Banyan Tree Lang Co

This beautiful place is all about luxury and pampering, with a blend of swanky private spaces and lovely common areas for those feeling more social. All rooms are villas, and many guests -- especially couples seeking romance -- are content to stick to their villas and relax by their private pool or on the covered terrace. If that's too much solitude, there are plenty of things to see and do on-site, including a large outdoor pool and wide beach. The resort is so spread out, it rarely feels crowded, and previous guests say they start to relax as soon as they arrive. Besides the villas, there are many places where guests can take in the beauty of the natural surroundings. The lobby has a deck overlooking the sea, and the main restaurant also has sea views. It's a peaceful, serene space that is most appealing to couples, but families also make their way here to take advantage of the private pools and many activities. Families also can make use of the kids' club at the sister property next door. 

This resort is situated in the foothills of the Truong Son Mountains, overlooking the South China Sea in central Vietnam. The peaceful, natural setting is a little over an hour's drive from both Hue and Hoi An, which are both UNESCO World Heritage sites. The hotel provides free shuttle service to both towns daily, and free airport transfers are offered as well. Danang and its airport are also a little over an hour away, and Bach Ma National Park is about an hour and 20 minutes from the resort by car.

All rooms here are spacious, luxurious villas, with one, two, or three bedrooms. Decor features a lovely modern Vietnamese style, with wood and tiled floors, colorful oversized floral murals, rich wood detailing on walls, and plush upholstered seating. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, electric kettles, minibars, safes, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and pillow menus. Butlers also come with all villas. Bathrooms are gorgeous and richly appointed, with dual sinks above marble counters, deep soaking tubs in front of windows, and large walk-in showers with two showerheads. A second shower is outside in the open. Robes and slippers and large bottles of toiletries are supplied. Outdoor space is equally stunning. Covered terraces are furnished with deep lounge seating and a dining table and chairs, plus there are pools and whirlpools with cushioned lounge chairs for relaxing poolside under an umbrella. Views are of the beach, hillside, or lagoon. Some villas -- particularly Hillside options -- have kitchenettes with full-size refrigerators, sinks, microwaves, and dining and living space. Sanctuary Villas come with unlimited spa treatments. 

With so much on offer at this gorgeous property, many guests opt to remain on-site during their stay, especially since dining gets high marks. The hotel's signature restaurant, Saffron, serves traditional Thai cuisine in an elegant setting overlooking the sea. The Water Court is a casual space with a Vietnamese and international menu. An expansive free breakfast buffet is served there daily. Thu Quan is the place for light fare, cocktails, and tea. It's a cozy space that looks like a library, with red bookcases filled with books. Azura, by the beach and pool, serves Italian fare with seating both inside and out. Guests also can dine at any of the restaurants at sister property, the Angsana Lang Co, and room service is available around-the-clock. Private beach dinners can be arranged as well.

A large outdoor pool overlooks the sea. It's a beautiful open space with cushioned wicker lounge chairs on each side, shaded by umbrellas. The wide beach is just beyond, and a variety of water sports are available there. Guests can also opt to relax on the sand in the cushioned lounge chairs shaded by umbrellas. Boat rides through the lagoon connect Banyan Tree to its sister resort, with colorful lanterns hanging along the sides above the water. 

The elegant Banyan Tree Spa uses fresh natural ingredients in its treatments, which include massages, facials, and body treatments. Guests in Sanctuary Rooms get free treatments. The fitness center has cardio and weight training equipment and floor-to-ceiling windows all around. There's also a yoga pavilion with doors that can be opened for fresh air. The 18-hole championship golf course, designed by Sir Nick Faldo, is located next door at Angsana. Bicycles are available for free. Tours visit the nearby fishing village of Lang Co, or the UNESCO heritage towns of Hoi An and Hue -- but rates are steep for these (though shuttles to those towns are free).

Four meeting rooms can accommodate up to 24 people, and there's a wedding chapel by the beach. Couples also can have ceremonies directly on the beach. An on-site boutique sells spa products, clothing, and Vietnamese handicrafts. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property and free airport transfers are included.