Vinpearl Luxury Da Nang

Vinpearl Da Nang Resort & Villas, which opened in 2011, is stunning inside and out. A wide cobblestone driveway flanked by lush gardens leads to the main building, a stately six-story structure with a grand arched entrance and open-air corridors with panoramic mountain views. Inside, the lobby -- clad in cream-colored marble -- sets the tone for a luxurious stay. Decor throughout the hotel is a seamless blend of natural wood, contemporary touches, and lavish elements like chandeliers and crown moldings. 

The vibe is upscale but lively, though not a party scene, with many families and couples around the pools, and some daily activities that guests can join free of charge. The resort’s array of entertainment options, solid restaurants, and somewhat secluded location encourages guests to stay on-site all day, which makes for a nice atmosphere. We expected the main restaurant to be virtually empty at night, but we were surprised to see several couples and groups of friends having dinner there before heading to the main lounge to enjoy some live music. 

The resort is located on a huge section of beachfront, set along the main road that connects Da Nang and Hoi An. There's nothing within walking distance except for other resorts and a few private residences. Marble Mountains, one of the most popular local attractions, is just across the road from the hotel, and the impressive Lady Buddha can be reached in about 20 minutes by car. Driving to the scenic Hai Van Pass takes roughly an hour. Da Nang -- with dozens of restaurants and bars, the famous Dragon Bridge, and a few well-known markets -- can be reached in about 15 to 20 minutes by car. The gorgeous, ancient town of Hoi An is about a 30-minute drive away. Da Nang International Airport is a 20-minute drive from the hotel.

All of the hotel's elegant units have hardwood floors, heavy wooden furniture with classic lines, crown molding, and a soft, earth tone palette. Standard rooms have small seating areas with a lounge chair and a desk, while suites have separate living and dining rooms, and small kitchenettes with full fridges, microwaves, and sinks.

All rooms, suites, and villas have balconies and they're equipped with luxurious amenities, including high-tech touches such as large HD flat-screen TVs and electronic blinds (except in standard rooms). Minibars are stocked with several types of beer, juices, sodas, Champagne, small bottles of liquor, candy, snacks, and still and sparkling water. Espresso makers come with a selection of coffee pods, including decaf. Bathrooms are spacious and upscale, with double sinks, deep stand-alone tubs, and large walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads. 

Huge villas have either three or four en-suite bedrooms, and they're all decked out in a similar elegant style but have a slightly more posh, minimalist-chic look. Large living areas feature floor-to-ceiling windows opening to private gardens with pools, and large dining tables with seating for up to 10 guests. Kitchens are sleek and equipped with stovetops, full fridges, microwaves, ovens, electric kettles, and espresso makers. But only coffeemakers and microwaves can be used in stays shorter than one month, which is unusual for a hotel in this price point. Units start at a generous 582 square feet. 

This resort is packed with amenities, with three large pools -- including an 11,000-square-foot infinity pool with ocean views and a whirlpool -- as its highlight. All are clean and beautiful, with plenty of padded loungers and umbrellas, and lush surrounding gardens. The infinity pool is the most stunning and also the most popular, especially with families, though there's also a kiddy pool. The two smaller pools (one on each side of the main pool) are quieter and more intimate. There's also a pleasant pool bar overlooking the beach. 

For dining, Gourmet Restaurant offers a plentiful buffet, and a varied international menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. In the evening, Oriental Restaurant serves traditional Vietnamese, Asian, and international cuisine in an elegant dining room with outdoor seating. The lobby lounge, Writers’ Bar, and Terrace Cafe are all casual spots for a drink and a bite. Room service is available 24/7.

Wellness amenities are also excellent. The spa is large and luxurious, with nine indoor treatment rooms and a full menu of massages, scrubs, and body wraps. Massages are also offered at the open pavilions by the beach. There's also a salon with a range of hair and nail services, plus saunas, steam baths, and whirlpools. The adjacent fitness center is spacious and bright, with sizable windows overlooking the tennis courts, and plenty of cardio and strength-training machines. Personal trainers are available for private fitness sessions (for a fee).

The kids’ club is cute and well-equipped with toys and games, but it's only free if parents are supervising their kids at all times. Babysitting services is available for a fee. 

There's also extensive meeting space, including a large ballroom that can be divided into two smaller venues, and a 10-person boardroom for smaller events. All meeting rooms feature audiovisual equipment, and catering services are available for a range of events, including weddings. Wi-Fi is free throughout and there are free daily activities including yoga and tai chi, but fees are attached to the hotel's shuttle to Hoi An, and to use of the tennis court.