Salinda Resort Phu Quoc Island

Salinda Resort Phu Quoc Island, a Michelin Key Selected property, consistently receives high praise for its luxurious offerings and exceptional service, establishing itself as a top-tier destination on Vietnam's "Pearl Island."

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Salinda Resort Phu Quoc Island is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing it as "exceptional" and "stunning". Review scores on platforms like Booking.com are notably high, with an average of 9.6, including a remarkable 9.9 for staff performance. Many consider it to be one of the best, if not the best, resort on the island, offering a perfect blend of luxury and tranquility.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud several aspects of Salinda Resort:

• Exceptional Service: The staff's attentiveness, friendliness, and professionalism are almost universally highlighted as a major strength, often described as the "best customer service in the whole island".
• Stunning Grounds & Design: The resort's immaculately maintained infrastructure, beautiful grounds, and elegant design contribute to a tranquil and aesthetically pleasing environment. The open-air reception and well-kept greenery are frequently mentioned.
• Outstanding Pool & Beach Area: The large, clean swimming pool and private beachfront access are significant draws, especially for enjoying the spectacular sunsets. The pool area is well-managed, with attentive staff.
• Phenomenal Breakfast: The breakfast buffet is a recurring highlight, praised for its vast selection of delicious options, excellent quality, and the added luxury of sparkling wine and a live pianist.
• Tranquil Atmosphere: Despite its size, the resort maintains a sedate and relaxing ambiance, offering a quiet luxury experience.

3. Room Quality

The rooms at Salinda Resort are consistently described as beautiful, spacious, comfortable, and impeccably clean. They feature large beds, rain showers, and private balconies. Guests appreciate the modern aesthetic with light colors and thoughtful touches, though one older review noted some vague marks on walls and a slight feeling of being dated in layout compared to newer resorts. Rooms are cleaned twice a day. While some guests initially received twin beds, the staff were quick to convert them into a comfortable king-size bed upon request. Free WiFi is also available in the rooms.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at Salinda Resort is highly regarded. The breakfast buffet, as mentioned, is a standout feature, offering a wide array of options including fresh juices, various coffees (with Vietnamese coffee being highly recommended), cereals, bread, and egg and noodle stations.

Beyond breakfast, the resort boasts a selection of restaurants, including Italian (Il Muro), Indian, and Vietnamese options. The quality of food is generally considered excellent, with specific mentions of fragrant spring rolls, salt and pepper squid, and grilled fish. The Italian restaurant, Il Muro, has been specifically praised. There's also a poolside bar offering snacks and drinks. The resort's fine dining is considered an upmarket experience, offering good value for the quality of service and standard of meal. Guests also appreciate the charming and engaging staff in the restaurants.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at Salinda Resort are consistently rated as exceptional and are frequently cited as the strongest aspect of the resort. Guests describe the staff as "fabulous," "friendly," "attentive," "professional," and always willing to help. Many report feeling treated like family and having an "unforgettable experience" due to the personalized and unobtrusive service. From front desk staff organizing taxis to waitstaff eager to practice English and provide insider perspectives, the hospitality is a key differentiator. Staff at the pool and spa are also noted for being very nice and helpful.

6. Location & Accessibility

Salinda Resort is situated on Phu Quoc Island, approximately 5 km from Phu Quoc International Airport and 7 km from Duong Dong main town and its night market. The resort offers a complimentary round-trip airport transfer, which is a convenient amenity. While not directly in the bustling town center, taxis are readily available and operate on meters, making transportation easy. The beachfront location offers stunning views. The resort also provides free bicycles for guests. Nearby attractions include Phu Quoc National Park and opportunities for diving and snorkeling.

7. Value & Pricing

While Salinda Resort is a luxury property, many guests feel it offers excellent value for money given the high quality of service, facilities, and overall experience. Room rates can vary, with examples ranging from approximately $184 to $388 per night for a double room. Some promotions, like a "Best Flexible Offer," start from VND 3,800,000 (approximately $155 USD based on current exchange rates) per night, often including airport transfers and daily sparkling breakfast. Despite higher prices for on-site services like spa treatments, drinks, and laundry compared to local alternatives, the overall experience is considered worthwhile by many.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some minor recurring issues or criticisms have been noted:

• High On-Site Prices: The cost of food, drinks (e.g., a Coke costing significantly more at the resort than locally), and spa treatments within the resort are frequently mentioned as being expensive when compared to options outside the hotel. This sometimes encourages guests to seek dining and spa services elsewhere.
• Mosquitoes: A few guests have reported issues with mosquitoes in the rooms, though some consider this to be expected anywhere and purchased plug-in repellents. The outdoor dining areas are proactive in offering mosquito spray and lighting citronella candles.
• Occasional Communication Issues: In one instance, a diner received a different chicken dish than ordered, attributed to possible communication problems.
• TV Functionality: One review mentioned poor TV functionality for streaming/YouTube.
• Layout/Design (Minor): One reviewer, comparing it to newer developments, felt the resort's layout and some design elements seemed "a bit dated".
• Aircraft Noise: Due to the resort's proximity to the airport (about 1,300m down the beach), some aircraft noise can be heard throughout the day, although some plane-spotting enthusiasts might consider this a benefit.

Sources

1. booking.com
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6. youtube.com
7. expedia.co.uk
8. agoda.com
9. agoda.com
10. michelin.com
11. tablethotels.com
12. travelhighlife.com
13. kayak.com
14. salindaresort.com