LEOPARD SAFARIS - WILPATTU: "Highlight of our trip"
"We booked our safari with Noel's leopard safaris after reading the other reviews even though initially we thought it seemed expensive. The whole thing was brilliant, our camp host and safari guide Pila, is a walking encyclopedia and wildlife expert. He also has eyes like a hawk and an amazing ability to spot hidden wildlife. We arrived each morning as the park opened and though there were never many other jeeps he always lost them. Possibly beginners luck, we saw 2 leopards and a sloth bear on our first safari, along with a miriad of smaller mammals and gorgeous birds. Then on our last trip finally saw 2 elephants. This would have been enough but in addition the tents are comfortable and the food delicious. If you are not sure don't hesitate you won't regret it. "Samanea Beach Resort: "Great place to stay, almost perfect"
"Great environment, nice bungalow, beautiful setting, amazing view on the sea and fabulous sunset. The staff is very nice and helpful from the waiters to the manager. Few bungalows so you really feel being in a protected place with not many people and a beautiful nature. The only critics would be about the restaurant (not the service which is great) but the food : breakfast too poor and too many courses missing each day on the menu. However food is good. Finally the swimming pool is large and nice but hotel should take care of the maintenance as some mosaic pieces are missing or going apart. If you go to Kep I definitively recommend this great resort that I would refer more as an Eco-lodge, you will feel being in a special place"Villa Song Saigon: "Best Experience in My 6 Week Asian Travels"
"Amazing Boutique Hotel that sits along the peaceful Saigon River, beautiful colonial style rooms, amazing views, personal staff, great pool, and excellent restaurant. I never wanted to leave (no kidding). The staff were so good to me it felt like they were my family. I had another month of travel upon leaving and I knew no hotel would match this. I would say it was one of the top 2 best experiences in my 30 years of travel. I want to give credit to the amazing staff (top to bottom). The Director of Operations Ta Thanh Thuy was so helpful: from future travel/hotel tips to aid with some personal business of mine (all this while being wonderfully pleasant and thoughtful). Ms. Nhu, at the front desk was the anchor. She helped me with all needs: tours, food recommendations, travel tips, and taking care of a Fed Ex package that wouldn't have gotten to me if not for her hard work. Equaling as pleasant and helpful was my friend Ms. Tuyet. Kevin, the chef, gave me wonderful advice for touring the city, and dazzled me with his Michelin level food. And finally the charming and lovely Ms. Quy. I enjoyed her big smile every day and our nice conversations. The rest of the staff were equally great, but I don't have the time or space to write on it. An unforgettable experience. I hope I'm back soon. "Hotel Tugu Malang: "Fantastic museum that functions as a splendid hotel"
"The Hotel Tugu in Malang is truly a gem that is worth visiting when in the area. The high tea is amazing in a colonial setting with a huge array of teas and coffees and also the accompanying delicacies. I highly recommend going on the art tour with Manda, the Guest Recognition Officer. She eloquently explained the most important pieces of art and gave us a nice tour through the whole hotel. In the evening we went to the (cigar) bar, where there's an impressive selection of cocktails, wines and spirits. The bartender was a bit disconnected, but made good cocktails. The breakfast was the only part we were able to enjoy at the restaurant, since we went somewhere else for dinner. Again, a huge selection from which you can choose your preference (healthy options included). Certainly worth visiting, especially for the price they offer. I can even highly recommend the Presidential Suite for 15,000,000 that Manda was so kind to show us. What an impressively sized bed it has, wow! John from the reception was extremely kind too! I almost forgot the most amazing part: even though it's located right in the heart of the city and next to a busy road, the rooms are completely quiet and you enjoy a relaxing sleep."Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge: "Blissful stay"
"This is a straight five star stay with lovely accommodation in scattered lodges around the grounds, bird watching and treks available, and a wonderful veranda to sit and look at the Himalayas (if they are clear of mist....) We had mosquito nets (not actually needed) over our beds and hot water bottles can be requested! The food and hospitality are excellent. The staff are permanently on their toes. We loved our little lodge so much we could have just sat in there all day listening to and watching the birds. A local lady came and did a Reiki massage in the room. Bliss Stayed April 2017, traveled with friends"Cuisine Wat Damnak: "What a culinary journey"
"Must try/go/taste restaurant in Siem Reap ! Joannes, the Chef, proposes 2 new tasting menu every 2 weeks that will make you discover a high level Khmer gastronomy. Everything here is made to optimize your experience: very very good service,discreet but very efficient, charming authentic refined setting, good wine menu, vegan/vegetarian super friendly and much more but shhhhh.... I let you discover bt yourself this coming explosion of flavors ! ;)"Tugu Malang: "Just love it"
"I stayed here before as tourist, this time for business. Both times were great! The atmosphere is magic, the restaurant is outstanding, the staff unbeatable. Rooms very authentic and comfortable. The old time odor and grandeur is all over the place, like it! They have a nice pool as well in case you travel with kids."Reverie Siam: "Antiques! Truly amazing"
Stayed here one night with my friend and we did enjoy much! A little bit expensive but it pays back a great experience.i love those decorations, antiques! It's hard to find old machines as of these days, if you wish to feel like travel back time, visit this hotel! I love our huge rooms just open your door and jump in to the pool! Thanks for the birthday present! Foods is fabulous, restaurant is very romantic for couples! Very serene and quite place. If you love nature here in Asia this is the best. And oh! There is a gazebo located into the river bank! I love it!Neeleshwar Hermitage: "For the rest of your life"
"""For the rest of your life"" is quite a claim. We were both frazzled and so it was an easy claim to sign up for. Neeleshwar Hermitage totally delivered. The setting on the edge of the Arabian Sea is pretty special: for miles and miles of sandy beach and the rhythm of the waves wherever you are, enjoying yoga, breakfast at the beach restaurant or the infinity pool that looks out over the sea. The Ayurvedic Spa is where the relaxation really delivers with the spa team providing the best massages and treatments totally restoring mind, body, and spirit which were far from balanced on arrival. Having warm oil gently running on my forehead took me gently into a very deep sleep. The detox package we had opted for prescribed vegetarian food which Is not my usual menu, but the North Kerala recipes mixing spices and herbs were excellent. The whole experience was delivered by a delightful team throughout the resort. Sadly we had to leave after our allotted week and did so in a very different state than when we arrived. ""For the rest of your life"" indeed. "Villa Song Saigon: "Few days to relax in busy HCM"
"We are a family of 2 kids and it's our second stay in villa song and definitely not the last one. We booked a room and got finally a nice upgrade to a bigger sanctuary room downstairs so easier to handle with the stroller and kids . They have a nice swimming pool and our son enjoyed it at least once to twice per day , The restaurant is super good , Breakfast is served all day long , and the choice is super wide with Vietnamese and western food - my fav of the stay : banh cuon and my husband : croissant sandwich, fruits are fresh and tasty, For the evening, they have a more westerner food menu which is super good but don't expect Vietnamese food - We were there during their Singaporean cook host week and we tried some of his best dish - my fav is the dessert aloe and jelly - lemon sherbet :) On top of that the staff is awesome , super nice and would do everything for u to get a nice stay . We used their baby sit service 2 eve without any issue , And last day I treat myself with a spa offer they had : scrub and facial , it was very well done and relaxing ... and would do it again next time ! Pros: nice swimming pool, adorable staff , food quality , spa available and kids friendly (babysit / babycot) Cons : in D2 so not in city center but u can always enjoy a 15min boat ride right into the center and avoid busy traffic We will definitely come back!!!"
Travel Asia with Secret Retreats
Secret Retreats is a curated community of independent boutique hotel, villas, yachts and river boats keen to share their Asian Homes with travelers, sustainably and responsibly.
Conservation of the environment, culture and traditions of Asia is of paramount importance to all in Secret Retreats.
A community of like-minded hospitality professionals, we offer our guests authentic travel experiences that go beyond typical offerings to unveil the essence of Asia. Supporting the Asia based hoteliers and hospitality professionals and providing incredible holidays in Asia and tailor-made Asia travel itineraries direct to public ad travel agents.
Get inspired and make savings!
By booking direct with Secret Retreats and enjoy peace of mind from our full on the ground support. Contact our concierge and plan then book your Asia holiday now!
