Written by Stacey Marcelo
The moment I heard Hong Kong Express had resumed its direct flights to Cam Ranh, my mind began racing with plans for a return visit. I was captivated by the region's potential for family adventures during my first visit in 2023, and I was eager to explore even more. For any family based in Hong Kong, this direct flight is a game-changer, making the journey to Alma’s brand of family-friendly luxury smoother than ever.
Just a short two-hour flight and a quick 15-minute transfer later, we had arrived: cool lemongrass-scented towels in hand, we stood in Alma's grand lobby, mesmerised by the panoramic view of the turquoise East Sea. The shift in scenery instantly dialled up our anticipation for the adventures that lay ahead. And Alma did not disappoint.
The moment I heard Hong Kong Express had resumed its direct flights to Cam Ranh, my mind began racing with plans for a return visit. I was captivated by the region's potential for family adventures during my first visit in 2023, and I was eager to explore even more. For any family based in Hong Kong, this direct flight is a game-changer, making the journey to Alma’s brand of family-friendly luxury smoother than ever.
Just a short two-hour flight and a quick 15-minute transfer later, we had arrived: cool lemongrass-scented towels in hand, we stood in Alma's grand lobby, mesmerised by the panoramic view of the turquoise East Sea. The shift in scenery instantly dialled up our anticipation for the adventures that lay ahead. And Alma did not disappoint.
I discovered during my first visit to Alma that it isn't just a resort; it's a self-contained kingdom of family entertainment. Ditch any notion of a standard hotel pool. Alma boasts a staggering twelve pools (including one adult-only pool), including a massive 6,000sqm water park with a lazy river, wave pool, slides, and kids pool. Once you've dried off, the fun continues: hit the 75-seat cinema, challenge the family to a round of VR golf, or let the kids run wild at the supervised youth club while you enjoy some well-deserved poolside peace.
Accommodation
Accommodation
Our home for the stay was a Beachfront Pavilion - it was less a hotel room and more a private, modern villa perched on the edge of Long Beach.
The spacious master bedroom featured a deep soaking tub and separate shower. The kids claimed the second bedroom with its own large bathroom. This left the open-plan kitchen, living, and dining area as our collective hub. Best of all, it all spilled onto a terrace that opened directly onto the private plunge pool and beach.
Dining
The spacious master bedroom featured a deep soaking tub and separate shower. The kids claimed the second bedroom with its own large bathroom. This left the open-plan kitchen, living, and dining area as our collective hub. Best of all, it all spilled onto a terrace that opened directly onto the private plunge pool and beach.
Dining
Atlantis
With a dozen outlets, your days can effortlessly shift from authentic Vietnamese pho and fresh seafood at the beachfront restaurant to wood-fired pizzas, sizzling Asian street food staples, or classic international buffets.
We usually started our day with a sprawling daily buffet breakfast in Alma Garden, which can get busy, so for a more tranquil start, opt for the à la carte options at La Casa. The resort’s food court is a great option for global bites, while seafood aficionados should make a beeline for the beachfront Atlantis, where the talented chefs craft stunning Vietnamese dishes with the day's freshest catch. There’s even an Alma mini mart, stocking everything from snacks and sunblock to fresh fruit.
Wellness
We usually started our day with a sprawling daily buffet breakfast in Alma Garden, which can get busy, so for a more tranquil start, opt for the à la carte options at La Casa. The resort’s food court is a great option for global bites, while seafood aficionados should make a beeline for the beachfront Atlantis, where the talented chefs craft stunning Vietnamese dishes with the day's freshest catch. There’s even an Alma mini mart, stocking everything from snacks and sunblock to fresh fruit.
Wellness
Alma’s Spa offers a haven of tranquillity and holistic rejuvenation. Here, you can immerse yourself in a carefully curated menu of therapies, from luxurious massages to invigorating facials, all designed to restore balance and well-being. For those looking to maintain their momentum, the resort’s fully equipped gym and dedicated yoga room provide a modern, inviting space to energize the body.
Family Fun
Family Fun
The big drawcard, we quickly discovered, was that you simply don’t need to leave. Alma is a self-contained universe of family fun . On our first full day, while I lounged by one of the 12 cascading pools, the children were enrolled in a cupcake decorating class. They returned, clutching their slightly lopsided but beautifully iced creations. Later, they joined tote bag drawing, another of the resort’s countless creative workshops.
Alma also boasts their own science museum, daily cinema screenings, and dedicated kids' and youth clubs. For active families, the options are endless: enjoy an 18-hole putting green, team sports like football and basketball, or the outdoor archery range. The water sports centre is a highlight, offering complimentary kayaking and bodyboarding, plus thrilling chargeable activities like jet skiing, a personal favourite that got my adrenaline pumping.
But the most meaningful activity was the one that got our hands dirty. We heeded the resort’s call to “roll up our sleeves” and joined the “Green Hands, Green Future Tree Planting Activity” at the Kids’ Club. Choosing a sapling from the three meaningful options was a family debate. We eventually settled on a Coconut tree, the ‘tree of life’. The act of planting it together was a heart-warming, tangible moment. Knowing we’d receive photo updates of ‘our’ tree’s progress long after we’d left made it feel like we were leaving a little part of ourselves behind, contributing to Alma’s green legacy.
This connection to the environment is a thread that runs through the resort. We saw it in the new Alma Discovery Camp, where children were petting goats and learning about sustainable agriculture, and in the resort’s own herb gardens that supply its restaurants. It’s a place that entertains, but also thoughtfully educates.
One evening, we did venture beyond Alma’s borders, tempted by a Nha Trang Night Adventure Tour organised by boutique agency Zazen Travel. It was a fantastic cultural immersion, but the undisputed highlight was the water puppet show. I cannot recommend this enough. My children, who usually have a limited tolerance for traditional performances, were captivated by the shimmering aquatic ballet of dragons, fairies, and farmers, a mesmerising glimpse into Vietnamese folklore.
Alma’s formula for unforgettable family holidays has rightly earned it a trophy cabinet of accolades, solidifying its status as a top choice for multi-generational travel. Frankly, to even scratch the surface of its offerings, I recommend a four-night stay.
Whether your ideal holiday is defined by serene relaxation, culinary discovery, or non-stop activity, Alma Resort delivers on all fronts. It’s the ultimate destination not just for families, but for any group of friends seeking a vibrant and well-deserved getaway. From its tranquil spa and world-class dining to its adrenaline-fueled water sports, this resort truly does have it all.
Getting there
I flew with Hong Kong Express which operates a direct service between Hong Kong International Airport and Cam Ranh four times a week.
Alma also boasts their own science museum, daily cinema screenings, and dedicated kids' and youth clubs. For active families, the options are endless: enjoy an 18-hole putting green, team sports like football and basketball, or the outdoor archery range. The water sports centre is a highlight, offering complimentary kayaking and bodyboarding, plus thrilling chargeable activities like jet skiing, a personal favourite that got my adrenaline pumping.
But the most meaningful activity was the one that got our hands dirty. We heeded the resort’s call to “roll up our sleeves” and joined the “Green Hands, Green Future Tree Planting Activity” at the Kids’ Club. Choosing a sapling from the three meaningful options was a family debate. We eventually settled on a Coconut tree, the ‘tree of life’. The act of planting it together was a heart-warming, tangible moment. Knowing we’d receive photo updates of ‘our’ tree’s progress long after we’d left made it feel like we were leaving a little part of ourselves behind, contributing to Alma’s green legacy.
This connection to the environment is a thread that runs through the resort. We saw it in the new Alma Discovery Camp, where children were petting goats and learning about sustainable agriculture, and in the resort’s own herb gardens that supply its restaurants. It’s a place that entertains, but also thoughtfully educates.
One evening, we did venture beyond Alma’s borders, tempted by a Nha Trang Night Adventure Tour organised by boutique agency Zazen Travel. It was a fantastic cultural immersion, but the undisputed highlight was the water puppet show. I cannot recommend this enough. My children, who usually have a limited tolerance for traditional performances, were captivated by the shimmering aquatic ballet of dragons, fairies, and farmers, a mesmerising glimpse into Vietnamese folklore.
Alma’s formula for unforgettable family holidays has rightly earned it a trophy cabinet of accolades, solidifying its status as a top choice for multi-generational travel. Frankly, to even scratch the surface of its offerings, I recommend a four-night stay.
Whether your ideal holiday is defined by serene relaxation, culinary discovery, or non-stop activity, Alma Resort delivers on all fronts. It’s the ultimate destination not just for families, but for any group of friends seeking a vibrant and well-deserved getaway. From its tranquil spa and world-class dining to its adrenaline-fueled water sports, this resort truly does have it all.
Getting there
I flew with Hong Kong Express which operates a direct service between Hong Kong International Airport and Cam Ranh four times a week.
This article is based on a complimentary three-night stay hosted by Alma Resort Cam Ranh. No money has been paid for this review, which is entirely based on the genuine opinion of its author.
About Stacey Marcelo
A global nomad turned long-term Hong Kong resident, Stacey Marcelo's writing is fueled by 14 years in the city and a life lived across three continents.
She channels her passion for wellness, travel, and food in Hong Kong, and beyond, into her stories, which appear in titles including Hong Kong Madame, Asia Family Traveller, The Hotel Journal, and The Loop HK. Follow her adventures at @wanderlusthongkong.
