Life as we know it has changed! The coronavirus (COVID-19) has made a huge impact on the way we can now travel. International travel has been placed on hold for the near future with no relief in sight. Alas, there is no need to panic! How about using this time as an opportunity to explore your own countries and states. We thought “Okay, Why Not? Let’s travel locally and see what Venus Bay, South Australia has to offer. It’s road trip time!
Located approximately 660 kilometres from South Australia’s capital city of Adelaide, on the Eyre Peninsula, Venus Bay is a long 7 hours away. If you are doing the trip by yourself think about breaking up the drive over two days. Otherwise, if you would rather do the whole journey then make sure you stop every couple of hours to rejuvenate or take someone else to share driving duties.
Venus Bay Beachfront Tourist Park
Once you arrive in Venus Bay the tranquillity of the place envelops you straight away. With no hustle and bustle, Venus bay is small. With a caravan park/kiosk and general store/petrol station the only shopping businesses. The main attraction is the small hike around the bay and the town’s public jetty, popular for fishing.
The town’s popular South Head Walking Trail
A view from the South Head Walking Trail. Be careful on overhang ledges as they can break off!
Where we stayed
Whilst is town we stayed at the Venus Bay Beachfront Tourist Park in their comfortable new Starfish studio cabins with a wonderful beachfront view. These new modern cabins have the luxury of a studio apartment with a functional kitchen, queen bed and ensuite bathroom. Elegantly styled and clean, the cabin was perfect for our 4 day stay.
The Starfish Studio Beachfront Cabins
Beachfront View
Packed with everything you need, the cabin’s also contain a small fridge freezer unit, a combo microwave/grill/convection oven, kettle, television, DVD player and reverse cycle air-conditioning/heating unit. Bore water supplies the cabin’s hot water and rainwater supplies fresh cold water. You will need to be careful when swapping from hot to cold as the different systems need to swap over. So make sure you run the cold tap so the rainwater swaps in before taking that quenching drink.
Inside the Starfish Studio Cabin
The cabin’s bathroom
Starfish Studio Cabins prices start at $89AUD per night. However, the Venus Bay Beachfront Tourist Park has other accommodation options from powered caravan sites, to various cabin options that is sure to suit your budget. The tourist park has shower blocks, camp kitchens a kiosk, boat hire and a laundry so staying here is quite enjoyable with some tourists staying weeks or months in their RV’s and caravans. During our stay, people were happy to say hello and have a little chat about what is happening in the world or giving me some well needed fishing tips.
One of the camp kitchens, there is also BBQ’s and seated area.
Things to do in Venus Bay
During our stay we did a little driving around the Eyre Peninsula, visiting Elliston and Streaky Bay and doing some coastal sightseeing which I can highly recommend. The views are stunning! I also did a bit of fishing off the local jetty, catching small rock cod and throwing them back. You can catch a multitude of different fish if you are lucky, but the small rock cod liked my bait and just about every cast I was pulling up another fish.
Venus Bay Jetty, I just couldn’t catch a keeper.
If you have a boat licence, then I recommend hiring an aluminium boat for three hours and going into deeper water for those larger well sort after species like King George Whiting. The boat will cost $20 per hour with a minimum of three hours, but all safety equipment and fuel are supplied, plus they will launch and retrieve it for you. Bonus! Alternatively, fishing isn’t to your liking then look at some of the local hikes. Otherwise explore the countrysides various rock formations like Murphy’s Haystack or Mt Wudinna.
This is the Erica, she’s not for rent, but the park has aluminum boats to rent for $20 per/hour
If, like me you are unsuccessful in catching your dinner then try the Kiosk or general store for some fresh cooked fish and chips or a burger. Prices are comparable to other fish and chip outlets and honestly, delicious.
The Kiosk and General Store are get places to get food if you can’t catch any fish.
Overall, the Venus Bay Beachfront Tourist Park was a nice, comfortable, and affordable place to stay. Excellent as a base to discover the Eyre Peninsula on some day trips. Don’t forget that some of the best places to travel too are in your backyard. Book your stay at the Venus Bay Beachfront Tourist Park today and tell them, Simon from Ourworldinreview sent you!
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Additional Information for the Venus Bay Beachfront Tourist Park
*Post Contains Affiliate links, please help us maintain this site by booking your accommodation via the booking.com link or Tour via the Urban Adventures Link.
When planning a European holiday most people will decide to go to the major European cities. Their itineraries will include Paris, Rome, Berlin and Amsterdam. This is expected because they are popular tourist cities but maybe include other lesser known cities like Luxembourg.
After our 13 months of travel in 2017/18, I admit we did those mainstay city and a few extras. Luxembourg just didn’t fit into our hectic schedule. So, when we planned this 6 week trip we made sure Luxembourg was on the itinerary.
The city of Luxembourg in a word is beautiful. The combination of the old and new sections flow together wonderfully and there is never a shortage of picturesque photo opportunities.
There are many perfect picture moments in Luxembourg
It is not a party city or bustling with extravagant tourist sites, but instead is a tranquil and peaceful city that just has enough to make your stay worthwhile. From luscious green parks to well constructed museums, Luxembourg is my type of town.
An exhibit in the Natural History Museum in Luxembourg
Where to stay?
So, being a small city where do you stay? There are some good choices for hotels, but like most of Europe, can become expensive if you are travelling on a budget. Our main aim for this trip is to try and travel cheaper. Therefore, we decided to stay at the IBIS Styles Luxembourg Centre Gare.
The small entry to the IBIS Styles Luxembourg Centre Gare
Located close to the main train and bus station interchange the IBIS Styles Luxembourg Centre Gare is a short five-minute walk (thank you google maps). It is hard to miss, thanks to the big green IBIS Styles sign visible from the end of the street. The neighbouring area to the hotel is filled with small pubs and clubs. Additionally there is an abundance of restaurants with the area being quite safe. Not too far away from the city centre, it’s an easy 1.2km stroll passing some good photo opportunities.
The hotel frontage is small but opens up once you enter the foyer. The reception desk is on the left with a kids play area and hotel computers on the right. Straight ahead of the doors is the bar and dining area.
The reception desk at the Luxembourg Centre Gare
The check in process was easy and quite fast with the attendant going through our booking. Probably one of the best things about booking with IBIS Styles brand is that breakfast is usually included in the price.
We head up to our room via the only elevator which is again compact. Luckily, we aren’t big people so were able to fit in okay with our luggage. The hotel is non smoking and you are reminded of this fact by each room number plaque indicating the no smoking symbol.
This is about the extent of the room. A large bed with not much for anything else.
The room itself is nothing fancy with a double bed, television, small desk and long standing cupboard. There is not much room but the bed has storage space underneath it. Our bed is comfortable and if you want to lounge around in your room there are plenty of television stations in different languages to watch.
Now the bathroom is tiny. A room the size of an average kitchen walk-in pantry which contains a shower, basin and toilet. I’m not big by any sort of the imagination at 5’8″ and 90 kg. Yet I found it a little difficult manoeuvring around. It would be incredibly uncomfortable if you were much bigger than that.
With a toilet on my right, that’s it. The room bathroom!
Breakfast is served downstairs from 6am to 10am daily with a fair assortment of continental breakfast options. As each room doesn’t have a kettle the coffee machine is available all day to make free cups of coffee or tea. Leftover breakfast rolls are also supplied daily.
Breakfast is included in the rate and coffee is free.
During the afternoon and evening the bar area provides refreshments and minimal food. Look to go out or head down to the supermarket for your lunches and dinners.
The IBIS Styles Luxembourg Centre Gare suited our needs and provided comfortable, clean accommodation at a suitable price. It’s not the hotel for you, if you want a place to lounge around in. Our opinion is that it’s good if you just want a base to sleep than set out each day to explore.
Overall, if you are looking for a cheaper option in Luxembourg then look to stay at the IBIS Styles Luxembourg Centre Gare and tell them Simon from Ourworldinreview sent you.
The beauty of Luxembourg City.
Additional Information for the IBIS Styles Luxembourg Centre Gare
Address: 30 Rue Joseph Junck, 1839 Luxembourg
Ph: +352 49 24 96
Prices of accommodation per night at the IBIS Styles Luxembourg Centre Gare
Ranging from AUD$135 (EUR85 or USD95)
Check in: 1400hrs Check Out: 1200hrs
*Post Contains Affiliate links, please help us maintain this site by booking your accommodation via the booking.com link or Tour via the Urban Adventures Link.
Finding cheap affordable accommodation in Brussels can be difficult, especially if you want to be close to the main attractions. After investigating you will find that hotels in and around the city can be hundreds of Euros/dollars per night. This can mean that to get a decent place to stay you either have to fork out the money or find a place miles away from the city centre. Alternatively, there is another option that you may not have thought of before.
Our recent stay in Brussels was surprising good and we were able to do it on a budget. To do this we booked a double room with a private bathroom in a hostel. Yes, that’s right, a hostel! Forget about what you think you know about hostels and consider staying in one for your next vacation. In our experience hostels can offer the same city experience that a hotel can, at a cheaper price.
Just four kilometres from the city centre and located near the intercity train line we got a comfortable, clean and quiet room at the Train Hostel in Schaarbeek. Considerably cheaper than other hotels this themed hostel fits the bill nicely.
The entrance to the themed Train Hostel
Like many of you, we know and understand the reputation of hostels. The first image you think of, is sleeping on bunks surrounded by strangers. There’s also that non-stop party atmosphere that is for the twenty something’s. Yet, what you don’t know is that there are plenty of hostels that cater for families and older travellers too, that haven’t got that party atmosphere.
After arriving at Brussels airport it is an easy trip by train to Schaarbeek and buying tickets from the ticket machines is simple. To get there you do have to catch two trains. One going to Brussels Nord and then one to Schaarbeek. Just follow the train screens or don’t be afraid to ask someone because English is regularly spoken in Brussels.
Is it me, or is there a train carriage on top of that building?
Staying at the Train Hostel
When arriving to Schaarbeek it’s a quick five minute walk to the Train Hostel. You shouldn’t miss it due to the train carriage positioned on the roof.
Entry to the reception is to the left with check in being seamless. Once check in was finalised we headed through the pleasant looking common room into the courtyard and up to our room.
The reception desk at the Train Hostel.
Room entry is via a swipe key card, so security isn’t a problem with other guests unable to enter your room. The room itself has a rail carriage theme, with two wall bunks that can fold against the wall and a double lower bed which was very comfortable. Our room has a small desk and storage lockers to store valuables. These rooms are multi purpose so can be turned into a single, double, family rooms or bunk rooms if required.
The train carriage beds at the Train Hostel
The bathroom area is quite spacious with a large bench area, towel racks, and separate toilet. The water pressure and hot water facilities were also hotel room quality. Towels, liquid soap and bedding is all include for your stay and extra quilts and pillows can be found in the storage lockers.
We found the atmosphere in the hostel to be very quiet with the common room containing computers for guest use a large library of books which you can swap. Additonally, there is a coffee machine in the corner which costs 1.50 EUR, to get your caffeine fix.
The Train Hostel’s common room has a bookshelf to swap your books.
The train hostel bistro is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner at an additional cost ranging from 8 EUR per person for breakfast and 20 EUR per person for dinner. We opted to eat out for our meals but there is plenty of room in the restaurant and courtyard which seemed popular with the other guests.
The Train Hostels Bistro where you can have breakfast, lunch and dinner at an additional price.
We found a small convenience store and a fruit and vegetable shop just down the road which was able to accommodate our needs.
The staff pretty much stay out of your way and do a quick room clean each day to empty bins etc. They will also help you with things to do in Brussels and answer any questions that you may have.
One of the train carriages that you can stay in at the Train Hostel.
The Verdict
Overall the Train Hostel is a cheaper accommodation option and well worth trying out. The rooms can suit your needs and we did notice family groups staying there. Rooms are either small self contained units or train carriages. So, if you do desire that bunk experience you can stay in the rail carriages. That way you can feel like you’re doing an overnight rail journey. So next time you want a cheaper option consider staying at the Train Hostel and tell them Simon from Ourworldinreview sent you!
Prices of accommodation per night at the Train Hostel, Brussels
Ranging from AUD$28 (USD$20) – AUD$291 (AUD$206)
Check in: 1500hrs Check Out: 1100hrs
*Post Contains Affiliate links, please help us maintain this site by booking your accommodation via the booking.com link or Tour via the Urban Adventures Link.
If you have been to Australia before, you will know that the country is extremely large. You can drive for miles and miles and not see another car or a township. In a country of comparable size to the United States and Brazil it only has seven states and territories. Our home state of South Australia has some incredible wildlife and natural phenomenon’s that are hard to miss.
A native possum at Umpherston Sinkhole. There are a couple of hundred that visit the sinkhole at dusk.
Our road trip down to the South East of the state takes us to beautiful Mount Gambier. The reason for our long drive is to check out the amazing Ghost mushrooms in the pine forests, Umpherston sinkhole and the limestone caves. Whilst here we also stop into the Federal Hotel and their House of Schnitzel.
The garden inside Umpherston Sinkhole in Mount Gambier
First built-in 1856 and operating as the Federal Hotel since 1914, the Federal offers meals and accommodation to visitors to Mount Gambier. Rated a 3-star hotel the Federal offers affordable rooms, to visitors staying in town. We didn’t stay here this trip, instead opting to stay at the Old Mount Gambier Gaol. So, we will leave a review of the accommodation for another time.
The Federal Hotel also offers accommodation to visitors to Mount Gambier
The Federal Hotel is your normal pub, offering standard pub fare. Apart from the normal food choices their speciality is the beef or chicken schnitzel. With an astonishing eighteen different topping options the Federal Hotel prides itself on satisfying your schnitzel needs. Try the standard parmigiana topping, the Miss Piggy or the King Avocado. Alternatively, if you are courageous enough you can try their Ultimate Food Challenge to consume 1.2 kilograms of schnitzel and potato wedges. Do you think you can beat the best time of 8 minutes and fifty-two seconds?
Do have what it takes to conquer the Ultimate Schnitzel Challenge?
We were sensible and decided to order three half schnitzels, one topped with gravy, one with mushroom sauce and the last one being a Texas Meatlovers. Each meal purchase comes with access to the hotels salad bar, which is frequently refilled with various vegetable and salad options.
A basic chicken schnitzel with gravy
The three schnitzels were of a decent size but weren’t anything fantastic. They were good everyday pub schnitzels with different toppings and a side of hot chips. We did opt for the smaller portion, which in my opinion was a good choice as a larger one would need a healthy appetite.
Chicken Schnitzel with mushroom sauce.
Texas Meatlovers’ with various sausage on a BBQ sauce base.
The hotel interior is fairly standard with table and seats spaced out around the room. The dining area also has a bar and children’s playroom, fit with an indoor climbing pod and slippery dip.
The interior of the Federal Hotel
The playroom for those over active children
The Federal Hotel is just your standard country pub, with a range of meals. If you decide you’re not keen on having a schnitzel they do have other options that you might prefer. The prices are affordable, and they do half price or two for one meals on certain days throughout the week. So, pop into the Federal Hotel when you’re in Mount Gambier and tell them Simon from Ourworldinreview sent you!
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Additional Information for Federal Hotel, Mount Gambier
Address: 112 Commercial St E, Mount Gambier SA 5290
Ph: (08) 8723 1099
After an accommodation mix up after leaving Naples, then a mad panic and a quick phone call to AIRBnB, we ended up getting some affordable accommodation at the Youth Hostel Firenze 2000 for a couple of nights before heading to the Hilton Metropole Florence for some well-earned rest.
The fast flowing Arno river through the middle of Florence
Now, if you haven’t been to Florence you are in for a real treat. Located in the heart of Tuscany, Florence is a beautiful city well worth the visit and time to explore. Discover the history of the city, see the statue of David, walk back into medieval times and marvel at the Florence Cathedral. Alternatively, browse the stores, buy a Florence puzzle ring or cross the Arno River via the spectacular Ponte Vecchio. Oh, and don’t forget to indulge in the Gelato and Pizza.
The Medieval Florence Cathedral, a stunning piece of architecture!
The hotel for this leg of our stay in Florence is the Hilton Metropole Florence. The hotel is a situated outside of the main city centre (11.5km) but fairly central to the airport (5.5km) and the train station (7km).
As we were travelling to the hotel from the Youth Hostel Firenze 2000, we found the best and cheapest way to travel was by the local bus. So after a quick Google Maps search we had the best way to get to the Hilton Metropole Florence. We then paid for a ticket at an authorised tabbachi shop (tobacconist) and hopped on the bus heading in the right direction. Local bus tickets are valid for 90 minutes and tabbachi shops are widely distributed around the city.
The reception desk is located to the left of the main doors.
On arrival to the hotel we enter the lobby with the reception area to our left. We are greeted by the hotel manager and because we are a little early our room was not ready. We are checked in and offered to wait in the Executive lounge on the fifteenth floor. Here we can rest, relax, have some drinks and snacks and take in the view before our room was finalised.
The view of Florence from the 15th floor of the Hilton Metropole Florence
Once our room is ready we are escorted and shown around our room. The King Executive room is nice with a plain contemporary styling. The room contains a King-sized bed, a desk, in room coffee and tea facilities and a television. It’s nothing fancy but functional.
The King Executive room is comfortable but pretty plain-looking.
The contemporary stylings of the King Executive room
The bathroom is clean with supplied toiletries and large towels. The shower is positioned over the bathtub with a small glass protector assisting to keep the water in the tub. The hot water supply is good, and the water pressure is constant.
The clean bathroom in the King Executive room
As mentioned above the Hilton Metropole Florence is a far distance away from the Florence city centre, therefore to accommodate the travel distance the hotel offers a free shuttle bus service. The shuttle drops guests and picks them up from the main train station at set times during the day. You just need to book your space at the front desk.
Due to the hotel being a distance from the city, they offer a courtesy bus for their guests.
If you’d rather spend the day around the hotel, then the Hilton has some facilities that may tickle your fancy. You can spend some time in the gym, patterned recovery pool or have a massage in the neon lit rooms.
The patterned recovery pool has a waterfall aspect and movement tracks.
A funky neon lit massage room. You can choose which coloured lighting you want.
Alternatively, you can dine in the restaurant or met some other guests in the bar or executive lounge. We spent some time in the executive lounge during the evening, mingling with the guests. We were also lucky enough to meet an amazing couple from Balcombe, England who we spent time with during our time in the UK. It’s incredible who you will meet during your stay at the Hilton. I know that our new friends will be lifelong ones.
The executive room is located on the fifteenth floor, and is available with your executive room purchase.
As we stayed in an Executive room we had the option of having our breakfast either in the main dining area or in the executive lounge. Both breakfasts were good, but there is of course a better range of choices in the main dining area, although the executive lounge is much quieter.
The executive lounge serves breakfast and afternoon canapé for its executive room guests.
The main dining area is used for breakfast in the mornings
The Hilton Metropole Florence is a nice comfortable hotel which offers its customers a respectable product. Unfortunately, the distance from the city is quite substantial. The local surrounds are fairly limited with a small shopping centre next door with a couple of restaurants and discount stores. The hotel bus is a godsend if staying here, as you will need it to travel into the city centre. Make sure you get in early to book your seats and plan your day well to ensure you can get the bus back.
There’s not much to do around the hotel surrounds.
Overall, I’d stay in the hotel again as the staff are friendly and the service is good. Do yourself a favour and book an executive room to gain access to the executive lounge and make sure you make good use of the gym and pool. So, enjoy your stay at the Hilton Metropole Florence and tell them Simon from Ourworldinreview sent you!
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Additional Information for the Hilton Metropole Florence
Address: Via del Cavallaccio, 36, 50142 Firenze FI, Italy Ph: +39 055 78711
Website: www.hilton.com
Prices of accommodation per night at the Hilton Metropole Florence
Ranging from USD$142 (AUD$190) – USD$202 (AUD$270)
Check in: 1400hrs Check Out: 1200hrs
*Post Contains Affiliate links, please help us maintain this site by booking your accommodation via the booking.com link or Tour via the Urban Adventures Link.
Although I don’t know much about Estonia, I wasn’t expecting to become fascinated with the city of Tallinn. With a history of unsuccessful military campaigns throughout their past, Estonia have been the victims of many invasions who wanted to utilise and control the Baltic sea. This means that their cuisine is a mixture of diverse cultures. F-Hoone restaurant in industrial Telliskivi, has embraced these differences and created a new-age hipster art vibe with a twist on some classic Estonian dishes as well as creating their own pieces of culinary art.
F-Hoone can be found in an old revamped industrial area, hidden away between buildings, scattered with incredible street art. Although a little run down looking the area is quite safe despite undertones of modern artistic angst. The only indication that F-Hoone is there is a small sign the size of a dinner plate and the mass of people entering and exiting the old warehouse building.
Some of the amazing street art found around F-Hoone restaurant in Telliskivi industrial area.
Once inside, F-Hoone opens up into this cosy, hip area with solid wooden tables, some hanging plants and soft warm lighting. Immediately, you can tell the place is popular with an abundance of people around tables.
The interior of the F-Hoone restaurant is warm and cosy.
Although we didn’t book a table on the day, I would recommend doing so, because you don’t want to miss out on this charming restaurant and bar. The staff are friendly and spoke a variety of languages, so communication wasn’t difficult. We were seated close to the large bar area within the second dining area.
The F-Hoone Bar stretches nearly the entire length of the restaurant.
The menu has an excellent selection of food choices, with a good balance between vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. As we had a little bit of time to relax, we decided to settle in and order a few drinks (mainly to warm up, it was freezing outside) and try a couple of available dishes.
This cafe latte was just what the doctor ordered after -1 degree celsius temperatures.
The first dish we ordered was the traditional Baltic cuisine of Varenyky, which is potato filled pasta, served with fried onions and sour cream. Varenyky is a type of Pierogi usually found in the Baltic states and F-Hoone’s dish was beautifully fluffy and wasn’t overcooked holding together nicely. A lovely simple favour showing the subtlety of the Estonian palate.
Traditional Estonian cuisine, potato filled Varenyky , is a type of Pierogi.
Our next dish was the Buckwheat risotto with a slow cooked pork tenderloin. The pork tenderloin was topped with Parmesan and grilled leek. The dish was nicely created, the tenderloin was perfectly cooked, and the buckwheat risotto worked well to create a great healthy dish.
Buckwheat Risotto with pork tenderloin, served with Parmesan and grilled leeks
Still wanting to stay indoors to keep out of the cold we ordered a Crème Brûlée with praline and sorbet and a Cheesecake topped with mixed berries. In my opinion, the Crème Brûlée was one of the best I’ve had in a while, the smooth creamy texture and flame heated praline dressed, brittle toffee topping was perfect.
One of the best Crème Brûlée’s I’ve had in a while. The sorbet was also delightful.
The Cheesecake slice also had a smooth creamy texture providing another delicious dessert, topped with those fresh berry morsels.
Another delicious dessert from F-Hoone
Tallinn is full of surprises. After regaining independence, the city and country haven’t looked back. A genuine embrace of a quirky mindset the city throws up artistic ingenuity in its street art and its food. F-Hoone is a hidden gem in a thriving hipster area and a place that shouldn’t be missed when visiting Tallinn. So, book your table today and tell them Simon from Ourworldinreview sent you!
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Additional Information for F-Hoone
Address: Telliskivi 60, 10412 Tallinn, Estonia
Ph: +372 5322 6855
The best thing about travelling, is that you get to try out different things and meet some interesting people. There are many tours and fun activities to do whilst travelling so do a little research and try some different things. We did exactly that when we were in remarkable Siem Reap, attempting a cooking masterclass with Somadevi Residence executive chef, Mr. Siep Bunna.
Look out for Somadevi Residence’s excellent cooking class!
If you are heading to Siem Reap, there are many cooking classes to choose from. You can book a mom and pop local cooking class, or you can consider a professional cooking classes. Most are cheap good days, but few are sensational. Somadevi Residence cooking masterclass is one I would consider in the sensational range.
Somadevi Masterclass Cooking with Mr. Siep Bunna
At USD$30 the Somadevi Residence cooking masterclass is one to remember. It consists of an early morning market tour, where you can examine the produce and discover the processes the Executive Chef goes through to ensure the best quality product is served to its guests. Then it’s back to the hotel and the food preparation area to assist constructing four incredible courses which you ultimately get the pleasure of consuming. Somadevi Residence offers two menu options to choose from to ensure that your dietary needs are met.
Somadevi Residence Executive chef and me
Our day commences at 0800hrs, we meet the hotel’s executive chef, Mr. Siep Bunna who runs through two incredible menus. Once we choose our menu for the day he takes us to the local food market to see the produce available. He talks about the ingredients he uses to make the dishes and where he gets them from. He discusses local cuisine and helps us to identify those different ingredients from the wide range available.
Our day starts with a visit to a local produce market
During our market tour we find out that our executive chef has worked in some of the best hotels and restaurants in South Africa and Asia. Coming back to his home town of Siem Reap and the Somadevi Residence for his family. After the market, we jump back into the provided tuk tuk and head back to the hotel.
Back at the hotel, our chef gives us a little time to refresh whilst the preparation area is completed by his team. For our cooking masterclass, they set up in the ornamental courtyard between the main restaurant and lounge bar.
The cooking classes preparation table was place within the ornamental courtyard between the restaurant and the lounge bar.
Look, I don’t like to toot my own horn (toot toot), but I consider myself a pretty good cook. I don’t burn the meals I make and as the main cook in our household, I haven’t had one of my marvellous creations returned to me by my girls. Which coming to think about it, might be more out of fear they would have to make their own dinner.
Yet after 2 minutes alongside Somadevi’s highly trained chef, I found out I am worse than a rank amateur. The things Siep Bunna showed me, made what I consider an “artist at work”, look like a clumsy hack. He made things look so easy and I picked up on a few tricks of the trade. But he didn’t just show me the simplest way of doing things, he told me why he does it that way. It was like a magician letting me in on a trade secret.
The moment when you realise that you are completely out of your league!
We selected menu option two, with our first course being a quick and easy to make Spicy Beef and Kale. The beef is marinated in the executive chef’s special oriental spice, lightly seared and served with fresh cucumber, kale, fried shallots and a mild dipping sauce. An easy and delicious starter.
Spicy Beef and Kale, served with cucumber, kale and fried shallots.
It was clear after the construction of the first dish that I was not as proficient in culinary practices and watched in awe as Mr Siep Bunna went about his craft preparing the second dish, Sngoar Chrok. Sngoar Chrok is a hot and sour prawn soup with onion, mushroom, long red chilli, Khmer herbs and fried garlic. Another easy dish to prepare with the prawns creating a balanced seafood broth, that was flavoursome.
The easy to construct Sngoar Chrok with its well balanced broth and good prawn portions.
Our third course is the classic Khmer dish A-mok Trei, which is a steamed fish with creamy amok spices,a gooseberry leaf and egg held in a banana leaf basket served with sautéed kale tops and spicy radish pickle. Definitely, a well-constructed work of art the hard part is to ensure the egg doesn’t fully harden. A beautiful combination of flavours. You can see why this dish is popular in Cambodia.
The classic Cambodian food, A-mok Trei.
The final course was the Khmer sweet Bay Da-Nerb Svay Tom, which consists of black and white sticky rice mixed with palm sugar and coconut cream, served with a ripe mango. Once you tip the heated palm sugar over the sticky rice, and slice the fresh mango, it becomes a beautiful sweet treat.
Bay Da-Nerb Svay Tom is a beautiful sweet treat to finish a fantastic four course menu.
Once plated all the food is served at a nicely decorated private table by the waiting staff, with fresh filtered water and chilled coconut juice.
Your joint creations are served at you own private table.
I must admit I fully enjoyed my chance to do this superb cooking class, because that’s exactly what it is. Superb! Although I’ve never done one before, this would be one of my top 10 activities to do whilst travelling. I can see myself looking to more of them in the future. Once the class is over you are presented with a certificate of attendance as well as the menu you choose and the recipes, so you can do try to make them again when you get home. So, when you are in Siem Reap, look up the Somadevi Residence and book a master cooking class with Mr. Siep Bunna. Say hello to Siep Bunna for me and tell them Simon from Ourworldinreview sent you.
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Additional Information for the Cooking Masterclass
Let me start this article by asking you a couple of questions! Do you consider yourself relatively healthy? Do you like to travel to exotic places? And, have you ever thought about doing a bike tour?
Ride along the laneways of Galle
Since 2014 the operator and his excellent team have been offering some of the best bike tours available in stunning Sri Lanka. From 1-day sample rides to 12 day Sri Lanka package tours, you can experience the beauty and see the fabulous culture, country and wildlife from the saddle of a bicycle. Alternatively, if you and your friends would like to customise a tour just for you, the operator can make that happen also. So, what’s stopping you?
We stopped off in Galle, where the operator organised a perfect 2 hour sampler ride along the paddy fields and countryside around Galle.
Some of the beautiful green paddy fields around Galle, Sri Lanka.
Our day starts at 08:00 a.m as we make our way to our designated meeting point to meet our tour guides for the day. We stayed within a few minutes from the city centre and Galle Fort, and the tuk tuk ride to get to our meeting point was a quick 15 minute ride.
A Tuk Tuk from Sri Lanka
Our meet up point is an off ramp just outside of Galle and we are greeted by our tour guide for the ride, Nuwan, his bike mechanic helper Kavindu and our support vehicle. Nuwan provides us Specialized mountain bikes, which Kavindu adjusts to make sure they are at the right height for us.
The Specialized mountain bike used during our bike tour
Once everything is sorted, we commence what can only be called a fantastic ride. Nuwan takes us along country laneways through a rubber plantation and multiple rice fields.
A rubber tree producing white rubber
The ride isn’t difficult, although there are a couple of gradual inclines that have you working a little harder. But the scenery and wildlife are spectacular. During our ride we came across an enormous water monitor walking through a family’s rice field and some beautiful birds like the colourful Kingfisher.
This enormous water monitor lazily walks through a family’s rice field.
A colourful Kingfisher stopped long enough for us to capture a photo.
The ride isn’t just single file riding. Nuwan would stop and point out local facts and things of cultural significance, to ensure we had a well-balanced tour.
One of the Buddhist temple entrances during our ride in Galle
The whole riding tour took approximately 1.5 – 2 hours and was a nice casual workout. Cycling is a wonderful way to see the countryside and keep fit. srilankacyclingtour.com offers excellent bike tours throughout Sri Lanka and we’re sure you can find a bike tour to suit your needs.
Riding through the countryside is one of the best things to do whilst travelling.
For those of you booking in the future, Sri Lanka Cycling Tour are in the process of updating their bikes, so you will have even better bikes than the ones we tried.
New Bicycles (Photo supplied by srilankacyclingtour.com)
New Bicycles (Photo supplied by srilankacyclingtour.com)
So, contact Sri Lanka Cycling Tour now and book your fantastic bike tour today, to see Sri Lanka like you’ve never seen it before and tell them, Simon from Ourworldinreview sent you!
Siem Reap is the gateway and home to the ancient Khmer kingdom of Angkor Wat. Angkor Wat has been listed as a UNESCO heritage site since 1992, and consists of 162 hectares of ancient structures and temples. The heavily touristic city of Siem Reap is the stepping stone and the home base for many tourists to this remarkable kingdom. But with so many hotels and accommodation options available, where do you stay? Let us help you out with that decision and tell you about the fabulous Somadevi Residence.
No introduction is really required. But this is Angkor Wat.
After searching through the different hotel booking sites we were stunned by the amount of accommodation options available. From hotels, hostels, guesthouses and homestays there are so many types to choose from. The fabulous 5 star and 52 roomed Somadevi Residence provides modern facilities to make your stay perfect and relaxing.
Like many tourists we arrive into Siem Reap via the airport and take the $10 USD airport taxi to the hotel. It takes about 30 minutes depending on the traffic. Check-in is quick and efficient, although this was possibly the only time we were a little worried we were in the wrong place. This is due to the Somadevi Residence and the Somadevi Angkor Boutique and Resort using the same reception desk. So, don’t panic, you are in the right place.
The reception desk for the Somadevi Residence and Somadevi Angkor Boutique and Resort
Our Executive Deluxe room for our stay is on the third floor and is spacious with a King sized bed, mini bar, television, coffee-making facilities and small balcony overlooking the next property. The bed is comfortable with complimentary water and tea and coffee.
One of the fifty executive deluxe rooms at the Somadevi Residence
Each room has a spacious private bathroom with a shower area and a bath. The bathroom is clean and the room is serviced daily, with the hotel supplying fragrant toiletries and other amenities.
Each Somadevi Residence has a large serviced bathroom
All rooms overlook the large refreshing swimming pool, which we spent some time relaxing around. The swimming pool has comfortable day beds scattered around the edge and the Blue Bar offers food and beverages to be taken whilst relaxing. The pool is open until 8pm and is popular for a majority of the guests.
The swimming pool is open until 8pm.
The Somadevi Residence can assist you with just about anything during your stay with them. From organising tours and transport to Angkor Wat and other fascinating sites close by. My favourite activities were the incredible cooking class and the invigorating beauty spa. The Somadevi cooking masterclass would be in my top 10 things to do whilst travelling, with Executive Chef Mr. Siep Bunna taking you on a journey to cooking perfection. The class includes a market tour, access to producing a four course menu and of course being able to eat what you produce all for $30 USD. Incredible value and incredible fun. Look out for our upcoming post on this sensational experience.
A top 10 activity. A masterclass with Mr. Siep Bunna
After long days of walking and exploring Angkor Wat and Siem Reap, it is always good to come back to your hotel and be pampered. I recommend going to Somadevi’s, Aloe Spa and Fitness Centre. We let their trained masseuse massage away our tired muscles. With a range of beauty treatments, hair styling and massages available it is just what the doctor ordered.
Pamper yourself at the Aloe Spa and Fitness Centre
Alternatively, if you feel like you haven’t exercised enough you can head to their gym and run on the treadmill. The gym isn’t large and has no weights, but you can get that cardio workout going. Once you’ve exercised, spend some time in the steam room, spa or sauna.
The small gym at the Somadevi Residence
If you are starting to get hungry, don’t worry, because the Somadevi has some beautiful food options for you. You can head to the Palm Cafe for a light lunch, snacks by the pool or a fine dining experience in the Champagne dining room. All hotel guests receive a discounted price on food and drinks. In comparison to other 5 star major hotel brands the Somadevi Residence food prices are less expensive and the food served is excellent. Especially in the Champagne Dining Room.
Have a cocktail, health drink or snack whilst relaxing around the pool.
The Palm Cafe is situated in the front of the hotel and provides coffees, cakes, ice creams and light meals. We made sure we tried the homemade ice cream and the coffee is quite good for Cambodian standards. During our stay we also had one of their pizzas and although plain-looking the flavour was good.
The Palm Cafe’s Banana Split
Three scoops of homemade coconut ice cream
After those warm humid days walking around Siem Reap, it was always great to cool off in the hotels swimming pool. Whilst relaxing try out the cocktails, health drinks and light snacks available.
There’s nothing like relaxing with drinks by the pool
If you are looking for something more substantial than don’t miss the Champagne Dining Room. Executive Chef Mr. Siep Bunna has created an excellent seasonal menu. Choose from the Khmer degustation menu containing three courses or order from the a la carte menu. Having already experiencing the cooking masterclass we made sure we tried Mr. Siep Bunna’s degustation menu.
Dine in the Champagne dining room for a superb choice from the a la carte or degustation menus
The three course degustation menu consisted of a Plear Trei, a Khor Joerng Chrouk and a Sangya L-Pov. A Plear Trei is a Khmer style fish ceviche with fresh crunchy vegetables and a mild chilli dressing. The dish was beautifully constructed, and the taste and texture was exquisite.
First Course is Plear Trei a Khmer style fish ceviche with fresh crunchy vegetables and a mild chilli dressing.
Our second course was probably something I wouldn’t normally try. But in the spirit of providing an honest review the Khor Joerng Chrouk is braised pork trotters with bamboo shoots and lotus nuts, served with sauteed bok choy and steamed jasmine rice. The pork trotter was a little fatty for my liking, but beautifully cooked and the sweetness from the sauce was gorgeous.
Second Course. Khor Joerng Chrouk is braised pork trotters with bamboo shoots and lotus nuts, served with sauteed bok choy and steamed jasmine rice.
Finally, the Sangya L-Pov was steamed pumpkin with egg custard, served with Pandan sauce and seasonal fruit. Now, I must admit that pumpkin is my least favourite vegetable. Yet the balance of the pumpkin and the sweet egg custard made the whole dish work perfectly. And although I’m not too keen on pumpkin, I would happily eat the Sangya L-Pov again.
Third Course. Sangya L-Pov is steamed pumpkin with egg custard, served with Pandan sauce and seasonal fruit.
If you like to have a nightcap after dinner then head into the White Lounge and have a cocktail, beer or glass of wine. Sit and relax or mingle with other guests. Every night from 6 p.m the White Lounge plays a feature film on their big screen. So settle in, get comfortable, and watch a new release film.
The White Lounge shows a feature film every day from 6 p.m. So have a drink, sit back and relax.
Breakfast is also served daily from 6 a.m – 10 a.m in the Champagne dining room or the outside courtyard. Select your breakfast from the buffet styled options or if you like something not available, order it and the chefs will make it especially for you.
Either select from the breakfast buffet or get the chefs to make something especially for you.
Somadevi Residence is an excellent hotel to stay at in Siem Reap and if you’d like a souvenir of your stay, they have a gift shop in the White Lounge to pick up that cherished memento.
Pick up a souvenir from the souvenir shop in the White Lounge
Siem Reap is a must see city in Cambodia, and the Somadevi Residence is a superb place to base your stay. No matter what your schedule is, the Somadevi Residence is the place to stay. The hotel staff are incredibly helpful, and will organise transport and tours for you and your family. If you decide to watch the sunrise over Angkor Wat the hotel will provide you a take away breakfast to enjoy as the sun comes up.
Are you keen to see the sunrise over Angkor Wat?
The Somadevi Residence enhanced our stay in Siem Reap. The care they show for their guests, from welcome fruit baskets, printing out travel reservations to ensuring you get to the airport on time. There is nothing that I can fault during this perfect stay. So, when you are booking that holiday to Cambodia, make sure you book a stay at the Somadevi Residence and tell them Simon from Ourworldinreview sent you.
Being Australian and an avid cricket fan, when I think about Galle I immediately think, of the international cricket ground. I can picture, Australia versus Sri Lanka trying to beat each other in a hotly contested cricket test match. What I wasn’t expecting was the classic European architecture and history that can be found along the tight streets of Galle Fort.
I wouldn’t mind watching a test match here!
Galle Fort is the tourist heart of this city, with a variety of bars, restaurants, hotels, shops and cafes aligning the streets and laneways. After a day of solid exploring, we duck into Coconut Sambol restaurant for a quick, cheap meal.
The fortress walls, architecture and Lighthouse of Galle Fort
Coconut Sambol is a small restaurant with seating for 10 people that offers an all you can eat buffet style dinners. The banquet consists of 6 traditional Sri Lankan curry dishes and steamed rice. Each dish is refreshed during the dinner service providing plenty food for its patrons. Table rotation is fairly quick, so hopefully you won’t have to wait long to get your fill.
The small dining area inside Coconut Sambol.
The restaurant is thin, about 2 metres wide, so it can get a bit crowded in there if everyone is trying to get food at the same time. Yet, it feels cosy and intimate. Being small it holds in a lot of heat and there are some oscillating fans above to cool you down. If this doesn’t help, cool refreshments are available from the menu. The cost for the all you can eat buffet is 800 LKR (AUD$6.60 )per person and the range of curries is decent.
Some of the curries on a woven reed plate covered with baking paper.
Some of the curries available are a Dal, curried chicken, curried banana, and curried mango served with plenty of steamed rice.
The buffet consists of 6 curry dishes and steamed rice, which is replenished often.
Coconut Sambol serves traditional Sri Lankan food daily, which is flavoursome and delicious. The store opens from 1000hrs and offer food until 2200hrs. The food is served on authentic woven reed plates covered with baking paper. We had no trouble getting a table and there was enough food to feed an army. The staff are friendly and quick to assist in this strictly no smoking restaurant.
Overall the Coconut Sambol was a good restaurant, which provides quality food. Having a small shop front means it is easy to walk past. Although, the restaurant decor doesn’t look that inviting, don’t be fooled and give them a try. Importantly, the food is abundant and delicious, and at that price, a real bargain. So, if you are in Galle for business or pleasure, head to the Coconut Sambol restaurant and tell them, Simon from Ourworldinreview sent you!
