La Mangrove

It's tucked away in the jungle, and I must have passed it on the road at least five times without realizing it was there. Inside, the place has a minimalist but classy feel. Lounge beds look out over a lazy river lined with palms and mangroves. The staff are sweet and friendly, the chai is great, and the food tastes really good. It's a lovely spot to eat, relax on a lounge bed, read, and use the Wi-Fi. My partner surprised me by bringing me here, and it felt like a dream of a place.

Thibaut & Maude were so welcoming, and Raj & Surun were fantastic. I can't thank them enough. We ate our way through the menu over six nights, especially loving the Pad Thai, La Mangrove rolls, and Momos. Breakfast came with a choice of four options, Set, Healthy, La Mangrove, or Indian, plus juice and tea or coffee. My wife and I loved lounging on one of the four beds overlooking the river. When we wanted to go farther, Galgibaga beach was a 12-minute cycle on a La Mangrove bike or five minutes by tuk tuk. Patnem can be hectic, so this little pocket of calm was just what we wanted. The tepee was fun and beautifully furnished, with a lovely outdoor bathroom and hot shower. The low entrance could be difficult for babies or anyone with mobility problems. And if you're after somewhere busy and buzzing, this probably won't suit you. For us, it was perfect.

The tents were comfortable and decent, and the food was good, with healthy choices too. The host gave us a warm welcome. It's a bit remote, but tuk tuks can take you to the beach and elsewhere. At night, you may hear animals. A little piece of heaven for relaxing.

I really appreciated having comfortable lounges for reading during the day, and there’s the option of spending a night in a rustic Tipi Tent. The meals are priced like Western food, but felt worth it for the care put into each one. The riverside setting is quiet and secluded, a special break from the busier northern beaches.