Head south down the narrow cluttered main road out of Medan, and you wonder what you’re coming to - but the surprise is wonderful. Turn off the road, and you head down into a verdant garden valley, with the main Hotel and restaurant on one side, and the ‘cottages’ on the other (actually small mini duplexes, each with its own balcony). Rooms are restrained and stylish, with plenty of local touches, and the level of equipment is good, as is the Wi-fi (sadly, unusual for Indonesia where speeds are often slow or minimal). I didn’t have time to try the restaurant, as my Indonesian hosts were determined to squeeze every last minute out of my 2 day/3 night stay. But breakfasts were a delight, served on the airy terrace and featuring plenty of local ingredients, from fresh tropical fruit to home made pineapple muffins and vegetable spring rolls. Strongly recommended for a relaxing getaway not too far from the bustle of Medan city
