Revenge travel is real. In the aftermath of global lockdowns and cancelled travel plans due to the COVID-19 pandemic, people are now raring to go—and, to go to places well-worth their effort. For its geographical diversity, array of panoramic vistas (think: mountains, jungles, rivers, and more), immaculate beaches, charming culture, sumptuous cuisine, and cities teeming with robust activity, Vietnam is a popular choice for those looking to get away from the tensions and tediousness of daily life.
Nestled within picturesque Cam Ranh Peninsula, Vietnam’s emerging hot spot for the best in idyllic resort life, Alma Resort, a Preferred Hotels & Resorts member, welcomes guests with its signature brand of luxurious, leisurely, laidback hospitality. With impressive facilities and top-rated amenities sprawled across 30 hectares of pristine beachfront property, Alma Resort is a spacious sanctuary for travelers starving for a soul-soothing escape.
Set against the aquamarine waters of the Cam Ranh Peninsula, Southeast Asia’s famed deepwater harbor, and Long Beach, the independently owned-and-operated Alma Resort boasts 5-star lavishness in a contemporary yet elegant setting. Expansive accommodations, 580 in all, include one-, two-, and three-bedroom ocean view suites measuring 71, 114, and 165 square meters, respectively, as well as one-, two-, and three-bedroom ocean view and ocean front pavilions from 144 to 224 square meters.
All 384 suites and 196 pavilions are thoughtfully appointed, as one would expect of a luxury beach resort, and feature floor-to-ceiling windows through which guests may feast their eyes on stunning, sweeping seascape views. Each guestroom opens up to a balcony or terrace, which afford an elevated enjoyment of the environs. All three-bedroom pavilions, as well as the one- and two-bedroom ground floor pavilions, include private swimming pools and sundecks. The second floor two-bedroom pavilions have spacious balconies with private Jacuzzis.
A clean and crisp contemporary aesthetic runs through the entirety of the resort, while the overall color palette—a happy fusion of white, hues of blue, and earth-tone accents—evokes a sense of serenity and subdued sophistication. Minimalist interiors, done by Ara Design, a Mumbai-based company specializing in interior design in the global hospitality sector, lend to the elegance and expanse that emanate from the property.
“You really feel like you are escaping the daily grind here; the location is stunning and reinvigorating,” says Herbert Laubichler-Pichler, the resort’s Managing Director and among asianTraveler’s Lounge personalities in this issue. “It’s said the world’s most famed oceanographer Jacques Cousteau’s lifetime fascination with the underwater world began when he went diving in the area,” he adds.
Beyond the bliss of its accommodation, Alma Resort is home to a roster of topnotch amenities and fabulous facilities, all of which make for a next-level holiday experience. So, inasmuch as you may never want to leave the comforts of your room, Alma is a veritable holiday haven that beckons you to immerse yourself fully in it. From its gastronomic offerings of 14 food and beverage outlets, onsite, to its numerous guest activities, there’s something to tickle the fancy of even the most discriminating of travelers.
Restaurants range from casual to fine dining, with cuisine from around the world, helmed by lauded chefs. Central to the dining experience, literally and figuratively, is Alma Garden which showcases live cooking stations evocative of Vietnam’s popular marketplaces. A spacious terrace looks out to the Pool Bar, which, in turn, cascades down to the resort’s 12 beachfront swimming pools. Local and foreign cuisine are aplenty, at Alma, with options ranging from the finest in modern Asian cuisine at Asiana restaurant and the freshest in local seafood at Atlantis, to tasty Tuscan-style trattoria treats at the very suave La Casa and international café favorites at Alma Lounge. The resort even has its own culinary hub, Alma Food Court, with its lip-smacking lineup of six foodie-approved establishments. A classical bar, pool bar, and beach bar are among the perfect spots to unwind and throw back a cold brew, sip a signature cocktail, or savor a fine vintage, with blazing sunsets in the background and crisp breezes in the foreground.
Among Almas’s many attractions are a mini grocery, a scientific museum, an art gallery, the upscale Le Spa with 13 posh treatment rooms, a theater, a conference center, an amphitheater, a youth center with virtual reality games, a kid’s club, the 6,000 sqm Splash Water Park, a water sports center, a gymnasium and yoga room, and an 18-hole putting green. Without a doubt, there’s never a dull moment while on vacation at this property.
Perhaps what truly sets Alma Resort apart is its affinity with the vibrant and vivacious Vietnamese way of life. The resort seeks to be “emblematic of Vietnam’s maturation as a destination,” providing a glimpse into the culture and charm of the country.
Aside from shining the spotlight on the more traditional culinary flavors of Vietnam, Alma is likewise committed to offering exciting authentic experiences, wherever possible. For instance, it recently launched its homage to Vietnam’s “sidewalk culture,” Chill’s Snack Bar, which is well on its way to becoming one of Cam Ranh’s hippest venues. Set against the resort’s Alma Ampitheater, Chill’s serves up popular local coffees and beers, artisanal cocktails, as well as street food eats like seafood pizza, fruit, fried fish balls, shrimp salad, meat sandwiches, cheese sticks, lemongrass chicken feet, and popcorn. Movie nights are held at the amphitheater, while live music and entertainment (like fire twirling and special competitions) are also on the list of activities to help you chill o“Anyone who has been to Vietnam knows that everyone is welcome to join the community on the pavement; it is part and parcel of experiencing Vietnam’s culture, and its culinary delights are famous the world over,” Laubichler-Pichler points out.
For its luxury, location, and lifestyle, Alma Resort has been very well-received, since its opening in December 2019. Already, it has found favor with local celebrities and media personalities, and is also gaining acclaim with the international jet-set crowd. True to the origins of its name (which derives from the Latin word “almus,” which means to nourish or to foster), Alma Resort is more than just a travel destination—it is a nourishing escape; a much-needed, well-deserved getaway, indeed.
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