Shining Lustre of Halong Pearl

DAVID BOWDEN SHARES HIS EXPERIENCE AT VINPEARL RESORT AND SPA HALONG IN VIETNAM WHERE THE SERVICE AND THE HOTEL ARE REALLY SOMETHING SPECIAL.

My flight into Hanoi arrived late in the evening and with a 2.5-hour road transfer to Halong Bay, I was not expecting much from my early morning arrival at Vinpearl Resort and Spa Halong. The resort’s driver was enthusiastic despite the late hour and within minutes of me seated in the limousine, he handed me his mobile phone. Resort staff were enquiring whether I needed a meal when I arrived plus asking about any other requirements I may have.

EAGER & ENTHUSIASTIC

I was astonished at the attention to detail and even more surprised that staff were awaiting my arrival at the resort. A launch was summonsed for the five-minute boat transfer to the resort and bellboys were on hand to carry bags to my suite. By now, it was nearly 2:00am but all the staff were so fresh, eager and enthusiastic.

This enthusiasm continued for my two-night stay and really impressed me. I watched to see if I was getting special attention, but I soon noticed that it was a brand standard extended to all guests.

CLASSIC HOTEL, HERITAGE SITE

Built in 2015, this classic-styled, 384-room resort overlooks the acclaimed Halong Bay (or Ha Long) UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site’s dramatic limestone islands in coastal northern Vietnam are what attract global travellers with the smart ones choosing to stay at the Vinpearl, arguably the region’s finest hotel. It is currently the only property in the bay on an island with the other hotels lining Halong Bay being cluttered along a long section of the mainland.

Guests are greeted by a distinctive eightstorey high property with an Old World porte cochere. The resort’s architecture is unashamedly

Neo Classical, which essentially means grand, classic European decor. Guests will appreciate the architectural style and interior design from a bygone era; that of grand European travel.

PREFERRED ROOMS

There are several room categories including deluxe (ocean or terrace views), suites and two Presidential Suites. Up to four guests per room are permitted making them ideal for families. The preferred rooms are sea-facing on floors seven and eight.

While the furnishings are classic European, rattan furniture on the verandah provides tropical flair and all contemporary features such as air-conditioning and television are included. The colour scheme is white and grey, and the furnishings are intentionally plush and more fitting of the French colonial era than contemporary Vietnam.

SUITE FEATURES

Suites occupy the same space as two standard rooms. They feature a dedicated lounge room with a sliding door for bedroom privacy. The living area has walnut-coloured, wooden flooring with carpet beneath a large oval-shaped marble table. The television sits atop a striking inlaid chest that also encloses a mini-bar and tea/ coffee making facilities (the mini-bar of soft drinks and snack is complimentary).

An Art Deco chandelier is suspended from the bedroom ceiling. The bathroom has a shower and a free-standing bathtub with bath salts and loofah for an enjoyable soak.

REST AND RECREATION

There is a large pool and several manicured sandy beaches for swimming. Northern Vietnam can get quite chilly in winter but there is an indoor heated pool as well. Two outdoor tennis courts are available plus there is a fullysupervised Kids’ Activity Centre.

Vincharm Spa delivers Vietnamese charm and global wellness treatments. Enjoy treatments such as the Stress Relief Package of a herbal footbath, hour-long massage and reflexology. Spa guests have access to the adjoining Wet Zone (Jacuzzi, steam room and sauna) before or after their treatment.

FOOD WITH A VIEW

Guests can opt for bed and breakfast or fullboard with the latter offering extensive buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner options. Guests dine and drink in five outlets with Bayview, the all-day dining restaurant. Perhaps not surprisingly, it offers bay views, with the preferred seating in the glassed-in conservatory section. It specialises in buffets but à la carte is also available.

Pavilion Restaurant is perched over the water just offshore. It houses a cluster of air-conditioned pavilions with uninterrupted sea views but only opens when hotel occupancy dictates. Grilled steaks and seafood are dinner time specialities.

POOL & PEARL

Akoya is lined with floor-to-ceiling windows to enable diners to take in distant views of offshore islands. Signature dishes include fresh spring rolls, Halong squid cake and deep-fried Hanoi spring rolls. Other Asian cuisines are served as are a few classic European dishes like pizza, pasta, sandwiches, rice and noodles to satisfy global diners.

Drinks are served in all outlets but in particular Pearl Lounge and the Pool Bar.

While no one wants to get sick on holidays, guests at the resort can take comfort in knowing there is an in-house, 24-hour clinic. Guests should prearrange a limousine or van transfer direct from Noi Bai International Airport to the resort.

A RESORT APART

The resort is opulent and especially appeals to wellheeled Vietnamese guests at the weekend and other nationalities who travel here to admire the World Heritage Site. Its island location and superior levels of service and facilities set it apart from the other hotels in Halong Bay.