Mia Resort Nha Trang

The Mia Resort Nha Trang makes the most of its cliff-edge location and almost plantation-like vibe; not only are all rooms ocean-facing, but there are sea views from the restaurants, pool, and lush grounds, which combine manicured lawns with wilder tropical foliage. The stylish, understated lobby is airy and offers plenty of wicker tub chairs well placed to afford adequate privacy, while elsewhere in the chic and open-air Sandals restaurant, a similar neutral color scheme prevails with stone floors and wooden furnishings. Mojito’s restaurant is by comparison darker and more intimate, with dark-wood paneled flooring and seating, but it still feels bright enough thanks to open doors with sea views. Large windows offer unobstructed views over an attractive water feature and down the cliff edge to the ocean.

With a beachfront location on one side and a main (yet quiet) coastal road on the other, the Mia Resort is set around a 30-minute drive from the coastal resort city of Nha Trang. The location is fairly remote, with not much in walking distance -- guests seeking restaurants, bars, shopping, or attractions will need to take a drive into town. (The hotel does offer a free shuttle service.) Cam Ranh International Airport is about 20 minutes away.

The hotel offers spacious condos, villas, and suites, which are bright and airy and have lovely ocean views. Chic canopy beds are topped with white linens that compliment the neutral color palette; wooden furniture; and rustic, boulder-effect accent walls. Splashes of color courtesy of accent pillows, bed throws, and pastel-hued sofas are a stylish touch. All units have lovely terraces or patios with cushioned wicker seating, as well as amenities that include flat-screen TVs with free on-demand movies, iPod docks, coffee- and tea-making facilities, extensively stocked minibars (with a range of wines, spirits, and beers, plus a selection of local snacks), safes, and free Wi-Fi. The thoughtful turndown service provides homemade cookies and a copy of the following day’s weather forecast. Bathrooms lack doors and are curtained off instead, which might pose privacy issues for some, though this is done with style and reflects the design of the rooms. The large and attractive spaces feature long sinks with double faucets as well as sunken soaking tubs and walk-in rainfall showers. The selection of free toiletries includes insect repellent and after-sun lotion, and hairdryers are provided as well. 

Villas offer similar design and amenities to Condos, but are larger and more spacious, with four-poster beds, daybeds, desks, and separate dressing spaces. Bathrooms include rainfall showerheads over the bathtubs, in addition to outdoor showers. Lovely patios are furnished with wicker sofas beneath chic canopies, plus sunbeds overlooking the sea and stylish hammocks strung between the trees. Manicured lawns surround stunning infinity-edge plunge pools shaded by palms -- a feature that makes Villas well worth the upgrade along with the extra privacy that comes with their cliff-edge location.

Mia Resort Nha Trang covers all the bases when it comes to a luxury resort, starting with the property's beach. The stretch of beach alongside the resort is small, but pleasant. The Mia provides guests with a small number of parasols and sunbeds on the beach, as well as towels. The quiet, minimalist, pebble-fringed pool has ocean views, and it's surrounded by modern sunbeds and parasols under palm trees. A selection of books, magazines and children’s pool toys is available. There's also an on-site spa that offers a range of excellent massages from a stunning ocean-view spot. The fitness center is bright and functional, but has a fairly limited selection of cardio equipment and free weights. Other popular amenities include free weekly yoga sessions by sunset, lively Vietnamese cooking classes, and paddle boarding at the beach. Apart from some isolated reports of miscommunications, there are consistent reviews of excellent customer service; staff bring guests fresh fruits and drinks to the pool and beach unannounced, and travelers receive rice seeds as a farewell gift.

The free breakfast offers an impressive buffet selection of breads, pastries, meats, cheeses, and local options, as well as a choice of an a la carte dish. The on-site Sandals and Mojito’s restaurants likewise turn out great Vietnamese and Western cuisine, including a number of gluten-free dishes. There are also rotating Vietnamese, Italian, and seafood buffet dinners nightly, which get great reviews.

Reasonably priced airport transfers are available, and the resort runs a free shuttle service to and from downtown Nha Trang, though infrequently and only until the early evening. Buggy transport is provided for getting around the resort itself. Wi-Fi throughout the property is free and fast, and bright and elegant meeting rooms and a chic business center are both available. The kids' club has limited play equipment, but does have a Wii games console.