Azumi Villas – Hoi An, Vietnam

Posted on Aug 20, 2017 in Accommodation

Sometimes you research, read reviews and book accommodation and still find that it’s not exactly what you thought it would be. And other times you’re blown away and can’t believe your luck. Our stay at Azumi Villas was the later. We stayed for a considerable time and there was not one single negative about Azumi. In fact, the property and the staff exceeded our expectations on all occasions.

In my opinion, the location is excellent – a few blocks east of the Ancient Town (10 minute walk through leafy streets) with shops and restaurants close by and a 20 minute push bike ride from the beach. The property is set back off the street so noise is not an issue and with one whole side overlooking a rice paddy, the restaurant, pool and rooms have a very peaceful view. A sanctuary of tranquility and calm from the heat of sightseeing.

Azumi is well designed and tastefully decorated with an obvious attention to detail. Being only six months old, rooms are fresh and clean, the king sized beds are super comfortable and plenty of big, fluffy bath towels are provided. Water pressure is terrific, air conditioning works well and air flow can be adjusted so that it doesn’t have to blow on you while you sleep. There’s also a ceiling fan for those nights that aren’t so hot. The separate lounge space and desk ensure the space doesn’t feel cramped at all. I loved my outside bathroom (there is an inside one as well) and private garden but there is also seating provided on the front deck overlooking the pool and garden.

The pool area is spacious with plenty of umbrellas to provide shade in the hottest part of the day and the pool itself is long enough to do laps (if you’re looking for more exercise!) with a shallow end close to the restaurant for drinks at the end of a hot day.

The restaurant is great and the breakfast buffet covers all the necessary items (fruit, pastries, bread, cereals, meats and eggs cooked to order as well as traditional Vietnamese dishes). Food is fresh, lots of variety and always a cool breeze blowing through. Oh and there is a well equipped gym to work off all that good food.

There were so many small touches that enhanced our stay. From the individually designed satin robes in each room to the stylish beach bags (yes, other hotels have bags but this one was so good I wanted to take it home!). Another big positive not often evident in accommodation (worldwide), the rooms are quiet! The quality of building is obviously high as noise from outside is minimal.

But as with most travel experiences, it’s the people that can make or break a property and the Azumi staff are outstanding. The welcome was warm every time we walked through the door – big smiles, patient with our attempts to learn Vietnamese and helpful with our enquiries. Security, maintenance, grounds staff and housekeeping were all exceptional and went out of their way to meet our needs in so many ways. One day at breakfast we asked about the trees around the pool. Later that morning, cold juice turned up made from the fruit (native to Vietnam and very refreshing!). We try to be good guests and re-use pool towels but they often mysteriously disappear off our deck and are replaced with fresh towels. A number of times I woke to find a frangipani flower on my patio table.

They made us feel like family and we were thrilled to spend time with such beautiful people.

Azumi is a very special boutique property and I would have no hesitation recommending it to all.

Visited: July & August 2017