Guest Reviews

Noel Rodrigo’s Leopard Safaris: "THE highlight of our trip and one of the most unique experiences we have had to date"

"We recently spent a night at Noel Rodrigo's Leopard Safaris, and the entire experience left us awestruck and amazed. To place things in context, this is an actual campsite that is located next to a national park full of leopards, elephants, crocodiles, deer, wild boar and other forms of wildlife. If you're looking for a sanitised, 5-star luxury resort with all the modern conveniences that accompany such indulgences, this is not for you. If you have a sense of adventure and wish to be close to nature, however, you will find that Noel Rodrigo's has everything you will ever need. Our host and wildlife guide for our stay was Pradeeth. He is extremely friendly and knowledgeable about the wildlife in the park. He was also responsible for ensuring that our stay was comfortable and that all our needs were being met. From the moment we set foot in the camp until we left, we were made to feel like royalty. Pradeeth was supported by a team of discreet but attentive staff. We didn't manage to catch their names or speak very much to them, but this team of employees are the ones responsible for ensuring that everything in the camp runs like clockwork, and a big shout out goes to them. We were also introduced to Sajith who, much to his chagrin, has been promoted to management and no longer takes drives into the park as often as he used to. He did manage to sneak a drive in with us in the afternoon, thankfully. Sajith and Pradeeth are extremely knowledgeable about the park and it was awesome having them by our side during the drives, pointing out things we would otherwise miss. From the distinct call of a distressed deer sensing the presence of a leopard (those calls gave us an indication of where to head towards) to the paw tracks left by a passing porcupine, they made the park come alive to us, and made us attentive to even the smallest of things. Despite being a campsite, and sleeping in actual tents (think: glamping), Noel Rodrigo's had everything we needed. The accommodation was comfortable and the tents came fully equipped with safe deposit boxes, cupboards, flushing toilets and hot showers (on demand)! There is no air-conditioning, but all rooms are equipped with fans, and it does get cool in the evenings. Besides the wildlife and game drives (more on that later), the other highlight of the stay was the food. We were treated to scrumptious spreads every single meal. Beer, wine and gin & tonics were also readily available at NO extra cost. Everything was covered and there were no hidden costs. We dined al fresco every meal - literally out in the open, under the spreading canopy of a huge tree. Dinner was served under the stars, and the dining area was lit by hurricane lamps and candles. It was really special. The game drives were awesome. It could be because we were there during the off-season, but we mostly felt that we had the entire park to ourselves. We were fortunate enough to see 2 leopards during our first, afternoon drive. Pradeeth insisted that we woke up at 4:45am for our second, morning drive so that we could be the first to enter the park. This sacrifice paid off as we spotted another leopard that morning, and it was no further than 10 metres from us! Besides leopards, we also spotted elephants, deer, wild boars, peacocks, jungle fowl, mongoose (mongeese?), hares, kingfishers, crocodiles, hornbills, storks.... I could go on and on. The other thing that set Noel Rodrigo's apart was its emphasis on eco-tourism. We had the honour of being the first two visitors to take part in their new tree planting campaign (ask them about it). We were invited to plant a tree at the camp at the end of our visit in order to reduce our carbon footprint. It was a special gesture, and made us feel that we had invested a part of ourselves at the camp. We promised to return to see our wood apple tree. It also shows how the folks at Noel Rodrigo's genuinely care about the environment and nature. For this reason alone, you should consider Noel Rodrigo's over all the other safari options at Yala. We will be back soon. And until then, we sincerely hope that Noel Rodrigo's continues the good work it is doing over in Yala."

David’s Kitchen: "True definition of culinary experience in Chiang Mai"

"Spending the evening at David's Kitchen was a total experience. - Food was unbelievably heaven-ish: I had Wagyu Braised Beef Cheek, which as a special menu. - Ambience was impeccable. Nicely decorated. Classy taste of interior design. - Hospitality was top knotch. Conversation with David, Khun Prom and staffs were both entertaining and insightful. If I had more time, I would have loved to try out aperetivo in the Red Room, which will be soon be under renovation, I guess. Culinary experience in Chiang Mai can hardly get better, if at all!"

Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge: "Best lodge in Pokhara… if not the whole of Nepal"

Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge was by far the best place we stayed in our month long trip to Nepal. Marcus was a fantastic host, and the staff went above and beyond to make our stay the best ever. The lodge itself is beautiful and the view will definitely make you want to outstay your visit!

Muang La Resort: "well worth the long trip!"

As you bump along a main road for hours to cover what looks like no distance at all on a map, you wonder what possessed anyone to build a resort out there in the sticks. And when you finally get there, have a welcome drink and a guided tour around the place, settled into your bungalow and are blissfully soaking in an outdoor hot tub fed from a natural spring, you realise that this resort is an extraordinary achievement of vision and hard work. It is managed and animated by two young men, who make it all look deceptively easy. Food is outstanding, imaginative and fresh; accommodation is large and comfortable, care is attentive and personal, nothing seems too much. We have only one regret: we should have stayed longer.

Cuca: "Deserves 2 Michelin stars – Outstanding"

"We had a fantastic culinary experience at Cuca. The flavours, textures, aromas and presentation were an impressive mix. The staff were very atentative and their product knowledge was amazing. We sat at the bar watching the Chefs work which brought back memories for me. We liked how different people brought us our dishes - Chefs and our waitress, who explained what we were about to enjoy. As recommended we choose 6 tapas style dishes which was just enough for both of us to feel full and not left hungry. The choice is well balanced and it was difficult to choose which 6 dishes to enjoy, saying that we couldn't resist trying 2 of their desserts too!! We don't normally take dessert but on this occasion we really enjoyed the Bali breakfast and their ice cream dish with 98% coco mass organic chocolate ganash just made for them. Their brigade is headed up by an energetic Canadian Chef called Kevin Cherkas who I would pair with Heston Blumenthal using modern techniques to improve your culinary experience. So we liked it so much we are going to return to enjoy a different 6 dishes and another culinary journey at Cuca. "

Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge: "Magnificent hotel experience in Nepal"

Beautiful. Exceptional level 10 service. To die for views! Quiet get away - absolutely worth the uphill trek to experience. Loved everything about it and will absolutely return next trip to Nepal! Marcus and his team will make you feel welcome, and you will be spoiled!

The Island Lodge: "Amazing stay in this hotel !"

We spend 5 nights in this hotel, everything was perfect : rooms are nice and full furnished, very quiet environment ! And the owners of this paradise Françoise and Michel are so nice and helpful. The restaurant is also amazing (you have test quiche lorraine and fondant chocolat). I warmly recommend this place if you want a fantastic stay in Vietnam.

Reverie Siam: "Wonderful relaxing hotel with delicious food!"

one of the best hotels ever. room was very clean. the stuff very friendly. the food was delicoius (nice tapas!) and the (red) wine great! nice pool to relax. i can not complain about anyting. it's worth the money.

Mathis Retreat: "Un seul mot…fabuleux"

"We fell in love with this intimate hotel with magnificent views of a rice field ... The rooms are spacious and very clean and are limited in number which gives its charme.a hotel. Breakfasts are hearty and fresh. We had dinner every night at the hotel restaurant and the Terracotta entire card is excellent. We recommend the tuna tataki input a killer! The Mathis offers a free shuttle to downtown. Very friendly staff and very caring. In the evening we are surrounded by the sound of crickets and frogs ... the morning woken by birds .. the dream :-) "

Villa Song Saigon: "Love the restaurant"

"Even when you don't stay in the hotel you still can come here for food and drink. The advantage when enjoy meals here is that you are served with 5 stars hotel level. Staff are very polite, well trained and pay attention to small details to satisfy you. About the view, this hotel owns the best view of Sai Gon river. Decorations are very well to make it different from restaurants around with full of green but not surrounded by mosquitoes as most of other river side restaurant. Breakfast, lunch or dinner here are equally good. But each moment has different beauty. When I want to enjoy my romantic relationship with my hubby, Villa Song always my first choice."