A seafront sanctuary of luxury and discovery: A family escape to Gran Meliá’s Villa Le Corail

Tucked away along Vietnam’s picturesque south-central coast, Villa Le Corail, A Gran Meliá Hotel (previously, Gran Meliá Nha Trang), offers an ideal retreat for families in search of both luxury and adventure. Here, families can reconnect with one another while immersing themselves in the vibrant ecosystems, cultural richness, and natural beauty of Nha Trang. From the moment we arrived, it was clear that this was no ordinary family vacation—this was an experience.

A legacy of luxury and sustainability

Villa Le Corail marks an exciting debut for Gran Meliá Hotels & Resorts in Asia, a luxury brand under Meliá Hotels International, which has been synonymous with exceptional hospitality since its founding in 1956. With over 380 properties around the globe, Meliá has built a reputation for marrying high-end experiences with a strong commitment to sustainability. This ethos is evident at Villa Le Corail, which opened its doors in July 2023. The resort features 92 spacious, private pool villas, a dedicated wellness centre, and an exceptional gastronomic offering, including Hispania, Meliá’s first Asian outpost of their acclaimed Spanish restaurant.

Lay of the land

The resort’s design strikes a perfect balance between Mediterranean elegance and local Vietnamese charm. It feels as though the sleek, minimalist architecture and lush surroundings blend seamlessly with the natural beauty of Nha Trang, where the striking Fairy Mountain rises in the distance, and the turquoise ocean laps at the shore.

The resort offers a range of convenient amenities and activities for all guests. There is a buggy service to transport guests around the resort, as well as private bikes, kids’ bikes, and family bikes available for use. The centrally located main community-style hotel building features a spa, three restaurants, a bar, a kids’ club, a fitness centre, and a yoga studio. Guests can enjoy the pool, poolside bar, and a private beach, which is equipped with beach games such as footballs, croquet, and bucket and spades. Additionally, families can enjoy nightly cinema showings, complete with complimentary popcorn.

Residential-style living, with room to breathe

Ninety-two villas, each thoughtfully designed with sleek, minimalist architecture, are adorned with high-end European furnishings and unique details that reflect the region’s coastal landscape. Each villa is a peaceful haven, with every detail carefully curated for comfort: luxurious Carner Barcelona toiletries, king-size beds, oversized bathrooms with freestanding soak tubs, and expansive living areas that flow effortlessly into private terraces. For larger families or those looking for even more space, villas can span up to 700 square metres, offering multiple bedrooms and stunning panoramic views. We stayed in a sprawling Lagoon One-Bedroom Villa with a Pool, the sheer space of which was a breath of fresh air coming from our compact Hong Kong apartment. Villas also offers the added luxury of a dedicated personal butler, with services such as a soothing bath ritual, turndown service, bedtime tea, ironing assistance, and non-alcoholic minibar replenishment.

A culinary journey

As a foodie family, Villa Le Corail delivered on all fronts. Breakfast was a leisurely affair at Natura, the resort’s all-day dining restaurant. We’d start with a spread of fresh Vietnamese fruits, pastries, and local specialties like pho or banh cuon, paired with strong Vietnamese coffee. 

Lunch can be enjoyed by the pool at Natura, offering refreshing bites and drinks in a laid-back setting. In the evenings, the experience elevated with Hispania, a Spanish restaurant helmed by Michelin-starred chef Marcos Morán. Morán delivers classic Spanish flavours through comforting sizzling rice dishes and expertly grilled Iberian meats. During weekends, Hispania’s Spanish brunch, complete with paella, tapas, and free-flowing sangria, added a festive flair to our stay. Conveniently the Kids Club is located just upstairs, meaning once our daughter had had her fill, we could linger a little longer over our Sangria. 

The resort also offers Shibui, specialising in refined Omakase, Teppanyaki, and Robata Grill. This serene Japanese restaurant embraces the essence of Japanese culinary traditions, serving sushi, sashimi, and grilled dishes in an elegant and minimalist setting. 

The Kids Club: Where learning meets fun

While we indulged in the resort’s luxurious offerings, our daughter was completely captivated by the Kids Club. There, she participated in engaging, educational activities focused on marine life and conservation. One of her favourite experiences was the Coral Talk Show, where kids learned about the vibrant coral reefs that surround the area and the sustainability challenges they face. It was a perfect mix of fun and education, and I was delighted to see her so engaged in learning about the delicate ecosystems beneath the waves.

The coral discovery experience: A family adventure in conservation

Although Villa Le Corail is the ultimate destination for relaxation, the natural beauty of Nha Trang beckons exploration. One of the most unique aspects of our stay at Villa Le Corail are the Coral Discovery experiences. Guests can take part in hands-on marine conservation activities designed for families, guided by expert biologists, they can experience attaching new coral fragments to a vibrant reef, just off the resort’s shore or at Tri Nguyen Island, which is reachable by a luxury yacht or catamaran – an eye-opening experience for children with an interest in marine conservation. There is also the opportunity to cruise along the turquoise coastline aboard the resort’s private yacht, soaking in the stunning views. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a complete beginner, the resort offers ample opportunities to experience the ocean firsthand.

Unwinding at Song Spa

After several days of adventure, there was no better way to unwind than with a visit to Song Spa. The tranquil, serene atmosphere of the spa was the perfect escape, offering a range of indulgent treatments. I opted for a customised massage, and my husband enjoyed a restorative therapy session, both of which left us feeling completely rejuvenated. Whether in the privacy of our villa or within the peaceful spa, we felt thoroughly pampered—ready for the next phase of our journey.

Creating lasting family memories

Villa Le Corail is a place where families can come together, relax, and create lasting memories. From the breathtaking villas and world-class dining to the unique marine conservation experiences, the resort offers a perfect mix of luxury and discovery. Whether you’re exploring the underwater world, enjoying a Michelin-starred meal, or simply lounging by your private pool, this is a destination that delivers on every level. For us, it was the ideal place to reconnect as a family, embrace the natural world, and indulge in a little well-deserved luxury. It’s a destination that beautifully blends Mediterranean elegance with the vibrant charm of Vietnam—a true sanctuary for families seeking both adventure and relaxation.

Villa Le Corail, A Gran Meliá Hotel, Đại Lộ Phạm Văn Đồng khóm Đường Đệ, khu vực Bãi Tiên, Nha Trang, Khánh Hòa, Vietnam, +84 258 3868 888