Escape to Paradise: The Pier's Unforgettable Phu Quoc Getaway
Escape to Paradise: The Pier - My Phu Quoc Getaway (Or, How I Accidentally Found Zen… And a Killer Margarita)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from a whirlwind trip to Phu Quoc Island and, let me tell you, Escape to Paradise: The Pier… well, they really aren't kidding about the "Paradise" part. This isn't your sterile, cookie-cutter resort experience, people. This is the real deal, warts and all (and yes, I did find a few little blemishes, which I’ll get to!), but overall, it's the type of place that sticks with you, like a really good song you can't shake.
First Impressions & The Accessible Angle:
Getting there? Easy Peasy. Airport transfer? Smooth as silk. The car park is free (yay!), with on-site parking and even… gasp… a car charging station! Now, I’m not a Tesla kinda gal, but that's a thoughtful touch.
Now, accessibility – this is huge for me. I'm always checking for it. The good news is, they've got facilities for disabled guests. They have an elevator and the walkways are generally wide and easy to navigate. However, I didn’t see specific notes on the availability/range of their accessible rooms, so I can't give an in-depth report, but I'm making the necessary calls. But it's worth the call, because so there is a Concierge to help, and they were super attentive. They helped with my luggage, were always quick to get you what you needed and even seemed like they were actually happy to do so.
Okay, Let's Talk Food and Drink (Because, Priorities, Right?):
The Pier doesn’t skimp on the culinary delights, not at all. There’s a whole ecosystem of options here, from a la carte service in the restaurants, to buffets that will make your eyes pop. Multiple restaurants for dinner, lunches…you get the idea!
- Restaurants, Restaurants, Restaurants! I swear, I ate my way through half the menu, and it was divine! The Asian cuisine was a particular highlight, with the freshest spring rolls and a Pho that brought tears to my eyes (in a good way). They also cater to the American/Western pallet with western breakfast, lunch and dinner options.
- The Bars! Ah, the bars. The poolside bar is a MUST. Sipping a cocktail while the sun dips below the horizon, reflecting golden light on the pool? Yes, please. They make a mean margarita. And the happy hour? Well, let's just say I may have forgotten a few things from those golden hours.
- Room service? Available 24-hours, which is a life-saver for those late-night snack attacks (we've all been there).
- Buffet? If you want to enjoy the buffet, it has a wide selection, I loved it and felt well served.
- Special considerations: I appreciated that they have alternative meal arrangements, vegetarian restaurant, coffee shop, snack bar, desserts in restaurant, soup in restaurant, and bottle of water.
Relaxation Station: My Sauna Revelation (and Poolside Bliss):
Alright, here's where I need to get a little bit personal. I, historically, hate saunas. I find them stuffy, claustrophobic… a sweaty nightmare. BUT, the sauna at The Pier… changed. my. life. Seriously. It was a spacious, clean, and airy. The heat was perfect, not overwhelming. And the post-sauna plunge into the outdoor swimming pool? Pure, unadulterated bliss. I came out a new women, I felt like I'd shed years.
Beyond the sauna, the Spa is divine. They offer everything from body scrubs and body wraps to a full range of massage treatments. You can book a couple's room and make it a romantic getaway for you and your partner. The pool with view is exactly that - a view that takes your breath away. They also have a foot bath.
I have to mention the fitness center/gym. It's well-equipped, and the view from the treadmill (yes, I did some exercise! Shocking, I know) was incredible.
The COVID-19 Stuff (Because, Reality):
Okay, let's talk about the elephant in the room: the pandemic. The Pier takes cleanliness and safety VERY seriously. You have a feeling of safety. They have Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment and more. Not over the top, just… smart and reassuring. They offer room sanitization opt-out, which is a nice touch. They also offer cashless payments.
My Room: A Sanctuary (Mostly):
My room was… well, let’s just say it was a serious upgrade from my usual digs. I'm a sucker for nice touches. The bed was a cloud. They have air conditioning which kept the room cool. There were air conditioning in the public areas. It had blackout curtains to keep the sun out. The bathrobes were plush, the slippers were fluffy, the complimentary tea was a lifesaver. There was free Wi-Fi, internet access - wireless and even internet access – LAN - because some of us techie people still need our hard wired connection. The in-room safe box was super convenient, and the mini bar was well loaded. There was a refrigerator.
Now, the minor gripe (I told you, warts and all!): The room service menu could have been a little more extensive. But honestly, it’s a small complaint.
Things to Do…Beyond the Sauna (and Drinking):
This place isn't just about lounging by the pool (though, believe me, you'll do plenty of that).
- Family Friendly: They also have a Babysitting service/Kids meal and Kids facilities.
- For special events: They have Audio-visual equipment for special events, Indoor venue for special events, Outdoor venue for special events, Wi-Fi for special events.
- Business facilities: They have Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Meetings, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meeting stationery, Projector/LED display, Seminars, Xerox/fax.
- Conveniences for guests: There is a Currency exchange, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Luggage storage, On-site event hosting, Safety deposit boxes, Terrace.
- Safety/security feature: They have CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Room decorations, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Soundproof rooms.
The Little Things That Make a Difference:
- Wi-Fi Everywhere! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Honestly, essential.
- The Staff: Seriously, the staff are gems. Always smiling, always helpful. They felt like true locals - not just hotel employees.
- The General Vibe: It's relaxed. It's chill. It's…paradise.
The Verdict?
Escape to Paradise: The Pier exceeded my expectations. I came for a vacation, and I left feeling refreshed, inspired, and maybe a little bit in love with Phu Quoc. The imperfections? They added to the charm. It's not just a hotel; it's an experience. It's a place where you can truly escape.
SEO-Friendly Summary:
Looking for a Phu Quoc getaway? Escape to Paradise: The Pier offers an unforgettable experience! With luxurious accommodations, delicious dining options, and a full-service spa, you'll find ultimate relaxation. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, convenient accessibility, and top-notch safety measures. Book your stay today and discover your paradise!
My Unsolicited (and Highly Recommended) Call to Action:
Seriously, stop reading this and go book your trip. Right now. You deserve it. Your soul deserves it. Book now and tell them the crazy lady in the sauna sent you!
Idro, Italy: Stunning Alex Home Apartment Sleeps 4!
The Pier Phu Quoc: A Messy, Madcap Adventure (AKA My Vietnam Breakdown… But in a Good Way)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn’t your meticulously planned, Instagram-filtered vacation guide. This is the real deal. This is ME, at The Pier Phu Quoc, in Vietnam, and let me tell you, it’s been a rollercoaster. Forget pristine itineraries, we’re going for the experience. Think more "Hunter S. Thompson meets… well, me, desperately trying to eat all the pho."
Day 1: Arrival & Existential Dread (Followed by Deliciousness)
- 1:00 PM: Arrival at Phu Quoc Airport. (Or, "The Heat. The Humidity. The Realization I Forgot My Hat.") Honestly, the airport felt like stepping into a giant, sweaty hug. A very enthusiastic hug. Passport control? Smooth as silk, thank goodness. The baggage carousel, however, was a dramatic dance of hope and despair. Where IS my suitcase?! Eventually, it appears, battered but unbowed. I grabbed a taxi, which… well, let's just say I’m pretty sure the driver saw the island before I did.
- 2:00 PM: Check-in at The Pier. (AKA, "Oh. My. God. This Place is GORGEOUS!") The lobby? Stunning. That view? Oceans of turquoise and emerald. My room? Luxurious. And air-conditioned. Bless the AC. I was immediately tempted to just collapse onto the plush king-sized bed and… well, I almost did. But then, the overwhelming wave of "I'm actually in Vietnam!" washed over me, along with a hefty dose of, "What have I gotten myself into?!"
- 3:00 PM: Exploring the Resort. (AKA, "Where's the Beach? And the Pool? And More importantly, Where is the BAR?") Wandered around the hotel grounds. So many lush plants, the perfect backdrop for a photoshoot! The beach… glorious. Soft, white sand that practically begged me to bury my toes. The pool? Bliss. I spent a solid hour just floating and staring at the sky, wondering if this was all a dream.
- 5:00 PM: Pho Hunt! (AKA, "My Stomach is My Guide") Forget the resort restaurants (for now). First mission: authentic Vietnamese food. Found a local pho place a short taxi ride away. The place was bustling, chaotic, and smelled heavenly. The pho? Absolutely worth the minor language barrier and the potential for mild food poisoning. Holy cow, that broth! Seriously, the best thing I've ever slurped. Maybe I'm not supposed to slurp but who cares? It's delicious! I'd walked there in burning sun and now my face and clothes were covered in broth and a deep sense of satisfaction.
- 7:00 PM: Sunset Cocktails & Existential Rinse. (AKA, "I Think I'm In Love With the World… and Maybe the Bartender") Back at the hotel, the sunset over the ocean was… well, it was postcard-perfect. Had a few cocktails by the bar. The bartender was charming (possibly too charming). Stared at the horizon, thinking about absolutely nothing and everything all at once. My heart, surprisingly, felt pretty full.
Day 2: Sun, Sand, and Self-Doubt (Plus… Seafood!)
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast Buffet. (AKA, "Do I Even Deserve This Much Food?") The breakfast buffet at The Pier is… extensive. Seriously, you could eat an entire country there. I went for the fresh fruit, the pastries (because, duh), and a surprisingly good attempt at a Vietnamese omelet. The coffee, though… strong enough to raise the dead.
- 9:00 AM: Beach Time (AKA, "Fighting the Urge to Just Stay in Bed.") Walked to the beach. And I was so ready to lay down with my book! Ah, the beach… I spent the morning basking on the golden sand. Bliss. And then I quickly realized I was burning. So I raced back to my room for a bit.
- 11:00 AM: Pool Time (AKA, "Why Is It So Hard to Just RELAX?") The pool looked inviting, so I had a little dip. But, honestly, I just couldn't quite switch off. Still, floating under the sun, with a cocktail in hand? Not a bad way to spend an hour.
- 1:00 PM: Seafood Lunch (AKA, "My Attempt at Being Cultured, and Failing… Deliciously") Found a seafood restaurant on the beach. The seafood was fresh out of the sea. I tried a whole grilled fish, which I somehow managed to eat with chopsticks (lots of fumbling, and probably a few splatters). I devoured it. Perfection.
- 3:00 PM: Exploring the town. (AKA, "It's Hot. I'm Lost. I Love It.") Went wandering in the town, I looked at a few shops, but I was quickly overwhelmed by people trying to sell me things, and I had to retreat. And then I got lost. But, honestly, that's when the real adventure began. Found a tiny coffee shop with the most amazing iced coffee. Spent an hour just watching the world go by.
- 7:00 PM: Sunset Cocktails & Existential Rinse (Round 2). (AKA, "The Bar Seems to Know Me Now.") Okay, maybe I had another cocktail. Maybe two. The bartender and I are practically best friends at this point. Saw another glorious sunset. This time, the sky put on an even more spectacular display of colours. Took it all in, thought about life, love, regrets… and wondered if I should order another cocktail. The answer, of course, was yes.
Day 3: The Beach (A Deep Dive) & Regrets (But the Good Kind!)
- 9:00 AM: The Return to the Beach (AKA, "My Happy Place is Finally Found") I’d woken up, not with a “Here we go again” feeling, but with a “YES!” feeling. Today was the beach. This was the day I’d give myself over to utter relaxation. And I did. I really, really did.
- 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Beach Bliss (AKA, “I’m Officially a Beach Bum Now”).
- I found this perfect spot, under a palm tree. I spent the morning reading, dozing, swimming, feeling the sun on my skin, and the sand between my toes. It was everything. No, it was more than that. It was what my soul had been craving for… well, forever. I got totally lost in my book, and I wasn't going to move for anyone. And I didn't.
- For the first time since I'd arrived, the voices in my head quieted. It was just the waves, the breeze, and me.
- Then, some kids came up to my spot and wanted me to take pictures with them. Fine. That's what I got for taking up spot in the sun. I agreed, and they were the sweetest. My heart melted seeing their bright, shining faces.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at a Beach Shack (AKA, “The Best Food I’ve Had in Days”).
- Drag myself away from the sand for lunch. It was this tiny little place. I ordered everything on the menu! Not really, but the food was incredible. Fresh seafood prepared simply. It was all incredible. Everything tasted better than it had any right to.
- I chatted with the owner, a local woman, who told me about her family, her life, and how happy she was. Her smile was infectious.
- 3:00 PM: Beach (Return) (AKA, "I’m Staying. Don’t Even Try to Make Me Leave.")
- Back to the beach and back to my spot under the tree. More reading, more sun, more bliss.
- I stayed there until the sun dipped low.
- 6:00 PM: Sunset Cocktails (Final?) (AKA, "Seriously, the Sky is Showing Off Now").
- Another sunset. Another cocktail. This time, though, it felt different. I had that same feeling of fullness. I'd allowed myself to truly relax, and it was everything.
- Goodbye, Phu Quoc!
Final Thoughts:
This trip? It’s been a total mess. There were moments of self-doubt, moments of sheer exhaustion, and moments where I was pretty sure I was going to spontaneously combust from the heat. But it's been the best kind of mess, the kind that forces you to let go, to embrace the chaos. The kind that reminds you that sometimes, the best things in life are the unplanned, the imperfect, the utterly delicious. The world is amazing, and I'm so glad I could be a part of it!
Things I’ll Miss:
- The pho. Seriously, I need a lifetime supply.
- The sunsets (because, wow.)
- The beach (obviously).
- That charming bartender, though he may become my husband.
- The sheer
So, Escape to Paradise: The Pier… is it REALLY paradise? I mean, *really*?
Okay, you've piqued my interest – tell me about the rooms! Are they, like, Instagram-ready?
The food! What's the food situation? I need to know if I'll be hangry on this trip!
Beyond eating and sleeping, what is there to *do* at The Pier? I need some entertainment!
Okay, what was the single MOST memorable thing that happened on your trip? Spill the beans!
Are there any downsides? Anything you *didn't* love? Be real!
