Guest Reviews

Glenburn Tea Estate: "Dreamy"

"High in the clouds perched on a little mountain near Darjeeling sits the most incredible retreat in all of India. I looked forward to my stay for months, but nothing could have prepared me for just how WONDERFUL this place is. It's probably the closest thing I can imagine to being royalty- such a beautiful example of old colonial splendour, and you are treated like a VIP. I enjoyed the communal dining, where I met lovely people from around the world, and it's pretty special to be able to just go for a guided hike anytime you like- there is always a guide on hand. Though it was mostly cloudy when I stayed, in the mornings the clouds parted and I was lucky enough to get an incredible glimpse of Kachechunga (wow!!) Rates seem expensive, but include so much (transfers, laundry, all food, all hikes, all activities!) that I can't really complain about the price. Everything was of perfect quality. On a side note, I stayed as a solo female, and I felt very comfortable, and my privacy was completely respected. Room Tip: They all have their own charm. Can't go wrong."

SUMMERTIME VILLA: "Nice Place"

"Ive been to Goa several times but I had the most Luxurious time while visiting Summertime. . . . . Spacious rooms & a pool to die for…"

Locavore: "This is an experience, not just a meal"

"We weren't sure about going as we are not normally into the fine dining scene, but the reviews of Locavore swayed us to give it a go. OMG - it was fantastic. What an experience! We sat along the open kitchen where we could watch and talk to the chefs - I highly recommend doing so if you can as it really added to our experience. We went for the 7 course degustation (non-vegetarian) accompanied by matching cocktails. We also had 2 cocktails off the menu before we started and these were delicious and not lacking in alcohol. I had one with passion fruit and rum and it was sensational. Along with the 7 course degustation there was a multitude of amuse bouche served - I think in the vicinity of 8 or 9 extra little surprises. We left feeling very satisfied, but not overstuffed. Now - on to the food and drinks themselves. The whole repertoire was simply bursting with flavour. We were amazed at how much flavour could be packed into small amounts of food. Each thing we had was unique and interesting. The cocktails were very well matched with the food. Even though I would not order some of the cocktails left to my own devices, they went very very well with the food served. Similarly, there were foods I would not necessarily order (such as ox tongue) but that was all part of the adventure and there was nothing I didn't eat. I also loved the imagination behind the food. For example, one dish was called ""into the rice paddy"" and the chef explained that it had all the things in it from the rice paddy that one could eat - duck egg, heritage rice, frogs, snails and wildflowers. We actually discovered in the course of the day that there are many flowers and decorative leaves that could be eaten. We were there for almost 3 hours and it went by in a flash. We were kept engaged in the experience the whole time (helped by sitting at the kitchen I think). I am very happy to report that Locavore is non - smoking - MASSIVE THUMBS UP. Apart from the fact others' smoke blocks our sinuses etc, there is no way you could serve this quality of food in a smoke-filled atmosphere. This kind of experience doesn't come cheap but we loved it and would highly recommend it. If you can, book before you get to Bali (through their website). We had 2 weeks in Ubud in shoulder season and could not get in for dinner, but managed a lunch. Thank you Locavore for a great afternoon and a real adventure."

Tugu Bali: "The Epitome of Balinese Excellence"

From the start of our arrival, this resort submerged us into the traditional Balinese culture. We were greeted with fine wine (drinks of choice), a massage, and the beginning of an ancient set of dances that truly displayed the Balinese history that resonates within Tugu. You are able to reserve a reasonable priced dinner in front of the traditional dances or anywhere for that matter within the hotel. Same goes for breakfast, as well as the option to have breakfast at any time during the day(great for late risers and brunch goers). The staff really tries to make you feel like you are at your home away from home and did an amazing job of making us feel as comfortable as possible. Be sure to check out the little beach town of Canggu by yourself or with a guide with Tugu's complimentary bicycles. Bali truly is the Island of the Gods with thousands of temples and a couple within walking distance from Tugu. Our room came with our own swimming pool and a spacious bath tub to give an open and elegant room experience when wanting to stay in. Like I said before, all food can be ordered from anywhere on the grounds as well as complementary afternoon tea or coffee and snacks (4-6pm). There are several other activities to choose from, however, we selected the afternoon Djomoe class that specializes in hand on making of long-established herbal brews that range from everyday energy to cold cures (it worked)! The resort has a grassy beach area that meets the sand with comfy cabanas specific for Tugu guests, perfect for the marvelous Balinese sunsets. We'll be coming back, that's for sure. Recommended for an astonishing stay well worth the price.

Tugu Bali: "Beautiful, Peaceful in Canggu"

Loved Tugu Hotel. Amazing staff, wonderful location. The hotel sits right next to the beach in Canggu. It neighbors Canggu's most popular hang out, The Lawn. The area is full if amazing restaurants, bars and hangouts.The hotel offers a tea, coffee, and cake every day from 4:30 - 6:30pm. I totally recommend this place to anyone looking to surf as well. The hotel sits on a big surfing beach! A+++ on location for this place.

Samanea Beach Resort: "Hidden Paradise in Kep"

We have enjoyed our 4-night stay in this place for starting our trip in Cambodia. It's very calm and the place is superb. The staff and the manager very great and very helpful. You can ask them to organize anything for you (attractions, activities, transfer, tuktuk), they know reliable people and the prices are fair. The food at the hotel was also very good. You'll need a tuktuk to go to crab market or beach, it's a bit too far away to walk there, it's only 3USD however sometime you would prefer being able just to walk to head to a restaurant. Anyway we have enjoyed it and would have stayed a bit longer

Mudanwan Villa: "Luxury at its Best"

"We stayed here with our families and each family had its own villa. Each villa is unique and different from one another and faces the pond that is in the centre. The villa has a great relaxation area that serves daily afternoon tea and snacks. The area is an open space so we could listen to the nature and the insects and birds sing. The food was delicious as well. We stayed here for a couple of nights and we were able to book the private room that sat all of us around a large family round table. The food was different each night and it was delicious! The service was also exceptional. We were able to fish and swim in the infinity pool at the resort. We loved the ambience and the tranquillity. TIP: Just outside the villa there is a non-profit mini school that was started by a couple. They wanted to provide good education to the aboriginal kids who live in the area. Many university students volunteer their time to educate the children. If you were to go visit this place, please visit the mini school and perhaps you can donate some school supplies, books and perhaps mini donations. The volunteers (university students) also help serve food that the couple runs to help support the mini school. Go dine there if you are curious!!"

Rahai’i Pangun: "Beautiful"

Wow Borneo is very well run. The boats are clean, modern and the crew fantastic. The food is without a doubt 5 star. The 2 owners are really committed to giving you the very best service. I have been 3 times now on the boat. You see the orangutans up close and its such an intimate experience. You enter by small boat to see them. The Dayak villages are so beautiful and keep their old ways. Its a great trip. Such a beautiful part of the world.

Neeleshwar Hermitage: "Wonderfully relaxing"

"For years my wife and I's favorite place to stay was a boutique hotel in Thailand that we discovered while working there: a (for us) perfect combination of luxury, service and simplicity. Since that closed we've vainly been searching for a replacement. I suspect nothing will ever completely replace Laem Set in my heart, but Neeleshwar Hermitage is the closest we've come. After a week travelling in Rajasthan we were ready for a recharge. Neeleshwar allowed us to completely rejuvenate in a tranquil, beautiful environment with a wonderful ayurvedic spa and yoga and meditation options. The accommodation and food are of a high quality and the staff very solicitous (barring an unfortunate and atypical experience with an incompetent and impolite tailor at the resort shop). A shame that due to the Kerala liquor laws there are no spirits sold, so no pre-dinner cocktails, we'd maybe look to bring our own fixings next time. Local wine and beer is available on request, billed as ""cold supplies"" or some-such. Overall, much to recommend, and hopefully we'll be back soon. Stayed February 2017, traveled as a couple"

Muang La Lodge: "A real Gem"

"We stayed three days and two nights in this slice of paradise. The setting is terrific and the service and attention to detail was even better. The fusion of French and Lao cuisine was sensational and the presentation a delight for the eye. The staff to a person clearly has been well trained and look for opportunities to please. We happen to be visiting a day after my birthday and of course they surprised us with an evening of lighting candle lanterns to send off good blessings into the clear evening sky. Truly a place to revisit and restore. Bravo on all fronts. "