Golden Sand Resort & Spa

The pool was the best part of our seven-night September stay. It’s huge, stays 1.4 m deep throughout, and had room for everyone. There’s a toilet at each end, a bar on the south side, and separate toddler and children’s pools with a pirate ship and fountain. In the mid-30s Celsius weather with sun most days, we spent plenty of time there. There’s no spa with water jets, sauna, or steam room, though. The nearby beach has been replaced by rocks due to erosion, so you’ll need to head farther north to swim in the sea. My junior suite had a comfortable large king bed, small lounge, private patio, high ceilings, and a bath and shower. It was clean and well maintained, but one vanity felt cramped for two. There are four places to eat on site, including the main restaurant and breakfast buffet. The breakfast was average, maybe three-star quality and range, with basic choices that didn’t feel up to a five-star rating. I didn’t try the other venues, and they seemed empty. Resort food cost about five times as much as similar quality food at local places. There are many more meal options in the old town, and they’re cheaper. Wi-Fi was available in the rooms and pool area, but the speed was poor for both uploads and downloads. Staff were pleasant and helpful, and the resort was clean and looked after. Taxis are easy to get at the entrance, with a rank across the road. It was about 90-100VND to central Hoian township. After looking around at other hotels in town, I’d choose a different location if I returned. The pool suited the kids, so we were happy enough, but there are cheaper options nearer Hoian town with more of a village feel and varied dining.

The white sandy beach here was as good as beaches in better-known places like Grand Cayman, and I enjoyed the few days we spent at the hotel. I splurged on a beachfront suite and a private dinner on the beach, and wasn’t disappointed. This isn’t really about the hotel, but the area isn’t the great tailoring destination it’s advertised as. The suits and shirts I saw were very poor quality.

The pool is enormous, with a bar right in it, and the rooms are carefully looked after and all have Wi-Fi. The food was excellent, and the staff were welcoming and nice. This is the best place I’ve been to in a while, and I’d go back if I could.

The garden is gorgeous and the staff are amazing. It’s a solid four-star resort, though the five-star rating feels a stretch with all the small maintenance problems and the crowded, below-par breakfast.