Darn Good Digs Review - Editors' Choice

Journeys Within B&B and Bungalows, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Nominated By: Selin K., San Francisco, California, USA, February '09

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Price Range: US$75-$160 (breakfast included) # of Rooms: 5 Kid-Friendly: yes

What makes Journeys Within Bed and Breakfast so Darn Good? Journeys Within overflows with warmth and friendliness. From its owners, Andrea and Brandon, to its tour guides and receptionists, the entire Journeys Within staff took care to ensure that we were happy and comfortable throughout our stay.
The B & B partners with Journeys Within Our Community, a non-profit dedicated to improving living conditions in Southeast Asia through well construction, language schools, and a host of other local projects. I was really amazed to see how Journeys Within gives back to the community in so many ways.

Location: Located on the outskirts of Siem Reap, Journeys Within is on the road between town and the awe-inspiring twelfth century temples of Angkor Wat.

Rooms: Journeys Within has four deluxe bungalows and one family suite. All are modern and filled with Cambodian touches, such as the traditional Cambodian scarves left on the beds as gifts for guests. The bathrooms are divine with fancy rain shower heads, and each room has AC, free drinks in the mini-fridge, and balconies overlooking the ridiculously inviting pool and garden oasis.

Food: I just can't say enough about the food at Journeys Within. The chef is tiny in size, but big on taste! She uses many local ingredients and everything is always delicious. Her chicken coconut curry was so incredible that I even tried to recreate it when I got back home. Breakfast is included, and the B & B offers full lunch and dinner menus.

Vibe: Staying at Journeys Within is like staying with friends. After exploring Angkor Wat, we were all about lying by the pool and having a restful and relaxing visit.

Things to Keep in Mind: Journeys Within is ten minutes from town, so you can't just walk outside and wander about, but tuk tuks are readily available and are a great way to get to the heart of Siem Reap.

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Darn Good Digs Review - Editors' Choice

Rikitikitavi, Kampot, Cambodia
Nominated By: Andrea, Queensland, Australia, April '10

Price Range: US$30-$60 (breakfast included) # of Rooms: 4 Kid-Friendly: yes

What makes the Rikitikitavi so Darn Good? What makes Rikitikitavi so good is the service, which is simply the best we have ever come across in our travels through Southeast Asia! With their welcoming rooms, delicious food, and helpful suggestions for what to do around town, Denise, Dom, and their staff ensure that their guests are well taken care of throughout their stay. Rikitikitavi is spotlessly clean, comfortable, and quiet, and has a perfect location right on Kampot's riverfront.

Location: A rich collection of colonial architecture and a riverside perfect for strolling make the small town of Kampot in southeastern Cambodia an appealing destination. Several beaches along the Gulf of Thailand, such as those of Kep and Rabbit Island, are nearby, but the area's biggest draw is Bokor Hill Station, a 1920's era retreat built by the French high up in the Elephant Mountains forty kilometers from Kampot. Rikitikitavi is on the town's Riverside Road, within walking distance to the taxi stand and bus station.

Rooms: Situated in a renovated wooden-framed rice barn, Rikitikitavi has well appointed rooms decorated with Khmer silks and pillows, rattan furniture, and local art. The beds are comfy and the showers are hot. The Inn has an extensive DVD library so guests can watch movies on the DVD players in their air conditioned rooms. Double rooms have four poster beds and private patios.

Food: Meals at Rikitikitavi are served on the rooftop restaurant and bar which has gorgeous views overlooking the river. The chef uses very up-market fresh food which is wonderfully presented and cooked to perfection. I highly recommend Beef Saraman! Breakfast includes baguettes, crepes, and fresh fruit salad.

Vibe: Staying at Rikitikitavi is like visiting old friends, and this is one reason the hotel is so special. Whether in our room or upstairs in the restaurant, we felt incredibly welcome, comfortable, and relaxed.

Keep in Mind: Book well ahead because this is a popular place. Also, make sure to reserve a table for dinner in the high season, and ask for Bory the tuk tuk driver.

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Darn Good Digs Review - Editors' Choice

Casa Susegad, Loutolim, Goa, India
Nominated By: Shelley Seale , Austin, Texas, November '09

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Price Range: Rs 3750-5000 (meals additional) # of Rooms: 4 Kid-Friendly: yes

What makes Casa Susegad so Darn Good? The incredible architecture and furnishings of this amazing 400-year old mansion, as well as the warm hospitality of the hosts and staff, make this getaway in beautiful coastal Goa like no other. During my stay at Casa Susegad, I was able to attain the perfect balance between relaxation, interaction with other guests and village neighbors, and short treks to nearby activities.

Location: Set on one-and-a-half acres of grounds in the sleepy southern village of Loutolim, Casa Susegad is surrounded by the forest and far removed from the mass tourism of Goa.

Rooms: A colonial mansion was completely restored to create this charming, historic four-room heritage guest house. The restoration was a labor of love for Norman and Carole Steen, who retained elements such as teak ceiling beams and the 400-year-old mosaic tile floors which are amazing in their intricacy. The four guestrooms are spacious and well-appointed with antique Indian furniture, deep-sprung mattresses, and en-suite bathrooms. Named after semi-precious stones found in each room's decorative floor borders, the rooms have color schemes that reflect the stone, including gorgeous hand-sewn patchwork quilts that cover the beds. Each room opens up to its own terrace area with a table where breakfast or tea may be taken. While guestrooms are comfortable and inviting, the whole house is at guests' disposal. Cozy up in a cushioned corner seating area with a good book, lounge by the lovely pool, or stroll the beautifully landscaped grounds to the top of the ridge behind the house, from which a perfect sunset can be witnessed.

Food: The four-course dinners at Casa Susegad are not to be missed. Food is a fusion of Goan cuisine and imaginative continental dishes. Carole often starts her day at the local market, and has worked painstakingly with her wonderful staff to prepare traditional local dishes as well as train them in her own recipes. Everything is organic and prepared in the large kitchen or over a traditional wood fire. You will never have the same dish twice; ask Carole about the Goan chicken or the incredible fish wrapped in a banana leaf. Your hosts will happily lead you on a tour of the kitchen and garden, pulling samples of the many fruits they grow right off the trees or a bite out of something cooking on the stove for you to try.

Vibe: Susegad has no direct English translation, but its many Goan meanings include contemplative, lazy and satisfied. The owners chose this name as a way to offer guests the opportunity to discover their own meaning during their escape to this peaceful idyll.

Keep in Mind: The beach is a twenty minute drive away and no restaurants or nightlife are within walking distance. Also, the Steens have six dogs and several cats on their property, all rescued as part of their support for the Goa Animal Welfare Trust.

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Darn Good Digs Review - Editors' Choice

Inn Seventh Heaven, Pushkar, Rajasthan, India
Nominated By: Silverprincess79, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, May '08

Price Range: Rs 300-2000 # of Rooms: 12 Kid-Friendly: Yes

What makes the Inn Seventh Heaven so Darn Good? Seventh Heaven is a beautiful, old haveli with a lovely courtyard and fountain. The Inn is simply and stylishly renovated (not tissy), very clean, and comfortable (for non-Australian speakers, not tissy = not fru fru).

Location: Pushkar is one holy place. It is located in the northwestern Indian state of Rajasthan, and is one of five sacred Hindu pilgrimage sites. The town sits on the shore of Pushkar Lake, considered the holiest lake in all of India, and has 52 ghats where pilgrims enter the lake to bathe in its sacred waters. Pushkar is also home to the world's largest Camel Fair, a festive time when the town is flooded by musicians, magicians, acrobats, and snake-charmers. Inn Seventh Heaven is just a short walk to the lake and town center.

Rooms: Seventh Heaven has 12 unique rooms, which range in quality from the two ground level windowless rooms to the most fancy rooftop room, the Asana. The rooms are situated around a traditional courtyard, bedecked with a fountain, fruit trees and chairs for chilling.

Food: Amazing. Seventh Heaven's rooftop restaurant, the Sixth Sense, serves both Indian and Continental food. This hip joint is filled with sofas and lounge chairs for lounging. Guests are treated to panoramic views of Pushkar and the desert mountains in the distance. And just so you know - Pushkar is totally vegetarian and alcohol free.

Vibe: Seventh Heaven has a chilled out, modern hippy kind of vibe.

Things to Keep in Mind: Some of the Inn's rooms are fairly basic, and if you prefer a room with windows, AC, or heat, make sure you ask. Book ahead because these rooms fill up fast, especially during the Camel Fair.

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Darn Good Digs Review - Editors' Choice

Aryani Resort, Merang, Terengganu, Malaysia
Nominated By: Jim, Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada, May '08

Price Range: RM308-1055 (breakfast included) # of Rooms: 20 Kid-Friendly: Yes

What makes the Aryani Resort so Darn Good? This place is incredible. The Aryani is on a fabulous white sandy beach that stretches for miles on the South China Sea. All rooms are in separate bungalows designed in a very Malay style with outdoor bathtubs.

Location: Guests at the Aryani can view lovely islands in the distance and funky commercial fishing boats just off shore. The resort is in the state of Terengganu on the northeast coast of peninsular Malaysia near the small village of Merang. Ferries leaving Mereng will take you to the Redang and Lang Tengah Islands, both part of the Terrangganu Marine Park and known for their excellent snorkeling and scuba diving. Kuala Terengganu, 45 minutes away and the closest city to the resort, is a center of Malay culture, crafts, and cuisine.

Rooms: The Aryani bungalows are incredible, all with a very Malay style and design. Each room has the normal hotel amenities, as well its own little private yard with a sunken bathtub and shower. The resort's architect and owner has created the Aryani in the image of a traditional Malay royal settlement, even relocating parts of a 19th century royal palace to house its spa and Redang Suite.

Food: The Aryani has two restaurants, the Serai Restaurant and the Pulau Beach Club, both serving Malay and Western dishes. Those with a sweet tooth will enjoy the sweet treats served every evening.

Vibe: The Aryani is very Malay, very quiet, very secluded, and very laid-back. The staff is wonderful and extremely helpful. Spa enthusiasts can indulge in traditional Malay massage and body treatments made with local fruits, flowers, and herbs.

Things to Keep in Mind: The prices listed on the internet are high but we have been able to get them for a fraction of the cost by booking directly just before arriving.

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Darn Good Digs Review - Editors' Choice

Ambassador Garden Home, Kathmandu, Nepal
Nominated By: Sherry Ott, New York City, January '10

check availability, get rates, and reserve online at Agoda

Price Range: 33-65 Euros # of Rooms: 18 Kid-Friendly: yes

What makes the Ambassador Garden Home so Darn Good? In the middle of the craziness of Thamel, Kathmandu's bustling tourist district, sits this gem boutique hotel. What made staying here so unforgettable was the staff who made me feel as if I were a member of the family. The owners called me by my first name and frequently joined me in the garden, assisting with any travel needs I had and introducing me to other guests at the hotel.

Location: Thamel is one of the busiest, noisiest, and most crowded neighborhoods in Kathmandu and the Ambassador Garden Home is located at one of its main intersections. However, the hotel is set back from the road, and once you step onto its grounds, you are amazingly transported to a peaceful oasis. The hotel provides transportation from the airport for ten Euros, as well as complimentary rickshaw rides to nearby tourist sites and old Kathmandu.

Rooms: The entire hotel has been recently renovated, and its eighteen modern rooms are decorated with class. Cultural and family relics can be found throughout the hotel, including the wooden garden doors and an old wooden staircase in the lobby. Surrounded by a classic brick fence, the Nepali garden is one of the hotel's highlights. Here guests can eat meals or simply relax reading a book with the fountain dribbling in the background.

Food: The Ambassador Garden Home has an on-site restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The dhal bhat plate, Nepal's most popular dish, was fabulous. Breakfasts were also great, and I personally loved the French press coffee brought to the table!

Vibe: The Ambassador Garden Home feels like a boutique hotel melded with a family hostel. The owner and manager came out at night and ate dinner with guests in the garden; they introduced travelers to each other, creating a wonderful open communal feel.

Keep in Mind: While peaceful, the hotel is still in the heart of Thamel, and the live bands playing next door and throughout the neighborhood can be heard in the evening. Also, the hotel does not have an elevator.

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Darn Good Digs Review - Editors' Choice

Soppong River Inn, Soppong, Mae Hong Son, Thailand
Nominated By: Tony, Australia, May '08

Price Range: 500 – 1200 Baht # of Rooms: 7 Kid-Friendly: Yes

What makes Soppong River Inn so Darn Good? Going to the land of zzzz's on an excellent bed in a room with open eaves poised high above the chattering river after an excellent Thai spread in the Soppong River Inn restaurant is one of my lingering memories of the fabulous Mae Hong Son province. In ten years of wandering through Thailand, my favourite bed and breakfast or hotel has to be the Soppong River Inn. I score it a 10/10 for location, atmosphere, food, and service.

Location: The Soppong River Inn is located in Soppong, a small village in the mountainous Mae Hong Son province near the Burmese border, 130 km northwest of Chaing Mai. Soppong has a lively market every Tuesday, when hill tribe people journey down from the mountains to shop and sell their goods. If you are in the mood for some outdoor adventure, the Inn is a perfect base for caving, kayaking, rafting, and trekking.

Rooms: The rooms and cottages are different styles, but all are made using traditional materials such as teak and bamboo, and all take their cues from traditional and modern Thai architecture. All rooms have cotton sheets and towels, en-suite bathrooms, and hot water. Some of the rooms have balconies overlooking the river, gardens, and rainforest.

Food: The Inn's Seven Elephants Café serves a choice of Thai, American, or European style breakfasts, all with a super-fresh tropical fruit salad. Coffee drinkers will be psyched about the Inn's espresso machine, the only one for miles around. The dinner menu includes both Southeast Asian (even some local Shan specialties) and western style meals. The restaurant has both indoor seating and an outside deck perched above the river.

Vibe: Every time I've been back, Burt and Joy, the owners, seem to have improved the place even more, though how it's possible amazes me.

Things to Keep in Mind: It's a bit of a trek to get to Soppong, but the roads are good and the flights from Chang Mai are short.

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