Exclusive Experience

Sofitel Millesime Club offers an exclusive experience tailored to your individual needs. This experience involves luxurious amenities, personalized service, and full attention to detail. When you book a room, you’ll have access to exclusive lounges, private check-in, and 24-hour butler service, ensuring that your stay is as comfortable as possible. If you ask us, the Sofitel Millesime Club is where you can enjoy a luxury stay like no other.

Boutique Ambiance

It’s worth noting that Sofitel Millesime Club’s boutique ambiance gives it an advantage over other hotels. Firstly there’s an intimate atmosphere, which makes your stay more personalized and unique. Secondly, the hotel’s decor features a mix of traditional French architecture with a modern twist, ensuring your surroundings are as calming as they are luxurious.

Fine Dining

Good food is an integral part of a luxurious experience, and you’ll find precisely that at the Sofitel Millesime Club. The hotel has multiple dining options to choose from. Not just different cuisines like French, Asian, and International cuisine but healthy options as well. The hotel’s restaurants are famous for using only the finest ingredients and a commitment to delivering fresh, sophisticated meals. Surely you’ll find great choices to satisfy your every culinary craving. After all a lot of thought and effort goes into menu making.

Access to Special Events and Amenities

When booking a room at the Sofitel Millesime Club, you’ll have exclusive access to a range of events. These events range from art exhibitions to private wine and cheese tastings, providing entertainment that elevates your stay. Sofitel Hotel offers personalized cultural experiences for guests, which is an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in local culture. Well, on top of that, you might get also free Wi-Fi access at Millesime Club.

Convenient Location

Another plus is the Sofitel Millesime Club’s convenient location. Usually, the hotel is situated in a prime location right in the center of the city, making it easy to access the area’s most popular attractions. You can also take advantage of hotel car service and be chauffeured to nearby locations.

Final Thought 

We believe that Sofitel Millesime Club is a luxurious, boutique hotel experience that’s worth partaking in. Seriously, who doesn’t like to have tailored proposals to meet personal needs? We certainly do, and that is why we believe that every high-end traveler should choose Sofitel Millesime Club when booking a room.

The post Why Choose Sofitel Millesime Club When Booking a Room? appeared first on Wild 'n' Free Diary.

Ambiance

Piece of Morocco in Siem Reap features impeccable ogee curves and high ceilings that defy hot weather. Of course AC is on, but not at the inner courtyard where you can freshen up in the large hotel pool. By the looks of it, one is easily transported across the globe to Morocco. However, an open hallway on the way to the Sarai hotel room sets you right in Siem Reap and so does the food. 

What we loved was an abundance of natural light and charming details Morocco is famous for. Then there is the story of an act where ancient Siem Reap meets Cambodian second-largest city. So why not mix colonial French legacy with the Instagrammable hot spots?

Check-In

Before I got a tour around the “lobby charms”, Ian was waiting for me with the keys in his hand. What can be better than fast check-in, right? In a word, Ian described staff here at check-in as fast, nice and welcoming.

Our Room

Most of all, we loved the reusable water bottles that staff change every day. Minimalizing single-use plastic waste is on top of our demands that luxury hotels fail to fulfill. And here we are talking about big names like Mandarin Oriental, Sofitel, Intercontinental, Four Seasons…

We also loved the bathroom sink at the doors, after all, washing hands should be the first thing after entering the private quarters. To point out, our room had interesting layout. It stretch over two floors, where lower space has a bedroom and bathroom, and upper floor vast terrace.

We’re talking about the semi-enclosed terrace with very comfortable sitting and hanging daybed. Suddenly we were faced with the temptation of sleeping outside, but the cozy king bed downstairs, sorted this “problem”. In general, the room was clean and neat, providing everything we need. Wow, it’s rhyming. To continue… However, some maintenance show wouldn’t hurt, though.

Facilities and Amenities

If you aren’t feeling right for a Sarai Seasons SPA, you’ll enjoy a cooling inner courtyard. Especially thanks to the salt-water swimming pool. Although, we urge you to visit Seasons SPA, at least for a relaxing foot massage. If not you can pull out Ian. Cold cocktail by the pool and he is all cool.

By the way, this layout of the pool is a traditional Moroccan trick that keeps the place cooler. The pool is especially charming after dark, possibly for a post-workout cool-off. Guests can exercise their hearts out at the hotel gym if the meal at the Goat Tree Restaurant was too big.

Goat Tree Garden Restaurant 

Sarai Resort’s buffet breakfast happens every morning from 6 am to 10 am at the Goat Tree Garden restaurant. In that time frame, guests can choose among the western breakfast classics and local must-haves. Let’s not forget the fresh fruit and salad selection, which got replenished as needed. Then there is the egg menu that soothes the hungriest souls. The breakfast selection is broad enough to keep you full till lunch.

From noon till 2:30 pm anyone can visit the Goat Tree Restaurant for some tasty Khmer dishes. We tried some of their signatures, like Combination platter and Chef’s mix. Both plates included different local Khmer salads, with the winning chicken and green mango salad. We proclaimed it unanimously due to the wonderful alliance between fragrant herbs, crunchy vegetables, and tender chicken. Here we must admit that the rest was very tasty as well, especially the rich plum sauce that was perfect with the fried spring rolls.

Following toothsome starters, we tried creamy yellow chicken curry with sweet potatoes, carrots, and long beans. It wasn’t too spicy and tasted very nice, but we preferred the luscious coconut soup with a shrimp ball and fresh Kampot pepper. We finished our delightful meal with a scoop of coconut ice cream and passion fruit sorbet. Both were spot on and we recommend a meal at the Goat Tree Restaurant during your stay at the Sarai Resort & SPA.

Final Thought

Indeed, we loved the most Instagrammable hotel in Siem Reap with all its charms and plant abundance at the ground level. Although it isn’t quite as luscious as the Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra, it is picture-perfect. However, it has something that many hotels lack; in-room reusable glass bottles and infused water in the lobby. We get that pandemic changed the rules and single-use plastic soared, which is just heartbreaking. Hopefully, with unforeseen reset, we will change our attitude towards earth. It is now or never! Thank you for reading our Sarai Resort & Spa Review and see you next time.

Sarai Resort & SPA Review Card

• 9.5/10
  ATMOSPHERE – 9.5/10
• 9.3/10
  CLEANLINESS – 9.3/10
• 9/10
  ROOM – 9/10
• 9.2/10
  FACILITIES AND AMENITIES – 9.2/10
• 8.8/10
  FOOD AND BEVERAGE – 8.8/10
• 9.5/10
  SERVICE – 9.5/10
• 9.2/10
  VALUE – 9.2/10

Price and Location

A room like ours at Sarai Resort & SPA will cost you about 150 USD. Here is a link to the location for easier navigation! Damn, I am good with rhymes today.

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Ambiance

The moment you’ll step on the property of the Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort, you’ll get a sense of a real green oasis. From all sides, it is encased with greenery and flowers. That is why we were able to hear birds singing every time we were outside.

To be honest, the lush park looks like a dream and feels like a fairytale. The thoughtfully planned complex will urge you to explore every corner, and if you are a true nature lover, you will love every inch of Sofitel Siem Reap.

Check-in & Chill

After the brief check-in, we were presented with a beautifully put-together welcoming drink. Needless to say, we enjoyed the intense lemongrass iced tea, although the presentation itself was equally satisfying. The tea was placed in the charming see-through bottle with fresh infusion, but we were thrilled with the lemongrass stem as a plastic straw replacement. 

Facilities and Amenities

The first and to us most important facility is the lush park with benches and a walking path. Going through the neatly manicured green surface before reaching the pool area is incredibly relaxing, but you’ll easily find a shorter route if you want to avoid a walk in the park.

Once you get to the pool area, you’ll discover that the hotel gym is right at hand. The gym is well equipped for a good workout with provided water and fresh fruit. After good cardio, you might want a SPA treatment at the award-winning luxury Sofitel Spa with L’Occitane or relax with a book at the outdoor library in the middle of the lake.

Although, the golf at the Phokeethra Country Club might be a tempting idea as well. Regardless of your desires, we are very confident that you’ll find something that will meet your needs. 

Regarding the amenities at Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort, we can only confirm that you will get everything you need. However, the TV channels aren’t exciting at all, but hey when the adventure outside is calling for you, TV is the last concern. The downside is their beverage offer. Your complimentary tea will be Twinings and the water is in a plastic bottle.

Our Room

Rooms are cozy and bright. Our favorite part of the room was the comfortable sitting area from where we could see the park. Clever plant design and curtains provided enough privacy to feel cozy and carefree inside the Sofitel Siem Reap hotel room. Like the rest of the Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort, the room is also equipped with a charming colonial design.

The layout of the room is not bad at all, but you might be disappointed with the bathroom design. Its design is more likely for socialist blocks than a luxury 5-star hotel.

Food

During your stay at the Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort, you’ll be able to try some fine French cuisine with a glass of wine or enjoy a local Khmer dinner with a traditional dancing performance. The resort has also its own herb garden and we love that.

Here we must mention their substantial wine collection, which is on display at the Explorer’s tales bar. Sofitel Siem Reap houses three restaurants, while the poolside Serpent Bar caters to refreshments of all sorts. As expected, the lobby bar and wine room are meant for a thirst-quenching break, but you can expand your order at the Explorer’s Tales bar to the afternoon tea set.

Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort High Tea

There is probably no better way to celebrate luxury life, than with a good afternoon tea set. For the Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra High Tea, one can choose between the classic and Khmer version. In a word, we preferred the Khmer high tea version, although the whole tea-time experience was much better at the Club Millésime. For More Information, please check our Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra High Tea Review

Buffet Breakfast at the Citadel

All you can eat breakfast at the Citadel restaurant caters to an Asian and Western array of dishes. We found the healthy station with freshly prepared 100% juice with a fitting menu. Close by was the yogurt and cereal station, plus nuts and fruit.

Only a step away was a salad station with numerous add ons that continued to the neatly displayed cold cuts and cheese area. Of course, there was also a bread station and eggs cooked to order.

A list of more fulfilling dishes goes on and includes soups, baked vegetables, meat, and warm sides. Without a doubt, you’ll enjoy a selection of pastries that will fit perfectly next to a cup of coffee or tea.

Club Millésime

Club Millésime is the executive lounge of the Sofitel hotel chain. To join this club you must be a high-rank customer, make a reservation for a high-end room or add on extra service to your rate. From time to time, we do opt for Club Millésime, and here is our review. At Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort, they hold their Club Millésime on this beautiful floating house in the middle of the lake.

Food was ok, and according to our zig-zag walking to the room, the drinks were good as well. They did serve a few cocktails and also wine. On top of that, you will be even able to try out some of the high tea bites here. And if you like mornings calmer, you can have your breakfast rather here, than in the more crowded Citadel restaurant.

Service

Service at Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort is great as it is common for Sofitel Hotels. Khmer people are welcoming and somehow remind us of Thai. Wide smiles, French greetings, and chatty nature. We would like to express admiration to the all staff here.

Conclusion

No doubt! Sofitel did it again. Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort is another hospitality haven for all travelers who are looking for something more than just stay. Sure the competition in the luxury hotel segment is harsh here in Siem Reap, so everyone is doing their best to prove their superiority.

Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort is a great resort with amazing ambiance and the most friendly service. However, when it comes to food, there is a lot of space for improvements. But we figured out what is going on there in this resort.

The majority of the guests here at Siem Reap Sofitel Resort, are seniors and the hotel simply fell into the senior trap. These guests aren’t very demanding when it comes to food and the staff just get used to it. However, seniors aren’t the only bad thing for hotels. Far from that. They are bringing that tranquility to the hotel and this is what we truly like here. Are you looking for a calm stay? If yes, this is the venue for you. I hope you liked our Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort Review. See you next time.

Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort Review Card

• 9.9/10
  ATMOSPHERE – 9.9/10
• 9.8/10
  CLEANLINESS – 9.8/10
• 8.5/10
  ROOM – 8.5/10
• 9.5/10
  FACILITIES AND AMENITIES – 9.5/10
• 8.4/10
  FOOD AND BEVERAGE – 8.4/10
• 9.7/10
  SERVICE – 9.7/10
• 9.3/10
  VALUE – 9.3/10

Price and Location

A night here at Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort will cost you about 200 USD for two persons. At this price, it is included Club Millésime access and breakfast. Here is a link to the location for easier navigation. Enjoy your stay!

The post Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort Review appeared first on Wild 'n' Free Diary.

About Macalister Mansion

More often than not, heritage hotels are involved in cool stories; hence it is interesting to learn about the building’s past. It would be a pity if there would be only an Eastern & Oriental Hotel with a rich history in Penang’s UNESCO protected city, Georgetown. To be exact, Macalister Mansion was built in 1880, only nine years before the first Eastern Hotel.

However, at that time, the mansion was owned by an Indian moneylender but only for a short while. Rich Straits Chinese were rapidly settling on Penang island, and one rich Nyonya named Choong Lye Hock bought the mansion. At that time, the estate had 41 rooms and an iconic spiral staircase that led to a watchtower on the third floor (This staircase is still a part of room number 4).

Did they need that many rooms? I think yes, where else could you put 20 servants from China, they had at that time. After Choong Lye Hock’s death, his two sons took over the mansion. One bought others’ share and leased the whole estate to the Consumers Association of Penang for about ten years, followed by the Arredo furniture showroom and Crystal Brides, a bridal house.

First Design Hotel In Malaysia

Finally, in 2010, local businessman Datuk Sean H’ng and his wife Datin Karen H’ng undertook the restoration that took about 20 months. With the refreshed looks, Macalister Mansion was opened to the public. Now guests can choose among the eight guest rooms, in addition to the Living room, Dining Room, Bagan Bar, The Den and The Lawn took places. After our visit, they facelifted the Dining Room and even all eight guest rooms. To be exact, the hotel is evolving all the time and excites guests with its aesthetics.

Who Was Macalister?

Macalister Mansion’s name honors Sir Norman Macalister, one of Penang’s (Penang was formerly called Prince of Wales Island when the Malay States were a British colony) first British Governors from 1808 to 1810. In Penang, the present brick structure of Fort Cornwallis was built by convict labor in 1810 during his term as Governor of Penang. In August 1810, Sir Norman Macalister was lost at sea, in the South China Seas, while traveling back home to Scotland. His successor was his good friend Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles.

Macalister Mansion Design

The main idea is to keep that old English mansion feel and uplift it with a contemporary touch. All heritage details are preserved and well composed with modern design. With this approach, we get a nice balance between nostalgia and a vision of the future.

The interior came from architect Colin Seah from the Ministry of Design (MOD), a Singapore-based interior design company. I should point out that Macalister Mansion is decorated with many local art pieces. So, this place is not only stylish but also artish.

Through the site, you can see bespoke furniture pieces and bold carpets that merely round every room. If you think the design ends at the bathrooms, you are wrong. Both mosaic tiles and mirrors as a centerpiece are features that will shine to you.

Macalister Mansion Rooms

At Macalister Mansion, one can find eight unique spacious rooms designed with an idea of a glamorous lifestyle and functionality. Every room has its unique art pieces and luxurious amenities. All this will give you a feeling of staying at some private mansion rather than in a typical hotel.

All rooms are equipped with all you need; a Nespresso coffee machine, TWG tea collection, Bluetooth sound system, and well-known Aesop toiletries. The best feature in this hotel, in our opinion, is a tower where you can read a book or enjoy the sunrise before the birds start their morning song. To get to the tower, you will use the original staircase and provoke that colonial feels.

The Food at Macalister Mansion

What we truly like is breakfast. At Macalister Mansion, they realize the most significant advantage of being a boutique hotel, and every breakfast is made fresh. You choose from the menu, and the kitchen is right on it.

Macalister Mansion Afternoon Tea

Not having Afternoon Tea in the English mansion would be Sin! And not only that, Malaysia is all-in when it comes to the high tea tradition, and we can only encourage this. If you are interested, you can check the best afternoon tea in Kuala Lumpur, and you will see how relentless the competition is here.

However, Macalister Mansion afternoon tea is pure joy. It is served in their chic Living Room or, as they call it, now Guest Lounge, which can be a show by itself. However, not for long. When the afternoon tea set arrives, you will forget about everything. To find out more, please check our Macalister Mansion Afternoon Tea Review, and if you wanna find the best afternoon tea in Penang, click here.

What Else They Serve Here?

We haven’t tried any other dishes so we can’t make conclusions about that. However, we can give you the information; their focus is on contemporary French cuisine, which can be paired with selectively curated wines. To show the seriousness of the wines, they opened their Cellar with more than 300 labels of wine. We will stop there for dinner next time we visit Penang.

Who Should Stay at Macalister Mansion?

Macalister Mansion is a fitting hotel for all heritage hotel lovers, sophisticated people, or simply tourists with high standards. I can guarantee that you will enjoy yourself here and explore Penang Island like a boss. As a matter of fact, the hotel is located in a great location from where one can get around and find all these delicious meals. Penang is known as the culinary pearl of Malaysia where foodies from all around the globe can find their next pleasesures.

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Metropole Hotel Hanoi Has it’s Own Bomb Shelter

Surprised? We didn’t know that before our Metropole Hotel Hanoi Heritage Walk, which is now a part of a daily tour at this gorgeous hotel. Metropole Hotel Hanoi’s bomb shelter was accidentally discovered in 2011, by the hotel engineering department during the renovation of the Bamboo Bar. It was used during the American War (1964 – 1973) and lately sealed. This bomb shelter was not only for guests but also for employees.

You might ask, who in the world was staying there between the war? Journalists, negotiators, activists and most famous American singers. What? Yes, Joan Baez was in that bomb shelter, just in the middle of a great air raid. Another famous person hiding there was Jane Fonda.

Joan Baez

American folk singer and antiwar activist was in this bomb shelter during the December bomb raid in 1972. She was even singing and playing on her guitar to calm everyone and cover the horrible sounds of the bombing and sirens. She did also some recording of sounds during the raid. Those sounds she used later in her famous “Where Are You Now, My Son” song. This song refers to the cries of a woman Baez saw one morning searching for her son lost from the night’s raids.

Bombing of Hanoi

Hanoi was bombed together with Haiphong city for 12 days. In the 12 days between December 18th and December 30th, the North Vietnamese News Agency estimates, some 100,000 tons of bombs were dropped. That makes one of the biggest air raids in history. Just to imagine – that’s more than the total tonnage dropped on England during the six years of World War II.

I can’t even imagine how crazy that must be, but a lot of people still remember. Our tour guide cried at the end of this Metropole Hotel Hanoi Heritage Walk. That memory probably will never disappear and our duty is to remember it and make sure something like this won’t happen again.

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Metropole Hotel Hanoi Heritage Walk As a Must

If you are in Hanoi, make sure to stay at the Metropole Hanoi Hotel and be a part of history. I warmly recommend joining Metropole Hotel Hanoi Heritage Walk to get more at this already unforgettable stay.

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