Hạ Long Bay
Vinpearl Resort & Spa
A Grandeur Unlike Any Other
Perched on its own private island amidst the striking limestone cliffs of Ha Long Bay, Vinpearl Resort & Spa stands as a towering example of luxury architecture. While undeniably impressive in its scale, this resort made me reflect on what truly defines luxury and whether such grandiosity is always the best choice for a restful retreat.
Our visit to Vinpearl Resort & Spa , Ha long Bay was certainly memorable, but it felt more like being on a luxury cruise than a traditional resort. Surrounded by nature, yet isolated from the city, the resort’s sheer size and opulence made it feel almost too vast—like a floating palace rather than a welcoming sanctuary. Nonetheless, this grand establishment left an impact with its stunning architecture, amenities, and views.
Palatial Spaces with Personality (and a Lot of Marble)
The Vinpearl Resort & Spa is giving full European palace fantasy: white columns, sweeping terraces, giant chandeliers—the whole nine. Against the limestone cliffs of Ha Long Bay, it definitely stuns at first glance. But after a while, the grandeur kind of... looms. The scale is massive, the ceilings go on forever, and the lobby feels more like it’s waiting for a royal ball than a couple trying to relax on their honeymoon.
That said, the luxury is undeniable. The marble floors, the rich textures, the ridiculously soft bedding—it's all there. Our room had wall-to-wall windows with an unreal view of the bay, and every detail felt thoughtfully curated. But it still had that “built-for-a-conference” vibe, more hotel complex than intimate escape.
The pool was a highlight, mostly because we had it all to ourselves. It was huge, glowy, and came with a swim-up bar that made us feel like we were in a movie. Kind of eerie in its emptiness, though—like the resort was designed for ten times the people who were actually there. Still, floating with a view of Ha Long Bay? Zero complaints.
fish, fish, and more fish
Dining at the resort was... an experience. When it came to plant-based options, things didn’t go quite as smoothly as I’d hoped. Breakfast was the easiest win, thanks to the buffet setup. My go-to? Pho, obviously. It’s my favorite, and even though the standard broth is usually beef, they were more than happy to make a veggie version for me. Big win. I also got to try sago for the first time, which I can only describe as fancy boba served in a bowl—chewy, a little sweet, and totally unexpected.
I had planned a surprise beachside dinner for my new husband, which sounded romantic in theory. But, being surrounded by water, the resort understandably leaned heavily into seafood. When I requested a vegetarian option, the staff kindly accommodated me with substitutions. It wasn’t something they had on the menu, but they did their best, and I appreciated the effort. That said, it was clear that vegetarian meals weren’t exactly second nature here. And if I’m being honest, the dinner was a little awkward—we were very much the center of attention, with what felt like a dozen staff members standing nearby as we ate. Not exactly the private dinner vibe I had imagined. Though the beginning of the evening didn’t live up to expectations, later that night, we were surprised with a custom cake that said “Happy honeymoon” delivered to our room. It was a sweet gesture, literally, and a perfect way to end the occasion.
Vinpearl Resort & Spa is undeniably grand, offering luxury and opulence at every turn. From the vast architecture to the massive pools, the resort makes a bold statement. However, I found the scale to be a bit too much for my personal taste. It felt like we were staying in a cruise ship rather than a retreat, and the size of the place made it hard to feel fully connected with the natural beauty of Ha Long Bay. Although the experience had its ups and downs Vinpearl Resort & Spa is certainly a place where you can indulge in luxury. The views, the architecture, and the services all speak to the high standards that the resort sets, but for those looking for something more intimate and connected to nature, this may not be the ideal spot.
