Eco-tourism is experiencing a vital, international surge in popularity but Vietnam, thus far, has been lagging behind. Huge resorts are pitching up all over the country’s coastlines, with Phu Quoc being no exception.
The awe-inspiring landscape and ecosystems of Vietnam need protecting and this has to start somewhere. Look no further than Bamboo Cottages, Vietnam’s first and only, completely off the grid resort.
Idea
The place is loudly and proudly run only on solar energy. Efforts are made at every turn to protect the beautiful natural beauty that the resort calls home. The attention to detail in preserving this green ethos is admirable. One would think that this may lead to a stay of less comfort and amenities, but Bamboo Cottages manages to offer a unique experience without the added bonus of protecting the planet becoming a hindrance.
Sure, the electricity goes out at roughly 1am for a few hours, but the resort’s proximity to the beach allows for a cool sea breeze that rivals any air conditioning system. Yes, maybe the one, solo fridge makes for a smaller menu, but punters embrace the clarity and freshness with zeal. Okay, wifi may occasionally go down, but genuinely, it’s welcome – having your hand forced to put down your phone, no excuses, and luxuriate in nature is so refreshing.
Location
Bamboo Cottages is certainly not harmed by the glorious, calm ocean which laps its doorstep. The swimming here is the best we experienced on the island, with a gentle decline in seabed depth lending itself perfectly to both a frolic and good old fashioned exercise.
The grounds house some of the most stunning, imposing trees. When you see these old trees, untouched and proud in the sunlight, offering shade and respite, it tugs at your heart for the destruction of other parts of the island.
Atmosphere
The vibe is very laid back and really friendly. There’s something about the collective spirit of the noble, environmentally conscious location that lends itself to a sociable crowd. The resort-arranged ‘family style dinner’ where all guests were encouraged to sit together at a large table and imbibe was a really fun touch.
Rooms
Rooms are simple and to the point. Nonetheless, the beds are comfy and the mosquito net provides both security and an air of romance. There’s a feeling of safety and calm on the resort which meant most guests were sleeping with their doors open, to enjoy the sound of the waves and the resultant cool breeze.
More highly priced (and prized, we’d imagine) villas are available, which are furnished with real style – we loved the ‘stilt house’ with funky furniture and an outdoor bath that seemed to catch the sun perfectly.
Facilities
Kayaks are available to row to a nearby island and pier. A spa offers massage and replenishment. There are yoga classes offered each morning and afternoon. Everything is non-fussy and easy going, which suits the resorts dynamic to a tee.
Food and Drink
The aforementioned solar powered, solo fridge means the menu is quite short (though actually, given the circumstances, not as brief as you’d expect). This leads to some nicely cooked local fish, bought at the market each morning, and salads grown in the resort’s garden. There are various special menus offered of an evening, adding variety, such as the family style meal we so enjoyed, as well as a weekly beach barbeque.
Why Go
News arriving on the day of our departure perfectly captured the place. The resort had been tentatively granted the opportunity to provide educational classes about environmental awareness and protection at local schools – a first for the island and indeed, the country. This encapsulated the heart and enthusiasm of the operation. Sometimes, ‘green’ and ‘eco’ are bandied about with little attention to the true meaning and perspective. You certainly cannot say that about Bamboo Cottages – a place we’d highly recommend. We look forward to following its progress in years to come.
Website: www.bamboophuquoc.com
Disclosure: IDEAL Magazine stayed as a guest of the hotel