New World Hoiana Beach Resort welcomes you to the best of Vietnam
Hoiana Resort & Golf’s latest brand in contemporary hospitality sets the tone for a lush coastal escape in Central Vietnam.
One easily forgets the proximity of Central Vietnam at just under a three-hour flight away from Kuala Lumpur, making it an easy getaway from the hustle and bustle of our capital city. I made my maiden trip to the Land of the Blue Dragon, hosted by New World Hoiana Beach Resort, one of the four luxury hotels developed under the first phase of Hoiana Resort & Golf, a US$4 billion project occupying 1,000 hectares just south of Hoi An, Quang Nam.
As the only premier beachfront integrated resort in Central Vietnam, Hoiana Resort & Golf’s luxurious yet laid-back vibe blends in harmoniously with its secluded and serene location. Blessed with a pristine 4 km-long coastline of fine sandy beaches with white-crested gentle rolling waves sweeping over the shore, the scenic landscape is just the beginning of the resort’s endless charms. Location-wise, it is situated a stone’s throw from the area’s natural and cultural attractions, including the UNESCO-listed heritage quarter of Hoi An and the protected marine biodiversity of the Cham islands to name a few.
Both Air Asia and Batik Air operate direct flights from KLIA to Da Nang International Airport, a 45-minute drive to New World Hoiana Beach Resort. The Air Asia flight I boarded was fully booked and packed to the rafters — thanks to pent-up travel demand still going strong — but luckily, the brief discomfort of the budget short-haul journey was quickly assuaged upon arrival as my media cohorts and I were promptly shuttled away to our tropical seaside destination, courtesy of the resort’s transfer service.
Stay
New World Hoiana Beach Resort, the second resort and fourth property in Vietnam by New World Hotels & Resorts, is set within Hoiana Resort & Golf’s main complex which commands a panoramic ocean view. Its sister properties such as Hoiana Hotel & Suites, New World Hoiana Hotel, and the upcoming super luxe Rosewood Hoi An, alongside the upscale Hoiana Residences, are either adjacent or a short stroll away.
Space is an abundant commodity at New World Hoiana Beach Resort, whose interior design subtly and skillfully fuses modernity with Asian dynamism. The 330 guestrooms and suites showcase discreet nods to Vietnamese aesthetics, as well as sustainability with environmentally friendly pillows, coconut fibre mattresses and organic sheets. My Deluxe Ocean King suite, clad in a neutral palette, emanated an ambience of quiet luxury. Calming and comfortable, the well-appointed suite was furnished with a large sofa, dining set for two, double bathroom sinks, a freestanding bathtub and a seafront balcony with outdoor furniture — the perfect home away from home.
Dine
Blend is the culinary beating heart of New World Hoiana Beach Resort, offering indoor and outdoor seating with beachfront access, and serving an all-day menu that includes regional Vietnamese, Chinese and Southeast Asian dishes. I particularly enjoyed its breakfast offerings: freshly baked viennoiserie and buttery cakes, homemade yoghurts, sun-ripened tropical fruits and the American breakfast spread, be it for dine-in or room service.
Located next to the hotel lobby, The Commons is a vibrant social hub to connect from dawn to dusk, indoors and outdoors, featuring a statement bar, nut-roasting counter and an ample choice of craft drinks and coffees. Do order the Coconut Coffee, the local interpretation of affogato, replete with decadent coconut ice cream and fresh-brew Vietnamese coffee. Next to the beach, Cove Bar & Grill serves an extensive drinks menu, grilled meats and seafood, and cold treats for perfect poolside refreshment during the day and relaxed alfresco dinners after sundown.
With more than 10 restaurants, bistros, food stalls, cafes and bars (with more in the pipeline), Hoiana Resort & Golf is an absolute foodie’s paradise. Guests are welcome to patronise all the F&B outlets spread throughout the integrated resort. From appetizing provincial and international delights at The Terrace, Aroma and Hảo Việt; casual Asian comfort meals at The Garden; delectable noodles galore at Mien; to fancy Hoiana Art Tea sets and cocktails at The Edge; indulgent Korean barbecue platters with lobsters and A5 Wagyu at Obaltan; swanky Chinese banquets at Yue Seafood Restaurant, the eating challenge here is not for lack of choice but time (and tummy space) to sample and savour the epicurean smorgasbord prepared to appease discerning gourmets and food connoisseurs.
Play
There is much to enjoy at Hoiana Resort & Golf for a diversity of vacation seekers, aside from the myriad of dining and drinking establishments on location. The in-house entertainment is world-class, as is the championship golf course, alongside a large assortment of pools from infinity to family and private; health club and gym; spa and wellness lounge; beach activities and watersports; and Kids’ Club with three separate play areas.
For the avid golfer, the Hoiana Shores Golf Club, a spectacular 18-hole golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., will certainly impress and please. Framed by majestic views of the Eastern Sea and Cham Island, and set against an unspoiled natural terrain, the multi-awarded 71-par links course with holes along the stunning beachfront amidst dramatic dunes is a tee-off experience not to miss. To improve on your swing, the Golf Academy provides an indoor and outdoor driving range, equipped with 26 hitting bays and an excellent practice bunker, in addition to tailored coaching programs for amateurs to the accomplished. After a round of golf on the green, refuel and recharge at Hoiana Shores Golf Club’s 1552 Bistro and Shores Café with an array of beverages and gastronomic dishes.
After a full and active day outdoors, hit up the nightlife at the Hoiana Casino, encompassing 140 tables and more than 300 slot machines and electronic table games, along with exclusive VIP services. Order a cocktail from Một–Hai–Bar to power your action and bets, and conclude the night at the state-of-the-art Maze KTV karaoke bar or enjoy a quiet nightcap with soothing sea breezes from on high at The Edge.
Meet
Among the many assets of New World Hoiana Beach Resort are its flexible meeting venues and function spaces to host a variety of events, from high-profile conferences to intimate celebrations. The Grand Hall ballroom, equipped with a purpose-built bar, extends into a lawn and terrace. Sitting above it is The Loft event space with stunning beach views, while the Green House glass pavilion next to the lawn is a sparkling venue for both sunlit and starlit moments.
Explore
One of Vietnam’s must-visit ancient towns and the heart of Quang Nam province, Hoi An, is only 10 km from the Hoiana Resort & Golf. On an evening guided tour, we ambled along its narrow lanes, lined with historical architecture and wooden houses. Strolling across the Japanese Covered Bridge, it was magical to feast our eyes on the enchanting riverside setting with colourful lanterns lighting up this old-world port town.
One balmy afternoon, we popped by a boutique rum distillery situated near the resort, Distillerie d’Indochine, founded by three Frenchmen and the home of Sampan Rhum. It was interesting to learn and witness how local sugar cane is processed and aged to give a spirited taste of Central Vietnam. Of course, if you have extra time on your Hoiana vacation, there are lots more to see and do: Hoi An’s food trail, the UNESCO World Heritage site of My Son Sanctuary, Marble Mountains, Golden Bridge of Ba Na Hills, and Da Nang city and its famed beaches.
I can imagine on my return visit to Central Vietnam, New World Hoiana Beach Resort (or any of the Hoiana Resort & Golf hotels) will be a top choice for both a relaxing and rejuvenating escape. This place in the sun, blessed with the beauty of the sand and sea, is setting a new hospitality benchmark and redefining luxury tourism with its F&B, entertainment and recreation offerings that strike an exciting balance with Quang Nam’s natural assets and cultural heritage.
Visit hoiana.com to find out more.