When you are travelling in Vietnam, Da Nang is the place to come to relax, unwind and get away from the craziness of the large Vietnamese cities. Wide streets, less traffic and an array of ocean front resorts line up along the coastline.
Our arrival at the Fusion Maia Da Nang Resort took us to another world, far away from where we had just been, and our next two days here were to be incredibly relaxing.
We were met enthusiastically upon our arrival, and immediately made to feel at home. Welcome drinks were provided, along with an introduction to the resort and its activities. The level of customer service was excellent from the very beginning and it never waned for our entire stay. It is actually a hallmark of this resort.
Creating that ‘fusion feeling’
The service starts before arrival. As the arrival date approaches, Fusion Maia Da Nanang are preparing for their guests.
An email is sent to guests welcoming them, and provides the opportunity to personalise your stay. From choosing welcome gifts (chocolates, healthy snacks, fresh fruit), to selecting amenities, shoe and bathrobe sizes, ipods, and pillows, there’s no mistaking their priority.
Through your online guest portfolio you can make spa bookings, order food, and make arrangements for special dining experiences. To say I was looking forward to staying here was an understatement.
Arrival
After receiving the welcome drink, we were provided with some general information about the resort. As can often be the case, the details can be overwhelming when you first arrive. The team at Fusion Maia make this easy through the provision of mini books covering such things as the spa, dining options, visiting local places of interest and of course a very useful map.
The books are quirky, simple and inviting to read. As I sat in reception, drinking and reading, I wondered how I would ever find the time to leave and checkout the local area. The lure to stay here for two days and never leave is increasingly compelling.
The Fusionista
A point of difference here, and one which makes this a unique 5-star resort in Da Nang is the concept of the Fusionista. My pre-check-in email from my personal Fusionista told me that she would be my BFF (Best Friend at Fusion). My interest was piqued!
Dedicated staff are assigned to guests in order to help deliver an exceptional experience. With tips on local areas to visit, shop and eat, along with the ability to create special experiences for you, this is an innovative concept. Think private dinner on the beach or a personalised dinner in your private pool and this is customer service on a totally new level.
The Resort
Fusion Maia Da Nang Resort is a one of a kind type of place. With a strong, but a “not in your face” type of approach to health and well being, it’s a resort with a strong wellness and lifestyle philosophy. It’s also a great place to stay. I’m not a retreat sort of person, but Fusion Maia delivered an opportunity to eat well, get some exercise, relax and soothe our minds and our bodies, all without feeling forced.
And, don’t get me wrong, this isn’t a retreat. If you want to eat big breakfasts, enjoy some drinks by the pool and hangout in your villa, then this is also the place for you.
The resort sits on a large parcel of land with pure ocean frontage on the Vietnam Eastern Sea. Rooms are either Pool Villa (one bedroom), Spa Villa (two bedrooms) and Beach Villa (three bedrooms).
Around the resort
It’s not all about the beach or the spa here either. There are plenty of lush, tropical gardens and quiet areas to hideaway and relax.
The resort has direct access to the ocean. Equipment for water sports can be hired in good weather.
Fusion Maia Da Nang was the first resort in Asia to offer spa treatments inclusive of the room rate. Every room, and every person staying in that room, receives a minimum of two spa treatments every day!
I must admit to being a little sceptical about that at first as I had never heard of such an inclusion. But, it’s as real as it can be, with your first treatments being booked in before you even arrive, ensuring you don’t miss out.
As you might expect at a resort like this, there is also a well equipped fitness room, with a view of the ocean of course.
Dining
Finding something or somewhere to eat is never a challenge here. Restaurant Five Dining offers a buffet breakfast and a la carte dining. Fresh, the poolside cafe offers a different range of a la carte dining in a more casual environment.
As already mentioned, private dining can be arranged for special occasions and in room dining is always on offer.
Cocktail hour
With our complimentary cocktail voucher in our hand, we took a seat at the Tonic bar, inside the main building. It’s a nice environment in here, and only a few steps to Five Dining if you are planning on eating in.
Nearby
Da Nang is the “gateway” to the better known city of Hoi An. There is no airport in Hoi An, so flights from domestic and international locations land here. The Da Nang International Airport is about 15 minutes from this resort.
The resort offers a hotel transfer from the airport for US$41 per car each way. Given the proximity of the airport I personally think this rate is well overpriced, but will suit those who want a hassle free pickup. We caught a taxi (Vinasun and Ma Linh are the recommended taxi companies) which cost US$6 (AUD$8).
Da Nang is an unsung hero. I’m the first to admit that my early thoughts were to stay locally in Hoi An. Staying at Da Nang means you get the best of both worlds, with hotel shuttle buses taking the issue out of getting to Hoi An.
Fusion Mai Da Nang Resort offers a shuttle bus to Hoi An, free of charge to guests. The trip takes approximately 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
Why Fusion Maia is unique
*Every room booked includes 2 spa treatments per person per day.
*A personal fusionista is provided to you to ensure a smooth stay.
*The daily breakfast can be enjoyed anywhere, anytime – eg in the main dining area, the cafe, the beach, or even their cafe in Hoi An.
*Watch movies in their cinema.
*Free shuttle bus to Hoi An.
*Personalisation extends to pre-checkin.
*At Fusion Cafe in Hoi An, you can charge food and drinks back to your room, hire complimentary bikes, use their lockers to store shopping and enjoy a free coffee/tea.
Summary
As I wrote this review, I was on the lookout for areas of concern, the items that ensure that a balanced approach is taken. I came to the conclusion however that unless you live in five or six star all the time, and are used to having exceptional customer service all the time and all the things associated with this resort at your fingertips, I couldn’t see any reason for complaint.
I have noted that I think the hotel shuttle is overpriced. Oh, and the weather could have been better, but again, that’s Mother Nature at play there and not the resort.
As I’ve already alluded to, there’s more to Fusion Maia Da Nang resort than just somewhere to stay. It’s a unique 5 star resort in Da Nang, and I’ll be visiting some of those special features in coming articles.
And whilst I could have stayed here for much longer, I was a guest of Fusion Maia Da Nang Resort, so had to leave sometime. As always, my thoughts and opinions are my own.
FUSION MAIA DA NANG RESORT
Võ Nguyên Giáp, phường Khuê Mỹ, Da Nang, Vietnam
It was definitely hard leaving it every day
toss up between that and the pool
Would be difficult to get out of that four poster bed every morning!
Spa treatments included in the price of the stay! Genius! I would be tempted to hang at the resort the entire time, especially the pool with the ocean view, and sip on cocktails and get spa treatments. 🙂
Hoi An is a wonderful place to visit for sure Nancy
It was definitely a bit special Carmen
yeah the weather didn’t affect us one bit