Hanoi's Hidden Gem: Uncover the Secret Paradise of La Saveur de Hoa Binh Resort!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive HEADFIRST into La Saveur de Hoa Binh Resort. Forget pristine brochure language, let’s get REAL. This place… it's a journey. A messy, beautiful, slightly flawed journey, and I'm here to spill the tea.
Hanoi's Hidden Gem: La Saveur de Hoa Binh Resort - The Honest Review
First off, the "Hidden Gem" bit? Absolutely holds up. Getting there is a little… well, let's just say you'll feel like you're escaping. Accessibility? Okay, here’s the deal: the road trip from Hanoi is pretty straightforward, not a white-knuckle adventure. They offer an airport transfer, THANK GOD. And, thankfully, car parking is free on-site. They do have a car power charging station which I would have loved to have used, but oh well.
Accessibility? The resort itself… is alright. There's an elevator, which is essential, but I didn't see too much dedicated wheelchair accessibility. Now, I didn't need it, but something to keep in mind.
Once You Arrive: The Good Stuff – And Some Quirks:
My arrival? Honestly, a little chaotic. The check-in/out [express] was… more relaxed than express. But the staff? SO sweet. Contactless check-in/out is available, which is great. The front desk [24-hour] is a lifesaver, trust me. The doorman seemed genuinely delighted to see me, bless his heart. And the luggage storage? Essential after that drive!
Rooms: A Sanctuary, With a Few Hiccups
The rooms themselves are pretty damn lovely. I opted for the non-smoking option because, well, ew. The air conditioning was a godsend. The blackout curtains? Absolute lifesavers for sleeping in - which is exactly what I wanted to do!! The free Wi-Fi in all rooms was a godsend and I could totally work. Internet access – wireless worked perfectly. Free bottled water? Thank you, water gods, because that Vietnamese heat is no joke. And the extra long bed… bliss.
- Now for the quirks: The internet access – LAN did not work for the life of me! And a tiny, tiny closet. The bathroom phone did look like it was there when time forgot it. I was thankful for the complimentary tea and coffee/tea maker, however. Towels? Soft and fluffy. Bathrobes? Yep. It's all good.
Food, Glorious Food (With a Few Misses)
Okay, let's talk food. This is where things got REALLY interesting.
Breakfast [buffet]: The Asian breakfast was pretty epic. There was the usual coffee/tea in restaurant that was good! I'm a sucker for a good buffet in restaurant.
Restaurants: The restaurants are pretty good, they have Asian cuisine in restaurant as well as International cuisine in restaurant. I was really happy to see that there was desserts in restaurant and salad in restaurant available.
Other spots to grab a bite: The poolside bar looked pretty amazing, but I spent way more time by the swimming pool [outdoor]. There's also a snack bar.
Relaxation & Rejuvenation – Hit or Miss?
This is where La Saveur really tries to shine, and honestly, it mostly succeeds.
The Spa: Okay, the spa. DO IT. I had a massage that almost made me cry (in a good way!). The sauna and steamroom were fantastic, and the spa/sauna experience was just what I needed!!
Other Relaxation: The pool with view is stunning. I probably spent half my time in that thing. They also have a Fitness center and a gym/fitness. They also have a foot bath! Which I didn't try, but it looked cool!!
Cleanliness & Safety: They're Trying, Folks
Listen, I’m a bit of a germaphobe. But La Saveur is doing their best.
Anti-viral cleaning products and daily disinfection in common areas? Check and check. Rooms sanitized between stays? Seemed like it. Hand sanitizer everywhere. Staff trained in safety protocol? They seemed on it.
The not-so-great stuff: I did not see any sterilizing equipment, but hey, maybe they're just keeping it low-key.
Services & Conveniences: Hits and Misses
The good: Daily housekeeping. Laundry service. Cash withdrawal. Currency exchange. They even haved a convenience store! They had facilities for disabled guests, but as I mentioned, I did not try them.
The oddness: I didn’t use the business facilities, but they’re there, including meeting/banquet facilities. Also, a gift/souvenir shop.
For the Kids?
I didn't have any kids with me, but they do have babysitting service and are family/child friendly.
Getting Around, and Then Some:
The essentials: The car park [free of charge] is a big win. Taxi service available. Airport transfer.
The "extra" stuff: They have a valet parking, but I skipped that. They have bicycle parking too.
Things To Do: More Than Meets the Eye
Okay, beyond the pool and the spa, they've got some cool stuff.
The obvious fun: The outdoor venue for special events and indoor venue for special events are great for parties. I really am a sucker for a terrace, so that was a good spot. On the other hand, I was not the biggest fan of the shrine.
The slightly less obvious: Meeting/banquet facilities and seminars.
The Bottom Line: Who is this place for?
Definitely for: Couples looking for a romantic escape. People who crave peace and quiet. Anyone who needs to de-stress. Foodies. Spa lovers.
Maybe not for: The super-demanding perfectionist traveler. The party animal. People who demand flawless wheelchair accessibility.
THE OFFER – ARE YOU READY FOR PARADISE?
Tired of the mundane? Yearning for an escape?
Here's what you need:
The "La Saveur Unplug & Unwind" Package: Limited Availability - Book now!
Two nights of blissful accommodation in a Deluxe Room (non-smoking, of course!) with a view that will melt your stresses away.
Welcome Drinks: Enjoy a signature cocktail at the bar.
Unlimited Access: Pools and the sauna/steamroom and gym.
Daily Breakfast: Start your day with a delicious buffet featuring Asian and international delights (yes, the soup. Get the soup!).
Special Discount: 20% off all spa treatments, because you deserve it!
Peace of Mind: Free Wi-Fi, reliable and fast, so you can share your bliss (and secretly answer emails, we won't tell).
Free Parking: Save those coins!
But WAIT, there's MORE!
- Book within the next 72 hours and receive a complimentary late check out!
Why La Saveur?
- Escape the Ordinary: Ditch the crowds and embrace the tranquility of this hidden gem.
- Recharge Your Soul: Indulge in spa treatments, take a dip in our breathtaking pool, or simply unwind in your stylish room.
- Savor the Flavors: Discover a culinary journey with diverse dining options, from Asian delicacies to international favorites.
- Unforgettable Experiences: Create lasting memories in a place where relaxation meets adventure.
- Safety and Hygiene is our priority: We follow strict sanitization protocols.
Don't just dream about paradise – book your "La Saveur Unplug & Unwind" getaway today!
Click here to book now and start planning your escape: [Link to Booking Site]
Limited availability. Don't miss out!
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream 2-Bed Emalahleni Home Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to plan a trip that's less "polished Instagram influencer" and more "me trying to navigate a water buffalo." This is my attempt at a La Saveur de Hoa Binh Resort Hanoi itinerary, with all the messy, glorious, and occasionally terrifying details.
Subject: Operation: Find My Zen (or at least, a decent baguette) - Hanoi & Hoa Binh, Here We Come!
Dates: Let's say… five days, because apparently, I don't know how to relax, and I'll need the recovery time.
Day 1: Arrival, Chaos, and the Promise of Pho (Probably)
Morning (Like, REALLY Morning): Flight. Ugh. Airport food. Praying I don’t get stuck next to a snorer on the plane. Already stressing about luggage weight limits. Did I remember to pack socks? This is a crucial question.
Late Morning/Early Afternoon: Touchdown in Hanoi! The air hits you like a warm, humid hug (or a wet washcloth depending on your mood). Finding transportation. Hopefully, that pre-booked airport transfer actually exists. (Pro Tip: Always screenshot the confirmation and have it printed, just in case the wifi gods are having a bad day.) The initial overwhelm of the city. Scooter swarms… holy moly. Feeling like I've wandered onto the set of a Mad Max film, but with more honking.
Afternoon: Check-in at La Saveur de Hoa Binh! Hoping the reality matches the dreamy pictures online. This is a crucial moment. The room: Will it have a view? Will it have actual hot water? Will there be a sneaky gecko clinging to the ceiling? The suspense is KILLING me.
Late Afternoon/Early Evening: The search for pho begins. Maybe I'll just ask the front desk for a recommendation. Or, gasp, I could actually venture out and stumble upon something truly brilliant. (Probably the latter, since I’m notoriously bad at following directions.) And then… the first bite of pho. The broth…the noodles…the herbs… It better be legendary. If not, I'm going to have a little internal meltdown.
Evening: Explore the Old Quarter. Getting lost. Embrace the chaos of the street food stalls. Negotiate prices. (I'm terrible at this.) Maybe sample a bia hoi. Probably trip over a rogue motorbike. This is, after all, exactly what I was hoping for.
Night: Crash, burn, and pray I'm not woken up by a rooster at dawn. Also, remember to set the alarm for the next day.
Day 2: The Resort Life, Actually, Maybe Mostly the Pool
Morning: Attempt to get out of bed early. Fail. Eventually make it to the resort breakfast, hopefully not wearing my pajamas. Coffee. Lots of coffee. What is this magical Vietnamese coffee everyone raves about?
Mid-morning: The pool. Oh, sweet, glorious pool. Spending a minimum of two hours, maybe more, floating, reading, and trying to avoid eye contact with anyone who seems overly enthusiastic about conversation. (I'm on vacation, people!)
Lunch: Resort restaurant. Probably overpriced, but convenient. I'll be sure to order something delicious.
Afternoon: Resort activities. Maybe. Or maybe I'll just go back to the pool, if the weather is good enough. Spa treatment? Honestly, I deserve one. But am I brave enough? Is an hour of awkward silence with a masseuse really a good way to spend an afternoon?
Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Sunset cocktails by the pool. (This IS living, right?) Contemplating the existential dread of returning to work.
Evening: Dinner at the resort or venture out. If I'm feeling brave, street food round 2.
Night: Sleep (hopefully uninterrupted).
Day 3: Hoa Binh Province, the Real Deal (Hopefully)
Morning: Tour of Hoa Binh Province. This is, theoretically, why I'm here. Realistically, I hope it’s not just a series of tourist traps.
Late Morning/Early Afternoon: Explore the countryside. Look at the mountains, rice paddies, and maybe that famous dam! Take photos that will make my friends jealous (even if they are blurry).
Afternoon: Visit local villages. Interact with the (hopefully) friendly villagers. Attempt to speak some Vietnamese. (Spoiler alert: I'm terrible at languages.)
Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Return to the resort. More pool time. (I’m sensing a theme here.)
Evening: Dinner. This time, at a different restaurant. Explore the flavors of Vietnamese cuisine.
Night: Drink, sleep, and dream about pho.
Day 4: Culture, Markets, and the Eternal Search for Souvenirs
Morning: Back to Hanoi! (Maybe a little sad to leave the resort, but also excited to see the city again.) Explore some of the cultural sites I missed.
Late Morning/Early Afternoon: Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and the Ngoc Son Temple. Look at the turtles. Contemplate life. Take pictures. Then, immediately get sucked into the crowds of tourists.
Afternoon: Market time! Searching for souvenirs. This is an art form. Haggling, bargaining, and the sheer joy of finding a truly unique trinket. (Or, let's be honest, buying way too much stuff.)
Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Cooking class! This could be awful. Or it could be the best thing ever. (I'm hoping for the latter, but I'm also not particularly skilled in the kitchen.)
Evening: Farewell dinner. Find a nice restaurant in the Old Quarter. Reflect on the trip. Probably overthink everything.
Night: Pack. (Procrastinate packing.) Get a good night's sleep to prepare for the flight tomorrow.
Day 5: Departure, the Epilogue, and the Post-Vacation Blues
- Morning: Final resort breakfast. Saying goodbye to my pool. Trying to squeeze in one last swim.
- Mid-Morning: Travel back. The airport. The flight. (Hoping for an upgrade! Never happens.)
- Afternoon: Reflecting. What did I learn? What pho did I eat? Did I see any geckos in my room? Did I find my zen? Probably not.
- Evening: Back home. Unpack. Laundry. The inevitable post-vacation blues. Already planning the next trip (or at least, dreaming about it).
Final Notes:
- Flexibility is Key: This is a suggestion. I'm likely to get completely sidetracked by a random market, a stray puppy, or the lure of another egg coffee.
- Embrace the Mess: Things will go wrong. Flights will be delayed. Food poisoning is a possibility. But that’s part of the adventure, right? (Right?!)
- Most Important: Have Fun! Let go, be present, and don't sweat the small stuff. (And yes, that means especially me.)
This is my attempt at planning a trip, complete with the anxieties, the excitement, and the sheer chaos that makes travel, well, travel! Wish me luck. And maybe send me some antacids.
Escape to Paradise: Portofino Mar Benidorm Awaits!
La Saveur de Hoa Binh Resort: The Secret is Out (Maybe)? Your REALLY Honest FAQ
Is La Saveur REALLY a "hidden gem" anymore? Or did YOU guys spill the beans?
Okay, let's be real. "Hidden gem" is a tricky term. Before I went, I’d seen whispers online, a friend of a friend had raved, and… honestly, the pictures looked *too* good to be true. Like, Photoshopped-level serene. The kind of place where Instagram influencers would flock. And, well... yes, *we* have now contributed to its potential un-hidden-ness. But listen, I swear, it still *feels* hidden. The drive itself, winding through the countryside, gave me serious "Alice down the rabbit hole" vibes. And when you finally arrive, nestled amongst the rice paddies... it's a sensory overload in the best way. So, yes, there might be *more* people knowing about it now, but the magic? That's still there, people. I promise. Unless the next influencer swarm ruins it. Fingers crossed!
How do you *get* there and is the journey a nightmare? (Because, Vietnam roads, am I right?)
Alright, the journey. From Hanoi, it's about a 2-3 hour drive. We opted for a private car (because, again, those roads). The scenery is BEAUTIFUL. Think lush greenery, water buffalo casually chilling, and villages that time seems to have forgotten. But, and this is a big BUT… the traffic heading *out* of Hanoi can be brutal. We spent a solid hour inching along. My travel companion (who hates EVERYTHING) was already muttering darkly about the "waste of a holiday." I swear I nearly lost it, but then, BOOM! We broke free of the city, and the scenery started doing its thing.
Pro tip: Leave early to avoid the worst of it and maybe bring some Dramamine if you're prone to motion sickness!
Is the food as amazing as everyone says it is? (Because I live to eat.)
Oh. My. God. The food. Prepare yourself. Seriously. I'm a self-proclaimed foodie, and I was blown away. They serve authentic Vietnamese cuisine, using fresh, local ingredients. Think delicate spring rolls bursting with flavor, fragrant pho that warms you from the inside out, and grilled fish so tender it practically melts in your mouth. And the presentation! Each dish is a work of art. I’m not gonna lie, I had the same dish *twice*. It was THAT good. They even have a garden where they grow their own herbs. It's THAT kind of place. The only negative? You'll probably gain a few pounds. But who cares?! Vacations are for eating.
What's the vibe like? Is it super fancy and pretentious, or…chill?
Chill. DEFINITELY chill. Don’t get me wrong, the service is impeccable, but the atmosphere is relaxed and unpretentious. Think barefoot luxury. The staff are incredibly friendly and helpful, and every single person in the group felt like they were just so warm and inviting. I was worried it would be full of the uptight "I'm-better-than-you" types, but it wasn’t. Maybe I hit a good week, but everyone seemed genuinely happy, and there was a sense of shared appreciation for the beauty of the place. I saw people reading books by the pool, couples holding hands, and groups laughing over dinner. It felt... peaceful. Almost surreal.
The rooms... are they worth the price? They *look* amazing.
Okay, confession: I am a sucker for a beautiful room. And La Saveur delivers. They *are* amazing. We stayed in one of the villas with a private plunge pool. I spent a good chunk of my time just wandering around the villa, touching everything (I'm not proud). The design is stunning, with a blend of modern and local styles. The beds are ridiculously comfortable, the bathrooms are spacious and luxurious, and the views… oh, the views! Waking up to the sound of birdsong and the sight of the rice paddies from your own balcony is just… *chef's kiss*.
Price-wise, it's definitely not budget travel. But, honestly, considering the experience and the quality, it's worth it. Think of it as an investment in your sanity and soul. (And maybe a little bit of bragging rights.)
What is there to *do* besides eat and stare at the scenery? (Asking for a friend…who is also me.)
Right, so, the activities. You can go swimming in the infinity pool (stunning!), get a massage at the spa (heaven!), and take a cooking class (highly recommended!). They also offer cycling tours through the local villages and boat trips on the lake.
But honestly? I spent most of my time doing absolutely nothing. And it was glorious. I read books, napped in a hammock, meditated overlooking the rice fields. It was exactly what I needed. Sometimes, doing "nothing" is the most important thing of all. But they do try and make sure you don't have to be bored.
Any downsides? Because nothing is perfect. (Is it?)
Okay, reality check. Even paradise has its flaws.
The mosquitos. They're fierce. Bring repellent. Seriously, slather it on.
The wifi can be a bit spotty. Not a dealbreaker for me (I was trying to escape the digital world), but if you’re a remote worker, be warned.
Then, there was the incident with the… well, let's just say a rogue chicken and my breakfast. Let's call it a breakfast-related adventure. It wasn't *horrendous*, just a bit of a surprise.
And finally... *leaving*. It's hard. Really hard. I wanted to stay forever. I almost begged them to let me become a permanent resident.
Would you go back? (And if so, when can *we* go?)
Without a doubt. Absolutely. Consider me booked. I’m already dreaming of those spring rolls, that pool, and the peace and quiet. The moment I have a free weekend, I’m making a beeline back.
So, yes, book it. Now. Just… don’t tell *everyone*, okay? Let's try and keep that "hidden gem" feel, even if the secret's sort of out.
Is it kid-friendly? BecauseFindelicious Hotels
