Mango Bay Resort

The sprawling Mango Bay Resort is an excellent option for those in need of some serious R&R. The property is tucked away in a somewhat remote part of western Phu Quoc, and its ample grounds offer plenty of nooks to unwind, with hammocks tied between trees, loungers scattered throughout, and two beachfront bars with panoramic sunset views. The style is simple yet smart, with a polished rustic-chic design that combines natural materials with neutral tones and discreet pops of color, lending the property a soothing, down-to-earth feel. All of the hotel’s structures were built using local natural materials and traditional architectural styles that keep spaces cool, including high thatched roofs, stone or terra-cotta floors, and open plans that let the sea breeze in.

As gorgeous as it may be, there is more than meets the eye at Mango Bay. The property was built with a strong commitment to sustainability and the environment, and features a comprehensive eco-friendly program that includes practices such as waste and water management, the use of solar energy, and the use of alternative cooling systems. The outcome is a stylish property with a conscience and lots of charm, making it a favorite among young and middle-aged couples and families, mostly from Australia. Although there is no shortage of free things to do on-site, most guests during our visit seemed more than happy to just sit on a lounger or a hammock by the sea, or quietly sip on a drink at one of the hotel’s two beachfront bars. There is no music and no loud group activities (save for, perhaps, a game or two of beach volleyball organized by the guests themselves), and the atmosphere is tranquil and relaxing throughout. 

While many hotels claim to have eco-friendly programs, only one other hotel in Phu Quoc can compare to Mango Bay’s. The Bamboo Cottages & Restaurant is the hotel for those seeking a fully unplugged vacation. It is located on a remote beach in northern Phu Quoc, and the property is 100 percent off the grid, which means all the energy available is generated by the sun. Just as at Mango Bay, there is free Wi-Fi, though. Travelers not quite ready for such an adventurous vacation but looking for something as boutiquey and upscale as Mango Bay may want to consider the nearby Chen Sea Resort & Spa, which features 36 beautiful villas, a gorgeous infinity pool, and an excellent restaurant. Rates, though, are some of the highest on the island. Salinda Resort Phu Quoc Island is another luxurious pick closer to the airport and the city center, with high-end rooms, good food, and a top-notch spa. In the same price range as the Mango Bay, the Cassia Cottage offers separate adult-only and kid-friendly areas, a wonderful restaurant with sunset views, and access to a lovely beach with fine sand. 

Mango Bay Resort has a secluded beachfront location at the end of a small country road in western Phu Quoc. The hotel offers direct access to three small, sandy bays that get little to no foot traffic due to their remote situation, with only some guests from other neighboring resorts making their way to the farthest one. The property is within walking distance of a few casual restaurants and cafes, but a wider array of dining and shopping options can be found in Duong Dong, located about a 25-minute drive away. The town’s night market -- selling everything from pearls to souvenirs to fresh seafood -- is one of the island’s most popular non-beach attractions. The hotel offers free shuttle service to the city center. Stunning Sao Beach is an hour away by car, and the airport is about 40 minutes from the hotel. The hotel can arrange airport pick-up and drop-off services for a fee.

Mango Bay Resort has a total of 44 rooms, including five double rooms for couples and solo travelers, and 39 larger villas of up to 2,580 square feet and two bedrooms. All are decorated in a simple yet upscale style, with natural materials such as stone, terra-cotta, and wood, and cute rustic-chic details, including small throw pillows with geometrical patterns in pastel colors, and four-poster beds with mosquito nets. The 323-square-foot Veranda Rooms are the simplest and smallest of all, with a large terrace shared with four other rooms, terra-cotta floors, and just a four-poster bed, a few wooden shelves, and a desk. Sliding doors open onto appealing indoor bathrooms with great rain showers, lots of stone and wood accents, and natural toiletries in large ceramic containers. 

All other room types at Mango Bay Resort are stand-alone villas housed in thatched buildings, with huge, private terraces, and gorgeous outdoor bathrooms. Free Wi-Fi, 100 percent cotton sheets (changed on request only to save water and energy), safes, beach bags, and flip-flops are standard amenities, and water jugs and thermos are provided in all rooms instead of mineral or purified water in plastic bottles. 

In an effort to minimize the use of electricity, rooms lack air-conditioning, TVs, phones, and minibars, but all come equipped with fans to help keep them cool. Cooler boxes are also provided in all but Veranda Rooms, and Bay View Villas feature small, energy-efficient mini-fridges in the living room. Master bedrooms in these villas also come equipped with a cutting-edge cooling technology that uses 0.6 kilowatt-hours, as opposed to the 3,000 kilowatt-hours air-conditioning units use on average.

In an island where waste and water management is an ongoing issue, the hotel stands out for its comprehensive eco-friendly program, covering everything from the use of solar energy for heating water, to the minimal use of fuel-powered vehicles, and the protection of the reef located right off the property’s beach. Local suppliers, building materials, and staff are hired whenever possible, and all appliances at Mango Bay are energy-efficient. Water conservation is another of the hotel’s top priorities, and the property is a sponsor of reforestation programs. This focus on protecting the natural habitats means some of the modern conveniences expected of upscale properties are not provided, including air-conditioning and minibars in rooms. Nevertheless, the hotel has found ways to offer a high level of comfort, using powerful fans and cooler boxes instead, and even a cutting-edge cooling system in villas that uses a fraction of the energy needed to power an air-conditioning unit.

The aptly named On The Rocks is the hotel’s only restaurant, built directly on the edge of the water of one of the hotel’s three small bays. An excellent breakfast buffet is served free of charge daily, including fresh fruits, several different types of breads, and both Vietnamese and international hot and cold options. Lunch and dinner are also available at the restaurant, which offers a varied Asian menu that gets consistently good reviews. The beach bar has a short tapas-style menu to go with sunset drinks, and salads, snacks, seafood, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are also available during the day. The spa is made up of four treatment rooms housed in charming thatched huts set in the gardens and by the beach. The treatments menu is limited compared to other properties, but massages get great reviews from past guests.