Sutera @ Mantanani Island Resort & Spa

The food was a real highlight, with every meal delicious and beautifully prepared. Chef Sukri even made a special dessert just for us, which meant a lot. Amirul deserves a special mention too, along with all the staff, who were kind, attentive, and always made an effort to look after us. Our new chalet was spacious and cozy, with a lovely natural wood scent. The views were breathtaking, and photos really don't capture the place. Waking up there each morning felt like paradise. We're grateful for the wonderful hospitality and memories from this unforgettable stay.

The free boat snorkeling trip was fantastic. We saw nice coral and plenty of fish, including some that swam up close and stared at me. We also joined a soccer game with the local workers, who kindly let us play. The chalet overlooked a pristine beach, and the water was so clear and such a beautiful color. Staff responded right away when we had an issue with the safe, and when I realized I'd left our beach towels in the car, they quickly brought me two. If I had one small suggestion, it would be to add more local dishes and variety to the menu.

The restaurant was a nightmare. My wife's fried rice had chicken that wasn't properly cooked, with blood in it. We pointed it out to the waiter, but got no apology or sign of concern. Coming from Australia, I expected a better standard and was disappointed. The waiter didn't even cut a young coconut for us, sadly.

The room was sandy and we didn't have enough water, but the staff made our New Year's stay fun. They were welcoming and interactive, and Amirul showed us how to make our own cocktails. Chef Syukri and Helmy even let us join their New Year's karaoke session. We had lots of fun.