Sapa Mountain Resort, Affiliated by Meliá

The main lodge showcases a thoughtful blend of Spanish colonial architecture and Vietnamese highland aesthetics, with soaring timber beams and floor-to-ceiling windows framing those legendary valley views. The signature restaurant pairs regional Vietnamese ingredients with Mediterranean techniques (the pho-inspired risotto is surprisingly brilliant), whilst the rooftop bar serves creative cocktails infused with local herbs foraged from nearby hillsides. The heated indoor pool proves essential during chilly mountain evenings, and the spa incorporates traditional H'mong herbal treatments alongside more familiar therapies.

The 80 rooms and suites embrace a contemporary mountain lodge aesthetic with warm wood accents, plush textiles in earthy tones, and indigenous artwork adding authentic touches. Each features a private balcony – essential for those misty morning moments – plus rainfall showers and deep soaking tubs positioned to make the most of the views. Premium suites include separate living areas with daybeds perfect for afternoon reading sessions, whilst family rooms offer interconnecting options. Thoughtful touches include proper coffee machines, heated bathroom floors, and quality rain gear for unexpected mountain showers.

Morning treks to ethnic minority villages reveal a different side of Vietnam, with the resort's local guides translating stories from H'mong and Red Dao communities. The Fansipan cable car whisks you to Indochina's highest peak in 15 minutes, whilst more energetic souls can tackle the two-day climbing route. Back at base, cooking classes decode the mysteries of northern Vietnamese cuisine, and the Saturday night Love Market in town offers cultural immersion of the liveliest kind. Mountain biking through terraced valleys, sunrise photography tours, and batik workshops with local artisans round out the offerings.