If you’re looking for an easy holiday escape complete with stunning beaches, great local cuisine and a little bit of culture, Danang has it all. Stacey Marcelo flew in with children Chloe and Olivier to review Danang Marriott Resort & Spa Non Nuoc Beach Villas
The resort's infinity pool overlooks Non Nuoc beach
The vibrant coastal city of Danang on Vietnam’s central coast has become one of the hottest destinations for holidaying families in Asia and with good reason.
For Hong Kongers, Danang is just an hour-and-a-half’s flight away, which makes it a super-easy getaway. It boasts some of the best beaches in Asia which are complemented by myriad international family-friendly stay options.
I recently flew out with my two young children, Chloe and Olivier, to try Danang Marriott Resort & Spa Non Nuoc Beach Villas. The all-villa resort is located on Danang’s beautiful Non Nuoc beach and a speedy 20-minute drive from Danang International Airport. This luxurious yet laid-back property features 122 villas with private pools and is ideal for multi-generational family travel or a getaway with a group of friends.
What else to expect? The resort boasts five dining and social venues, plus a wide range of leisure facilities, including a beachfront outdoor pool, fitness centre, spa, kid’s club and two tennis courts.
The villas
Ranging from 328 to 425 square metres, you’ll find everything from three-bedroom villas on one level, great for families with young children or elderly who want to avoid stairs, to spacious two-to-four-bedroom duplex villas surrounded by lush greenery.
The sprawling villas come with private pools
The one common element is that these villas are huge and are larger than many Hong Kong apartments. We stayed in a sprawling 328sqm three-bedroom pool villa complete with its own living room, dining area, kitchen, floor-to-ceiling windows, private pool and sun deck.
The kids were delighted to find a tent set up in the living room, along with a tray of local welcome snacks. And although the villa sleeps seven, there were only three of us, so we felt thoroughly spoiled!
Family-friendly activities
From sunrise to sunset, there is no shortage of activities to keep the whole family entertained. Apart from the infinity and dedicated family pool, the resort offers a range of recreational options, from volleyball and water sports on the private beach, as well as cultural experiences such as Vietnamese cooking classes. Little ones can also join the kids’ club, where they can keep busy with fun, supervised activities and make new friends in a safe environment.
Oli, Stacey and Chloe enjoying the all-villa beachside resort
For me, one of the stand-out features that Marriott offers are the enriching experiences under the M Passport programme. Children can enjoy activities such as in-villa picnics, beach dancing, coconut leaf art, flower making, fish feeding, and Vietnamese folk games. For each activity, kids can collect a stamp and earn fun treats along the way. Chloe and Oli opted for the painting and afternoon tea session which kept them busy for over an hour, while I sat nearby enjoying an afternoon tea set while soaking up the ocean views. Everyone was a winner that day.
Dining options
When it comes to dining, the resort goes above and beyond to cater to diverse palates. There are five outlets to choose from including a daily buffet breakfast at Man Ho Restaurant which offers an extensive range of local and international cuisine. The kids and I tucked into our daily bowl of Pho for breakfast and the chef made sure to serve it according to the kids’ exacting likes and dislikes when it came to the herb garnishes.
Enjoying a poolside drink
You can stop-by the Gallery Restaurant for a gastronomic tour through Asia and the Pacific Rim, or take in the ocean view from Beach House, which serves a variety of traditional and international dishes. We spent a lot of time at the Beach Lounge where you’ll find light bites, cocktails, plus games and movie nights complete with complimentary popcorn.
Those who prefer not to leave the comfort and privacy of their villa can opt for the resort’s delightful in-villa BBQ, where a private chef prepares everything to your liking.
Relaxation and wellness
Quan Spa offers weary parents’ respite with eight treatment rooms, a beauty salon, a whirlpool, steam room and sauna. Guests can experience treatments inspired by traditional Vietnamese healing techniques designed to rejuvenate the mind, body and soul.
The resort offers heaps of activities for guests
I opted for the Ginger Hot Stone Massage and my wellness journey began with a soothing up of roasted Hyacinth Bean Tea which is a customary drink served as a symbol of hospitality and good health in Central Vietnam. I then selected my preferred massage oil and was led to the treatment room for a foot bath ritual before starting the massage. The 90-minute treatment was pure bliss. The combination of warm stones, ginger oil and the therapist’s for deep relaxation. The stones relieve tension while the therapist’s techniques promote circulation and calm.
Exploring the surroundings
For families looking to venture beyond the resort, there’s a lot to discover. Head into the nearby ancient town of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its charming architecture and vibrant markets. Alternatively the legendary Marble Mountains are located just a few kilometres from Danang. The five limestone peaks are named for the five elements of metal, water, wood, fire and earth and are home to a network of caves, tunnels, towers and pagodas. Take a tour early in the morning when the air is cooler and the paths and pagodas quieter.
Danang is renowned for its bridges spanning the Han river that flows through the city. Don’t miss the Dragon bridge that connects the airport with the city’s beach. It is designed as a dragon flying over the river, representing the dragon figure of the Ly dynasty. Every weekend evening there’s a ‘fire-breathing’ show.
Further afield is the charming city of Hue, the former capital of Vietnam.
Festive Joyride Package
Available from December 22, 2024 to January 3, 2025, celebrate your Christmas and New Year in tropical style with Danang Marriott’s Festive Joyride Package. The package includes a villa accommodation with a private pool, complimentary breakfast for all registered guests, one festive dinner on December 21 or December 31 for two; up to 12 activities for children under the M Passport programme, complimentary access to the fitness centre, sauna and steam bath. This offer is available for stays of three consecutive nights or more.
Asia Family Traveller was a guest of Danang Marriott Resort & Spa, Non Nuoc Beach Villas, flying from Hong Kong to Danang Interntional Airport.
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