Inspection Trip Phu Quoc November 2009 Accommodation · · · · ·
The Mai Spa Resort La Vernada Resort Sasco Blue Lagoon Resort Saigon Phu Quoc Chen La Resort and Spa
The Mai Spa Resort The Mai Spa is one of the most unique properties on Phu Quoc. This small resort and spa has only five guest rooms accommodated in two buildings in addition to a beautiful small massage spa overlooking the sea. Mr. Dung informed me, that normally they do not work with agents and keep the place a sanctuary for friends and people who enjoy the seclusion of this wonderful spot at Long Beach. However, arrangements can be made case by case. This small resort is made in a very simple and cozy way and offers very simple but sophisticated accommodation. The resort is a tranquil place situated on a corner a bit off the other resorts and the street. The open architecture lets the guests be close to nature. The atmosphere is very private and positive, conveying the owner’s vision of peace, authenticity and tranquility.
Mai Spa building close to the beach
Inspection Trip Pho Quoc
Mai Spa main building
Mai Spa beach area
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November 2009
Guest rooms are accommodated in two buildings: two larger wooden rooms are located on the first floor of the Northern Vietnamese style stilt house overlooking the sea. Another room of this type is on this building’s ground floor. The stilt house has been brought to Phu Quoc some four years before. These rooms have a simple but beautiful interior of dark wood and traditional crafts. Its rooms are equipped with air-conditioner, hot shower and mosquito nets. The bathroom is kept in natural stone. Three further rooms with more simple facilities are located in a small brick building in the back of the garden. One of them also offers sea view. These rooms have an open bathroom and beautiful interior. They are equipped with a cold rain shower, fan and mosquito nets. All rooms have no TV or mini bar. Cold drinks can be purchased in the open living area on the ground floor of the stilt house. Meals will be prepared on demand. Both room categories offer relatively simple accommodation. The sophisticated style, the seclusion and peaceful character of the resort make it an absolutely beautiful place.
Mai Spa guest room in the main building
Mai Spa guest room on the beach
Situated on the beach there is the spa with a nice wooden treatment room with windows overlooking the sea and offering a fresh breeze. Spa services may include a complete diagnosis based on traditional Chinese medicine on the day of arrival. Following, a program of therapies from different schools will be designed in order to unlock the hidden energies of body and mind. Situated below the spa there is the Le Deauville Restaurant which offers a broad range of mainly French cuisine, stunning sunsets and relaxed atmosphere during evening hours. It is run separately from the Mai Spa and it is open to the public as well and will be closed during off season. Mai Spa is the perfect place for people who don’t need much but their own little piece of paradise. It is a very small and private place located within a green garden overlooking the sea. Accommodation is traditional; very simple but sophisticated. The quiet hideaway has no pool and no entertainment facilities. The Mai Spa is a fantastic choice with a touch of private tropical accommodation. Restaurants are in walking distance. contact - resort Mai Spa Tran Hung Dao Street To 18, Khgu Pho 7 Duong Dong Town Phu Quoc Island Vietnam
mail: mail: web: phone:
contact@nhasancottagephuquoc.vn reservation@maispa.info www.maispa.info +84 (0) 773 983 129
contact Ms. Oanh Inspection Trip Pho Quoc
mobile: +84 (0) 93 – 63 67 840 2
November 2009
La Veranda Resort La Veranda Resort had its grand opening in August 2007. For sure, it is currently Phu Quoc’s top address together with the Chen La Resort, regarding luxury resort accommodation. The five-star colonial style resort situated on an 80 meters stretch of Long Beach offers 43 spacious guestrooms in three categories. The rooms and facilities are perfectly neat and maintenance standards are the highest possible. The courteous staff at the well managed property has a good command of English. Guests are being checked-in at the open welcome area near the entrance or alternatively at the lounge bar. They will be offered a welcome drink and be led through the garden to their room. La Veranda Resort meets all standards of top international luxury hotels.
Deluxe Room bedroom
Deluxe Villa bedroom
La Veranda Suite Room bedroom
Suite Room bathroom
There are 22 Deluxe Rooms, 15 Deluxe Villas and six La Veranda Suites. All rooms are equipped with sufficient facilities comprising satellite TV, complimentary DVD player, IDD phone, free of charge wireless internet access, a small safety box, mini bar and individual air-conditioner. The interior design follows the colonial style approach of the whole property and high quality furniture underlines the top standard of the hotel. Nice details, such as aroma therapy amenities are available. Wardrobe and bathroom amenities are of high quality. All rooms have either a balcony or a terrace and a spacious bathroom.
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November 2009
In some of the Deluxe Rooms and Villa Rooms connecting doors exist. The Deluxe Rooms have 35 square meters and all of the Deluxe Rooms are located in one of the main buildings and offer garden view. The Deluxe Villa Rooms are bigger with 55 square meters. They are located in smaller buildings comprising three units each on ground floor level. All of them are terraced. Some of these rooms located closer to the pool have sea view. The La Veranda Suite rooms are also located in one-storey buildings comprising three units each. With 69 square meters they offer much space. These rooms have additionally free of charge wireless internet access, and the bathroom has a shower in addition to the bathtub. Three of the La Veranda Suites have full ocean view. The suites are located closer to the ocean with direct beach access and offer more garden space in front of the terrace. The gardens are sufficiently planted, but due to the character of the resort having no standing-alone accommodation units, privacy is less than at some other resorts at the island offering bungalow accommodation.
Pool area with view to the restaurant
Lounge area
Lounge area
Beach area
The spacious pool in the resort’s center overlooking the ocean is located directly by a bar lounge in the main building which also accommodates the restaurant, spa and other facilities. The so called Pepper Tree restaurant serves an array of European and Asian delights. Tables are also available in the garden. A beach grill specializes in barbeque dishes. The bar lounge situated near the pool has a relaxed atmosphere.
Inspection Trip Pho Quoc
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November 2009
Spa area
Spa area
There is a small meeting room available for up to 45 guests, a library with PC’s available on complimentary basis, a children’s play area and a souvenir shop. Further, there is the spa comprising two double rooms and one single room as well as a Vichy room. It is reminiscent of a French colonial seaside mansion. The style is Asian, but mixed with the bright elegance redolent of a fine old Caribbean Villa surrounded by lush tropical gardens and nestled on the edge of a pristine sandy beach, a perfect place to relax and escape. Nice tiles in traditional designs, dark woods and fine lines combine to give an elegantly exotic atmosphere, while the private terraces are the place to relax and enjoy the nicely ocean breeze. Restaurants are in walking distance. La Veranda resort is somehow a gentle and nice place. It is very clean and cultivated, with attentive staff and well maintained facilities. A very positive atmosphere is being created. Ms. Emmanuelle Brique, Executive Assistant Manager, takes as well very good care of her guests and can also speak a bit German. I left the resort with an excellent impression. contact – resort La Veranda Resort & Spa Ward 1, Duong Dong Beach Tran Hung Dao Street, Phu Quoc Island Vietnam
phone: fax: mail: web:
+84 (0) 773 – 982 988 +84 (0) 773 – 982 998 contact@laverandaresort.com http://www.laverandaresort.com/ http://www.accorhotels.com/asia/6479
contact - sales office 39\\93 Ly Tu Trong Street District 1, Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam
phone: +84 (0) 8 – 823 7645 fax: +84 (0) 8 – 827 2530 mail: contact@laverandaresort.com
our contact - management Mr. Nicolas Josi (General Manager)
mobile: +84 (0) 91 – 328 79 44 mail: gm@laverandaresort.com
Ms. Emmanuelle Brique (Executive Assistant Manger)
mobile: +84 (0) 90 – 665 76 85 mail: eam@laverandaresort.com
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November 2009
Sasco Blue Lagoon The Sasco Blue Lagoon Resort on Long Beach is a four-star resort with sufficient facilities and a total of 75 rooms of several accommodation types. The Resort is modern, even though a bit unattended. Upon our inspection, all rooms have been clean but some part of the property, like beach area, the entrance to the restaurant, the entrance to some gusts room as well as the lobby area, did not look inviting and clean at all. Centered there is a large pool area neighbored by a main building accommodating the reception and the restaurant. The restaurant offers a nice view over the resort and the ocean. Breakfast and meals are either served inside or on the balcony. Below the restaurant, there is a terrace where barbeque is prepared in the evening hours. Further facilities of the resort are a tennis court and a small massage spa. Karaoke rooms are available in the main building, in far enough distance to the accommodation units.
Deluxe Villa in two story building without living room
Suite Villa bedroom
Suite Villa living room
Suite Villa outside
Accommodation is available in different types and categories. The different kinds of units are located in separate areas. Room types are so called Chalets, Bungalows and Suites; further some less attractive Standard Rooms. The categories are again subdivided into different types; Superior and Deluxe, which differ from each other through their location and their view but the interior is the same.
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November 2009
The Chalet area accommodating duplex style units is situated in the garden surrounding the pool. These Chalets comprise a small terrace and are equipped with sufficient facilities, such as cable TV, mini bar, small safety box, etc. They are either available as double bed units or as twin bed units. Interior and bathrooms are of a good standard. The bathrooms are a bit dark as they only have a small window. Yet the rooms themselves are light and offer enough space as well as enough comfort. Chalets are available as Superior Chalets with garden view and Deluxe Chalets with pool view. Next to the Chalet area and closer to the beach there is the bungalow area. Bungalow accommodation units each comprise four rooms on two levels. These rooms are more spacious and have a huge door to a balcony. Facilities are similar. The interior comprises two armchairs. Superior Bungalows offer garden view and Deluxe Bungalows offer beachfront accommodation with sea view. The highest room category at the Sasco Blue Lagoon Resort is the Suite room. These units are single bungalows close to the beach comprising a terrace, living room, bedroom, and larger bathroom with bathtub.
Restaurant with open Terrace
Restaurant
Garden area, view to Suite Villa
Beach area
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November 2009
In addition to the described room categories, there are several Standard Rooms of a simple run-off-house category located in a main building near the street, which we should not recommend for our target-market due to their unattractive location. The resort situated on a broad section of Long Beach and offers enough opportunities for relaxation. The guest has the choice between the large pool and the quiet beach, where divan beds and umbrellas are provided. The beach in front of the Resort is narrow comparing to other resort like the La Veranda, but sufficient for taking a sunbath or just relax nearby the sea. Restaurants are in walking distance to the resort.
Pool area
Upon our inspection, the beach has not been cleaned up and did not look that inviting. Lack of cleanliness is found in the whole resort as well, and some part of the resort isn’t well maintained. The resort could be a nice place with sufficient production capacity, but needs definitely more attention.
Extra bed in front of each Bungalow accommodation
Beach area
Desiccated lagoon in front of the main restaurant Inspection Trip Pho Quoc
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November 2009
contact - resort Sasco Blue Lagoon Resort 64 Tran Hung Dao St Duong Dong Town, Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam
phone: fax: mail: web:
+84 (0) 773 – 99 44 99 +84 (0) 773 – 99 40 99 info@sasco-bluelagoon-resort.com http://www.sasco-bluelagoon-resort.com
contact - management Mr. Pham Tan Thrin (ACM)
phone: +84 (0) 939 002 246 mail: acm@sasco-bluelagoon-resort.com
Mr. Le Than Ha (GM)
mobile: +84 (0) 90 – 360 77 77 mail: gm@sasco-bluelagoon-resort.com
Mr. Pham Du Ngu (Sales Account Manager)
phone: +84 (0) 908 789 434 mail: sm@sasco-bluelagoon-resort.com
Ms. Nguyen Mai (Front Office Manager)
mail:
fo@sasco-bluelagoon-resort.com
contact - sales office Ho Chi Minh City Sasco Bldg 45 Truong Son Street, Tan Binh Dist, Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam
Inspection Trip Pho Quoc
phone: +84 (8) 354 706 35 fax: +84 (8) 384 857 46
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November 2009
Saigon Phu Quoc The Saigon Phu Quoc Resort on Long Beach is a large four-star resort with 84 guest rooms of several accommodation surrounded by a nice lush tropical garden. It has a three hundred meters long strip of beautiful broad beach. The resort belonging to Saigon tourist offers sufficient facilities making it an ideal place not only for single travelers or couples, but also for families. Saigon Phu Quoc Resort accommodates 16 Panorama Villa, 20 Star Cruise Rooms, 10 VIP Bungalow, 24 Family Suites, 5 President Suites II and 1 President Suite I. Furthermore, the resort comprises three restaurants: a buffet restaurant serving European food on the second floor of the main building, a Japanese restaurant next to it, serving Japanese, Korean as well as Chinese dishes and an outdoor restaurant near the pool offering Vietnamese cuisine and a beautiful sea view. There is a pool bar and a beach bar available on the resort’s premises. The resort has a play area for children and a small mini golf court. There is a tennis court available and a small, gym. Accommodation is available in six different room types. The Panorama Villa Rooms are accommodated in multi-storey buildings. They have a huge balcony and especially the ones located in higher floors have a wonderful view over the coconut trees on the ocean. The interior is rather old fashion but clean and offer enough comfort.
Panorama Villa Room
VIP room
Star Cruise Rooms are located in one-storey buildings closer to the ocean. Their size and facilities are similar to Panorama Villa Rooms. The Family Suites are bungalow style buildings comprising two rooms separated by a connecting door. The whole unit serves as the Family Suite. These bungalows are located in the lush garden and have separated terraces and have a more private character. The standard of the VIP Bungalows is somewhat higher and they do have wooden floors. They are located close to the ocean and entirely offer sea view. They are constructed by massive concrete-like material shaped and painted in the style of wooden trunks. The Presidential I & II Suites are designed in a similar way as the VIP Bungalows. Both Presidential Suites are bigger than the VIP Bungalows and offer comprehensive facilities, such as a small kitchenette, a living room equipped with a huge flat screen TV, a personal computer with internet access. Both bedrooms and the living room in between have panorama windows and a huge throughout balcony facing the garden and the ocean. One of the bedrooms has a huge double bed and the other one offers with twin bed accommodation. The adjacent bathrooms have a bathtub. Both presidential suites have a small private garden area.
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November 2009
Pool area
Beach area
Beach restaurant The Saigon Phu Quoc Resort is a large resort with friendly staff. The resort is a family friendly place with many facilities inviting either for a holiday with many activities or for some days of relaxation on the beach. The tour desk in the lobby offers different tours on a daily basis with multilingual guides being available. The resort’s rooms and facilities aren’t new and rather old fashion, but they are in a satisfying condition and status of maintenance and very clean. The atmosphere is friendly and inviting.
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November 2009
contact - resort Saigon Phu Quoc Resort Long Beach, Duong Dong Town Phu Quoc Island Vietnam
phone: fax: mail: web:
+84 (0) 773 – 846 999 +84 (0) 773 – 847 163 phuquocsales@hcm.vnn.vn http://www.sgphuquocresort.com.vn
contact - sales management Ms. Nguyen Thi Kim Ngoc Sales Manager
mobile: +84 (0) 90 – 9 737 747 mail: sgphuquocresort@hcm.vnn.vn
HCMC Representative Office
Hanoi Representative Office
phone: +84 (0) 8 – 92 05 640 fax: +84 (0) 8 – 92 05 639 mail: saigonphuquoc@vnn.vn
phone: +84 (0) 4 – 93 61 786 fax: +84 (0) 4 – 93 64 610 mail: phuquocrep@hn.vnn.vn
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November 2009
Chen La Resort and Spa The Chen La Resort and Spa opened its door in November 2008. It is nestled on a hill slope within the unique forest and untouched nature and in a quiet bay which allows the guests to enjoy the peace of Phu Quoc Island. The luxury Resort and Spa is currently the top address regarding luxury accommodation and well being in Phu Quoc. The resort fuses traditional Vietnamese style with modern architecture which has been inspired by the local environment followed a project to minimize as much as possible the nature impact. Chen La Resort and Spa accommodates 24 Sea View Villas, 6 Jacuzzi Villas and 6 Pool Sea View Villas. Even though some Villas are called Sea View Villas, in fact, all Villas have Sea View, as the resort lies on a hill slope. Furthermore, there is a beautiful Spa overlooking the huge garden area as well as the beach, and provides perfect relaxation. The Restaurant is perfectly located in front of the sea. As the resort is secluded it is ideal for guests who seek seclusion and tranquility combined with high standard and luxury. The Resort harmonically combines Vietnamese traditional hospitality and modern architecture in a relaxing and friendly untouched environment. Upon my inspection, I only have seen the Sea View Villas as all other Villas have been fully booked. All 24 Sea View Villas are brick wall accommodations, offering a high level standard and the same room amenities as the higher categories. The Villas have a contemporary interior design and they furnished with quality chattels creating a simple luxury ambience. The contemporary designed rooms are well equipped and the interior has been done with a sense for details. Every room also has a spacious bathroom as well as a large terrace with nice benches in intensive color, overlooking the sea. In this kind of rooms, privacy is less provided, as the Villas are close together.
Sea view Villa
Sea View Villa
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Villas outside, view from the pool
Sea View Villa bath room All 12 Pool Sea View Villas are typical wooden Hoi An houses, moved and rebuilt on the island. Every Villa has brick wall that follow the old house structure in order to guarantee comfort for the guest. All Pool Sea View Villas are furnished with nice wood and very modern designed interior. They all count in addition with a nice and spacious well protected bath and shower outdoor concept. All Pool Sea View Villas have a huge well protected terrace with private pool, providing enough privacy. Facilities in the rooms comprise a king size bed, a huge and bright living room, deluxe bathroom amenities, IDD service, wireless internet and Satellite television as well as in room safe. The contemporary designed rooms are well equipped and the interior has been done with a sense for details. There are also 6 Jacuzzi Villas same style as the Sea View Villas including a Jacuzzi on the terrace.
Jacuzzi Villa, outside Inspection Trip Pho Quoc
Jacuzzi Villa, outside 14
November 2009
The so called Chenla Restaurant is perfectly located in front of the sea and offers a beautiful view over the resort and the ocean. Breakfast and meals are either served inside or on the balcony. The Restaurant is specialized in Mediterranean cuisine and will also delight the guest with international and local cuisine.
Restaurant with terrace
Restaurant with terrace The Spa is built around an old traditional house from the imperial city of Hue, perfectly mixing modern concepts and local cultures, overlooking the sea.
Spa area
Pool area
There is also a huge infinity pool facing the ocean and which invites for a swim ore sunbath. In generally speaking, the resort is a nice place for those, single travelers as well as couples and families, who want to relax in a friendly and easy going atmosphere but with a certain level of luxury. It offers sufficient space and all facilities for a beach holiday combined with comfortable modern accommodation in a cozy luxury way and in a relaxing atmosphere. The resort is ideal for guests who seek seclusion and tranquility combined with high standard and luxury. They are no restaurants in walking distance. Inspection Trip Pho Quoc
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November 2009
contact - resort Chen La Resort and Spa Bai Xep, Ong Lang Cua Duong, Kien Giang Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam
phone: fax: mail: web:
+84 (0) 773 – 995 895 +84 (0) 773 – 995 896 sales-hcm@chenla-resort.com http://www.chenla-resort.com
contact Lilly Kyu, Room Division Manager
Inspection Trip Pho Quoc
mobile: +84 (0) 908 523 990 mail: rdm@chenla-resort.com
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November 2009
Restaurant Zen Restaurant The Zen Restaurant is located on the road right in the centre of Duong Dong Town, Phu Quoc. The Restaurant has a nice sitting area with a well maintained small garden and freshwater lagoon in the center. Clients have the possibility to seat inside in the main restaurant or in one of the small private houses seeded around the garden, or enjoining their meals outside, in the beautiful, quiet garden area. Zen Restaurant offers a quiet and relaxed atmosphere. The interior is decorated with wood and red brick mixed with traditional Vietnamese Style. It is simple but modern and cozy and very clean. The Zen Restaurant serves traditional Vietnamese cuisine as well as Seafood dishes and Western specialties. The staff speaks Basic English and people are very courteous, underlining the friendly character of the place. The relaxed atmosphere makes it a good place to experience traditional Vietnamese dishes and Seafood in the respective setting.
Zen Restaurant entrance
Garden area
Garden area with freshwater laggon and private dinning rooms
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contact - resort Zen Restaurant 30/4 St, Duong Dong Town Phu Quoc Dist, Kien Giang Vietnam
phone: +84 (0) 773 – 994 555 fax: +84 (0) 773 – 994 808
Hop Inn Hop Inn is a small Vietnamese street style BBQ Restaurant serving fresh seafood and steaks, prepared on the Grill just in front of the Restaurant. Other meals are prepared in the kitchen inside the Restaurant. The Restaurant is specialised of Seafood but is serving Western dishes as well. Prices are reasonable, starts from VND 50’000. The place is very simple but tidy and very clean and the staff is friendly and welcoming. The Restaurant is just opposite from the Sasco Blue Lagoon Resort.
Hop Inn Restaurant contact - resort Hop Inn Restaurant Tran Hung Dao Phu Quoc Dist, TT Duong Dong Vietnam
Inspection Trip Pho Quoc
phone: +84 (0) 773 – 994 721
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November 2009