We have again had a year to remember with two amazing holidays in two different countries thanks to our membership.
We had been to Vietnam once before, to Ho Chi Minh, before travelling on the riverboat to Cambodia, so we knew what to expect of the country.
But Hoi An and Karma Cay Tre provided a better holiday than my wife and myself expected. The whole week-long stay proved both very enjoyable and memorable, helped along by the friendly staff and locals.
This was backed by the resort’s organised tours provided by Hoian Eco Coconut Tour which involved a street food tour, cycle ride and cooking class.
Karma Cay Tre is within a decent walking distance (of a couple of kilometres) of the old town and you can pass rice being dried in the streets, and noodle making and lantern making businesses that open onto the street.
The nearby shops at the other end of Nguyen Due Hieu Street have a selection of good, cheap restaurants and small supermarkets.
Karma Cay Tre is still being settled into the Karma way but already there are signs it will be a great attraction for the future. We stayed in a separate chalet opposite the main buildings with plenty of space for a party. The large bedroom was complemented by the spacious en suite and its big shower recess.
The pool was excellent and gardens well maintained, and we enjoyed the free beers put on one night at the cabana.
The restaurant food was pleasant without being over the top, while breakfast was more than adequate, though more fruit would have been ideal.
A couple of months later it was to Bali and a week in Ubud, at Karma Mayura. It was a true family holiday with Viv celebrating a birthday milestone, with my daughter and her husband and our grand-daughter coming along.
We had adjoining rooms on the ground floor that opened poolside, so it was ideal for the 5-year-old.
Being located well out of Ubud was not a problem as a regular car service into and from the town was provided, as long as we booked the day before. However, it was easy to organise a car or taxi.
Walking through the surrounding village gave us a real glimpse of real Bali life, and we wandered into an artists’ residence where he proudly showed hi paintings, despite exclusively selling them in Kuta.
The breakfast was brilliant, with the restaurant overlooking the creek, jungle and rice paddies.
Ken and Vivienne Matts, Albany, Western Australia