This was published 5 years ago
Fusion Maia Da Nang resort review: Vietnam's luxury beach-side resort with the wow-factor
By Lindy Percival
A villa at Fusion Maia Da Nang.Credit: Jonathan Sayeb
THE PLACE
On a crowded beachside strip where the rate of multi-storey development is as dizzying as the madness of the traffic, Fusion Maia Da Nang steps lightly on its parcel of prime real estate. Promoted as Asia's first all-inclusive spa resort, where treatments are included in the room rate, the complex includes 86 single-storey villas clustered around a sprawling 22-room spa complex. A large infinity pool seems to blend with the roaring ocean just a few paces beyond, and the palm-lined gardens are furnished with lazy outdoor lounges. Each villa has a private pool and there's also an on-site cinema, kids' play area, fitness centre, two stylish restaurants and a bar.
THE LOCATION
The infinity pool at Fusion Maia Da Nang.
In a country now well and truly awakened from its communist-era slumber, Da Nang is a city on the rise. Its international airport currently hosts direct flights from a number of Asian cities, and it surely won't be long before Australian airlines are setting a course. Its 35-kilometre beach is one of the best in Vietnam, and with the beguiling Hoi An a mere 20 minutes away, the city, though unlovely, has plenty to offer.
THE SPACE
There's wow factor by the bucketload at this eight-year-old resort, and after the razzle-dazzle bling fest that dominates much of modern Vietnam, the resort's tasteful decor – all muted pinks and purples – is a blessed relief. If there's such a thing as modern French colonial, then this place captures it beautifully.
The low-rise Fusion Maia Da Nang.
THE ROOM
After ogling one of the two 403-square-metre three-bedroom villas, we're more than happy with our 212-square-metre two-bedroom version. Each bedroom has its own massive bathroom, with separate shower and bath (the main with jacuzzi) and a natty TV screen that swivels to allow square-eyed visitors to stay tuned from bed or bath. The living area, with kitchenette, dining table and two large sofas, looks onto a private garden with 13-square-metre pool and two good-sized grassed areas. Comfy beds and fluffy bathrobes complete the sense of luxury.
THE FOOD
Breakfast on the beach at Fusion Maia Da Nang.
Tempting though it is to take room service by the private pool, the resort's excellent eateries lure even the laziest, with an emphasis on healthy and beautifully presented fare. We lunch on the western-style offerings at the poolside Fresh cafe, with its sea views and sparkling aqua and timber decor. Impressively, the staff take diligent note of the food allergies of one family member, and by the time we front up for dinner at the elegant Five restaurant, the message has been passed on and a special menu offered up without being requested. From a wide-ranging choice of Vietnamese and western dishes, we order what turns out to be one of our best meals in Vietnam, a big call in a country known for culinary excellence. Room rates include a generous breakfast, which can be served on the beach on request. With an early flight to catch, we take the in-room option and just as the sun is rising, an impressive spread arrives, complete with a decorative bird cage festooned with flowers.
STEPPING OUT
Within the resort itself, there are various organised activities, such as yoga (beachside when weather permits), tai chi and meditation. A free shuttle service makes regular trips to and from Hoi An, and other outings include the nearby Marble Mountains and a local orphanage.
THE VERDICT
The inner cynic might scoff at promotional lines like "it's not a holiday, it's a lifestyle", but just a few hours into our all-too-short stay, we're already feeling renewed. The room rate might be hefty, but it's matched by a feel-good factor that money can buy, after all.
ESSENTIALS
Doubles from $US565 per night, including breakfast and two spa treatments per guest. The resort is on Vo Nguyen Giap Street, Khue My Ward, Da Nang, phone +84 236 3967 999. See maiadanang.fusion-resorts.com
HIGHLIGHT
Spa treatments are carried out by skillful therapists who pummel and pamper tired travellers into a state of temporary bliss. Don't be surprised if you drift off as they do their thing (snoring permitted).
LOWLIGHT
It's genuinely hard to fault this place, but if you were visiting in the cooler months, that private pool might feel like a cruel tease, prompting some low-level mutterings along the lines of "if only it were heated".
Lindy Percival was a guest of Fusion Resorts.
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