Friday, March 13, 2015

We were up early-ish as we wanted to take a taxi around 645am to the airport.  The nice thing about Saigon is the airport is only about 30 minutes away.  Although, there are plans (if they haven’t already started) to build a newer airport (this one is really small for an international airport), which would make the drive longer.

Regardless, we arrived at the airport without any issues and headed to the business class check-in #nbd.  Vietnam Airlines has strict policies on their baggage – only one carry on (we have two) and checked bags can’t be over 44lbs (ours are 50 on a good day).  So, once before we opted for their business class.  Two carry ons and checked bag can be 66 lbs!  Our flight previously (and this time) was only an hour, which is why we could afford business class (and why it made since to spend the extra as we would be spending it on baggage fees anyway).  This experience always convinces us how we would come to Vietnam every other weekend to see our kids if we could just fly business – they make it so easy!

After our check-in we headed thru security and made our way to the business class longue!  It wasn’t anything spectacular (they had old couches and some food) BUT  they also had a massage chair – YES!  I made myself comfortable and started my R&R a bit early! 

We also had a special line for boarding which was actually nice as they don’t do it by rows so its kind of a free for all for the common folk (those with economy tickets) so this was also less stressful!  The seats were great, very wide and plenty of legroom.  We were greeted with a facecloth and some juice and also had a little snack (I think a ham sandwich). 

The flight was far too short for such a comfortable seat.  The Hue airport is teeny tiny so you disembark down the stairs and get on to a bus – they had a special bus for the “business” passengers..all 6 of us!  The other nice thing about living the high life is that your bags are priority so they come out first! 

We booked a car service to bring us to the resort (about 45 minutes away) and luckily he had a big sign that said “Welcome Julie” so it was very easy.  They are doing some construction on the main road that brings you to the resort (it looks like they are making it wider) so I think there was a bit more traffic than usual but really no issues.

To be honest I wasn’t really sure what to expect with the hotel.  I did a lot of research for this trip.  I research, Mom & Dad pay..not a bad deal (Dad hope you’re still working hard at home…SUCKAAAAA)!  Anyway I have always wanted to stay in an overwater bungalow (and someday will make it to the Maldives) but this place has them – and for a more reasonable price!  The water isn’t clear like you would find in the Pacific – but it seemed like a great resort for those wanting to get out of the craziness of the city for a few days.

We decided 2 days would be plenty (there is JUST the resort, nothing else around) for exactly what we are looking for!

We were again greeted with a cool juice drink and facecloth.  We have decided that we are going to get the kids at the orphanage to greet us this way as well!  Well, we bring our own water, but we would like a cool face cloth waiting for us!  I think Cap could handle it!

We checked it and were brought (via golf cart – Dad there is a retirement job waiting here for you) to Villa #10.

H.E.A.V.E.N!  Wow!  The villa is beautiful as it sits out in the lagoon and is the last one so we only have one neighbor.  There is a beautiful stone bathtub and an outdoor shower (and toilet..interesting). 

Nina, our “host” gave us a little tour and was on her way!  We did some quick unpacking and then made our way to check out the pool and restaurant.  They give you bikes, but since our villa is at the end its very walkable to the pool & restaurant which is perfect for us!  It’s basically one long path, starting with reception and then 10 overwater bungalows and more on the “mountain side”, then the restaurant and pool, then a few more bungalows up on the hill and then the spa area takes up a few overwater bungalows. 

We decided to get some lunch.  Breakfast is buffet and lunch/dinner is a la carte.  Some people said the food can get old if you are staying for a week, but for only 2 days they have plenty of Western and Vietnamese options.  We chose to sit inside to cool down, but the weather is PERFECT!  80 and cloudy!  We love it!  The breeze is so nice, we literally feel like we are on vacation!  We also realized we hadn’t really spoken any louder than a whisper – we feel like we are on a meditation retreat!  It is SO QUIET here!!!

After a yummy lunch (a burger and spaghetti) we headed back to the villa to change so we could nap poolside.  We were both really tired (getting up early this morning, traveling, etc) and it was so nice at the pool as we got chairs underneath a big umbrella.  It was literally so quiet as there was only one other couple. 

I had a killer nap (well, we both did!) and then decided we would head back to the villa.  I took a bike and road down by the spa area as I thought it might be a nice place to see the sunset.  It was, but since its cloudy/hazy it wasn’t going to be anything special.  So I road back and we sat on our balcony blogging, emailing and relaxing!

We headed back to the restaurant for dinner, which was very nice and then came back to the villa.  Tomorrow is our “relaxing” day so we are both looking forward to that before heading back to Saigon on Sunday!