CNN lists 8 of Vietnam's hottest new hotels

U.S. cable news channel CNN listed Thursday eight of Vietnam's hottest new hotels to "lay your head at a range of prices and styles".

Regent Phu Quoc

An island off southwest Vietnam, much of Phu Quoc is a UNESCO-designated World Biosphere Reserve - and also home to the first resort in Southeast Asia from luxury brand Regent Hotels & Resorts.

"Regent Phu Quoc sits on Long Beach and offers 176 suites and 126 villas in tranquil, tropical surroundings with views over the ocean and resort's lagoons. They range in size from intimate one-bedrooms to seven-bedroom "ultra villas," meaning that everyone from couples to large extended families and friends can kick back in style," CNN wrote.

"On the food front, take your pick from six restaurants and bars, including Rice Market, which celebrates the local cuisine of southern Vietnam; Oku which joins Japan and France in an homage to wagyu beef; or the cheekily named Fu Bar for gin-focused cocktails around a pool terrace."

In March, South China Morning Post named Regent Resort in Phu Quoc, Vietnam's largest island, among the "best new resorts to see in 2022".

"The resort will be the first of the Regent brand’s properties in Southeast Asia to open since IHG Hotels & Resorts, which operates InterContinental hotels, bought a majority stake in Regent. A Regent rebranding includes emphasis on design and curated experiences," SCMP wrote. "The Regent will, it is claimed, be the most luxurious resort on the island."

From $365 per night.

Wink Hotel Saigon Centre

Opened in 2021, Wink Hotel Saigon in Ho Chi Minh City targets a young, local Vietnamese demographic for whom authenticity is everything.

The offer of affordable luxury means that while the hotel's rooms may admittedly be "space-efficient," no expense has been spared inside them. Designed by a Paris-based agency, they feature luxury mattresses, fine linens and a power shower.

"Wink honors Vietnam's famous street food culture in the form of "Wink Carts" for easy breakfasts and lunches, while guests are guaranteed a 24-hour stay regardless of check-in time, unlimited à la carte breakfast and free passes to a co-working space," CNN commented.

From $70 per night.

Maia Resort Quy Nhon

The coastal resort town of Quy Nhon may be largely unfamiliar to international travelers, but that looks set to change with the opening of places like Maia Resort, a destination which is especially keen to attract foodies, according to CNN.

Maia Resort Quy Nhon is located in Nhon Hoi Economic Zone, Quy Nhon town, Binh Dinh province, south-central Vietnam.

"The 94-villa property sits on a beautiful wide and long sandy beach, where colorful local fishing boats bob in Phuong Mai Bay. They bring in a catch that the resort's chefs at restaurant Vi turn into excellent renditions of local dishes, as well as familiar global comfort food.

"Wellness is another big play in the elegant sunlit Vela spa, complete with its own pool, while guests can choose packages inclusive of treatments instead of breakfast or lunch."

From $185, inclusive of half board or one spa treatment per adult, per room.

Anantara Quy Nhon Villas

Privacy is front and center at Anantara Quy Nhon Villas as the resort offers just 26 sleek one- and two-bedroom villas dotted across seven hectares of tropical gardens. All of them overlook the white sand beach and emerald waves beyond.

Their signature restaurant is Sea.Fire.Salt, where chef Wayan oversees menus celebrating seafood cooked over open flame, while a swim-up bar crafts cocktails in front of you and an "in-room delicatessen" means you're never far from a bite.

"The quiet surrounding province of Binh Dinh inspires an impressive selection of cultural experiences, from ancient pagodas to remarkable Champa towers which dot the landscape and date from the 12th century. They even offer a hat-weaving workshop, as guests see how Non La conical hats are crafted by hand," CNN wrote.

Capella Hanoi

Beguiling and historic, the Vietnamese capital is home to Capella Hanoi, a boutique hotel with 47 bedrooms designed by American architect Bill Bensley to celebrate the world of opera.

"That's because the property sits adjacent to Hanoi's beautiful early 20th-century Opera House, meaning that Bensley has crafted the flamboyant suites to reflect and reveal tales of artists, singers and composers. In doing so, more than a thousand pieces of opera memorabilia and art now grace the building in the city's prestigious Hoan Kiem quarter," CNN commented.

In July, the hotel was second on the top 15 best city hotels in Asia list as voted by Travel + Leisure readers. It is also the only Vietnamese hotel in the top 100 best new resorts in the world as ranked by this global travel site.

Last year, the 47-room hotel was one of best new accommodations in Asia-Pacific according to travel megazine DestinAsian’s The Luxe List 2021.

From $300 per night.

Azerai Ke Ga Bay

Sitting 180 km east of HCMC, Azerai Ke Ga Bay resort in Phan Thiet town, Binh Thuan province is a popular destination for weekend escapes. The secluded oceanfront property is enviably located on a white sand beach that stretches for five kilometers, overlooking Ke Ga Island and its lighthouse dating from French colonial times.

"Just 46 minimalist suites and private pool suites overlook tropical gardens or the ocean. If you can pull yourself away from them, their Azerai Spa on the ocean offers 10 private treatment rooms, hydrotherapy, a beauty studio, gym and more, while there are four pools to get your laps in."

From $266 per night.

Alma Resort Cam Ranh

"Cam Ranh is another emerging city on Vietnam's central coast which is rapidly becoming a popular hub for domestic and international travelers. The expansive Alma resort sits amid 30 hectares and offers a wide range of amenities for guests staying in its 580 suites and pavilions, all of which face Long Beach," CNN wrote.

No fewer than 12 swimming pools, a 70-seat cinema, science museum, karaoke rooms and waterpark are just some of the ways to get your vacation on.

On the food front, 14 dining outlets range from Japanese to Italian, a noodle house and fried chicken specialist. But every accommodation also comes with a kitchen, in case you want to craft your own meal with groceries from the on-site supermarket.

Previously, Alma Resort was listed among the world's top five resorts for families, according to Australian travel magazine Holidays with Kids. Notably, Alma Resort was only ranked lower than the two world famous locations Atlantis Dubai in the United Arab Emirates and Disneyland Hotel in Paris, France.

From $181 net per night.

Radisson Hotel Danang

Danang is Vietnam's fifth largest city and sits on the central coast, from where it's a popular departure point for a number of Vietnam's UNESCO world heritage sites, including the charming old merchant town of Hoi An, south of the city.

Radisson Hotel Danang on My Khe Beach has 182 rooms and suites which feature views over the city, peninsula and sea.

Up on the 21st floor, a terrace bar adjoins a dramatic infinity pool for Instagram moments at sunset, while there's also a telescope for would-be stargazers to scan the skies. A 300-person ballroom can also host weddings, meetings and events, according the news channel.

From $60 per night.