Travel Adventures
Victoria Beach Resort, Mui Ne
Located on Vietnam’ s southeast coast, between the bustling fishing town of Phan Thiet and the resort-packed sands of Mui Ne beach, Victoria Resort enjoys far more space and privacy than most of its competitors. Despite being the first luxury accommodation on this stretch of sand – opening back in 1996, when tourist numbers were few – Victoria Resort remains one of the best high-end places to stay in Mui Ne. Sitting amid sprawling tropical gardens on a long strip of palm-fringed beach, the resort consists of more than 50 spacious brick and thatch bungalows, all with private patio and open-air shower. Blending traditional Vietnamese architectural features with French colonial touches and modern amenities, Victoria Phan Thiet is a large resort that still manages to maintain a level of intimacy, thanks to its superb attention to detail. Tastefully furnished, peaceful and family-friendly, the Victoria’ s room rates – including breakfast – are extremely competitive. Scroll down for my illustrated, independent review of Victoria Phan Thiet Resort and Spa.
Address: Km 9, Nguyen Thong, Phu Hai District, Phan Thiet, Vietnam
Price: $ 80-120 per night | Website: www. victoriahotels. com | Phone: + 84 623 813000
These days, competition for beachfront space in Mui Ne is fierce: even the smartest new resorts are squeezed in between neighbouring accommodations. Victoria Resort, however, was built before the mad rush for Mui Ne real estate, and consequently has a large, verdant, impeccably maintained garden and beach. Shaded pathways lead through tropical plants, flowers and fruit trees. Bougainvillea, oleander, hibiscus, jasmine, eucalyptus, banana plants, coconut and areca palms dot the property, filling
42 The MAG Vung Tau the resort with tropical colours and aromas. Hammocks hang between coconut palms, a grassy children’ s play area abuts the ocean, and at night the resort and its gardens are lit by lanterns, softened by palmfrond lampshades. Garden and sea-view bungalows are spread out among the foliage. Bright, airy and decorated in pale pastel tones, the rooms receive plenty of natural light. With brick and thatch exteriors, inside there are tiled floors, wooden furniture, woven bamboo ceilings and superb open-air bathrooms. Little touches – candle lanterns around the bathtub, essential oils burning in the room, fresh flowers on the bed sheets – give the rooms real character and add a personal