As you may read from my other reviews, I always try and be as complete as possible as travelling with young kids is not easy and its the little touches that can make or break a holiday.
We are a young family with 3 kids, aged 3 and under (yes twins in the mix)
We had a deluxe family 2 bedroom villa. #834 Probably the best set up that we have ever had. There is a great master bedroom and the twins shared a bedroom. The helper (HK name for a nanny) and 1 year old baby were in what they describe as the study but it's essentially a small 3rd bedroom. There was a small kitchen. The outside area was made up of a very large swimming pool with Jacuzzi adjoined. there was also a pagoda where one could go and Chill. The Pool got sunshine almost the whole day from 0830 until about 445 (obviously will change depending on the time of year that you visit)
I have to admit that I wasn't expecting too much as previous reviews had suggested that this property is completely overpriced and not worth it. I disagree! It's around 15% more expensive than it should be but not astronomically different.
The grounds of this hotel are huge and spectacular. On arrival we were given bicycles (with baskets, the type like you may find in Holland) with kids seats on the back. What a great touch. we had never taken the twins on the back of the bikes and they loved it. We rode everywhere 1) Great views 2) A little bit of exercise and 3) The kids loved it and found it an adventure every day so overall a winner!
The staff were incredible efficient, polite and full of smiles. Big shout goes out to Jinny in guest services who went out of her way to help us out with everything. One day the electricity was going to be down for 3 hours in the morning on the grid where our villa was located. Unprompted and knowing that we have a 1 year old, she blocked another villa that we could use for the little one should she need to be in an air-conned environment.
Breakfast every day was great and varied slightly. Even found ourselves eating Chili Crab curry and noodles after my poached eggs and rosti. A little indulgent perhaps but this is the holiday buffet mentality.
The French Vietnamese restaurant, Tre is very reasonably priced and delicious. The setting is also lovely, being right on the lake.
The sushi restaurant, Tamarind is delicious, we went there twice. On our There was a mistake with our table being given away and to make up for it the manager brought us 4 glasses of champagne We didn't make it to Saffron as there are many other local restaurants close to the hotel that we wanted to go back to. The snack bar at the Golf bar is so so and could do with improving.
Now for a few negatives. There is only one communal pool by the Spa. It is almost totally shaded and generally not well positioned. Personally, even though we had our own pool in the villa, I also like the choice of a communal pool to break up the monotony.
There is also the distinct lack of a good lunch restaurant.
Finally and a small but important point. most hotels nowadays have an IPOD dock in the room and there was one. although there was an old stereo wired up for all rooms, i was not able to hook up my ipod and play music outside by the pool. A real shame.
Overall this is a great hotel and i would not hesitate to recommend it to others with the same situation family-wise. This having been said, my father was staying in a Double pool villa with his wife. This was perfect for couples and completely different in contrast to mine both in terms of feel and the lay out. So essentially there is something for everyone. Enjoy!