Alma Resort Cam Ranh

If you're looking for a dreamy hideaway, you've come to the wrong place. Instead, the 30-hectare Garden Resort offers great facilities for the whole family - but also for luxury lovers, foodies, wellness fans, sun worshippers and active people. Admittedly, the first sight of two high-rise buildings is startling. But my stay in one of the spacious pavilions on the almost endless dream beach calms me down. In this secluded area, privacy with plenty of light and air is a top priority. My Two Bedroom Ocean Pavilion also has its own swimming pool. The twelve cascading hotel pools - one of which is 75 m long - are even more appealing. A week's stay is almost too short to take full advantage of all the facilities and to indulge in cultural and culinary experiences.

Booking early at the magnificent Le Spa for a "reset" treatment immediately after arrival is highly recommended. And what could be better than jumping over the sparkling clean beach into the crystal-clear sea afterwards? My head is spinning a little during sundowners. I'm spoiled for choice when it comes to dinner. Italian, Japanese, Vietnamese or international street food in the food court? I stay in the "Altantis" on the terrace and indulge in fresh seafood: oysters, flower crabs and BBQ lobster. Meat lovers will be delighted with a juicy BBQ ribeye or grilled spare ribs. To top it all off, I dip my spoon into sticky rice with mango. For breakfast, you can choose between an opulent buffet or à la carte with service. And if you want to know where the eggs come from, you can pay a visit to the chicken farm on the hotel grounds. The herb and spice garden is right next door. All organic.

I learn about other local products during the cooking course. This is preceded by a visit to the bustling food market in Cam Ranh.