In every great city, there lies a great hotel. A hotel that sits a clear mile above the rest offering a standard of excellence that can knock the socks off anyone lucky enough to experience it. To be that hotel in a city as affluent, dynamic and cultured as Taichung, it has to be a damn good hotel. This is my experience of the Hotel Se7en in Taichung...

amba Taipei Ximending (yes, it starts with a small letter "a"), is a hip and boutique hotel located in the Taipei's Harajuku district and it seems to be a hot topic in the Ximending district. It is a part of amba Hotels & Resorts group chain by Qun Xin Properties Limited. Prior to my most awaited Taiwan adventure, I honestly stalked amba until our trip. Truth beholds that no amount of digital wanderlusting could express my feelings how excited I was.

Here's my experience of amba Taipei Ximending...

As soon as I decided to visit Taichung, I couldn't wait to hunt down some of the coolest boutique hotels in the city. After a bit of online research, I fell in love with the dark and sophisticated design of P&F Hotel so we booked in for a night.

P&F Hotel is a boutique and quaint hotel in Taichung located at 101 Shifu Road in the Central District. Central District is incredibly convenient area to stay in Taichung. It's close proximity to Taichung Railway Station and Yizhong Street Night Market, is another reason that swayed my decision to stay here.

Here's my take on this posh Taichung hotel...

I decided to kick start my pre-birthday trip by taking a little escapade to Taiwan, starting from Chiayi and ending it in Taipei. It only made sense to find a casual respite as our first base in Taiwan. This is why we decided to call Hotel Liyaou home for our first night in Taiwan. Read on to know more about my experience of Hotel Liyaou in Chiayi...

There is more to Thailand just one. Amidst the intricate wats (temples), the contemporary capital of Bangok, and its magnificent tropical islands in the south, the country has so much to offer. The vibrant city of Bangkok, a metropolis with over 10 million inhabitants, is the most sough-after destinations for most tourist as it is easily to love. In the metro, along with the hustle and bustle, there are numerous luxury homes, with apartments in prestigious buildings desirable.

The south of the country is noted for its stunning natural beauty and picturesque beaches. From the most popular location Phuket which boasts many large luxury villas and private residences which are ideal for those seeking privacy and discretion. Alternatively there is the island of Koh Samui which is composed of charming villages, beguiling coastline, and prestigious properties favoured by VIPS.

I have partnered with Luxury Retreats to offer you a number of luxurious homes that are up for grabs in Thailand. Below is a round-up of some of the most luxurious homes you can rent and have that dream tropical Thailand luxury vacation of a lifetime.

1. Cape Yamu, Phuket | Villa Amarapura

Indulge yourself in the famously beautiful Phuket in this newly built vacation rental on the coastline of the Andaman Sea in the exclusive Yamu community. Villa Amarapura is a seven-bedroom estate that includes the personal services of a chef, housekeeper, and property manages. It boasts two infinity pools and you could just imagine yourself sipping refreshments from the wet bar. It also has basketball court and a badminton court to get your adrenaline rush tested. You can also explore the bay in kayaks and paddles boards. And after a tiring day, end it on a high note with a barbecue dinner at the al-fresco dining pavilion,  followed by stargazing from the hot tub, a rack or two on the pool table in the games room or a movie in the home theater.

2. Laem Sor, Koh Samui | Villa Kalyana

Villa Kalyana is a whooping fourteen bedroom haven in an exclusive beachfront estate on a private bay at Koh Samui's shore. Fringed with crayola green palms, titanium white sand beach, and clear turquoise waters of the Gulf of Siam. There's a wooden bridge over the swimming pool to the hammock island for a relaxing snooze as you fall asleep with the sounds of the waves crashing and with the sounds of the tropical palms rustling. This oceanfront villa is the dream you've been wanting.

3. Bang Rak, Koh Samui | Upni Duniya

Bathe yourself in a majestic six-star property located in the north-eastern corner of Koh Samui. The Upni Duniya can accommodate up to eighteen guests. This villa is strikingly beautiful with attention to design and decor, and every corner is a piece of stunning art. Picture, swimming in its magnificent infinity pool that it is as if experiencing an illusion that you are actually in the ocean. The reservation at Upni Duniya includes a fourteen person professional staffs 24/7 with two gourmet chefs. Wow! This is what I call luxury living at its finest.

4. Ban Laem Noi, Koh Samui | Villa Neung

Fell in love with Villa Neung as you swim through the warm seas. This luxury property is a part of the exclusive gated Mandalay Beach Villas on the stunning coast of Koh Samui. It is a three-bedroom home that offers true luxury in its melding of a beautiful beachfront setting and well-crafted modern design. Spending the holiday in this prestigious home can not get so much better.

5. Bang Rak, Koh Samui | Ban Haad Sai

There's nothing more relaxing than enjoying a sparkling villa with your love one on a tropical beach. Tuck away on the island of Koh Samui, the Ban Haad Sai is the elegance luxury with great huge doors that slide open for easy access to the outdoor patios around the villa. Enjoy a good book as you mask yourself with sunrise, relax on its hammock in the afternoon, and dine under the stars. This is your romantic dream tropical destination.

6. Laem Set, Koh Samui | L2 Residence

Perched on a lush hillside that offers panoramic views over the Gulf of Siam, the luxurious L2 Residence in Koh Samui is a three-bedroom paradise for a quiet getaways, or an intimate and indulgent Thailand honeymoon. The house has has a plunge pool, wet bar, al-fresco barbecue dining area, floor-to-ceiling glass walls, and more luxurious touches. It is crafted to perfection for more than just a home.

7. Kamala, Phuket | Villa Samira

Wallow on the southwestern coast of Phuket island, the Villa Samira is the majestic and spectacular luxury villa that is fit only for the Gods. Enjoy an exquisite indoor and outdoor living spaces that are perfectly crafted for enjoying a picturesque ocean views. It is a six-bedroom vacation rental with a contemporary variation on classic Thai themes. It has an spectacular pool terrace and equally impressive room overlooking the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal. Bath yourself in the hot tub and a floating in the nineteen-meter infinite swimming pool. If I were to have my honeymoon destination. I would pick this place.

Manila is packed with chaos, commuting around is a constant headache, a nightmare in fact, and it isn't exactly a place where it is as beautiful as the other thousands islands that dots the whole country. The diversity and vibrant action of Manila can be overwhelming, so it makes sense to stay in a base where ultimate relaxation is at its finest. Let me introduce to you, Ritz Astor Hotel.

I was lucky enough to a enjoy a night at Ritz Astor in the middle of my Philippines coverage that went trough, Davao, Manila, and Camarines Norte. Here's my experience of the Ritz Astor Hotel in Makati.

First Impressions

After checking out from Royal Bellagio, we transferred to Ritz Astor, which was just a few steps away from Royal Bellagio. The Royal Bellagio's hotel attendant helped us with our luggage to Ritz Astor, and as we are about to enter the building, the attentive doorman of Ritz Astor were ready to greet us and offered to take our luggage. They swung open the super-size doors, and that's when I knew we're ofg to a good start. Despite the dreary August weather, the whole lobby looked inviting and sumptuously posh.

Deluxe Dreams

My spacious deluxe room was located on the top floor of the hotel, which meant it came with incredible views overlooking the Makati skyline. The deluxe room had an extensive mini-bar, toilet and shower room, and a heavenly cloud-like bed. However, I was surprised to find there were no tea and coffee making facilities in the room. Only later did I found out that tea and coffee making facilities were only available upon request. The bathroom was immaculately clean and the fresh fluffy white towels were as if it was made up of cotton-candy.

The Ultimate Breakfast

On the final morning of our stay in Ritz Astor, I got to enjoy a late leisurely breakfast with my friend and fellow travel writer, Rona. We strolled down to Ritz Cafe lobby at about 10am and found our perfect spot. Ritz Cafe had an extensive breakfast set menu from Eggs Benedict, Mushroom and Cheese Fritatta, American Breakfast, Tartines, to Pancake and Waffles, but there was only one clear winner: the American Breafkast. The dish was perfectly cooked, the eggs were done to perfection, but the best part was the impeccable crispy bacon, and butter and jam. The added fruit slices made it a truly hearty meal.

The Jose Cuervo Tequileria

The flashing neon lights and gritty streets in Poblacion, Makati, might give the wrong impression. It isn't exactly the first place you'd think to bring a foreign tourist in the Philippines, where sandy beaches and azure waters call to mind the flashes of Elysian fields.

Whilst Poblacion in Makati is decidedly grittier than glitzier, it is so easy to love. It is a home to an abundance of night clubs and bars, cool hostels and homey hotels, great food finds, and beautiful art, where character and eclectic charm perfectly mix that reflects our country's melting pot of cultures. But how many hotels in Makati can say they sit upon refuge, recreation, and rejuvenation at the same time, were the best establishments in the city is just a stone's throw away? The answer is only one. Welcome to the Royal Bellagio Hotel.

Getting There

After checking out from another hotel, my friend and I walked through the streets of Poblacion to find Royal Bellagio which was just a few meters away from where we came from. We could tell we were getting close to our destination as we could see the Royal Bellagio hotel sign from the distance. Upon entering Cafe Cubana we went straight to the lift to the second floor where Royal Bellagio's lobby is located.

First Impressions

Royal Bellagio is somewhat enigmatic when you drive through P. Burgos street, towards the unassuming entrance. The entrance to the hotel can be both through the Cafe Cubana or through the Filling Station which was a part of the whole hotel.


The first thing I noticed is the vast lobby which came really a surprise to me. Unexpectedly, it was huge! It was clean and neat, which is a sure-fire sign of things to come. Upon arrival we received a warm welcome from Ms. Celeste, the hotel's Sales and Marketing Manager which gave a personal touch that immediately made me feel at home.

Location, Location, Location

When looking for a hotel in a city like Makati, I believe that location is everything, so being centrally located in the metro's hippest hotspot is a one big check. I loved how the Royal Bellagio was located in the non-pretentious neighborhood of Makati. It's strategic location close to eclectic restaurants and bars is unraveled for foodies alike. The hotels hidden entrance gave a private and exclusive feel away from the masses.

Quirky Rooms and Luxurious Extras

We stayed in a Deluxe Room complete with a refrigerator, microwave, cable TV, built-in closet, and a mini bar. The added workstation near the door, and two-person lounge area next to the bed reminds me of my room at the Shangri-la Mactan Cebu. The homely extras such as the kitchenette made all the difference.


Our bed was a queen-size and the bedding was of the highest quality from the silky egyptian cotton bedsheets to the down-stuffed pillows and the embroidered blood red headboard. It was all very retro-esque which only added to the luxurious feel.


The toilet and bath is as clean as the whole room. It is equipped with a bath tub, luxurious toiletries, and fluffy white towels to boot.


Price: Deluxes Rooms starts at $50 (approximately PhP 2,500) per night, including breakfast based on two people sharing. Wifi is also free of charge. You may check the latest price in: Booking.com | Agoda or read reviews on TripAdvisor. For inquiries and other information, you may visit their official website. For other hotel reviews, click here.

Filling Station Bar and Restaurant

A huge benefit of staying at the Royal Bellagio hotel is also that you’re on the doorstep of one of Makati’s best restaurants; the Filling Station Bar and Restaurant - which was a part of the whole hotel. The hotel and restaurant share interconnecting doors so you don’t even have so step foot outside the hotel for a delicious meal. It's stunning interior design and furnishing looks like it's ready for a Vogue-interiors 50's photo shoot at every angle. It has a huge dose of wow!


Guests and outsiders alike can play, drain, and refill -- time travel back to the wonders and magic of the 50s and 60s era at the cozy retro atmosphere of Filling Station. Stacked in every corner, wall to wall are vinyl records, vending machines, rotary phones, and other past collectibles. Life-sized copies of Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, The Mask, Wonder Women -- all of the furnishing, fixtures, textures and the tiny details work in perfect harmony to create a fantastic and stimulating interiors which I absolutely loved. The lovely waitresses clad in classic 50s diner uniform makes the whole restaurant truly retro-tastic!


The owner had done an exceptional job of transforming everything into intricate pieces into a beautiful touch of the past. His eye for detail consistently transcends throughout the whole property and it's clear that it remains a project very close to his heart. There is no doubt that the design concept has been imagined by a talented perfectionist.

The Breakfast

I absolutely love taking my time over a leisurely breakfast so when it comes to hotels, a good breakfast is always high on the priority list. At Royal Bellagio breakfast options at the Filling Station are inclusive in the price of your stay,

As I perused through the menu, I opted for the American Breakfast which consisted of toasts, eggs, bacon, butter and jam, coffee and juice. I prefer my eggs sunny side up, and the cook made my eggs exactly how I like it. The whole breakfast was rich, flavoursome, and a melt-in-the-mouth. Royal Bellagio had it spot on.

The Pizza and The Pasta

During our stay at Ritz Astor, which was also a sister hotel of Royal Bellagio, we were treated to a wonderful lunch meeting with the hotel's Sales and Marketing Manager, at the Filling Station Bar & Restaurant. My expectations on food, service and setting were all totally exceeded.

We ordered the Filling Station Pizza and the Chorizo Pasta. Pizza is life for me and I could tell that The Filling Station Pizza didn't disappoint. I would know if a pizza is made with a fresh dough or not but the Fillin Station Pizza was baked to perfection - an indulgent crunch alongside. Topped and scattered with chorizo, salami, mushroom, tuna flakes, onions, olives, bell peppers, and tomatoes. I think I enjoyed the chorizo pasta too so much because it's a dish I wouldn't normally go for. Both the pizza and the pasta was surprisingly and incredibly rich, tasty, and fresh. It was truly a comfort food.

The Verdict

The Royal Bellagio Hotel is laced with unique rooms to stay and unwind, modernised with timeless decor, luxurious extras, and friendly service. So many elements of the stay gave it a real personal touch, from the personal welcome of the hotel's Sales and Marketing Manager herself, to the bespoke meals. If you're looking for a relaxing refuge in Makati with a brilliant location and a festive charm, the Royal Bellagio is for you.



What did you think of Royal Bellagio Hotel? Have you been to Makati's Poblacion before? If you enjoyed reading this post or need any more advice about this hotel, please comment on the box below and let me know!

Visiting Makati? Check out:

• The Ultimate City Guide to Makati
• Manila Food Guide: 7 Unique Restaurants To Try In Makati

Disclaimer: My stay at Royal Bellagio Hotel was provided complimentary in exchange for coverage on my blog. All views are my own.

If heaven existed on earth, I think I may have just found it; a home-away-from-home where you can enjoy a little treasure tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Metro Manila. This is not your ordinary boutique hotel. The Element Boutique Hotel is single-handedly redefining the concept of a contemporary and relaxed luxury boutique hotel. It's a unique accommodation style that I have never experienced before until now. I had the pleasure of staying here for two consecutive wonderful nights before covering another Philippine region down south of Luzon. So sit back, relax, and let me tell you why Element Boutique has jumped straight to the top of my travel hot list.

One of my favourite things about being a travel blogger is getting to discover corners of the world that truly feel like hidden gems. They don't come around on every trip, but when they do, I'm always so excited to share them on the blog. My latest hidden gem came in the form of Buri Siri, a mixture of contemporary and colonial base in the heart of Nimmanhaemin area in Chiang Mai. I was lucky enough to spend two nights here as a part of my South East Asia adventure. This place was my most extraordinary discovery of the whole trip.

Introducing Buri Siri Boutique Hotel

Tucked away in the heart of hip Nimmanhaemin area on Sirimankalajarn road, is a relaxing base - the exquisite Buri Siri Boutique Hotel - from which to explore the beautiful city of Chiang Mai. The rustic identity and rural charm combined with contemporary and colonial is one of the unique showcased rejuvenation of Buri Siri.

It's a 5.7km and a 10 to 15 minutes from Chiang Mai Airport. It is perfectly located, just walking distance to Nimmanhaemin's shops and restaurants, Maya Lifestyle Shopping Mall, Chiang Mai's moat and only a few minutes from  from the Chiang Mai Sunday Walking Street. There are also temples that is just a stone-throw away from the hotel, such as Wat Suan Dok, Wat U-Mong, Wat Phra Sing and Wat Chedi Luang, a must see for visitors to Chiang Mai.

First Impressions

Touching down Chiang Mai Airport from Bangkok, Lee, Mhay, and I hurriedly looked for the exit and grabbed a taxi cab. After a few road turns we finally arrived at the hotel. We couldn't find the main entrance, so our taxi driver pulled up at the hotel's parking area inside the building. We took our baggage off and went through a door to the grand lobby of Buri Siri. Little did I know, that I wasn't just entering a hotel, I was entering an experience.

Rustic Charm

The moment I walked into the lobby of Buri Siri it felt like I was transported into a magical place. Every details were curated to exquisite perfection, and the top to bottom open windows amplified the whole perfection - the crème de la crème. The lobby walls were adorned with beautiful paintings of Chiang Mai - these historical points of interest made it feel totally unique. We received a warm welcome from the reception team and it was even made more perfect as we sipped the refreshing welcome drink.

My Deluxe Double Room

The three of us have each our own rooms and we stayed in different room types. I was lucky enough to get the highest room type during our stay - a Deluxe Double Studio Room. I was shown to my room, which is located in the main building. The lovely hotel staff, gladly explained the features of my room and I was pretty much blown-away by the whole room itself. It was spacious and lovely, with 2 double heavenly-like-clouds bed, a lounge area, a bathroom, a mini kitchen complete with a mini bar.





The room felt like a rustic charm with incredible attention to detail. So cute and so quaint! It reminds me of my own room back home because of the minimal style splashed with dark and dominating colors of white. One of the best things? The private balcony. My room is not only overlooking the pool and the area of Buri Siri but it even had the best majestic views of Chiang Mai.




The bathroom was equally as breath-taking as my whole room. It has a bath tub, a magnificent rainshower, and a his and hers sink. But, one of my favorite part of the whole room is the bath tub. Every night, I soaked at the tub for a relaxing bubble bath for an hour or two while watching my favorite shows on Netflix.




Price: Deluxe Double & Studio Rooms start at around $90. You may check the latest price in: Booking.com | Agoda | Hotels.com | Expedia or read reviews on TripAdvisor. For inquiries and other information, you may visit their official website. For other hotel reviews, click here.

A Lovely Pool

The non-chlorinated swimming pool has been perfectly designed in the center of the whole property to fit in with the impeccable style of Buri Siri. The pairs of sun loungers are dotted underneath white parasols, while the perfectly trimmed tall emerald shrubs added flair to the whole surroundings. We spent the rest of our afternoon by the pool and soaked up the golden hour on hour first day.

Buristro Bar & Café

The Buristro Bar & Cafe looks like something from an interior magazine photoshoot and I loved how the rural and contemporary theme effortlessly transcended throughout. It's here where we enjoyed our breakfast every morning and chill at the end of the day. The delectable breakfast buffet offerings included the best of both western and eastern fares. Truly delectable!

The Verdict

From the Conde Nast Traveller-worthy interiors to the spectacular views and rustic-like charm; you couldn’t even imagine this place in your wildest dreams. It’s a little slice of contemporary and colonial paradise that defines laid-back luxury. Buri Siri Boutique Hotel is one of the most special properties I have ever stayed at throughout my blogging adventures and it will remain vividly etched in my mind for years to come. I am 100% sure I will return again.

Perfect for; romantic breaks, special occasions, and a great base to explore the most enchanting towns of Chiang Mai.



Book your stay at Buri Siri Boutique Hotel: Booking.com | Agoda | Hotels.com | Expedia or read reviews on TripAdvisor.

What did you think of my experience at Buri Siri Boutique Hotel? Are you planning a trip to Chiang Mai? Is this the kind of hotel you love to stay at? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comment box below.


Want to read more about Chiang Mai? Check out: 10 Things To Do In Chiang Mai.

Disclaimer: My stay at Buri Siri Boutique Hotel was provided complimentary in exchange for coverage on my blog. All views are my own.