Sailing Club Signature Resort, Vietnam Hotel

Vietnam

With a sweeping coastline stretching over 150km, finding a spot to sink your toes into warm, golden sand comes easy in Phu Quoc. It may be the largest island off Vietnam’s coast, but there are plenty of unsung highlights to discover – swaying palms, vibrant food markets and traditional fishing villages are just the beginning. Since 2006, most of the island has been listed as a Unesco Biosphere Reserve, so excellent hiking and wildlife-spotting opportunities are to be expected. And where better to soak up the sun, immerse yourself in nature and explore local flavours than a private luxury villa? Enter Sailing Club Signature Resort Phu Quoc, a five-star spot with contemporary, light-filled spaces and exceptional culinary offerings. Standing on the south-western shoreline, island isolation meets a 'your home but better' feel from the moment you check in. Choose from three types of multi-room villas: couples and friends should anchor down in the two-bedroom Castor Villa and, for families, The Polaris and Sirius both have three bedrooms. Each is decked out in minimalistic style with calming soft blue tones and ample outdoors space for laidback barbecues under the stars.

Gourmet experiences are at the fore here: head to the on-site Sandals, The Market and stock up on local ingredients with knowledgeable staff on hand to guide you through a selection of fresh produce. Stay fora traditional cooking class at the Studio to delve into Vietnamese flavours and unwind in the wine room for an afternoon tipple. You can dine at the all-day restaurant, take a seat at the Chef’s Table or request an in-villa tasting menu.

An espresso and quick dip in your private pool may be the idyllic way to start sun-soaked days and there’s a spa, complete with meditation-ready Zen garden, for deeper relaxation. For poolside days and night-time entertainment, the beach-club-style Sailing Club is a five-minute hop away, while beyond, trickling waterfalls, lush tropical jungle and gin-clear waters ensure active days are filled from dawn to dusk.

One-bed villas from £256.

Words by Megan Dickson.

This review was taken from the April 2024 issue of Food and Travel. To subscribe today, click here.