About an hours’ drive outside of Hue, Vietnam, the Vedana Lagoon Resort & Spa is nestled in a secluded bay, surrounded by lush hillsides and quiet waters where local fisherman set sail every morning with the sunrise.
The 27 hectare setting is best described as absolute serenity – and the resort has maximized the location to its full potential while leaving the beauty of nature intact.
Vedana Lagoon has just 27 villas and bungalows, all beautifully decorated with modern touches, and with stunning views to match. A total of 18 bungalows are built into the forested hillside, including nine pool honeymoon villas with private plunge pools, and two luxurious family pool houses (complete with a kitchenette, mini gym, steam room, sauna and private pool).
Vedana Lagoon was also the first resort in Vietnam to have over-water villas – and they deserve some praise. Its nine floating bungalows are accessible by boardwalks and rest over the bay’s clear waters, for uninterrupted views of the lagoon. With sundecks, outdoor bathrooms, gorgeous stone bathtubs, and even the option for a private dipping pool, the over-water rooms are truly spectacular.
Each villa has bicycles waiting outside, making it easy for guests to travel around the property (though a staff member will be happy to pick you up in a small buggy, should you prefer). Upon arrival, each room is also equipped with the most extensive toiletries kit I’ve ever seen, including toothbrushes, mouthwash, a razor kit, comb, nail file, sewing kit and cotton buds – they’ve thought of everything you might have forgotten!
The resort has one main restaurant, though you can also pre-arrange to dine under the stars, overlooking the lagoon, should you wish. Food was superb – as was the service – and we enjoyed the likes of banana leaf and shrimp salad, and delicious Vietnamese pancake with peanut sauce.
Free tai chi and yoga classes are offered every morning, or you can hop in a kayak to explore the bay. Other on-site activities include badminton, volleyball, billiards, cooking classes, or swimming in the two palm tree-lined communal pools. Guests saying in over-water bungalows can also request fishing rods to try their luck at the daily catch!
The incredible Vedana spa has been created on an experience described as “LUSH” (Luxurious, Unpretentious, Sustainable and Healthy). No chemicals or artificial ingredients are used in spa treatments, and all products are derived from the resort’s own herb garden or local products sourced sustainably from markets. Before or after treatments, guests can enjoy the Jacuzzi, sauna or herbal steam room, or simply relax in a grass-roofed shala hut while enjoying a ginger tea.
There’s not much within walking distance of the resort – it’s the type of place to stay-put and relax for a few days – but the resort does offer a free shuttle every day into Hue, the Unesco World Heritage Site. Alternatively, you can air on the adventurous side and hop on a motorbike tour to Da Nang (90 minutes) or Lang Co (25 minutes).
Text: Lydia Parafianowicz