Words: Tanya Joslin
Overview:
With outstanding views across Bai Dai Beach (Long Beach) on the Cam Ranh peninsula in southern Vietnam, Alma Resort is a stunning destination with everything you could wish for in a seaside holiday or honeymoon. The contemporary five-star design provides world-class accommodation in the form of suites and pavilions, all ocean-facing and many with private pools.
Throughout this expansive property, guests will have it all with a tempting assortment of onsite restaurants ranging from casual to fine dining, along with 12 (yes, we said 12!) swimming pools, a spa, a cinema, an 18-hole putting green, and plenty more. One of the best resorts in Vietnam’s rising beach destination of Cam Ranh, Alma is one for the shortlist.
The location:
Located in the beautiful coastal town of Cam Ranh, Alma Resort is situated on a picturesque beach and is only a 10-minute drive from the Cam Ranh International Airport. The Cam Ranh peninsula has a rich history, having served as a French military base and a significant U.S. military installation during the Vietnam War. Today, the area is rapidly developing with numerous resorts opening in recent years and many more planned for the future. Additionally, the popular beach destination of Nha Trang is just a half-hour drive away.
Best room for two:
Alma Resort offers modern, luxurious, and spacious accommodation options across 196 pavilions and 384 suites, each with sweeping sea views and a private balcony or terrace. For couples and honeymooners seeking a little extra luxury, book a pavilion! The contemporary design includes loads of living space (including a kitchen and dining area) and a bathtub and separate rain shower. All the mod-cons are here including sensor-controlled air-con, Bluetooth televisions, a fridge, and tea and coffee-making facilities. Upper-floor options come with expansive balconies, while oceanfront and ocean-view pavilions offer the choice of private Jacuzzis or pools, allowing you to relax in complete privacy while enjoying the sound of the waves.
We opted for a Ground Floor Pool Pavilion, which provided the ultimate private beachfront experience. Equipped with our own pool, terrace, and sunbeds, we spent our afternoons basking in the sunshine, dipping in and out of the water, and soaking up the ocean views. As the sun began to set, it was just a few steps to Bai Dai Beach for a romantic stroll.
Food & drink:
Take your pick from a generous selection of 14 different food and beverage venues. One of the most popular is Alma Garden, located in the heart of the resort. Here, guests can enjoy live cooking stations and a view of the Pool Bar while indulging in extensive à la carte breakfasts featuring both Western and Asian cuisine. You’ll never go hungry at Alma Resort!
Atlantis offers alfresco dining and the chance to feast on fresh local seafood, while La Casa is a sophisticated dining experience with exquisite Italian fare. And while exploring all the fun around the resort, you can also pop into the Alma Food Court to experience six different food offerings including Vietnamese street food, traditional noodles, French bakery favourites, and more.
Before dinner, stop by the Alma Lounge, where you can watch the waves while the pianist sets the mood with light jazz music. It’s the perfect perch for cocktails before your fine dining experience. For a more casual outing, catch up on your favourite sport at the art deco-inspired American Lounge & Bar.
This is merely a slice of the wonderful food and drink options you’ll enjoy during your stay at Alma Resort (and don’t worry, there’s also a swim-up bar!). Don’t be surprised if you want to book an extra night just to savour it all.
See & do
If you’d love a bit of a physical and mental ‘tune-up’ as part of your holiday in Vietnam (or just enjoy staying active), you’ll have plenty of facilities at your fingertips here. Alma Resort’s focus on wellness extends to its extensive facilities including an 18-hole putting green, archery, land and water sports, a fitness centre, yoga classes, and of course, the biggest pools in Cam Ranh!
For us though, the resort’s Le Spa was a highlight. Surrounded by lush gardens, the spa boasts 13 private wellness villas that offer a range of massages, facials, and body, nail and hair treatments. Upon arrival, you’re greeted in a standalone reception area with cool marble floors and comfy rattan furnishings where you complete your paperwork while sipping fresh juice. Instantly relaxing.
I opted for the Collagen Radiance Facial, which promised to smooth fine lines and give my skin a youthful holiday glow. The treatment was truly luxurious and really did leave my skin feeling rejuvenated. In addition to the villas, Le Spa also features separate saunas and steam rooms for men and women and a relaxation suite where you can chill post-treatment with a soothing herbal tea. It’s no wonder one of our favourite afternoons was spent here.
But we also made sure to soak up the sunshine outside. Choosing our daily aquatic adventure was another highlight — there’s a lap pool, jacuzzi pool, and huge splash park with slides and a ‘lazy river’ as well as adults-only pools to ensure couples on a romantic getaway will find plenty of pockets of peace.
Alma Resort is not just a beautiful beachfront resort, it’s a destination in itself with a plethora of activities to keep guests entertained. There’s something for everyone, from catching a movie in the private cinema, to enjoying a drink at one of the many bars, to belting out a tune in a karaoke room!
There’s even a handy gift shop where you can stock up on everything from souvenirs to sunscreen.
Couples will love:
Couples will love everything about Alma Resort, particularly the pools devoted to adults only. Aaaah, peace! Oh, and those private pool pavilions are a die-hard romantic’s dream! The spa, ample dining options, and extensive activities are another draw — you could easily spend a week here and not need to leave the resort. However, if you want to venture out and explore, the bustling and cosmopolitan coastal town of Nha Trang is under an hour away. This popular beach escape offers a stunning white-sand beach, a picturesque promenade lined with parks and sculptures, and a port where day trips can be taken out to the nearby islands.
Find out more about one of Vietnam’s best beach resorts here
