Fusion Maia Resort, Danang

Location

On the beach in central Vietnam 10kms from Danang and 30kms from Hoi An. Free shuttle operates 3 times per day to Hoi An and 4 times back to the resort.

Fusion Maia's on a nice stretch of beach but there's no real local life that can be accessed on foot from the resort. You'll be making the journey to Danang or more likely Hoi An when you want to experience some local life.

There are also two international golf courses on the road to Hoi An nearby the resort.

Opposite the resort are the remnants of a vast former US military base. The reinforced concrete hangars are still in place.

 
Review

There are only a few tasteful resorts on the overdeveloped strip between Danang and Hoi An - and Fusion Maia is definitely one of them.



In two years, it's established itself as one of Vietnam's most popular luxury resorts with its spacious low rise design, all inclusive spa concept, generous rooms, picturesque beach location and a friendly, team of local and expatriate staff. All rooms also include a private pool and garden.



Fusion Maia is more a beach escape from Vietnam than an ideal base for exploration of the country's central region. But that might be exactly what you're looking for mid-way through a holiday.

The beach frontage is on the small side but the design makes good use of the depth of the block. Restaurants, bars and the spa are set across green manicured grounds with the rooms in single story blocks at each extreme.

Only the two Ocean Villas, the most expensive rooms in the resort, have ocean views. But there's plenty of open space allocated to the beach front including an infinity swimming pool.

At less than 20 metres, the pool is perhaps a little tight for a resort of this size - especially for those inclined to swim laps. But the beach is right by for an ocean swim.



Fusion Maia's 86 rooms are across 3 categories - Beach Villas (2), Spa Villas (4) and Pool Villas (80). They're all called villas but they're more like generous apartments. Only the Ocean Villas are free standing units.

Pool Villas are the lead in room category but no corners have been cut. From 96sqm including pool garden, they're enormous and include vast twin basin bathrooms.

The resort's centre of gravity including the spa and main dining areas are set back off the beach. This area also includes one of the Pool Villa blocks and the Spa Villas.

The two vast and airy Beach Villas are right on the beach as you'd expect and feature 3 bedrooms, a spacious living area, a pool (larger than other pool villas), front and rear gardens and a long list of other luxuries.

They're set over a footprint of 400sqm and are perfect for an extravagant family break. They can also comfortably house 2 couples.

Room decor is minimal - perhaps too much so. But after looking at lots of excessively decorated hotels in Vietnam, perhaps my appreciation of the delight of a deluge of plain white has been forever compromised.

The all inclusive spa concept has been key to the success of Fusion Maia. Guests are completely taken with it. When things are busy, there'll be some reasonable limits on spa access but it all seems to work out fine.



In addition to 16 spa treatment rooms, a large, peaceful garden courtyard with its own pool has been allocated to the spa block. It's a particularly serene space for relaxation though I sense it doesn't get much use - which is probably part of its appeal.  

Food options in the immediate area around the resort are minimal so you'll likely be making good use of the in-resort restaurants. The main restaurant, Five, offers full "pan- Asian" dining while the poolside eatery is a more relaxed Mediterranean style cafe serving wraps, pizzas and open sandwiches.

If you're planning a beach focused holiday, remember that from October to February, things can be stormy, grey and cool in the Danang / Hoi An area.


Brief
All inclusive spa treatments, private pool and garden in each villa, common beachside infinity pool, gym, restaurants, free wifi throughout and more.


Disclosure
I stayed two nights at a discounted travel industry rate in a Pool Villa (lead-in category) room. All transport and other costs associated with the trip were met by Rusty Compass. Other than on matters of accuracy, the resort has no editorial influence over this review.