Among the hottest new holiday destinations in Southeast Asia is Bai Dai Beach on southern Vietnam’s Cam Ranh peninsula. KATE WOODBURY checks into one of the best Vietnam resorts along this coastal area near Nha Trang – and, naturally, doesn’t want to leave! Read on for her review of staying in the Alma Resort Cam Ranh.
About Alma Resort Cam Ranh
Spread across thirty immaculate hectares of landscape, the Alma Resort Cam Ranh has 580 oversized suites and pavilions all with sweeping ocean views. As many as 12 swimming pools cascade down to the beach, with the largest being an impressive 75 metres long. There were times we even had another 30-metre pool all to ourselves.
The accommodation is modern, sleek, bright and airy, with well appointed facilities, including kitchenettes and private balconies. The one-, two- and three-bedroom suites are all spacious, with views over the entire resort and out to sea.
A stay in a beachfront resort in Vietnam
Speaking of which, our Ocean View Pavilion was breathtaking. These two-storey pavilions are divided into ground floor and first floor units; from 144 square metres to over 224 square metres. You can also choose between a private pool in the ground-floor units or a jacuzzi on the first floor.
Our ground floor unit was palatial. The living area was bright and contemporary with a kitchenette, a six-seater round dining table and a large sofa. Large televisions throughout were ready for our Netflix and YouTube connections.
The two twin rooms at the rear had a private patio while the living area and master suite opened out onto our private pool. The ocean was right there before us in all its glory – and even closer to the waves are the Ocean Front Pavilions.
For a special romantic breakfast, the Alma Resort Cam Rahn team will deliver a floating basket to your private pool. At night, with the sound of the waves lapping the shore and stars twinkling up above, they’ll prepare a magnificent moonlit dinner with a bottle of champagne on their private beach.
The best Vietnam resort for sport and fun
A fleet of quiet golf carts service the vast beachfront resort in Vietnam and we never had to wait long. The short drives are very pleasant through the lush lawn-fringed paths – and a world of fun and relaxation awaits!
As well as water sports on Alma Resort’s long private beach, there’s also a sports complex. There’s so much to enjoy; beach football and volleyball, basketball, tennis, archery and mini golf – even a waterpark with water slides.
For indoor fun, you can try the golf simulator, pool table, ping pong and some fabulous Virtual Reality games. Fitness fanatics will love the well appointed gym and songbirds will flock to the karaoke. The 75-seat private cinema shows three movies a day across many genres. Just check the movie schedule on your in-room TV.
Younger guests may find the Science Museum intriguing and the Kids’ Club is an activity-laden treat to keep the little ones entertained. There’s a dedicated children’s pool, arts and crafts fun plus some wonderful culinary classes, including pizza making, cookie decorating and fruit shake making. The fun never ends!
Health and rejuvenation
One key to any luxurious escape is wellness, and Alma Resort Cam Rahn has its own secluded wellness retreat, Le Spa, with sauna and steam rooms, a relaxation suite and a full menu of massages, facials, wraps and more.
We discussed our preferences with the team and they tailored treatments for us down to the finest detail. Soon, we were strolling across the garden to our own private wellness villa. Our masseuses were wonderfully attentive and the whole rejuvenating experience was sheer bliss. Afterwards, you can enjoy a hidden corner to contemplate, read or just savour some herbal tea.
Alma Resort’s wellness and ethics also extend to striving for a better Vietnam. Sustainability and self sufficiency are front and centre here, with an in-house herb and nursery garden as well as a chicken farm. This beachfront resort in Vietnam has also led a local drive in the area to cut down on plastic waste and is currently working on a solar power project.
Dining options
Atlantis is the resort’s flagship seafood venue, showcasing Vietnamese delights fresh from the East Sea, expertly barbecued in front of you. This stunning restaurant within the grounds of the beachfront resort in Vietnam also has a sumptuous seafood platter and other local delicacies.
The Cam Ranh White Pomfret came whole and we tore off morsels of the wonderfully flaky fish and added fragrant basil, coriander and mint, then wrapped it all up like a spring roll. Fresh local fish with fresh local herbs: win, win!
Elsewhere in the resort, Asiana showcases Japanese, Korean and Thai delights. We felt in the mood for the Bulgogi Beef Short-Ribs and Kimchee Pork Ribs. Both were served straight from the barbecue. With spinach and rice on the side, and warm sake for pairing, it was a delightful meal. With so much choice, Asiana is a place you can go to again and again.
La Casa has a decorated Italian chef serving the finest handmade pasta, woodfired pizzas and many more wonderful selections. The breakfast here is also outstanding, as is all the in-house baking across the Alma Resort Cam Rahn.
Alma Garden offers excellent Eastern and Western breakfasts, as well as all day dining favourites. Beach Bar is fully stocked and has in-pool seating. The poolside pizzas and bahn mi here are fantastic!
We also loved the range of stalls at Food Court. Vietnam Express has fabulous street food, An Nam offers classic local fare and everything is freshly handmade at The Noodle House. We also adored the crunchy fried chicken from Little New York, and the pretty patisserie from French Bakery. Everything smacked of the same quality, creativity and variety that truly sums up Alma Resort at Cam Ranh.
How to get to the Alma Resort Cam Ranh
Flights to Cam Ranh International Airport go via Hanoi. (A direct route has operated in the past and may be reintroduced.) From the airport, it’s a 10-minute drive to Alma Resort. For the best rates, book directly at alma-resort.com.
This article about a beachfront resort in Vietnam first appeared in the Summer 2024 issue of Expat Living magazine. Subscribe now so you never miss an issue.
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