Unforgettable Luxury at Vana Belle

My partner and I spent three nights at Vana Belle late August, and it was truly the best resort experience we've ever had. As Platinum Elite members, we were fortunate enough to be upgraded to the Grand Suite with an ocean view. From the outset, the stay felt dreamlike, and I now worry no other hotel will ever meet Vana Belle’s standard for us. The suite was stunning—spacious, elegant, and thoughtfully equipped with every detail imaginable, like beach flip flops, a beach bag, umbrella, and bath salts. We had our own private pool overlooking the sea; waking up to that view was surreal. Additionally, the resort made my birthday special with towel elephants, dessert bites, and fresh fruit in the room at check-in. They later surprised me with balloons, cake, prosecco, and a birthday card. With the ocean as our backdrop, it felt incredibly special. One standout feature was the butler service, where Dao, our butler, deserves special mention. She was exceptional—supportive but never intrusive, and a pleasure to communicate with via WhatsApp. Dao was always steps ahead, ensuring everything ran smoothly. She helped organize taxis and excursions, recommended boat trips, and even found local doctors for my partner when needed (thankfully, it was all fine). On one occasion, Dao arranged for our forgotten bags to be picked up from an elephant sanctuary, allowing us to enjoy beach time instead of spending hours in transit. Every interaction with her was comforting, truly elevating our experience. Our arrival set the tone for the staff’s attentiveness and thoughtfulness. We arrived around 2pm, aware that check-in wasn't until 3pm. Staff were genuinely apologetic that our suite wasn't ready and offered us the use of another suite to refresh and shower while ours was being prepared. Not bothered by the wait, we opted to go to the beach. Our bags were looked after, and we were escorted to the sand, where we were offered complimentary cocktails—a lovely, generous touch. We found the cocktails delicious and decided to have lunch on the beach. Initially, we planned to avoid hotel dining due to past underwhelming experiences at other resorts. However, Vana Belle transformed our expectations. The Thai food was superb—fresh, flavorful, and beautifully made. We enjoyed it so much we returned multiple times for lunch. It was, without a doubt, the best hotel dining we've experienced. Breakfast, on the other hand, was beyond extraordinary. Hard to capture in words, the buffet spanned two rooms with endless choices, complemented by a four-page à la carte menu. Everything was included—smoothies and prosecco, plus a variety of hot items like dim sum, omelettes, and sausages. For me, the pastry room felt like heaven, with its seemingly endless selections. The à la carte breakfast desserts, especially the coconut French toast with “smoked candle” coconut ice cream, were outstanding. Their croissant bread pudding with croissant ice cream was equally divine. Every dish was beautifully presented, and staff were attentive, kind, and genuinely happy to serve. Throughout our stay, the resort’s service impressed us at every turn. On the beach, staff laid towels for us, kept us hydrated with free water, and provided sunscreen and aloe vera. Paddle boards and kayaks were freely available, which we happily used. The beach was gorgeous—soft sand, calm water, perfect for long swims. Even the turn-down service was thoughtful, with slippers by the bed and bedtime treats for us. Transportation within the resort was impeccable. While taxis were pricier than Grab, they were worth it. Each ride was in a spotless, comfortable car with Wi-Fi and friendly drivers. On our final airport trip, snacks and water awaited us, exemplifying Vana Belle’s attention to detail. Weather-wise, we were quite lucky. Over four afternoons, it only rained twice, and briefly at that. The sunshine made everything more magical. We had booked an early flight on our last day but loved Vana Belle so much we changed our flights to spend more time there. Dao worked her magic again to secure a late 4:30pm check-out for us! It was the most generous late check-out I’ve ever experienced, giving us a bonus day of relaxation before our reluctant departure. Every staff member we met was warm and genuinely kind. Somehow, everyone knew it was my birthday, and the personal acknowledgments throughout our stay felt heartfelt. From start to finish, Vana Belle's hospitality surpassed anything we've ever experienced. Leaving was bittersweet, as this resort has now established a new standard for us. Everything—from the stunning suite and exquisite food to the exemplary butler service and thoughtful touches—was unforgettable. If you’re contemplating a stay at Vana Belle, I highly recommend it. It’s not just a resort; it’s an experience that feels both luxurious and deeply personal. We will be back!