Sensing tranquility and peace at Sao Bien Resort

      Sea Star Resort on Tran Hung Dao Street, Phu Quoc District in Kien Giang Province is reminiscent of a tranquil Vietnamese village in an evergreen coconut grove.
Unlike many of the luxury resorts on Phu Quoc Island, the bungalows at Sea Star are designed with respect for the environment and understanding of the local culture. However, the resort has become very popular and is busy even in the rainy season, which means Pham My, the owner of the resort, has a difficult decision to make: should he preserve its nature-friendly style or upgrade to a luxury resort? Some of his friends support the idea of cooperating with investors to upgrade the resort and build a swimming pool and entertainment facilities, while his family is encouraging him to keep the resort as it is, with 37 spacious rooms and one restaurant.
To extend its success Pham My is planning to offer a new discovery tour of the forest on Ba Keo Mountain, as well as scuba diving and squid fishing tours. Pham My’s family also owns a one-hectare coconut, mango and jackfruit orchard on the mountain. For only US$10 tourists can explore the secrets and primitive beauty of the mountain, which is only 15 minutes away, cooling off in the gentle ocean waves when they return to the resort.
On a trip to Phu Quoc early this month I met Marilyn and Alan, a foreign couple. When I asked them why they chose the Sea Star Resort they explained that it is quite breath taking and fills them with peace and a feeling of total relaxation. “Although I do not think that many Vietnamese people realize how nice their country is, because if they did they would keep it cleaner; there is too much rubbish everywhere,” said the couple.
“The owner should keep the resort small and in keeping with the character of the country and we will stay here again. It is a great place with warm and friendly staff and local people. Our only suggestion is that cushions on the sun beds would make them more comfortable,” added Marilyn.