Daisy Resort

In an area where many hotels offer bungalow-style rooms, the Daisy Resort manages to stand out for its overall charm, stunning views, and attention to detail. The property makes the most of its hillside location, with a stepped design that allows for panoramic views of the surrounding area and the sea from many of its rooms and all of its common spaces. Lovely thatched bungalows with private patios and hammocks cascade down from the top of the hill, with the beautiful pool, the restaurant, and the reception area located halfway down. Every inch of the gardens is covered with palm trees mangos, bananas, lemongrass, and bougainvillea, and small clearings make just enough space for cute stone paths (and many steps). 

All common areas are housed in open buildings, from the lobby to the fitness center and the restaurant, and a handful of charming thatched pavilions spread over the side of the hill along the restaurant house small tables for intimate dinners. Interiors have a rustic-chic feel to them, with a soothing earth tone palette throughout, terra-cotta tile floors, exposed wooden beams, and lots of natural wood accents. 

We stayed at the Daisy Resort in peak season, but the property felt serene day and night despite being full. Most guests were European couples looking for some peace and quiet, and although the hotel offers free shuttle service to the beach, most chose to stay around the pool. The handful of families with young kids we saw seemed to only go to the pool for a short swim or some splashing in the kiddy section, but noise was never an issue. The pool deck was a favorite among guests for sunset drinks, and the poolside bar was a popular but laid-back spot for nightcaps.

The Daisy Resort is an excellent pick for couples and families seeking a quiet, friendly hotel, but travelers who prefer to be right on the beach may want to compare rates at the Eden Resort, which features a lovely stretch of sand with private loungers, a beachfront restaurant, and a pleasant pool. The Famiana Resort & Spa is another good alternative in the same price range, with spacious bungalow-style rooms, two pools, and great, free breakfasts -- but the Daisy feels more upscale and charming. Adventurous travelers seeking an entirely unplugged vacation may want to check out Bamboo Cottages & Restaurant, which is 100 percent off the grid and features beautiful bungalow-style rooms, free yoga classes, a great, secluded beach, and eco-friendly policies. Those with some more cash to burn may want to consider the Mango Bay or the Peppercorn Beach Resort, both of which are directly on the beach and have a similar rustic-chic style.

Daisy Resort is tucked away on a small, steep street off the main road running along Phu Quoc’s western coast. There are a few roadside restaurants and small shops within walking distance, but the city of Duong Dong, located a five-minute drive away, offers a wider array of dining, drinking, and shopping options. There is a long, sandy beach about a 15-minute walk away, but the way back can be challenging to some, as it is all uphill and with few shaded areas. The hotel does offer free shuttle service to the beach on demand, though. The shuttle also goes at set times to Duong Dong’s popular night market, which sells everything from pearls to fresh sea food and souvenirs. Stunning Sao Beach, known for its fine, white sand and its many cafes, can be reached in about 35 minutes by car. The hotel also offers free transfers to the airport, located 15 minutes away. 

The hotel has 45 air-conditioned bungalows, ranging from 452-square-foot Garden Bungalows to 1,184-square-foot Family Suites with semi-private pools. All are decorated in a simple somewhat rustic style, with yellow walls, natural wood furniture with clean lines, and either gray or fuchsia sofa beds. Terra-cotta floors and high ceilings with exposed wooden beams keep rooms cool, while large windows opening onto patios with hammocks let in lots of light. Our queen-size bed, topped with crisp white linens and duvets, was on the firm side but comfortable. Standard amenities include large flat-screen TVs, electric kettles with free tea and coffee (replenished daily), and free water; minibars are stocked with beer, sodas, waters, and energy drinks. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, and the signal is strong in rooms. 

Clad in natural stone and wood, outdoor bathrooms are a highlight at the Daisy. They’re all big and beautifully designed with cute touches such as wooden towel racks and trellis, and all have two showers, including one with a rain showerhead and flanked by stone gardens with plants. Although outdoors, all bathrooms offer enough privacy, with high walls topped with decorative brick lattice and straw shades that can be fully closed. Deluxe Bungalows also have deep soaking tubs on the patio. 

The largest units are Family Suites, located at the very top of the hill and complete with one or two bedrooms, living space, and a semi-private pool shared with another Family Suite. These units have the best views, with sweeping vistas of the sea and the lush surrounding area.

The pool is one of the hotel’s top features, with a semi-infinity edge, several decks with padded loungers, and stunning panoramic views of the hillside, the sea in the distance, and the sunset. The atmosphere around it is quiet and relaxing, with just some low background noise coming from either the bar or the restaurant. Music from a distant bar carries to the pool in the late afternoon, but it wasn’t loud during our visit, and it didn’t really take away from the relaxing experience. 

There is one umbrella for every two loungers, and towels are provided daily free of charge. A low wall divides the adult area in the pool from the kiddy section, which is shallow enough for toddlers. The pool bar is housed in a thatched pavilion, and offers a good range of cocktails and fresh fruit juices. The waiter comes around every afternoon with free non-alcoholic drinks for all guests, and daily happy hours offer big discounts on all drinks. 

The hotel’s restaurant serves an excellent breakfast buffet with Asian and continental options, including pho, made-to-order eggs and pancakes, rice dishes, pastries, and several different types of fresh fruit. Breakfast is included in all rates. The restaurant also serves a la carte Vietnamese and international cuisine for lunch and dinner. Our braised fish in claypot was delicious and perfectly cooked, but guests find food generally just fine. 

The spa is small but cute, with two massage beds and a short treatments menu, including salon services, hot stone massages, and facials. The open fitness center is also small and basic, with a couple of cardio and strength-training machines and no air-conditioning. 

The hotel also offers a long list of great freebies, some of which are not available at more upscale properties. Aside from free breakfast, Wi-Fi, and shuttles service, the Daisy also has a number of well-maintained bikes that guests can use free of charge for the day. Free yoga and cooking classes are also available once or twice per week during high season.