Checking in: Hoiana Resort & Golf beckons for an all-immersive stay in Vietnam

The travel bug has been going around and many of us are probably dreaming of our next getaway—if we haven’t already taken off for a holiday by now. For those who are particularly fond of resort destinations, Hoiana Resort & Golf has everything you could ask for in an all-encompassing vacation.

Launched in the midst of the pandemic in 2021, Hoiana prides itself as a premier integrated resort with no lack of frills and thrills, especially during the summer months of June through August. Located on a pristine beach just south of Da Nang and Hoi An (about an hour’s drive from Da Nang International Airport), the USD4 billion property spans nearly 1,000 hectares and is Vietnam’s most significant tourism destination and investment to date.

The massive estate is currently in Phase 1 and will consist of a collection of luxury hotels, a condominium hotel, private villa residences, a casino complex, an 18-hole links golf course, as well as a plethora of recreational and event facilities upon completion. On that note, trust me when I say there’s more than enough to keep you entertained within the main hotel tower alone, eponymously named Hoiana Hotel & Suites.

I discovered this first-hand during my trip last month, where the resort unveiled its summer highlights and welcomed guests to ‘Live the Moment’ in celebration of the return to travel. Watch the video below for the quick take and read on for a detailed review of my stay!

 

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STAY IN ULTIMATE LUXURY

There are 141 suites in total at Hoiana Hotel and Suites, comprising Superior, Deluxe Ocean View, Executive Ocean View, and Sky Pool Suites. I checked into the Deluxe Ocean View suite, which boasts 80 square metres of space. The interiors were unmistakably modern and glamorous, complete with a living area, a fully-equipped mini bar, a plush king-sized bed, a bathtub and separate shower area, and two toilets.

To reduce plastic use, there are glass bottles placed around the suite, refilled everyday during turndown service. In addition, the Malin+Goetz bath amenities—which smell heavenly, I might add—come in large refillable bottles, a nod to the resort’s sustainability efforts.

One of my favourite corners of the suite was the balcony, featuring a spacious daybed to bask in majestic views of the resort’s four-kilometre beach. I found the best time to do this was during sunrise—totally worth waking up at 5am for (see proof in the gallery above). (Disclaimer: I may or may not have crawled back into bed fifteen minutes after admiring the glorious sky.) Needless to say, my four nights in the well-appointed suite were pure bliss.

DINE AND ENJOY A VARIETY OF CUISINES

When it comes to dining and drinking, guests are spoilt for choice with more than 10 F&B venues around the resort.

For all-day dining options, there’s The Terrace—featuring an open kitchen buffet, bar, and grab-and-go pantry, offering Western and Asian dishes throughout the day. Although the buffet spread is not as extensive as other premium resorts I’ve visited, there’s definitely enough to fill your appetite. The signature gourmet burgers here are a must-try for brunch, with highlights including a ‘24-Carat Gold’ Burger (made with wagyu and foie gras), Cửa Đại Crab Burger, and Salmon Burger. Don’t miss the pho station and local Vietnamese coffee too!

Cove Bar & Grill is the resort’s poolside and beachfront restaurant, serving fresh seafood produce and tropical beverages. It’s a great spot for a pick-me-up after a swim or to catch a glimpse of the sunrise in the evenings.

Then, there’s The Edge—a casual rooftop lounge and bar on the 16th floor of the hotel tower. This is one of the most photogenic places to curl up on a nest chair or swinging seats, while revelling in the panoramic views over a cocktail or smoothie, a la carte international dishes, or an afternoon tea.

Fans of Korean BBQ can satisfy their cravings for smoky meats and heartwarming soups at Obaltan, which specialises in authentic Korean cuisine. Meanwhile, Hao Viet offers local offerings from North, Central and South Vietnam in a cosy, vibrant setting with intricate tiled floors, straw hanging lamps, and traditional wooden panes stacked on the walls. Alternatively, Lucky Court presents Chinese delicacies such as dim sum and rice dishes in a warm, inviting space.

Other dining options include Mot-Hai-Bar, a creative drinks bar situated inside the casino; Shores Café, a charming spot for a break before tee-off; 1552 Bistro, a clubhouse restaurant serving comfort food with stunning views of the golf course; Frenchie, a cafe offering Vietnamese-inspired French food; and The Garden Food Market, a multi-cuisine food court with indoor and outdoor dining areas.

PLAY TO YOUR HEART’S CONTENT

As I’ve mentioned earlier, there’s no shortage of facilities to keep you immersed in the resort. Golfers, in particular, can look forward to a tee-off at the stunning Hoiana Shores Golf Club. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., the 18-hole links golf course has been awarded the “Best New Course in Asia Pacific 2019” by Asia Pacific Gold Awards. More recently, it ranked no. 15 among the The Top 100 Golf Courses in Asia. While I have to admit that I’m foreign to the sport, even I could appreciate its unspoiled natural terrain that runs parallel to the coastline.

 

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If you’re not a golfer either, I’d suggest heading to one of the resort’s pools to unwind. The infinity pool on the 16th floor is one of my favourite places in the entire resort, hands-down. I could spend hours here just lounging at the edge of the pool or sunbathing on the daybeds while looking out into the breathtaking horizon. On the other hand, the young and young at heart will have a thrill on the slides at the Hideout pool, or retreat to the private cabanas to relax.

Aside from that, there’s the Tranquility Lounge for professional wellness services including Vietnamese traditional massages and foot reflexology, in addition to a 24-hour fitness centre with state-of-the-art equipment for drop-in workouts.

Of course, being an integrated resort means there’s a casino housed within the complex itself. What’s unique about Hoiana Casino is that it’s exclusively open to foreigners only, complete with VVIP rooms dripping with luxurious touches. The casino boasts over 350 slot machines, electronic table games and live table stadium games on a giant LED screen with real-time dealers that promise heart-racing entertainment.

EXPLORE LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

For those keen to step out of the resort to discover the surrounding Quang Nam Province, Hoiana offers free shuttle services to Da Nang and Hoi An every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Here are a few places I’d recommend that are located less than 30 minutes away: