Saigon Phu Quoc Resort

“How much do I love La Veranda? Let me count the ways.”

Love the intimate setting of this boutique hotel that feels like you’re staying with a (very wealthy) friend. Especially if you’re coming from a mega resort, La Veranda feels like coming home. The way the resort is designed, it rarely feels crowded, even when full Love the Indochine vibe. While ... more

Love the intimate setting of this boutique hotel that feels like you’re staying with a (very wealthy) friend. Especially if you’re coming from a mega resort, La Veranda feels like coming home. The way the resort is designed, it rarely feels crowded, even when full Love the Indochine vibe. While lots of Vietnamese resorts do this, no one does it quite as convincingly as La Veranda, with period collectibles, vintage tiles, plantation shutters and elegant architecture (think: grand wooden staircases and works of art) that together feels authentic rather than a design gimmick. Love that check-in is at the beachside lounge instead of at reception. All the procedures are done while you look out over the sea with a boozy welcome cocktail (no skimping on the alcohol here!) and nibbles. Love its hidden location tucked down a narrow lane. The driveway is still big enough for cars and taxis to pull up all the way to reception. There are lots of little casual restaurants and at least three spa / massage places within a 5-minute walk (where an hour-long full-body massage will set you back all of $10). You’re also just a few minutes’ taxi ride away from the Phu Quoc night market and tons of seafood and international restaurants on Tran Hung Dao (Duong Dong’s main street) but La Veranda’s secluded location means you hear none of the street noise. Love the buffet breakfast. While compact compared to the almost “cafeteria style” buffets of the mega resorts, every single dish here eats restaurant quality, from the made-to-order egg station to the Asian soups to the fresh salads bursting with flavor and color. The detox and blended fresh juices are thoughtfully served in individual glass jars rather than via a dispenser. I always grab a couple or four. Superb mix of Asian and Western favorites. Baked goods are the bomb, especially with the homemade jams. Love the sparkling saltwater pool. The deep blue mosaic tiles really pop on a sunny day. Love the lush greenery. While the property is not huge by any stretch, the paths are so beautifully lined with mature plants, trees and fragrant flowers that you could almost get lost in them. Only an established property like La Veranda could possibly have these incredibly dense, lush gardens. Love how immaculately maintained the property is. I’ve heard that it was the second resort to open on the island (which explains its mature gardens) but you really couldn’t tell as I didn’t see any wear and tear (and I always look, especially in the guest rooms). Love the luxe yet boutique feel of the resort. The highest buildings are barely higher than the tallest palm trees making it feel restful and cocooned in nature. A very different vibe from the large hotels. Love the postcard-pretty beach and the flaming orange and purple sunsets you can view from the beach. Love the tiny little touches that you barely notice until you do. The lovely lemongrass scent in the room. The gorgeously tailored and embroidered Vietnamese tunics worn by staff. The weight of the brass keychain. The hand stenciling along the walls. The giant bouquets of fresh flowers. I’ve probably stayed at La Veranda half a dozen times in the last 10 years, but every time I come back, I wonder why on earth I’ve left it so long… Here are some tips I’ve gathered from my stays: Pro tip #1: To see more of the island, think about splitting your time between La Veranda and another property on the west coast, especially on beautiful Khem Beach (gorgeous but further away from the action, without much in the immediate vicinity). Pro tip #2: This is one time you’ll want to get up a bit early to secure one of the 4-5 tables on the veranda facing the sea. It’s one of the most beautiful breakfast spots anywhere. Pro tip #3: The cute little travel-sized metal toiletry bottles are chargeable. You have been warned. Pro tip #4: If you’re a lap swimmer, bring goggles as the pool is salt water. Pro tip #5: While there are plenty of loungers around the pool, come early to grab the four that look out to the beach and sea beyond for the best of both worlds. Pro tip #6: Didn’t use it this time, but check to see whether they’re still operating the complimentary shuttle to Sao Beach (and their sister beach club, Paradiso). If you can’t stay on Khem Beach, Sao Beach is the island’s second most beautiful and well worth a half day.

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“AMAZING LUSH RESORT ON THE BEACH”

The best every holiday I have enjoyed The staff were amazing and the resort is centrally located with al the bars and main st within walking distance.. Loved my room and every minute of my holiday..

“A wonderful time”

I had a wonderful time. I didn't leave the hotel grounds because it was so lovely. I enjoyed the morning yoga, the beautiful breakfast, the views, the light, the veranda, evening drinks, the beach. I would go there again with pleasure. Thank you for the great rest!

“Amazing -must stay”

Loved the hotel. The Rooms were super spacious with large bathrooms. The view from the ocean view premier suite was amazing. The little extra touches at turn down was wonderful. The rooms smelled delightful. The gardens were immaculate. Best breakfast ever. Mr Quy and Duong went over and above... more

Loved the hotel. The Rooms were super spacious with large bathrooms. The view from the ocean view premier suite was amazing. The little extra touches at turn down was wonderful. The rooms smelled delightful. The gardens were immaculate. Best breakfast ever. Mr Quy and Duong went over and above to please. Amazing service. Sam at the front desk was superb. So helpful with our every need We will definitely be returning

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