STORY BY PAUL HUGHES, 2010
Diamond Bay Beach Resort puts many of the attractions of Vietnam in the one location.
Situated 20 minutes by free shuttle bus from the city centre of Nha Trang, the Diamond Bay Resort is an eclectic mix of facilities and services that seems to be typical of Vietnam.
We visited in 2010 and the accommodation and settings for the Resort are faultless, with the white sandy beaches only a few steps away from almost 350 air-conditioned guest rooms and bungalows, some featuring unique and private outdoor showers and hot spas.
The bungalows in particular are beautifully laid out, extremely comfortable, private, well appointed and look out over the ocean.
Key features of the resort include the region’s longest swimming pool, the beautiful Song Lo Spa, a golf driving range and tennis courts by the sea, as well as water sports such as kayaking, windsurfing, jet skiing, parasailing and fishing at a second private beach.
The buildings are set among extensive gardens, with plenty of walking tracks leading to relaxing private settings on the beach.
Situated 20 minutes by free shuttle bus from the city centre of Nha Trang, the Diamond Bay Resort is an eclectic mix of facilities and services that seems to be typical of Vietnam.
We visited in 2010 and the accommodation and settings for the Resort are faultless, with the white sandy beaches only a few steps away from almost 350 air-conditioned guest rooms and bungalows, some featuring unique and private outdoor showers and hot spas.
The bungalows in particular are beautifully laid out, extremely comfortable, private, well appointed and look out over the ocean.
Key features of the resort include the region’s longest swimming pool, the beautiful Song Lo Spa, a golf driving range and tennis courts by the sea, as well as water sports such as kayaking, windsurfing, jet skiing, parasailing and fishing at a second private beach.
The buildings are set among extensive gardens, with plenty of walking tracks leading to relaxing private settings on the beach.
Work was well underway on the much-publicised 18-hole golf course – nine holes are virtually complete and it is expected the remaining nine holes will be open late in 2011.
While I didn’t get to play on the course (much disappointment), the design looks outstanding and challenging – excellent setting, tight fairways, interesting waterways and good size greens. Profesional golfers predict it will be one of the top courses in Asia.
It is one of the few courses around the world where golfers hit from the practice range into the bay (above right), which is netted so balls can be recovered easily.
Diamond Bay Resort is so huge and spread out that even with a reasonably high level of occupancy, it can feel a little deserted - but in a good way, as we often felt we had the resort to ourselves!
This can be a distinct advantage if you are looking for privacy and serenity, but especially after the hustle and bustle of downtown Nha Trang or Ho Chi Minh City, it can make the resort feel as if you are a million miles away.
While I didn’t get to play on the course (much disappointment), the design looks outstanding and challenging – excellent setting, tight fairways, interesting waterways and good size greens. Profesional golfers predict it will be one of the top courses in Asia.
It is one of the few courses around the world where golfers hit from the practice range into the bay (above right), which is netted so balls can be recovered easily.
Diamond Bay Resort is so huge and spread out that even with a reasonably high level of occupancy, it can feel a little deserted - but in a good way, as we often felt we had the resort to ourselves!
This can be a distinct advantage if you are looking for privacy and serenity, but especially after the hustle and bustle of downtown Nha Trang or Ho Chi Minh City, it can make the resort feel as if you are a million miles away.
During our visit in 2010, parts of the resort seem to be caught in a time warp, almost a Vietnamese “retro” style.
However this may have been because the resort was the official host to the 2008 Miss World competition and much of the décor was still focused on this event.
The rooms were basically villas that were well appointed, spacious, airy and very, very comfortable. And they were also suitably spaced away from other villas to add to the privacy.
During our visit in 2010, parts of the resort seem to be caught in a time warp, almost a Vietnamese “retro” style.
However this may have been because the resort was the official host to the 2008 Miss World competition and much of the décor was still focused on this event.
The rooms were basically villas that were well appointed, spacious, airy and very, very comfortable. And they were also suitably spaced away from other villas to add to the privacy.
The resort's swimming pool (above) is probably the longest swimming pool you have ever seen, with barbecue areas and lounges surrounding it for your leisure.
Our stay was too brief - it is a place where we will certainly return and hopefully take greater advantage of the recreation facilities…..and the golf course, when it is completed.
Visitors to Diamond Bay Resort have mixed reactions - some like the serenity, some would like to engage with more people.
It should be remembered however that Vietnam is a developing country and Nha Trang continues to develop rapidly as a tourist destination.
As such, the overall resort facilities are outstanding.
Our stay was too brief - it is a place where we will certainly return and hopefully take greater advantage of the recreation facilities…..and the golf course, when it is completed.
Visitors to Diamond Bay Resort have mixed reactions - some like the serenity, some would like to engage with more people.
It should be remembered however that Vietnam is a developing country and Nha Trang continues to develop rapidly as a tourist destination.
As such, the overall resort facilities are outstanding.
Beach volleyball, golf driving range, tennis court, kayaking, windsurfing, jet skiing, parasailing, and fishing - these are just a few of the activities that are available at the resort.
Song Lo Spa
Whether you have spent the day at the golf course, on the jet ski or on the volleyball court, you will enjoy being pampered at the Song Lo Spa.
Enjoy a massage in one of their relaxation rooms, a dip in the indoor pool and spa, and a facial or one of many other treatments.
Song Lo Spa
Whether you have spent the day at the golf course, on the jet ski or on the volleyball court, you will enjoy being pampered at the Song Lo Spa.
Enjoy a massage in one of their relaxation rooms, a dip in the indoor pool and spa, and a facial or one of many other treatments.