(No.7, Vol.3, Aug 2013 Vietnam Heritage Magazine)
Photos: Sunrise Hoi An Beach Resort
While on a trip to Hoi An, I stayed in a place which was as enjoyable as my destination. Please allow me to tell you about it.
My odyssey took me to the Sunrise Hoi An Beach Resort. The staff helped me feel right at home. The manager, Mr Jean-Luc Florent Bonneau, greeted me with a cold glass of ginger tea and a warm French-style welcome.
My suite was as large as a comfortable apartment and well-furnished with even more amenities. It was a Sunrise Suite. The 16 Sunrise Suites feature an expansive open-plan living area, hand-crafted to offer an abundance of sophisticated space to relax and unwind. One can indulge in luxurious pampering with double-wash basins, an opulent bathtub and separate rain shower or seek repose in the luscious king bed, while enjoying the state of the art, 40-inch LCD television. A private terrace provides an enchanting setting to admire magnificent views of the ocean or lush gardens or to indulge in a romantic candlelit dinner with your loved one.
Its size was not the only terrific thing about it. The amenities included a well-stocked mini-bar, complimentary water, coffee and teas, as well as more toiletries and indulgences than one could use in a week.
In regard to dining, Mr Andre, a Dutch expatriate, and Ms Huong, do a great job of managing the top-level restaurant. The staff is quite courteous and helpful. They couldn’t do enough for me. When the breakfast buffet ran short of maple syrup for my pancakes, the person in charge took care of it himself and had it for me while my pancakes were still warm.
For those who want to experience Vietnamese dining, try Sao Bien. It has items fresh from the sea. One can embark on a culinary expedition, while enjoying sweeping ocean views. It’s an unparalleled setting to kindle a passion for fresh seafood delicacies inspired by local flavours and prepared by a resident Hoi An master chef. A captivating open-air kitchen showcases culinary artistry as gastronomes prepare for an unforgettable dining experience that is sure to excite the palate as well as the senses.
The resort gives free access to facilities and activities available to all guests. All activities below are free of charge and usable upon availability: table soccer, basket boats, bicycles, day and night-time tennis, table tennis, a wide range of other games and facilities for young and old are available through the recreation team and complimentary swimming classes are available with a Family Package, which will encourage kids to learn swimming.
The staff did a great job of assisting me. When they discovered a problem with my return ticket, they handled the problem immediately and made all arrangements to correct it. I felt quite at ease with their assistance. The day I left, they provided me with free transportation back to Da Nang Airport for my return flight. They took an interest in me and did all they could to help.
Here one has all the comforts of home, as well as all the luxuries he could ever desire. It’s a great place for a business convention, a vacation or anything else one might need. I recommend it without reservations. Make yours soon.n
Sunrise Hoi An Beach Resort
Au Co Road, Cua Dai Beach,
Hoi An,Quang Nam Province.
Tell: (0510) 3937-777
www.sunrisehoian.vn
Sao Bien Restaurant
open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.