
I said yes to a resort stay in Vietnam for a quick getaway – here are my honest thoughts on the family-friendly Alma Resort Cam Ranh.
Nature, culture and beaches: Vietnam is home to some of the best vacation spots in Southeast Asia. In its southeastern region, you’ll find Cam Ranh, an under-the-radar destination with numerous beach resorts to offer. Alma Resort Cam Ranh boasts an all-inclusive holiday that’s ideal for families. Read on for my review of this sunny stay…
Take your pick from over 500 rooms

Alma Resort Cam Ranh is a sprawling compound, with over 500 rooms for families, couples and solo travellers. Having toured the different rooms, the suites remind me of apartments, while the pavilions are akin to villas or bungalows. With minimal and cosy decor, the resort provides a home-away-from-home for any vacationer.

I checked in with a group, each of us taking a different pavilion. My stay was one of the Ocean View Pool Pavilions on the ground floor, with the beach just a short walk away. But there’s no need to head out to the sea to get my toes wet when there’s a private beachfront pool in the pavilion – my favourite part was taking a dip in the glow of the sunrise.
Wine and dine: Vietnamese, Italian and other cuisines

We had breakfast at Alma Lounge, where beef pho and English breakfast are the crowd favourites. The staff recommended the beef pho, and it lived up to our expectations with a rich broth and a generous amount of beef. If a bowl of noodle soup is too heavy for you on an early morning, I’d suggest ordering the classic English breakfast. Wash it all down with Vietnamese coffee or fresh juices.

To satisfy any cravings for Italian food, there’s a trattoria within the resort. Get a table at La Casa to savour delicious antipasti, handmade pastas and pizzas straight from the oven. Who would’ve thought we’d find freshly made pizzas in the middle of a resort in Vietnam? I was stuffed from the starters and pizzas, but I love pasta and was keen to try them too. Happily, my travel companions were up to share the carbonara and bolognese for a taste – and having savoured both, I highly recommend the latter.

For dinner, there’s no better place to wine and dine than Atlantis. This beachfront restaurant is perfect for watching the sunset by the sea while sipping on vino. Fresh seafood takes the spotlight here. Order up a seafood platter to try a bit of everything, and don’t miss the grilled lobster with garlic butter. For dessert, I enjoyed the Vietnamese steamed banana cake, a delectable creation made with tapioca and banana, topped with sweet coconut cream.
Active arvo or a pamper sesh? You decide
There’s lots to do within this all-inclusive resort. Soothe your nerves at Le Spa – book a slot for a relaxing treatment and use the steam and sauna rooms. Or destress by belting out those tunes at the on-site karaoke bar.
Keen to get active? Fit a casual workout into your schedule with a game of tennis, volleyball or golf. Alternatively, head out to the waters with a kayak to enjoy the view and the sea breeze.

Personally, I relished the opportunity to lounge by one of the many pools with a tipple after a hectic week. There are over 10 public pools in the resort, plus private pools in the pavilions. Psst: pop by the adults-only pools for a dose of serenity, with cabanas for chilling under the sun.
A water park and more entertainment for kids

Parents, you’ll have no trouble keeping the kids entertained at Alma Resort Cam Ranh. The highlight? A full water park within the resort itself. Ideal for all ages, it features slides, a lazy river, a wave pool and more for hours of fun. While it’s free for resort guests, the water park is also open to the public through ticketed access, so expect a crowd during peak hours.
But fret not if the water park gets too busy. The Kids Club keeps little ones under 10 occupied with trampolines, ball pens, climbing frame, as well as an arts and crafts area. It’s also right by the kids-only pool if your mini-me wants to splash around.
Older kids aren’t left out either. The Youth Club invites tweens and teens into a cosy hangout spot with virtual reality games, arcade games, a pool table, a snack bar and more that’ll keep them there for hours. Don’t be surprised if your child refuses to leave!

If you’re looking for an all-inclusive beachfront destination, Alma Resort Cam Ranh might be the answer to your resort holiday prayers. With a selection of activities for all ages and varied dining options, I reckon there’ll be happy campers all around.