“If you build it, they will come” is a mantra of developers everywhere. It is rarely applied to renewable energy projects, however.
In that respect, the new Phuong Mai 1 wind power plant near Quy Nhon in central Vietnam is an outlier.
No sooner was it completed than curious holidaymakers started to arrive in droves. It probably helps that it’s located on the famous tourist route connecting Quy Nhon to Trung Luong beach known for its pure escapist pastoral landscape.
Traditionalists needn’t worry, however. For those pining for Vietnam of conical hats and buffalos, there are Quy Nhon’s quaint fishing villages where signs of modernity are few and far between.
If, like us, you see sustainable technology as a force for good, Phuong Mai’s flock of 2.4 MW-116 turbine blades sweeping in elegant circles through the sky is certainly a sight to behold.
Besides spearheading renewable energy efforts, Quy Nhon has also recently welcomed Maia Resort Quy Nhon – a property that not only whole-heartedly embraces the province’s pivot to ecotourism, but actively drives it.
Why We Like It
Whereas with some resorts it’s more greenwashing than green, Maia’s eco claims actually ring true. And it’s not just the wind turbines serving as a scenic backdrop and a futuristic photo prop.
Sustainable local influences have inspired a myriad of aspects throughout the property. Ranging from recycled fishing boats adorning the villas to handmade granite restaurant ware or locally-woven textiles, guests are given the opportunity to view Quy Nhon through its inherently artistic history.
The menu is seasonal and the restaurants operate with a strong farm-to-table ethos.
Location
Nestled on an idyllic beachside haven relatively untouched by mass tourism, the all-villa Maia Resort is a tropical paradise of landscaped gardens and golden sands.
The resort is situated 23 kilometers from Phu Cat airport, with the majority of local landmarks and attractions lying within the 20-kilometer radius.
Ask the concierge to arrange a guided tour of the lesser known Cham towers, shop for souvenirs at a local market or rent a motorbike and hit the coastal road.
The Villa
With a total of 32 villas grouped into four categories, Maia’s accommodation options are refreshingly not overwhelming and suit all vacation needs.
There are spacious semi detached villas with a shared garden, private garden pool villas and deluxe pool villas. All feature outdoor lounge areas, personal bars and sliding glass doors, all the better to let the outside in.
The design promises to immerse guests in the familiar while being completely transportive, and what we find upon check-in fits the description to a T.
The decor is understated, minimalist and streamlined with bold artwork providing cultural references in what feels like a welcome departure from the usually uninspiring hotel art. We also liked the spacious bathrooms flooded with natural daylight.
Dining
The team behind Maia Resort believes that dining gives meaning to each hour – a concept that many travelers can get behind.
Whereas you are under no obligation to build your stay around eating, Maia’s culinary options are so varied and refreshing that you will find yourself repeatedly reaching for the menu as a source of inspiration.
Local seafood is exceptional and the resort's signature restaurant Vị (meaning “taste”) serves the catch of the day with a side of unobstructed views of Phuong Mai Bay’s shimmering waters. The open-air space is warm, stylish, and breezy enough to make alfresco dining pleasant all year round.
Amenities
First and foremost, Quy Nhon is a beach destination, so the fact that Maia boasts an expansive, pretty much private beach is a big feather in the hat for the property.
Another stand-out feature is Vẽla spa – a seaside sanctuary of wellbeing where holistic therapies cleanse the mind, soothe the soul and revitalize the body.
Treatments range from traditional to culinary-inspired (beer and malt scrub, anyone?), most using local herbs and botanicals. Other spa facilities include a sauna to promote detoxification and flush out toxins and a relaxation area.
Need To Know
- Rates start from 3.584.000VND, inclusive of daily breakfast and one spa treatment per person per stay or one exclusive culinary journey for 2 guests (minimum stay 2 nights)
- 32 private villas
- Villas start at 49 m2
- Indoor and outdoor lounge spaces
- Secluded gardens
- Personal in-villa bars
- On-property spa and fitness center
Bottom Line
Blending minimalist appeal with an all-natural ethos, Maia Quy Nhon is a high-end hospitality concept that succeeds in showcasing the region’s culinary and cultural heritage while masterfully combining luxury and ecotourism.