Phu Quoc is the perfect antidote to Vietnam’s hectic cities. Here, jungle-strewn slopes spill down to pristine beaches and the pace of life is refreshingly slow. Although the island’s development has been fast in recent years, there are still pockets of paradise to be found. Few can be more tranquil than Chen Sea Resort & Spa, on the golden sands of the island’s west coast.
It's hidden among leafy foliage on a private beach, and the surroundings are kaleidoscopic: brilliant-green jungle alight with fiery orange bird-of-paradise flowers, a chalky white beach dotted with cream parasols, and a shimmering turquoise sea. Hammocks swing beneath palm trees and frogs hop across the lawns while soothing jazz sounds drift over from the bar. The 36 villas, each with a private terrace, are perfectly positioned to take in that glorious view. We spent our days flitting between the infinity pool and the beach, pausing to have massages at the tropical spa or to take paddleboards out along the coast. Evenings began with 2-for-1 cocktails at happy hour (double Aperol spritz, anyone?) and culminated with fresh seafood feasts served alfresco on the restaurant’s lantern-lit terrace. A few courses later, we stumbled back along the beach to our villa and slept to the rhythmic sound of gentle waves. All holidays should end like this.
Highs
- The secluded, tropical setting feels a million miles from Vietnam’s hectic cities; this is the perfect place to round-off your holiday, whether couples, friends or families
- The hotel’s beach is completely private and is cleaned every morning
- The villas feel very luxurious, each with a large, ocean-facing terrace, an enormous bed and a rain shower with heavenly toiletries
- The food is outstanding and beautifully presented
- Happy hour at sunset is magical
Lows
- Keeping the beach clean is a big task and it isn’t always possible for the hotel to keep on top of it; littering is a constant battle in Vietnam
- Films are projected onto a big screen on the beach during the evenings: an unwanted distraction when dining in the restaurant
- You’ll need to drive or take a taxi to shops and restaurants, but the secluded location is what you’re here for
Best time to go
Phu Quoc experiences a tropical climate. The best weather occurs between November and May, with April and May being the hottest months (temperatures can soar up to 35 degrees). July to September is rainy season, but you might still get patches of sunshine between downpours, and the tropical storms are spectacular!
Our top tips
If you want to head out one evening, vibrant Dinh Cau Night Market in Duong Dong is a must. Pick your seafood and then head to one of the street vendors to have hand-rolled ice-cream.
Our guests' ratings...
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