlooking the beach, it suited the environment perfectly and you really couldn't ask for anything more. We were warned that they switch generators several times a day and as such we may experience power disruptions but this was very minimal. The outside breakfast buffet was okay, we did notice insects crawling over some of the breads. Dinner, although the menu was somewhat limited, was really lovely with tables and fairy lights set up next to the beach complete with three musicians performing songs for every table - very romantic. Most of the many tourists on day trip leave the island by 4pm and after this you can really appreciate and enjoy the environment you are in as during the day it is not as pleasant, crowded and noisy. The walk to Sunset Point was a highlight though the pagoda there doesn't offer the best view - continue down the small path to the rocks, very serene. We had an earlyish flight to catch on the day of our departure and the staff were happy to ensure an early boat back to KK was made available to us. We were offered a friendly farewell and as we boarded our boat and were about to depart, a staff member ran out to return a power cable we had accidentally left behind in our room which was much appreciated. If you are planning on visiting Manukan Island we would recommend staying at this resort - very enjoyable and well managed and you are able to experience the island without the daily crowds."

Sanak Retreat Bali: "simple luxuries"

It may be unpretensious, ethical, and eco-friendly - but don't presume for a moment that Sanak Retreat isn't as beautifully designed and sumptuous as a high end hotel. Forged by the friendship between a local Balinese and a French businessman, the beauty of Sanak Retreat is the loving thought that has gone into every detail. It's the simple things after all that mean so much - the sweet sounds of the rice fields as dusk falls, the sensuous vivid green that surrounds you when the sun rises, the joyful bubbling of the river that runs through the property, the cool mountain air (and no mossies). The beautifully crafted timber villas are decorated with Indonesian textiles and wooden furnishings assembled by an astute collector, giving each room a sense of personal intimacy, and wifi and digital facilities are cutting edge. Local coffee and teas are generously provided. Every standing point has a view over the undulating highly oxygenated valley clear of both modern buildings and any hint of traffic noise. The retreat is deeply immersed in the local community, running a successful plastic recycling project with village children. And the restaurant offers a world class menu, including an extraordinary lemongrass creme brulee and a fine wine list. They will even bake you gluten free bread and pizza with a little warning, but local seafood is also fresh and delicious. There is a gentle, connected sense of calm and beauty here that you will be hard pressed to experience anywhere else in Bali. The spa facilities and private dining gazebo were created by die-hard romantics. And yet nothing is tizzy or florid. Good taste after all, is worth its weight in gold - or rice. And with several pools and lots of local treks, this is also a great place to holiday with children.