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In a swanky neighbourhood beside Saigon River, the Villa Song has the look of a storybook mansion. Only ten year's old, the hotel was built in the French-colonial style with grand verandas to enjoy a spot of tea, yet a canopy of colourful lanterns above the al fresco restaurant brings a taste of Vietnam. Frangipani trees fill the garden with perfume as you doze in a wicker pod by the pool or tuck into deconstructed coconut cheesecake by the river. Hop aboard the villa's private boat into the city to follow a trail of ornate architecture, ancient pagodas and markets alive with energy.
From $160 person/night
The design is gorgeous with elegant interiors to match the hotel's stately facade. The walls are dotted with massive paintings and sweeping staircases lead to lovely boutique rooms.
For families, the Villa Suite can be joined to a smaller room with a shared balcony.
The hotel is around 30 minutes away from central Ho Chi Minh City so you won't find 'guide book' sights just outside your door.
Bistro Song Vie is the hotel's festive dining area with a mostly Asian menu paired with well-chosen wines and breakfasts are continental with a twist - picture delicious caramelised banana. Enjoy views of the river from couches under linen drapes and tables set in the shade of tall palms, and inside the bar serves signature Whisky Songs. In a walled garden hung with greenery, the saltwater pool is a lovely spot to relax and cool off; while the spa offers a bevy of treatments from Thai massages to sea salt exfoliation.
Unique in shape and style (from vintage boudoir to minimalist), there are just 23 rooms at Villa Song. Decorated with soft creams and gold, sizes start at the single Writer's Rooms and increase in luxury levels. The suites each have a plush four-poster bed, scenic balcony (the Imperial has two!) and monochrome bathrooms with a deep tub and rain shower. Some suites also have an artistic parlour room and dining area, while Jackson Pollock-like paintings feature on the walls. All rooms have a mini bar, TV and Nespresso machine.
Enjoy the flavours of Saigon at a cooking class, a craft beer tour by vintage vespa or a food-lover's meander through the city by night with a finale at a live music bar. Delve into Saigon's history as you visit the Reunification Palace, Opera House (you could even catch a world-renowned show) and war memorials that pay homage to a tragic past. The city has boulevards galore, each crammed with its own collection of art galleries, teeming marketplaces and temples that have stood for centuries.