Victoria Sapa Resort
Originally a hill station settled by the French in the 1920's, Sapa lies at 1,650 metres above sea level in the Hoang Lien Mountains of north-western Vietnam and enjoys a cooler climate than most of the country.
Surrounded by magnificent scenery, including views of nearby Mount Fansipan, Indochina's highest peak, the resort is built in the style of a mountain chalet and all rooms have private balconies. Facilities include gardens, an indoor swimming pool, gym, sauna, tennis court, games room with billiards table and a spa offering a variety of traditional massages and treatments.
The restaurant serves good French and Vietnamese cuisine. In the summer months you can dine on the outdoor terrace with its spectacular mountain views, while in the winter you can enjoy the rather odd experience of drinking hot red wine by the fireplace and eating cheese fondue in rural Vietnam.
Why We Love It
The company that owns the resort also operates a sleeper train with a dining car that runs from Hanoi to nearby Lao Cai, and is a good way to reach Sapa.
Topas Ecolodge
Situated atop two cone shaped hills, high in the spectacular Sapa Valley and the mountains of Hoang Lien National Park, you will find the small but perfectly formed Topas Ecolodge.
With just 25 mountain bungalows built as rustic chalet-style single rooms the lodge is intimate and at one with its natural location, making for a fantastically unique experience. The bungalows are all built using local white granite and yet have surprisingly luxurious interiors. Each of the bungalows also has a private balcony from which you can enjoy the magnificent panoramic views of the surrounding towering peaks and endless valleys.
The traditional restaurant serves Vietnamese and Western cuisine alongside stunning views, and the lounge makes a great place to wind down after dinner with a drink.
Lodge facilities include a rejuvenating spa specialising in the traditional Red Dao herbal bath, and a newly built infinity pool with some of the best pool views we've ever seen. The scenic location with spectacular views invites you explore the unique trekking and mountain biking trails in the backyard of the lodge, but the lodge is also great for ultimate relaxation away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Why We Love It
The views from the infinity swimming pool are just breathtaking.