If you’re spending time in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and are on the hunt for a beach getaway that’s both exceptional and conveniently close, Ho Tram Beach should be at the top of your list.
While many travellers might gravitate towards more distant locales like Nha Trang, Da Nang, or Phu Quoc Island—each requiring a plane trip from Ho Chi Minh City—Ho Tram offers a hidden gem closer to home.
After enduring the heat and humidity of Ho Chi Minh City for two weeks, my curiosity about Ho Tram Beach, particularly the Melia Ho Tram Beach Resort, was piqued. I ended up reserving a two-bedroom villa with a private pool and garden, a refreshing contrast to the city’s prevalent skyscrapers.
The resort is relatively new, having welcomed its first guests in March 2019. It features 152 rooms and 83 pool villas, along with a secluded beach stretch of 1.1 kilometres, ensuring ample privacy for its visitors.
My family availed of the complimentary shuttle service from District 2 in Ho Chi Minh City, a journey of approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. I was hopeful that this vacation would offer the perfect blend of relaxation for me and endless entertainment for my children.
View over Melia Ho Tram Beach Resort from the hotel tower.
Reception
The serene beauty of the surroundings is perfectly complemented by soothing color palettes and sleek, modern designs. Upon arriving at the resort, the initial view presented an inviting atmosphere ripe for discovery.
The lobby offered numerous seating options for guests awaiting check-in, along with a welcome drink to rejuvenate after the journey from Ho Chi Minh City.
Being a guest of The Level, I enjoyed the privilege of a private check-in process, enhanced by complimentary snacks, a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, Nespresso coffee, and premium Dilmah tea. Once the check-in formalities were concluded, I was whisked away to my two-bedroom villa with a private pool and garden via a golf-style buggy.
The meticulously maintained gardens, enchanting both by day and night, provided a delightful setting for leisurely strolls.
The Level
My The Level 2 Bedroom Private Pool Villa came with a host of extra privileges and experiences. The Level of experience included.
- Access to The Level Lounge, located next to the reception, that offers complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and snacks. The Level lounge is open all day till 22:30
- Access to The Private Level Pool, with complimentary snacks and cocktails daily between 15:00 and 17:00.
- Late checkout at 16:00
- Use of a meeting room for three hours.
- Nespresso capsule coffee maker and tea station
- In-room amenities like newspapers, a pillow menu (my favourite was lavender), high-speed WiFi, slippers, and a bathrobe.
The Level 2-Bedroom Private Pool Garden Villa
The brief journey from the reception to my villa lasted merely 2-3 minutes. My accommodation, designated as C038, was a spacious 220 square meter two-bedroom villa with a private pool, situated beside a stunning large pond adorned with lilies. The villa featured a garden with its own plunge pool, perfect for a refreshing dip. The resort offers an assortment of two, three, and four-bedroom villas, including several that boast direct beachfront access.
This has to be one of the best garden views – look at that lily pond.
This enchanting setting perfectly encapsulated the quintessence of Vietnam. The villa boasted a modern design equipped with every amenity a family might require for their stay.
Upon entering, I was welcomed by a kitchen and dining area, fully stocked for those who wish to cook, with the kitchen thoughtfully separated from the villa’s main living spaces. Conveniently, a guest bathroom was situated near the entrance for use by visitors.
The circular dining table came in handy when I decided to order takeout from the Breeza Beach Club. The ordering process was streamlined and easily completed through a downloadable app.
Upon arrival, I was delighted by a welcoming assortment of chocolates and towels, inviting me to enjoy a swim in the private pool. Having access to a private pool, especially for a late-night swim, was an indulgence that added a touch of luxury to my stay.
The lounge was very comfortable and had a big TV and a large selection of channels. I preferred looking out to the tropical garden with the pool and the lily pond.
The Bedrooms With A View
Every villa is equipped with modern conveniences to meet the expectations of international visitors, including individually controlled air conditioning, a minibar, a large work desk, and a hairdryer. The unique All-in-one service feature allows guests to access all of the resort’s services with the simple push of a button.
My sleep was incredibly peaceful, with the only sounds being those of nature itself. The view of tropical plants and the serene lily pond enhanced the tranquil atmosphere. The abundance of towels, pillows, slippers, and exquisite bed linen provided a luxurious experience. The tile-inspired flooring was practical, making it worry-free to walk around after a swim.
The room was inviting, with sleek modern furniture and plush comforts, including two extra chairs for enjoying the view in privacy, away from the rest of the family.
The second bedroom, fitted with two single beds, opened up to a beautiful tropical private garden, complete with a coffee and tea area and an additional minibar. This setup provided my teenage daughters with their own secluded retreat, complete with a private entrance. The room also included bathrobes and wardrobes, ensuring their space remained organized and tidy.
The villa offered a plethora of lighting options, allowing for the creation of any desired ambiance at any time.
The Tropical Bathroom
Upon entering the ensuite bathroom, the oval bathtub immediately caught my attention, offering ceiling-to-floor views of the lush tropical garden outside—a hallmark of wellness-focused resorts like Melia Ho Tram Beach Resort. The addition of bath salts for a relaxing soak, alongside windows I could open to listen to the surrounding wildlife and feel the evening breeze, was truly delightful. I appreciated the thoughtful inclusion of natural stone storage for luggage and a wardrobe for hanging clothes in the bathroom.
The bathroom also featured a separate rain shower and a private toilet area enclosed with frosted glass doors, ensuring privacy. The double sink and expansive mirror, enhanced by natural light, made getting ready a pleasure. For those conscious about maintaining their weight, like my husband, the provision of scales was a thoughtful touch.
The second bedroom offered the unique amenity of an outdoor shower, encased in a bamboo setting, enriching the tropical experience offered by the resort.
The Swimming Pools
No beach resort is complete without a selection of swimming pools, and Melia Ho Tram Beach Resort did not disappoint with its three distinct options. The villa came with its own private plunge pool, providing a secluded spot for relaxation or a refreshing dip.
My private pool
The resort’s main pool area was expansive, featuring cabanas, whirlpool sections, an infinity edge, and a pool bar, creating a vibrant social hub for guests.
Adjacent to this was the Breeza Beach Club, serving Western cuisine and meeting the culinary needs of my family, whether they craved a snack, a drink, or a full meal. The beachfront, equipped with a lifeguard and offering paddleboards and kayaks, extended the leisure options, weather permitting.
Lastly, The Level Private pool, exclusive to villa guests, offered a more intimate setting. This rectangular pool, surrounded by cabanas and playing “Café del Mar” style music, provided a relaxed atmosphere. Complimentary cocktails and snacks served daily between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM were a highlight of my afternoons, which I spent lounging there from 3:00 PM until dusk.
The Level Private Pool
Breakfast With Sasa
Breakfast at the resort was a feast for the senses, presenting a lavish array of culinary delights that bridged the tastes of the East and West. The spread included a wealth of baked goods and was accommodating of plant-based preferences.
My taste buds were treated to an array of Vietnamese flavours, reflecting the resort’s commitment to catering to guests in pursuit of healthy dining options. The buffet laid out a tempting journey of fresh fruits, pho soups, sushi, and a wide variety of beverages.
Among the beverage selections were coconut juice, freshly squeezed orange juice, and a selection of coffees, including the traditional Vietnamese coffee, offering a refreshing start to the day.
Being a property of the Spanish Melia Hotels International, it was particularly enjoyable to explore the sophisticated Spanish cuisine available right here in Vietnam. The exceptional quality of the Iberico Ham and the truffle-infused Manchego cheese stood out. The dining experience provided a splendid setting to savor the morning, encapsulating the essence of a luxurious stay.
Conclusion
In wrapping up my experience at Melia Ho Tram Beach Resort, it’s clear that the possibilities for enjoyment and relaxation are boundless. The convenience of buggies to transport guests around the expansive resort adds a touch of luxury and ease to the stay. For those inclined towards a bit more adventure, complimentary bikes are available, providing a delightful way to explore the resort’s scenic beauty by day or under the starlit sky by night.
The resort is a haven for families, offering a plethora of activities designed to keep children engaged and entertained. Among these, movie nights stand out, complete with fresh popcorn, set in an outdoor cinema that brings stories to life under the open sky. Adjacent to the resort is The Hamptons, a charming area boasting an array of dining options and a beautiful pier perfect for leisurely strolls, enhancing the sense of escape. Guests can conveniently request a buggy to visit The Hamptons, ensuring seamless access to and from this nearby attraction.
Melia Ho Tram Beach Resort excels in providing a wealth of luxurious entertainment options that cater to both couples and families alike, making every stay memorable. From the thoughtful amenities and diverse activities to the serene environment and exceptional dining, the resort ensures a blend of relaxation and entertainment. My heartfelt thanks go out to the resort for a stay that was both wonderfully relaxing and richly entertaining, leaving lasting memories of a truly special getaway.
Details
- Villa Reviewed: The Level 2 bedroom private pool villa
- Website: www.melia.com/en/hotels/vietnam/vung-tau/melia-ho-tram-beach-resort
- Address: Hamlet, Vũng Tàu – Bình Châu Phuoc Thuan Commune, Coastal Road, Xuyên Mộc, Vietnam
- Phone: +84 (0)254 3789 000
