Ruth’s Blog: My 7 nights of luxury in Vietnam

If anyone had asked me in October whether I was ready for a proper break, I’d have laughed and said “Just give me a mug of Yorkshire and five minutes.”

Instead, I was treated to 7 nights of luxury living in Vietnam, fully stocked with delicious food, hours of laughter and a bucket full of memories.

Villa Le Corail Gran Melia - 2 Nights

My first stop, just a 50-minute journey from Nha Trang airport, brought me here and just wow! On entering my room, I was genuinely blown away. My one-bedroom pool villa was enormous - over 200m² - and beautifully decorated. Luxurious, comfortable and I couldn't wait to explore.

With the rest of the group still travelling from the UK, I had the whole day ahead of me and took the time to really enjoy my surroundings. There may have been a spa treatment involved that first afternoon!

My very favourite sound is the ocean and sitting on my terrace with nothing but sea ahead of me felt like the perfect start to my adventure.

The coral planting project was one of the highlights of the week for me. It was incredible tying coral to a "Coral Frame", then giving this to the divers to plant on the seabed. A really special experience and one I was very lucky to have.

Next up was 'sustainable pearl harvesting' where I watched the mollusc being carefully prised open and waited to see if there were pearls inside! Doing this carefully allows the oysters to be returned to the sea to continue living their lives. I was fortunate to get a beautiful pearl which was made into a bracelet - I'll treasure both the bracelet and the experience for a very long time.

It's not a familiarisation trip if you're not sumptuously fed. With Japanese, Spanish and Mediterranean restaurants, I was spoilt for choice when it came to fresh, local produce.

Another notch added to my belt (sigh) after only two nights - I knew I might be in trouble.

Alma Resort Cam Ranh – 3 Nights

Alma Resort Cam Ranh - home to 12 pools, a beautiful stretch of beach and all the amenities you'd expect from a top-quality family resort.

This time I was shown to a three (yes three!) bedroom private pool villa, easily suitable for a family of six.

Days at the Alma felt easy and relaxed - some sunshine, good food and brilliant company.

Mornings began with sunrise yoga and sea views, followed by long walks along the white sandy beach. In the evenings, we wandered through the new night market food zone, sampling the offerings.

My highlight here was the tree planting. Coinciding with my father's 45th anniversary of passing away made this a very poignant moment for me. One now firmly embedded in my memory.

A visit to a local market, where vendors sell their wares with smiles, before heading to a mango farm to sample mango with chilli - an interesting combination.

We then visited a nearby temple, where we learned about the resident monk and his beautiful lesson of hope and determination. A real taste of local life.

Back at the Alma, we spent a couple of hours cooking traditional Vietnamese dishes which I really must recreate.

Meliá Ho Tram – 2 Nights

Ho Tram, a stunning coastal town about two hours' drive from Ho Chi Minh City. Only two hours away but a whole world of difference!

From the moment you arrive, the resort feels peaceful, surrounded by lakes, lush foliage and edged by the ocean.

My one-bedroom wellness pool villa came fully equipped with dumbbells, stability ball, resistance band, yoga mats and blocks, along with plenty of space indoor and outdoor to practise.

I loved exploring the local area with a visit to a cacao farm and making our very own chocolate bars. This was a great experience and I was genuinely surprised to see how much work went into making the handmade chocolate - fascinating.

Back at the resort, more food... but this time we had to cook it. The menu here was crispy Vietnamese 'sizzling' pancakes made with rice flour and filled with prawns, bean sprouts, spring onions and mung beans. Delicious, tasty and satisfying - and this was just the starter.

With my fourth massage in seven days, I felt completely relaxed, thoroughly pampered and ready to move on to the wonderful chaos that is Ho Chi Minh City. But that's a blog for another time.

Simple moments, meaningful memories - that's what travel's all about.