Famiana Resort & Spa

First opened in December 2012, the Famiana may not be sparkling new, but it does fit the bill for a simple, relaxing vacation by the sea. Phu Quoc’s main road divides the property in two sections, each with a distinct vibe and character. The Beach section which, as its name suggests, is adjacent to the sea, was the first to be built, and is home to the main lobby, the main building, the main restaurant, the spa, and the beachfront pool. The atmosphere here is lively but laid-back, as most guests seem to prefer to spend the day close to the beach and the main restaurant. The quieter, newer Green Villa section is located down a narrow residential alley on the other side of the main road, and features 40 bungalows, a breakfast restaurant, and another pool. During our stay, the few guests that chose to stay in the Green Villa section in the morning were mostly older couples seeking some peace and quiet, and the pool deck was generally serene.

The resort is pleasant and has a great beach, but some areas are starting to feel tired, especially the reception area in the spa, and the pool in the Beach section. We also saw some easily fixable maintenance issues in rooms -- such as some water damage in the ceiling -- but nothing that could be a terrible deal-breaker. Rates are similar to the Eden Resort's, but we found the grounds at the Eden a little more charming and aesthetically pleasing. The Long Beach Resort Phu Quoc is a good option for those on a slightly tighter budget, with a nice, big pool, a great beach, a cute spa, and beautiful grounds and common spaces. Those seeking a more luxurious hotel without breaking the bank may want to compare rates at the Sea Sense Resort, which has great oceanfront restaurant, lovely grounds, and a wonderful beach with sunset views.

The Famiana has an ideal location on a lovely sandy beach and right off the main road that runs along the western coast of Phu Quoc. Although a little away from the main tourist area, a few restaurants, bars, and roadside shops can be found within easy walking distance. There are no sidewalks in the area, though, and taking a taxi may be safer for longer distances, especially because motorbikes tend to ride on the shoulder. Duong Dong, the island’s main city, is an easy 10-minute drive down the road. There, guests can find plenty of dining, drinking, and shopping options. The night market -- selling everything from pearls to souvenirs to fresh seafood -- is worth a visit. Stunning Sao Beach is a 35-minute drive away, while the airport is about 10 minutes from the hotel.

Spread out over a large property divided into two separate sections by the main road, the hotel’s 100 rooms are airy and spacious, with big windows overlooking furnished patios or balconies. Decor varies between room types, but the style is contemporary and simple overall, with a combination of neutral tones, and blond and darker wooden furniture. Some rooms have accent walls in colors ranging from baby blue to plum, and all feature small, colorful prints. Terra-cotta tile floors and high ceilings keep rooms cool, but all units are also equipped with air-conditioning. Other standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, well-stocked minibars with snacks and alcoholic drinks, robes and slippers, free water, and electric kettles with free tea and coffee. Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, but it can be spotty at times. Most of the rooms we saw were in good shape, with fresh coats of paint and simple furniture, but we did spot a few minor maintenance issues. Our room had signs of water damage in the ceiling, and the fixed showerhead pointed straight towards the wall, splashing water everywhere and making it uncomfortable to use. 

Bathrooms are large and modern, with dark stone accents, beige wall tiles, and wood finishes. All have separate walk-in showers (many with rain showerheads) and deep soaking tubs, and sink areas have big counters with plenty of storage space. The hotel provides hairdryers and a wide array of toiletries, including body lotion, dental kits, conditioner, cotton buds, and bath salts.

The hotel has two pools, one in the Beach area and the other one in the Green Villa section. The Beach Pool is nice but older, with a swim-up bar, a shallower area for kids, and panoramic sea views. It is generally busy during the day until sunset, but the lack of music on the deck, at the bar, or on the beach make it relaxing and quiet. The pool in the Green Villa section is sleeker and more serene, with polished natural stones on the bottom, an infinity edge, and a separate kiddy section. Pool towels and flotation vests are available at each pool.

Although not as wide as some of the neighboring beaches, the stretch of sand right outside the hotel is cute and pleasant, with fine sand, shallow waters, and plenty of cushioned loungers under thatched umbrellas. A small, charming beach bar housed in a thatched hut offers an array of juices, sodas, and cocktails at higher prices than the average in Phu Quoc. The bar is particularly popular in the afternoon, when guests gather at the beach to watch the sunset. Sea kayaks can be rented for a fee. 

The hotel has two restaurants, one in each section. The Green Villa restaurant is housed in a lovely open wooden pavilion with ceiling fans, and opens only for breakfast. The buffet spread is tasty and varied, and includes pancakes, crepes, rice dishes, noodles, pho, made-to-order eggs, and several types of fresh fruits. The Famiana Restaurant is located in the Beach section and opens for all three meals. The menu, which includes European and Asian options, is well-prepared, but food is a little overpriced. 

The spa is small and a little basic, with an indoor treatment room, a whirlpool, and a handful of salon services. There is also a tiny fitness center with just a handful of cardio machines and some free weights. For a fee, guests can practice archery and tennis on-site as well, and there is a miniature golf course by the beach.