Vedana Lagoon Resort & Spa

Vedana Lagoon Resort and Spa is a five-star resort spread over 27 hectares of undulating land and lagoon surface, set between Hue and Hoi An, two cities known for their world heritage sites. The lagoon is described as one of the largest in South East Asia, with forested peaks behind it. The resort has 95 rooms and villas with 144 bedrooms in total, and its over-water villas were the first in Vietnam. It suits couples, families and friends who want space and privacy.

Each villa and bungalow has its own private sundeck and a balcony that opens onto the lagoon or a private garden. Water Villas and Water Pool Villas stand over the lagoon, and the pool villas add a private infinity pool, a freestanding bathtub and an outdoor shower. Hillside Pool Villas give you a living room, a private pool and views over the lagoon and mountain, with two, three and four bedroom versions for larger parties. Lagoon View Deluxe rooms sit on the waterfront and face the sunset and the local fishing boats.

Kayaks glide across the calm lagoon, with staff on hand to guide beginners, and bicycles are available for getting around the grounds. A cooking class covers vegetable carving and well-known Vietnamese recipes. The Ara Bird Garden is home to peacocks and parrots. The kids room, with its toys, is open daily from 08:00 to 20:00. Golfers can play at the partner courses Lagoon Golf and Ba Na Hills Golf.

You have three pools to choose from. The Cape pool measures 36 by 12 metres and sits in the centre of the resort, close to the restaurant, bar and spa. The Twilight pool is Olympic size at 50 by 9 metres and faces the lagoon, which makes it a good place for sunset. The Blue is a 70 square metre indoor heated pool. Vedana Wellness and Spa offers wraps, scrubs, aromatherapy and Hue soap-berry hair treatments, and a jacuzzi, sauna and steam room come with any spa booking. The fitness centre is open from 08:00 to 22:00.

Horizon Restaurant looks over the lagoon and serves fusion dishes that bring Asian and western cooking together, from 10:00 to 22:30. DayBreak Restaurant opens at 06:30 with a western and Vietnamese buffet. Cape restaurant overlooks the infinity pool and suits private dining. Lantern House works for a cooking class, an informal lunch or a private dinner, while Horizon Honeymoon Point is set aside for anniversaries and honeymoons. Twilight Piano Lounge pours drinks from 15:30 to 22:00 with the sunset in view.

A shuttle runs to Hue and the Citadel, and a beach shuttle serves Canh Duong beach when the weather is fine. Private tours cover the Imperial Citadel, the royal tombs of Tu Duc, Khai Dinh and Minh Mang, Thien Mu pagoda and Dong Ba market. Further afield, you can visit Bach Ma National Park, take a full day down the coast to Hai Van pass, Da Nang and Hoi An, or join a DMZ tour.