Our brief comments:
When we first visited the Sandy Beach Resort in August, 2004, it was in the latter stages of a transformation from an elderly Soviet-style institutional hotel into a modern resort.

At the time, it was already evident that the resort would be a welcome addition to Danang’s accommodation. Since then, most of the work has been completed and the Norfolk Group has been appointed to manage the hotel.

The resort has 122 rooms, 38 in one block, 22 in another, and 62 in villas close to the beach. The site extends to 17ha, with a 2km private beach of soft sand.

Facilities include two freshwater swimming pools, five bars, two restaurants and an outdoor restaurant, a fitness centre, sauna pool bar, beauty salon and floodlit tennis courts.

The inland half of the site is mature pine woods. The large area and beachfront, carefully planned layout and a lack of nearby development make it possible to enjoy a greater degree of seclusion than expected.

On our second visit, what had been an empty shell had metamorphosed into a stylish resort. The large reception and lobby area has been cleverly designed using different levels to break up the original rectangular entrance hall.

An ingeneous combination of lighting, decor and lacquer artworks creates a pervasive golden shimmer throught the ground floor.

Wooden staircases with inlaid tiles lead up to guest rooms. Corridors are floored with wood blocks and terra-cotta tiles where large picture windows allow sunshine to stream into the building.

There are four categories of rooms, each with two levels depending on views. All are well proportioned with have a complete range of facilities.

Deluxe Ocean rooms are particularly attractive – large and airy with high quality furniture fashioned in white limed wood, pale walls and golden hangings. The bathrooms are well above average, and have a wooden floor.

Villa rooms are smaller, but have the same facilities and the same high level of fixtures, fittings, and decor.

The size and standard of the Deluxe rooms exceeds that of suites in many hotels, but the Sandy Beach Suites score highly with a large walk in wardrobe and a super bathroom - spa bath, separate shower, twin basins, bidet, attractive tiling - the lot!

The large freeform swimming pool has a wide surround for sunbathing and a decent pool bar. The gardens are a bit sparse at present, but the cedars and tamarisks that dor the grounds are quick-growing trees that will soon mature.

Although the resort is listed as being in Danang, it's actually close to the famous Marble Mountains,10km from the city and only 20km from Hoi An.

Consequently, it's possible to enjoy a beach with enough room to provide complete seclusion, but be able to travel to the World Heritage sites of Hoi An Ancient Town and the My Son Sanctuary on an easy day trip.