Vietnam - Phú Quốc Travel Review (Nov 2019)
Travel review for Grazia UK
Starting at An Thoi, the Hon Thom Cable Car travels more than 7000 metres through the sky.
Salinda Resort Phu Quoc Island
A hot romantic holiday with your partner on an island far away, watching a beautiful purple sunset with no tourists around sounds like the set up for a movie scene, but it could actually become a reality on a recently developed island in Vietnam. Phú Quốc is a fairly new destination that is perfect for those dreaming of having a picturesque holiday that not even the most travel savvy of friends has seen on Instagram yet…
ROMANCE RATING
For the perfect romantic day, make sure as soon as you arrive at the Salinda resort that you’re booked in for a massage for two. We recommend the Salinda Aromatherapy massage which is perfect for the jet lag as it is beautifully aromatic yet a wonderfully gentle massage meaning you won’t feel like you’re at the physiotherapist down the road. For breakfast, toast the morning every day with the hotels sparkling breakfast, because it’s always 5 o’clock somewhere right?! When the sunset hits, be sure to grab the beach nest with a cocktail in hand. The island is known for its incredible purple sunsets so it’s not one to miss. After that, visit the resorts Italian restaurant, Il Mura and when booking ask if you can get the private table for two on the balcony. Considering this is in Vietnam, this is exceptional Italian food you’ll certainly want to take photos of.
WHAT TO EAT
When it comes to food, nothing beats eating fresh fish on the coasts of Phú Quốc. Visit the picturesque pier in the fishing village of Làng Chài Hàm to get a real taste for how the locals live. Go to the restaurants at the end of the pier to get away from the crowds and to get a couple selfie against an incredible backdrop. It also goes without saying that you have to try the Salinda restaurant in the resort which serves an incredible platter of traditional Vietnamese food. Share the Vietnamese Journey for Two dish to experience an original rich platter. Do also dig into the North Indian Thali dish at the Pakka restaurant on the resort to get a taste for all things Indian; the food is that good that it will leave you wondering which country you’re actually in.
WHAT TO DO
The island is known for its pearls so book in a visit to the Ngọc Hiền Pearl Farm which is just down the road. The prices are very reasonable and if you’re lucky, your partner will buy you a little something. Jet skiing or snorkelling the reefs near Thơm island in the south is also a must, and if you decide to snorkel, finish up with an intimate sunbathing sesh on Gầm Ghì island (known as Pineapple island). These are both booked exclusively through the hotel so there’ll be no hassle when you get there. You’ll also get to take the worlds longest cable car (almost 8km) from the island to get there, making it extra special – just don’t look down! In the evening, you have to visit the Phú Quốc Night Market where you can sample the islands electric night life and get a flavour of the street food on offer. Finish the night with a cocktail in the hotels High Note Bar Lounge or mix up your own in the bedroom mini bar for some after-hours intimacy.
THE LOWDOWN
Not only is this location an up and coming island that is really something special but the attention to detail this hotel serves is second to none making it even more special. They’ll meet you straight from the airport and you’ll instantly begin your couples retreat in paradise. Plus, if you have your eye on any of the activities above, or if you’re after any recommendations, they can easily fix a time for you that works and organise any transport required. When booking, we recommend staying in their intimate Garden Villas (from $306USD per night) for a room that has lots of space and is just perfect to spend some long awaited time together. Netflix not required.