Escape to Paradise: Vela Phu Quoc Resort Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Vela Phu Quoc Resort Awaits! - A Review in Real Time (and Reality)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just spent (a week! A whole week!) at Vela Phu Quoc, and I'm here to spill the (iced) tea. Forget those pristine, robotic reviews – this is the real deal, warts and all, and trust me, there were a few (mostly tiny, thank God) warts. But mostly… WOW. Just…WOW.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, But Promising Vibes
Let's kick things off with accessibility. My knee-jerk reaction? Meh, maybe a little. The website says "facilities for disabled guests." Which is vague. Getting to Phu Quoc? Easy peasy with the airport transfer they offer. They were super helpful with luggage. Getting around the resort itself? Honestly, it's not the flattest terrain. There's a hill or two (that's Phu Quoc for you!), and some of the paths are a little…rustic. Elevators are a definite plus, though. So, overall? Mixed, but definitely doable if you're prepared to ask for a little help. They seem keen to offer it. The staff, by the way, are absolute angels. More on that later.
On-site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges: Food, Glorious Food… and Some Surprises!
Remember those angels? They feed you. And the food at Vela is, in a word, insane. And by that, I mean ridiculously good. The restaurants are great, but also, I might need to clarify because what I thought was a restaurant and a bar was actually the same place. But, I might've been too busy enjoying the wine, coffee, and tea that I might've missed something. The breakfast buffet is LEGENDARY. I mean, seriously. Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, you name it, it's there. And not just the usual suspects. Think fresh fruit carved into works of art, the fluffiest omelets you've ever seen, and about a million different types of pastries. I may have gained a few pounds. I even managed to snag some breakfast in my room one hungover morning (don’t judge!). And I'm pretty sure I inhaled a whole plate of desserts in the restaurant without even realizing it. It was THAT good. The poolside bar is clutch. Seriously. Perfect for a happy hour. I saw some beautiful salad in the restaurant, and even ordered a soup. And, if you're feeling a little fancy and want something intimate, you can order the A la carte in restaurant. And here's a little secret: they're super accommodating with alternative meal arrangements. The staff are trained in safety protocols and it shows, because I felt super safe there.
Wheelchair Accessible: Still Asking the Questions
See above. Not perfect, but the staff are amazing. I didn’t personally need a wheelchair, but I definitely got that impression from talking to them. More info is needed for the complete accessibility report
Internet: Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Everywhere (Praise Be!)
Okay, so the Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! claim? Truth. Glorious, glorious truth. The Wi-Fi in public areas was excellent, too. I mean, I was able to live-stream cat videos from the pool, which is basically the definition of a good vacation. They also had Internet access – LAN in the rooms, if you're old-school like that. The Interrnet services was fast and reliable.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Because, Duh.
This is where Vela really shines. It's a haven! Let's dive in:
- Swimming pool: Stunning. Infinity edge, overlooking the sea. Spent about half my time in there.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: Yes, with a view.
- Spa/sauna, Spa: OMG. Book yourself a massage. Seriously. I had a deep tissue one and I'm pretty sure my soul left my body and came back feeling like a fluffy cloud. The steamroom was blissful.
- Foot bath: Seriously. Best way to start AND end the day.
- Gym/fitness, Fitness center: I meant to go. Multiple times. It's there. I swear. Next trip I’ll do this.
- Sauna: A godsend after a tough day of…sunbathing.
- Body scrub, Body wrap: You’re on holiday. Book it. No regrets.
- Pool with view: The one, the only.
- Kids facilities, Family/child friendly, Babysitting service: Totally there! I didn't need these, but the place seemed perfect for families.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe and Pampered
Top marks here. This place is pristine.
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Professional-grade sanitizing services: They take hygiene seriously. Seriously.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere.
- Staff trained in safety protocols: Felt completely at ease.
- Rooms sanitized between stays, Room sanitization opt-out available: Solid.
- Safe dining setup: Tables well-spaced and the staff are using mask properly.
- Individually-wrapped food options: Added bonus.
- Hot water linen and laundry washing: Essential.
- First aid kit, Doctor/nurse on call: Peace of mind.
- Smoke alarms, Fire extinguisher, CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Security [24-hour], Security/safety feature: All present and correct.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Food Saga Continues
I've already gushed about the food, but it warrants another mention.
- Restaurants, Poolside bar, Snack bar: Check, check, and check.
- A la carte in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant: Options, options, options!
- Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Vegetarian restaurant: Something for everyone.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant, Bottle of water, Room service [24-hour]: Always available. The bottle of water was a life saver!
- Happy hour: A necessity.
- Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant World on your plate.
Services and Conveniences: They Really Thought of Everything!
Seriously, I didn’t need to think about anything.
- Air conditioning in public area, Air conditioning: Essential in Phu Quoc.
- Concierge, Doorman: Super helpful.
- Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange: Convenient.
- Daily housekeeping, Laundry service, Ironing service: Pure bliss.
- Elevator, Luggage storage: Easy peasy.
- Safety deposit boxes: Peace of mind.
- Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site]: Free parking, always a win.
- Dry cleaning, Convenience store: Useful.
- Facilities for disabled guests: See above.
- Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop: Treat yourself!
- Front desk [24-hour]: Always available.
- Smoking area: For those who partake.
- Invoice provided: So professional.
For the Kids: Fun for Everyone
I didn't personally experience this, but from what I saw, Vela seems super kid-friendly.
- Babysitting service, Kids facilities, Kids meal: They’ve got it covered.
- Family/child friendly: Absolutely.
Getting Around: Easy Breezy
- Airport transfer: Smooth and efficient.
- Taxi service: Readily available.
- Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Bicycle parking: Plenty of options.
Available in All Rooms: The Essentials
- Air conditioning, Additional toilet, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens: Basically, everything you could possibly need. The extra long bed was life-changing. The complimentary tea was also a nice touch.
Rooms: A Sanctuary
The rooms are spacious, clean, and beautifully decorated. The bed was like sleeping on a cloud. The bathrobes were ridiculously soft. I could live
Escape to Paradise: Chaophayathara Riverside Hotel Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's sterile travel itinerary. We're going to Phu Quoc, Vietnam, and we're doing it Vela style. Prepare for some sun, sand, existential dread (maybe), questionable food choices, and a whole lotta me rambling.
Vela Phu Quoc Resort: An Itinerary (Warts and All)
Day 1: The Arrival (and the Fear)
- 8:00 AM - The Nightmare Begins: Wake up. Realize sleep is a luxury I can't afford. Last coffee and pack the bags, and the overwhelming feeling of dread that I'm forgetting something major (like, my passport?!) starts to creep in. Airplane, the worst.
- 11:00 AM - The Great Phu Quoc Landing: Finally, arrive in Phu Quoc! Customs? Managed to muddle through, though I swear the guy in the green uniform looked like he wanted to eat my luggage. Finding the transport to Vela? Smooth(ish).
- 12:00 PM - Vela Phu Quoc - Holy Mother of Goodness! (Initial Impressions): The resort is legit, honestly. Lush greenery, ridiculously blue pools, and a lobby that smells faintly of lemongrass and freedom. Check-in was easy, which is a miracle. I actually got the room I booked! Feeling like I might have won a lottery.
- 1:00 PM - Room Decompression and Panic: Okay, room unpacked (mostly). Balcony is a godsend. Ocean view? Check. Now, the real panic sets in: where's the nearest… ahem… facilities? And what if I accidentally eat something that gives me a third eye?
- 2:00 PM - Mandatory Poolside Bliss (and Observation): Found the pool! Jumped in. It was… heavenly. Sun on my face, gentle breeze, and the distinct feeling that I could finally relax. Watching families. People. A couple arguing. Not sure what it was, but good to see that, like me, they still face some problems.
- 4:00 PM - First Phu Quoc Beer and Beach Stroll: Decided to embrace the local culture. Grabbed a Phu Quoc beer from the bar and ambled down to the beach. Sand is white and fluffy. The ocean smells like…the ocean. Simple pleasures. The sunset, though, was a masterpiece. Swear, it painted the sky. I felt like a character in a movie.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner at Vela's Restaurant (and the Food Adventure Begins): Dinner. Ordered the local seafood dish. Maybe it's just me, but I swear I tasted a hint of the ocean. I found some fish bones. So, so tasty. Overate, of course. Now I'm questioning all my life choices. Post-dinner stroll. The stars are insane.
Day 2: The Great Phu Quoc Food Crawl (and a Possible Stomach Issue)
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast. The Stakes are High: Buffet breakfast. Looked good. Ate way too much. Now, I’m already regretting decisions.
- 9:00 AM - Motorbike Mayhem: Rented a motorbike. Me and a machine? What could go wrong? (Famous last words.) The plan: to explore the island. The reality: almost crashed into a chicken. A chicken, people!
- 10:00 AM - Beach Hopping (and a Lesson in Sunscreen): Visited Sao Beach. It's breathtaking. The water's so clear you can see the bottom. Spent about an hour swimming, until I realized my skin was also at the bottom. Bad sun burns. Ouch.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch at a Local Eatery (and the Fear of the Unknown): Found a tiny, hole-in-the-wall place. This is where things get interesting. Couldn’t read the menu but I pointed and smiled. The food came. I ate it. It might have been the best food I've ever tasted, or the worst. Time will tell.
- 1:00 PM - The Aftermath: Stomach is questionable. I'm pretty sure I can feel the food moving through my system. Maybe I'll just sit quietly in my room and make it through the afternoon.
- 3:00 PM - Beach Time (Again?): Back at the resort. Rehydrating! Pool again. Beach. Trying to ignore the impending doom that may – or may not – come.
- 6:00 PM - Sunset Cocktails (and Existential Musings): Back to the beach bar. Cocktail in hand. Watching the sunset. Thinking about life. Thinking about the questionable food. Thinking about my sunburn. Thinking about whether I should have gotten travel insurance. The usual.
- 8:00 PM - Dinner (Attempt #2): Back at Vela. Stick to something safe. Order the pasta. Hoping for the best.
Day 3: The Island Hopping (and the Sea Sickness)
- 9:00 AM - Island Hopping Tour (and the Pre-emptive Dramamine): Signed up for a boat trip. The ocean looks slightly turbulent – I’m already taking Dramamine like it's candy.
- 10:00 AM - Boat Adventure Begins: The boat is crowded. Still beautiful. The first island is gorgeous. Snorkeling. The water is crystal clear. Fish are everywhere. This is what it's all about.
- 11:00 AM - Sea Sickness Strikes: The sea gets rough. I start to feel…not good. Green. Seasick. The sun beating down. The smell of the boat. Ugh.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch on a Remote Beach (and a Prayer to the Sea Gods): Landed on a small island for lunch. Managed to eat a little. My stomach is still recovering from day 2. I’m praying for the tour to end.
- 1:00 PM - More Snorkeling (and the Struggle to Breathe): Back in the water. Despite feeling awful, I try to enjoy myself. The fish are cool, but all I'm thinking about is getting back on land.
- 3:00 PM - Return to Vela (and Sweet, Sweet Land): Finally back! Exhausted and green. Immediately went back to my room and collapsed into bed.
- 5:00 PM - Poolside Recovery (and the Realization that I'm Totally Sunburnt): Back at the pool. Need to try and relax. The sunburn is now a raging inferno.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner (and Maybe Just a Salad Tonight): Salad. The safe choice. Maybe some plain rice. The stomach is still not happy.
Day 4: The Phu Quoc Farewell (and the Post-Vacation Blues)
- 9:00 AM - Farewell Breakfast: The last breakfast—gonna miss this.
- 10:00 AM - Last swim and beach stroll: Feeling sad it's almost over.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch: Last meal at Vela.
- 1:00 PM - Pack and checkout: The worst part. Time to leave.
- 2:00 PM - Saying Goodbye to Phu Quoc: It's been an adventure. Would I come back? Maybe.
- 5:00 PM - Fly home: The end.
Final Thoughts:
Phu Quoc was…an experience. Beautiful, chaotic, delicious, and at times, terrifying. The food, the sun, the people…it's a whirlwind. Definitely go. Just maybe pack some antacids, sunscreen, and a healthy dose of "whatever happens, happens." I’ll be back, Phu Quoc. Just give me a few months to recover.
P.S. I’m pretty sure I'm going to dream about the motorbikes and the questionable food for weeks. Wish me luck!
Milan's Hottest Hotel: Unbelievable Luxury Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Vela Phu Quoc Resort Awaits! (Yeah, We're Talking About It...Again) - FAQs, Because Honestly, We All Have Questions
Okay, seriously, is Phu Quoc *really* paradise? Or is it just another Instagram-filtered letdown?
Alright, let's be real. Instagram lies. ALL. THE. TIME. Phu Quoc… it's mostly paradise. Like, 85% paradise with a side of "oh, that's a slightly dodgy electrical outlet." Seriously, I tried to charge my phone in the first bungalow and nearly got zapped. That's a story for another time. But the beaches? The sunsets? The feeling of pure, unadulterated *chill*? Yeah, that's paradise. Vela Phu Quoc? They nail the "vibe." It's not perfect. Nothing is. But the sand? The water? The little lizards doing push-ups on the walls of my bungalow? (Seriously, they’re hilarious.) That's the draw.
Also, prepare yourself for some serious sticker shock on certain things. Imported wine? Forget about it. You'll be paying more than you would at home. But honestly, the local beers are perfectly adequate, and who needs a fancy wine when you have a sunset spilling over the ocean and a mosquito net providing a false sense of security?
Vela Phu Quoc – Is it a luxury resort, a budget stay, or somewhere in-between? (Because my wallet is currently whimpering.)
Hoo boy. Okay, "luxury" depends on your definition. They're *trying* to be luxurious. Think "upscale, tropical, but with a few… kinks." (See: the dodgy electric situation). It's not a backpacker hostel, that's for sure. You'll find comfy beds, decent AC (thank GOD, the humidity is brutal!), and a lovely pool area. But you won't find Michelin-starred chefs or diamond-encrusted toilet seats. Unless… my memory is failing me (and it might be, jet lag is a beast).
My two cents? It’s a solid mid-range place, leaning toward the nicer end. You can definitely treat yourself without needing to remortgage your house. Factor in the cost of sunscreen, because trust me on this - you'll need gallons. And bring insect repellent (or buy it there, and get bitten in the meantime, like I did...the itching! The regret!).
The food! Tell me about the FOOD! Is it just endless pho and questionable street meat? (I’m a vegetarian. Make me feel safe.)
Food! Oh, the food. Okay, breathe. Yes, pho is plentiful, and yes, it can be AMAZING. But the food at Vela is… well, it's a bit of a mixed bag, honestly. The breakfast buffet? Pretty decent. Eggs to order, some local fruit, and pastries that might or might not be fresh. Look, I’m not a food critic (unless you consider “will I get food poisoning?” a critical assessment).
As a vegetarian, you'll be fine. They understand “no meat” (mostly). Do check, double-check, and then triple-check. Because, you know, mistakes happen. And sometimes, things aren’t as clearly marked on the buffet as you’d like. But generally speaking, the vegetables are fresh, the fruit is incredible, and the chefs are accommodating (sometimes). Seriously, get your fill of mango. It's like sunshine in your mouth. Plus, the beachside restaurants nearby had some lovely veggie-friendly options, and often, they were cheaper and tastier than what was offered at the Vela. Ask the locals! They know the best places.
What's the best room to book? (Because I want to avoid the "smelly sewage pipe" suite.)
Okay, wise traveler. I can’t guarantee you’ll avoid the "smelly sewage pipe" suite (every place has one, apparently. It’s a travel law of nature), but you can try. The bungalows are charming. Seriously, the *look* of them is very aesthetically pleasing. Think wooden walls, mosquito nets (which, again, are essential despite being largely ineffective), and a general feeling of rustic chic. Some of them are closer to the beach than others. Those are the ones you want. Trust me. Waking up and stumbling out of your bungalow onto the sand is… well, it's pure bliss.
Ask for a bungalow closer to the front and *away* from the kitchens. And maybe, just maybe, read reviews online to see if anyone else had the misfortune of encountering the aforementioned "smelly sewage pipe." Knowledge is power in the face of, well, you know. And if you *do* get the smelly suite? Complain. Politely, of course. Sometimes you get upgraded. Sometimes you get a free drink. Either way, you get to make your dissatisfaction known.
Pool or beach? And are there enough sunbeds to avoid a Hunger Games-style battle for prime real estate?
This is a tough one. The pool is gorgeous. Seriously, Instagram-worthy. Crystal clear water, comfy sunbeds… but the beach is RIGHT THERE. The beach is where it’s at. I spent approximately 90% of my time on the beach. I was there so much that the staff probably started calling me “that perpetually sandy person.” (Or maybe that was just my imagination… it's all a blur now.) The waves are gentle, the sand is soft, and you can walk for miles. It's blissful.
Sunbeds… Hmmm. They’re there. But be warned: The early bird *does* get the worm (or, in this case, the sunbed). I'm not proud to admit this, but on a couple of occasions, I may or may not have "reserved" a sunbed with a strategically placed towel before I even got to breakfast. It's a dog-eat-dog world out there, folks. Get there early, or resign yourself to beachside languishing. And if you find a beach umbrella with a good spot and are willing to share? You'll have made a new friend (me!)
Is it easy to get around Phu Quoc from the resort?
Getting around Phu Quoc? You have options. Taxis are available but can be pricey. Grab (the local ride-hailing app) is your best friend. Download it *before* you go. Seriously. It'll save you a fortune. I'm talking real money here. I haggled with a taxi driver once, and it felt like I was trying to negotiate a peace treaty. Exhausting.
Motorbikes are everywhere. I’m not a motorbike person. I’m clumsy. I’d probably end up in a ditch. But if you’re brave (and have a valid license and a helmet), it's a cheap and easy way to explore the island. Just… be careful. The traffic can be, let’s say, “lively.” And did I mention the occasional pothole that could swallow a small car?
Honestly, I spent most of my time within walking distance of the Vela and the beach. That's the beauty of it. YouOcean By H10 Hotels
