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Alma Resort Cam Ranh Review. A Luxury Family Escape in Vietnam

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Alma Resort Cam Ranh is the ultimate family destination in Vietnam for fun, luxury, calm and to discover the new Vietnam.

Nestled on the pristine shores of Cam Ranh, Alma Resort is truly a statement to the new Vietnam. I have been visiting this exotic south east asian country for over 20 years, and Alma resort offers a new and more luxurious yet understated approach to a luxury five star Vietnamese resort stay.

Alma Resort is a sprawling, all-inclusive property designed to cater to families, couples, and groups. This is a resort you can truly check into and not leave, and what a relief that is, especially with children.

I stayed with my teenage twin children and had read and been told by the fabulous General Manager Hebert Laubichler-Pichler before arriving that the resort is a statement to the new Vietnam and was intrigued to discover that this is absolutely accurate. Vietnam has never seen something as sophisticated yet understated as this.

This resort is designed over 30 hectares in a modern Scandinavian style, so the design feel is minimalist with a neutral colour palette. It is the most modern, fresh, sublime resort I have stayed in in South East Asia. The Alma resort has been open for four years, but still feels brand new.

Alma Resort Cam Ranh, a sensational location for a family holiday

There is a spacoius VIP lounge with wooden floors and warm staff where we were welcomed for our check in. The lounge has a selection of cool drinks including beers and some mixed drinks, as well as snacks and a quick check in service- this was a huge hit with my two teenage children.

Upon arrival to our spacious 3 bedroom villa, I mistakenly thought it must have been designed by an Australian, as it feels like like a villa straight out of Sydney’s Bondi in many ways, from the neutral colour palette to fresh wooden floor boards, cream bedding, a beautiful plunge pool and lush green surroundings with a pristine beach as the back drop.

With its incredible amenities, including 12 public pools, private plunge pools, and a dedicated water park, The Alma resort really offers an unparalleled blend of relaxation and adventure.

Alma Resort at sunrise is magical

It is the ultimate destination for families with children of every age, as well as multi generational families as there is just so much to do on site.

There is an amazing water park, unique science museum for teenagers, tree planting program for the family, art gallery for grown ups, day trips to nearby Nah Trang, a stunning ribbon of beach right out front, an excellent fitness facility and great spa, as well as a list of daily activities that change constantly.

Unlike many five star resorts, there are dining and drinking options for any budget which speaks to families and to long stay guests.

Wellness can be incorporated into a stay at Alma Resort Cam Ranh: A Luxury Family Escape in Vietnam

Overall Rating: 9.5/10

Rooms 10/10

The Alma Resort offers a variety of accommodation, from spacious sun filled suites in modern tower blocks to luxurious beachfront pavilions.

The Ocean View Pool Pavilions where we stayed, are absolutely stunning and perfect for teenagers as there is so much space.

The Beachfront Pool Pavilions offer stunning accommodation for families at Alma Resort Cam Ranh

The pavillions feature private pools and breathtaking sunrise views. They are perfect for families or groups, and these pavilions feel like a home away from home, complete with minimalist, neutral décor. Room service can be delivered, there is a great TV, lounge room with a huge sofa, and a dining table.

Each bedroom has its own fully self contained bathroom, as well as every amenity you would want in self contained accommodation. The pavillions at Alma are such great value for money for three couples or for a family.

Alma Resort Cam Ranh has a fresh and claming, scandinavian minimalist feel

My favourite place to sit each day was on the balcony overlooking our private pool, the lush grounds and the beach. It was sublime and truly relaxing.

The private beachfront pool in the pavilions is ideal for serene dips at any time of the day. Vietnam is hot, and has virtually the same weather all year round apart from the rainy season, but even then it is still hot enough to swim every day.

My recommendation is to opt for the ground-floor pavilions for direct access to the beach and private plunge pools.

Click here to hear General Manager Herbert Laubichler Pichler in conversation with Renae about Alma Resort Vietnam

The food court is brilliantly done at Alma Resort Cam Ranh

Food and Beverage: 9/10

Alma Resort impresses with its culinary offerings, ensuring every meal is a delightful experience, and there are many different choices.

One of the biggest complaints I receive as a luxury hotel reviewer is from guests (who can certainly afford to stay at these five star resorts) is that they become frustrated at not being able to have a low key or more affordable meal or two during a stay, particularly when travelling with family. In these cases guests tell me they often end up leaving the resort for nearby restaurants or other hotels, but that is not necessary when staying at Alma resort.

The food and drink offerings have been so well thought out, they are very fair, and diverse. Plus there are packages available that include some meals and drinks which is adds to their very balanced and fair approach.

La Casa Restaurant at Alma Resort Cam Ranh

For guests not on a package, The Alma Resort Cam Ranh has multiple happy hours in different locations, breakfast is included and there is a brilliant upscale “food court” with a collection of gorgeous food trucks each offering a range of fresh food from burgers to Vietnamese rolls where families can grab a quick affordable bite for lunch.

This was adored by my twins ( and by me!). It meant we could all have lunch together eating completely different food from western to asian at a very reasonable price and the quality was excellent. It also felt very chilled. When you are travelling a lot, sitting for formal meals at every lunch and dinner does run its course.

It’s a simple but clever concept and guests love it.

There are two breakfast options, Alma Lounge with a steaming bowl of authentic Vietnamese beef pho or a classic English breakfast paired with strong Vietnamese coffee and there is La Casa which has a buffet and some a la carte options and sensational Lavazza coffee.

Food is fresh and enjoyable at every venue at Alma Resort Cam Ranh

Coffee at Alma Resort Cam Ranh is excellent, I favoured the Lavazza coffe at La Casa, another rarity even at some of the best resorts in Vietnam. And again just makes a stay so relaxed for coffee lovers.

La Casa is a relaxed Italian gem serving freshly baked pizzas, handmade pasta, and antipasti. We enjoyed a beautiful set menu Christmas Eve dinner here featuring anextraordinary set menu with excellent seafood rissotto, and Moet and Chandon by the bottle.

Staff at all of the food and beverage outlets are charming and happy to accommodate food preferences and allergies.

Atlantis is a colourful blue and green hued beachfront restaurant specialising in fresh seafood. The grilled lobster with garlic butter and the Vietnamese steamed banana cake for dessert are favourites fir many guests.

There are many different drinks options available from sunset cocktails by the pool or a wine at the adults-only bar, providing the ideal setting to reflect on a day in paradise at The Alma Resort.

Al fresco breakfast at La Casa, Alma Resort Cam Ranh

Location: 9.5/10

Located in Cam Ranh, Vietnam’s emerging luxury destination, Alma Resort is just a 12-minute drive from the airport, offering easy access for international and domestic travelers. The resort is set on a stunning beachfront, with uninterrupted views of Cam Ranh Bay and the South China Sea.

Once a U.S. military base, Cam Ranh has transformed into a serene resort haven, blending history with modern luxury. The views are breath taking as well as calming.

Suites at Alma Resort Cam Ranh

Style and Design: 9.5/10

The style of Alma Resort Cam Ranh is world class, and stylishly understated, calm with a neutral colour palette. Interiors for the most part are very Scandinavian and minimalist, particularly within guest rooms. Lots of light timber neutral cream fabrics and natural light abounds.

The resort’s layout, featuring cascading terraces of pools leading to the beach, maximises its natural beauty and makes it an oasis to be enjoyed on foot walking to and from dining and activities throughout every day.

While the towering blocks at the rear of the property may not be architecturally striking, the interiors make up for it with spacious, stylishly appointed suites and pavilions – and they provide excellent accommodation.

Atlantis restaurant at Alma Resort Cam Ranh

They also offer a location for guests to stay that is affordable yet with access to the plethora of facilities on offer.

The Alma Resort seamlessly combines family-friendly features with a tranquil, luxurious vibe, a rarity in any part of the world.

The Gym at Alma Resort Cam Ranh is excllent.

Wellness and Recreation; 9/10

Alma Resort is a paradise for relaxation and entertainment, with countless amenities to suit every guest. The gym was a highlight of my stay, and is spacious with an assortment of cardio equipment as well as weights, and is well utilised.

My teenage daughter and I booked a massage to unwind, and discovered steam and sauna rooms for added calm and relaxation.

With 12 public pools, each offering unique features like infinity edges, waterfalls, and cabanas, there’s no shortage of options for a refreshing swim. Adults can also enjoy serenity at the dedicated adults-only pool.

The list of recreation activities is seemingly endless. A highlight for us was the tree planting which involved us digging a hole and planting a tree with a plaque for our family to remember our stay. It was an activity that brought us together as a family and focussed on sustainability as well. Again the staff were beautiful towards us.

The science museum was another highlight, where my son was able to draw on his physics classes and tell us why things are the way they are, and a day trip to Nah Trang was outstanding – our guide was excellent and indulged us in the local delicacies, sites and culture. We learnt a lot about this emerging destination in Vietnam on that tour.

Pool Bar at Alma Resort Cam Ranh

Sustainability 9/10

Alma Resort in Cam Ranh has a strong commitment to renewable energy, waste reduction, and sustainable food sourcing and is making significant strides in sustainability.

It has installed 5,634 solar panels across 12,500 square meters, generating up to 2,480 kilowatts at peak performance. This system supplies between 25% to nearly 50% of the resort’s energy needs, reducing carbon emissions by approximately 72,670 tonnes over 25 years and saving up to USD $16.85 million in electricity costs.

The resort actively participates in the “End Plastic Soup in Cam Ranh” campaign, organizing beach clean-ups along Long Beach. Volunteers collect plastic waste for upcycling as part of a broader effort to eliminate plastic waste from oceans and waterways by 2050.

To enhance self-sufficiency, Alma has an on-site herb garden, nursery garden, and chicken farm, supplying fresh produce and eggs to its restaurants. Complimentary guided garden tours teach guests about sustainable farming, with plans for cooking classes where visitors can harvest and preparing meals.

Asiana restaurant will offers vegan menu and buffets to promote plant-based dining.

Further eco-friendly initiatives include an electric buggy station, an on-site water treatment plant, and a waste recycling system. The resort is also moving toward paperless operations with the fabulous Alma App.

Alma Resort excels in delivering a seamless big-resort experience while maintaining high standards of service and thoughtful touches. The attentive staff, beachfront location, and wealth of amenities make it a brilliant choice for families and groups seeking an all-inclusive holiday in Vietnam.

The Beachfront at Alma resort actually does look like this, and is is breathtakingly beautiful, unpolluted and is manned by lifeguards from very early in the morning

Alma Resort Cam Ranh in Brief:

Insider Knowledge: Before you book, check with the hotel as they have excellent packages available that include various food and drinks as well as activities which represent fantastic value.

Renae says: Cam Ranh is the next big destination in South East Asia, and Alma Resort Cam Ranh is the resort to stay in. Flawless.

Who should Stay at Alma Resort Cam Ranh: Families of any size including intergenerational, as well as groups and couples.

Who shouldn’t stay here: Anyone will enjoy a stay here.

Location: About 12 minutes from Cam Ranh International airport

Best culinary delight: We loved the crunchy Vietnamese rolls in the fun food court trucks and the seafood risotto at La Casa.

The Highlight: Spending hours lounging in our luxurious 3 bedroom villa – it was an exceptional space to enjoy. And we loved the local city tour arranged by Alma.

Most instagrammable location: The beach and multiple pool areas are excellent for photos.

The lowlight: Leaving.

Click here for the podcast with Alma General Manager Herbert Laubichler Pichler 

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Renae elegantly traverses the globe, curating the most exquisite personalised travel, dining, and wellness experiences for discerning women. With over 25 years of distinguished journalism, her work has illuminated the pages of prestigious magazines, newspapers, and digital platforms. Renae’s expertise transcends travel writing; she is a coveted speaker and coach within the luxury hotel industry. Balancing her professional pursuits with a delightful contradiction—a passion for fitness and an indulgence in dark chocolate—Renae infuses a unique blend of authority and Australian charm into the realm of luxury travel.

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