Guest Reviews

Mathis Retreat: "Lovely boutique hotel – perfect hideaway"

"I stayed here for a week and I miss it everyday! For the first part of the week, it was me and a girlfriend who came to Ubud to get away from the city, do a little exploring and do some yoga. We weren't sure if we wanted to stay in Ubud the whole time or go somewhere else in Bali, but after two nights, we extended our stay. One of our favourite things was having breakfast looking at out the private rice fields every morning, it was so relaxing. The pool had the perfect view. The hotel had a really good balance between a tranquil relaxed vibe, without being sleepy, and had some really good tunes throughout the day by the pool too (I ended up asking them for their playlist).The hotel was just a 10 minute scooter ride into town, which meant everything was really accessible without it being crazy all the time. My friend ended up going home early and I stayed on for an extra 2 days. The staff took such good care of me. And as a solo female traveler, safety is extremely important. They was so lovely and even taught me some Indonesian. The GM was super lovely and very hands on, she would come by and chat with the guests, without being intrusive. It was such a wonderful trip and the hotel was a huge part of it. Seriously, great rooms, great resto (really good food!), great view and great staff. I would definitely come back!"

Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge: "Simply the BEST"

"Rarely does one find a jewel like this, where staff and owner are welcoming, friendly and nothing is too much. Marcus and his team really go out of their way to make your stay enjoyable, relaxing, rejuvenating. Then comes the view : simply breathtaking. And the cozy rooms in chalets built of local materials, all conscious of the environment and preserving it. And the delicious food : you can have just about anything you feel like, and much of it comes form their own organic garden, simply delicious! Thank you TMPL for a most relaxing holiday, without noise pollution! I will be back for sure."

Mie Cafe: "Casual dining but very good food"

"We made a reservation via their website for Saturday lunch at 1.30pm. The restaurant had many available tables when we arrived. The 3 of us had a good mix of starters and main course and Mango Mojito which was very tasty. Please see my photos for all the delicious foods we had. The bill was very reasonable and we only spent USD59 in total. A definite must go to to dine place"

Rachamankha: "The best place to stay in Chiangmai"

"This must be my 8 or 9th visit to rachamnkha. It is such a great place to stay. The manager, Paul, is without doubt one of the best hoteliers I have ever met. And the praise doesn't stop with him. The staff are 2nd to none. The rooms are excellent, and the garden setting that the hotel is situated in is an oasis in the city. The breakfast is the best I have ever encountered in many years of travelling, and the lunch and dinner do not disappoint. If you are staying in Chang Mai, stay here. If you are not staying in Chiang Mai , then change your plans and stay here. It's worth the trip. Without doubt, and pound for pound, is the best place you will ever stay in Thailand. "

Rak Ko Jae Seoul: "Outstanding Cultural Experience"

Staying at Rakkojae Seoul was incredibly fun. Highly recommended for anyone seeking history & culture vacation. Rakkojae resided in the heart of the Bukchon village, convenience location, great walking neighborhood, steps away from tourism info center, and minutes away from subway station. We stayed for 3 nights in the separate house. The house was well maintained very nice and clean. The staffs were very friendly and helpful especially Mr. Kim the manager. The traditional breakfast serve daily was excellent. Rakkojae brought us an amazing experience in Seoul that one may not get if staying at modern hotel.

Manda De Laos: "Excellent local cuisine"

Manda de Laos is happily tucked away from the hullabaloo of the tourist quarter and offers wonderful Laotian cuisine, in a great setting with one of the nicest lily ponds in LP. Food, service and ambience first class - it was quiet early in the evening, but very busy later on - we revisited the next day to see the lilypond in daylight and capture a little more of the ambience. Highly recommended.

Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge: "Thanks a million"

"Sorry TMPL, rather behind schedule. Possibly a combination of -3C welcome home and December overtaking me. Two visits in one year are definitely worth it. Albeit earlier than expected as in a backhanded way Saga messing up actually did me a favour, It was great to be back at the Lodge. Must make it longer next time and hopefully go for walkabouts with Hari. Must up the exercise regime. I was in need of TLC and was not disappointed. Looked after by all the guys. Everything down to a fine art. Including my escorts home in the dark. Sunrise at the pool then wake up coffee delivered to my veranda. Great breakfast on the terrace with Machapuchare and friends looking over. Fantastic food coming from Lalu and the team in the kitchen. No continental for me when Nepali is available. I could do with their help a week Sunday as I'm in charge for the first time in 10 years. Ouch! My second attempt at rumble tumble was only just edible. I hope Lalu's cook book is available at the Lodge. New Zealand is a long way away. So on that happy note, very many thanks. I shall wish my life away looking forward to my next trip. Can't wait! M"

The Island Lodge: "Great time in “l’ile de la licorne"

"We really had great time in Island Lodge. It deserves its name of ""secret retreat"". The location is amazing and totally surprising. The hosts really welcoming. They have decorated all the rooms and hotel with great taste. We highly recommend the boat and bike tour that give you unique experience of Mekong Delta. The homemade food is delicious and worths also the trip. Perfect getaway from Saigon...book quick there is not a lot of rooms!"

Maduzi Hotel: "An heavenly boutique hotel in the heart of Bangkok"

Hotel Maduzi is a charming heaven just in Bangkok center. The 40 rooms are all having their own charm from standard room to luxurious suites with antiques and a very special touch combing thai and japanese atmosphere. The boutique hotel style service is customized and adapted to the needs and requirements of every customer. Check in can be as early as 06:30 or 07:00 AM if your room is available with no extra charge. A welcome drink of your choice is offered to you including a glass of wine or a beer. Delicious Coffees and Teas are offered to you should you enjoy one with no extra cost. A lovely heaven in Bangkok for the ones who like to be pampered.

Glenburn Tea Estate: "“Awesome trekking in perfect surrounding – in and around glenburn tea estate”"

"Just got back from a 3 night solo stay at the glenburn tea estate. I can't believe how they are ranked #4. They should be #1 hands down. Pick up at the airport was prompt with a safe driver and clean car. The driver stopped at a picturesque spot for a quick picnic lunch - paneer Kathi rolls, brownies and of course tea! Enough had been written about the last descent to glenburn, so I won't write anymore. But it's all true! Once you reach the estate, you are blown away by the setting. I was lucky as the weather was clear and I could see the Kanchenjunga peak in all its beauty. Luxurious accommodations with all the conveniences you need. I had some issues with the hot water in my bathroom but they moved me to another room immediately. And even offered complimentary massages for my inconvenience. I did use the massage as I did 3 treks on the next day - 1. Hike to Ramitay Dara, 2. Hike to the campsite and 3. Hike to manjitar suspension bridge. Great views from ramitay Dara and it's an easy 1.5 HR uphill trek. The campsite is a completely different setting from the mountains. And they do a fabulous barbecue lunch. Just relax by the river and enjoy the food. The 3rd trek to manjitar was ok and can be skipped. I wasn't impressed. The dinners are along with all the other guests and it's like you are having dinner in someone's house. Met people from Germany, London, San Francisco, Denver and Singapore. Wow! Great conversations over great food. Food is a little bland for Indian taste but Faye made me a spicy butter chicken thx next day. Breakfasts are outside the water lily bungalow. Awesome setting. Fabulous service and good choices - eggs, one special every day, and the usual stuff. The 2nd day I hiked to Badamtam tea estate and the Buddha of Badamtam. It's on the hill right opposite the glenburn tea estste - so you go down to 1000 feet and then trek uphill back to 3300 feet. And then they sent a car there to take me to Darjeeling - it's about 40 mins from Badamtam tea factory. Nothing great in Darjeeling. Except to have coffee/tea at Glenarys. Faye ( the estate manager) is very good with the guests and is always available to answer any questions and offer suggestions. Along with Will and Camilla, they make a great team. And not to forget all the staff - my trekking guides - Mandeep and Dinesh. The staff - Sajit, Binod, everyone. A great place in the eastern Himalayas -'not to be missed!"