Vinpearl Luxury Nha Trang

Both the grounds and interiors of the Vinpearl make the most of its waterfront location. Boardwalks run along the water’s edge, with seating on stilted wooden decks. Palm trees abound, and villas are nestled along pathways that cut through attractive lawns. The beach is a stunning cove of white sand fringed by palm trees and plenty of white-cushioned loungers under white umbrellas. The resort's large, attractive pool has an island of palm trees in the middle, and sea views through their leaves.

Interiors are equally elegant -- if formal -- including the Vietnamese Restaurant, with neoclassical floor tiling, dark-wood tables and chairs, and elaborate designs on the ceiling and walls or the Bar Lounge, with imposing pillars, decadent light fixtures, and tan-wood and pale-blue leather tub seats. But perhaps one of the hotel’s most awe-inspiring spots is the spa, with treatment rooms set in thatch-roof huts on stilts over the sea, reached by an elevated wooden walkway. 

The Vinpearl Luxury Nha Trang is set on the private island of Hon Tre, reached from mainland Nha Trang by a free seven-minute speedboat or a 13-minute cable car ride. Once on the island, guests can get around on local tuk-tuks. The mainland pier for departures to Hon Tre island is about a 40-minute drive from Nha Trang’s Cam Ranh international airport.

The Vinpearl's villa have similarly lush, traditional decor. Beach Front Villas are spacious, with gorgeous dark-wood vaulted ceilings and polished dark-wood floors. Strategically placed spotlights enhance the sultry and romantic mood. The large beds are lavishly dressed in rich linens, complemented by ornately finished sofas, armchairs, and coffee tables. Dark-wood desks give a work surface, and matching cabinets are topped with flat-screen TVs. Outside, the secluded back decks have attractive plunge pools with walk-in steps, and sun loungers. Additional smaller patio areas have wooden seating, with a small path separating these spaces from the beach. Garden Villas are set farther away from the beach, on a hill.

Duplex Villas and Grand Duplex Villas are similar to the Beach Front Villas in terms of decor (polished dark-wood floors, plenty of natural light, and plush armchairs), but offer at least 160 square feet more space. Elegant dark-wood staircases connect the two floors. 

All villas come with espresso machines, kettles and a selection of teas, and well-stocked minibars that include mini bottles of spirits. Other amenities include tablet computers standing in for alarm clocks, safes, robes, slippers, and umbrellas. Turndown service is provided as well. The huge, handsome bathrooms have walk-in rainfall showers, stylish slipper bathtubs, dual sinks beneath large mirrors, and bidets. Granite flooring, marble tiling, and dark-wood blinds create an elegant look.

The hotel operates as an all-inclusive, with a fantastic buffet breakfast of Vietnamese and international dishes. Equally good buffet meals are provided at other times of the day too; the seafood barbecue dinners win particular praise, although desserts get fewer raves. But the hotel's highlight could be its outstanding spa, which offers a range of massage treatments in secluded thatched huts set over the water. A sauna and whirlpool are also on hand. The white-sand beach is another highlight, set with padded loungers and thatch umbrellas. Guests can also take a dip in the resort's massive pool, a broad blue body of water. 

Active guests can break a sweat in the fitness center, with a full set of cardio and weight-lifting machines, play on the tennis courts, or rent bicycles. A small playground gives a spot for kids to race around as well. Guests also receive free entry to the nearby water amusement park. 

Other perks include a business center with laptops; free, fast, reliable Wi-Fi; and airport transfers.