When you think of Vietnam, you may think of its complicated history, fields of terraced rice paddies, and the fresh, flavorful food. But the country hasn’t had much of a reputation as a tropical island paradise. Ever so slowly, that’s changing because of the jewel that is Phu Quoc island, located in the Gulf of Thailand and a short flight away from the mainland.
Traveling in Vietnam can be a bit hectic. But once you step onto the grounds of the impeccable Salinda Resort, the feeling shifts. The location is prime, along Phu Quoc’s Long Beach, an 8-km stretch of sand on the west side of the island. Yes, it’s a gorgeous, serene, postcard worthy beach and an impeccably kept property. But what makes the Salinda Resort so special is the staff —- a group of warm, attentive, always-there-for-you people who will absolutely make your stay the best it can be. Your only job is to relax, and staff members will happily go out of their way to make sure you’re getting it done.
You can stay in the main hotel building or in a villa. Honeymooners, take note: not only do the villas offer a high level of privacy, but each one is designed with unusual materials (we were mesmerized by the abalone wall décor) and incredible attention to detail. This is what luxury is about. If you stay in the hotel, choose a room overlooking the sea with a private balcony.
Waking up at Salinda is pure joy. And when you see their included breakfast offering, your feeling of peacefulness will be replaced with sheer awe. There are hundreds of delicacies to choose from, and the quality far surpasses our expectations for even a five-star resort. After breakfast, you could busy yourself with a tour of the island’s offerings, but you may just want to stay and soak in the sun.
In addition to the pool and private beach area, there’s also a cigar bar, a karaoke club with private rooms, a fitness center, and spa specializing in Thai body treatments. The kids club is an appealing option for a family-friendly getaway. For dinner, try Casa Italia for authentic handmade pastas.
The incredible level of service, the premium location and the impressive level of attention to detail make Salinda Resort an incredible choice. If Vietnam wasn’t on your “must-visit” list, it should be now.