Unbelievable Luxury: Tuan Chau Ruby Villa, Ha Long Bay Awaits!
Unbelievable Luxury: Tuan Chau Ruby Villa - My Honest (and Slightly Chaotic) Take!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I just got back from a trip to Unbelievable Luxury: Tuan Chau Ruby Villa, Ha Long Bay Awaits! and I'm ready to spill the tea. Forget the fluffy, corporate-speak reviews. This is the real deal, the unfiltered truth about whether this place lives up to the hype. And trust me, there’s a LOT to unpack.
First Impressions - The Wow Factor (and a Slight Panic)
Landing in Ha Long Bay, the water shimmering, the limestone karsts jutting out of the sea like sleeping giants…it’s genuinely breathtaking. Then you pull up to the Ruby Villa and…whoa. The unbelievable part is definitely on point. It looks like something out of a James Bond movie, all sleek lines and gleaming glass. My first thought? “I hope I don’t accidentally set the place on fire with my clumsy tendencies.” Seriously, it’s that fancy.
Accessibility - A Mixed Bag (But Mostly Good!)
This is where things get a little…complicated, and I have a confession: I'm not a mobility expert. However, I took notes! The website claims to have Facilities for disabled guests, and I saw an Elevator (thank goodness, because some of those villas are HUGE!). However, I didn't see a dedicated ramp or information on bathroom accessibility. So, while they seem to be trying, make SURE you double-check BEFORE you book if accessibility is a major concern.
Getting Around - Smooth Sailing Mostly (Except for My Navigation Skills)
Airport transfer was a lifesaver. Do NOT try and navigate Ha Long Bay on your own after a 20 hour flight. Just don't. They whisk you away in a comfortable car, and it’s heaven. They also have Car park [free of charge] and On-site parking and I did see Car power charging station. So, if you’re road tripping, you're set! They also have Taxi service and Valet parking which is great if you just want to be spoiled.
Rooms - Luxurious & Comfy (Almost Too Comfy)
Alright, let's talk about the rooms. They are stunning. Think Air conditioning, Blackout curtains (bless!), Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea (important!), Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, Mini bar, Private bathroom, Separate shower/bathtub, Slippers (luxurious!), Soundproofing and Wi-Fi [free]. Everything is immaculate, the beds are cloud-like, and you could seriously disappear for days in your own little oasis of calm. My room had a Window that opens -- important. It's those little things, right? I swear, I almost didn't leave my suite the first day. I stayed in my Bathrobes all day, binge-watching movies on the Satellite/cable channels until it was time to get breakfast! The wake-up service meant I didn't miss any opportunities as well. They also have Additional toilet, and Extra long bed option, which is a plus for all you tall people.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Foodie Paradise (Mostly!)
This is where the Ruby Villa really shines. Let's start with the basics: a fantastic Breakfast [buffet] with everything you could possibly want (and a few things you didn't know you wanted, but will now crave forever). There's also Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, and a truly impressive A la carte in restaurant.
Okay, here’s my confession: I spent far too much time at the Poolside bar. The cocktails were expertly crafted, and the view… well, you're basically sipping your drink in paradise. They also do a great Happy hour - yes to more delicious cocktails on offer! They have multiple Restaurants on site, and a Coffee shop, with views to match.
And the food? Oh, the food! I was obsessed with the Asian cuisine in restaurant, I even went and tried the Vegetarian restaurant option. The Desserts in restaurant were incredible, and I definitely indulged in some Salad in restaurant because, gotta be healthy! They also offer Room service [24-hour], which is dangerous, because after a few cocktails next thing you know, you're eating a late-night snack.
And here's the kicker: I got caught in a downpour and had to duck into a Snack bar. It turned out to be the best thing ever.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax - Pampered Much? You Bet!
This is where the Ruby Villa aims straight for your wallet (in the best way possible). I'm talking:
- Body scrub (yes, please!)
- Body wrap (even more yes!)
- Fitness center (I saw it. I didn’t use it. Don’t judge.)
- Foot bath (bliss!)
- Gym/fitness (see above…)
- Massage (essential!)
- Pool with view (stunning!)
- Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor] (all there, all amazing)
Seriously, you could spend your entire trip just being pampered. I spent most of my afternoon in the Spa, and it changed my life. My back felt like it hadn’t been in 30 years! After all was said and done I was completely relaxed.
Cleanliness and Safety - Feeling Secure
I’m a bit of a germaphobe, so I was thrilled with the Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere, Hygiene certification, and Professional-grade sanitizing services. They even had Individually-wrapped food options and Sanitized kitchen and tableware items. The Staff trained in safety protocol, and just generally made you feel safe. This added up to be a comforting factor.
Services and Conveniences - They Think of Everything!
From Concierge to Daily housekeeping to Laundry service, Ruby Villa has it all. They even have a Gift/souvenir shop (inevitably where you buy a last-minute trinket for your auntie). They have Cash withdrawal, and Currency exchange, as well as a Doctor/nurse on call just in case.
For the Kids - Family Friendly (I Think?)
I didn't travel with any little ones, but they have Babysitting service and Kids facilities. They have Family/child friendly facilities, so it's definitely an option.
Internet & Connectivity – Staying Connected (Or Not!)
Okay, this is important. They boast Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, and I can confirm it works. I stayed connected the whole time, and while it might seem like a chore, sometimes it’s good to know what the world is doing while you’re chilling in luxury. There's also some Internet [LAN] access if you’re feeling old-school.
Business Facilities – For the Workaholics
They have Business facilities, Meetings, Meeting/banquet facilities, Projector/LED display, and even Xerox/fax in business center. But honestly? If you're here working, you're doing it wrong!
The Good, The Bad, and the Slightly Clumsy
Here's the honest rundown:
- The Good: The views, the food, the spa, the sheer opulence. It's a truly special place.
- The Bad: Nothing is perfect.
- The Slightly Clumsy: Be prepared to pinch yourself. Also, I may have accidentally spilled red wine on the pristine white sofa. Don't tell them.
Overall - Is it worth it? YES!
Unbelievable Luxury: Tuan Chau Ruby Villa, Ha Long Bay Awaits! is an experience. It’s a splurge, sure, but if you’re looking for a truly unforgettable getaway, and you're into being pampered, then go for it. Just be prepared to fall a little bit in love.
My Recommendation - Book NOW!
This isn’t just a hotel; it’s an escape. Imagine yourself waking up to panoramic views of Ha Long Bay, indulging in a spa treatment, and sipping cocktails by the pool. This can be your reality.
Click here to book your unforgettable retreat! (Insert your affiliate link here!) And here is the information on COVID Measures:
- Rooms sanitized between stays
- Room sanitization opt-out available
- Sterilizing equipment
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter
- Safe dining setup
- Cashless payment service
- Check-in/out [contactless]
- Check-in/out [express]
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to plunge HEADFIRST into my chaotic, probably-delicious, possibly-disastrous adventure at the Tuan Chau Ruby Villa in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam. Don't expect a meticulously planned itinerary, because let's be honest, I'm more "make it up as I go" than "precise planner." Think of this as a… travel scribble.
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Bun Cha Debacle (aka, "Hangover Helper or Hangover Inducer?")
Morning (or, what's left of it after the flight): Landed in Hanoi. Smelled the air. Immediately regretted not packing a real hat. Taxi to Ha Long Bay. The sheer, bonkers beauty of the Vietnamese traffic already had me in a state of mild awe/terror. Seriously, how do they do it? Scooters EVERYWHERE.
Afternoon: Check-in and That First Breath of Emerald: Finally, the Ruby Villa! Gorgeous, right? Pools galore, views that could make a cynical old seagull weep. My villa? Slightly smaller than anticipated, but hey, it has a balcony and a view of the bay. SOLD! Immediately, I did what any self-respecting traveler would do: sprawled on the bed, tried to will my brain to remember how to English, and took a nap that turned into a borderline coma.
Late Afternoon/Early Evening: BUN CHA! (And the Great Stomach Rumble) Okay, so I'd heard about Bun Cha – that glorious Hanoi dish of grilled pork belly, vermicelli noodles, and nuoc cham dipping sauce. My mission: Locate bun cha in Ha Long. After asking about 7 people, stumbled upon a local place I was 95% sure wasn't going to give me food poisoning. I was wrong.
- The Bun Cha Experience: Picture this: I'm sweating, the language barrier creating a whole lot of "uhs" and "ahhs," and I'm using Google Translate like it's my best friend. The bun cha arrives. Looks amazing. Tastes… amazing. Then, and I'm not even kidding, the stomach gods decided to take a vacation of their own. Let's just say that the rest of the evening was spent close to a bathroom. And by "close," I mean very close. Lesson learned: trust your gut… literally.
Evening: Trying to Remember How to Breathe and Watch a Sunset: Failed miserably at the former. The sunset? Absolutely stunning. All those shades of orange and pink bleeding across the bay, it almost made me forget I was currently locked in a personal battle with… well, you get the idea. Finished the day with a promise to treat my body better tomorrow…
Day 2: Kayaking, Karaoke, and the Mystery of the Missing Mosquito Net (aka, "Paradise Found, Then Attacked")
- Morning: The Bay Beckons (and My Stomach Refuses to Cooperate): Slept off the worst of it. Swallowed a ton of Pepto and a prayer. The plan: Kayak! Rent a kayak, explore the hidden coves, commune with nature. The reality: paddling for approximately 20 minutes before I realized I needed to return to the villa, ASAP.
- Mid-morning: The Karaoke Challenge: The villa had a karaoke setup! I have NO idea how to sing, but after maybe 3 glasses of something that vaguely resembled a cocktail, I was Queen. Or so I thought. The staff, bless their hearts, were very polite about my off-key rendition of "Bohemian Rhapsody." Note to self: Practice karaoke at home before public performances.
- Afternoon: The Missing Mosquito Net Mystery: Back to my villa. Found the mosquito net missing. Asked the staff about it, but they looked away and mumbled something that I didn't understand. Decided to live in constant worry and sleep on the balcony.
- Late Afternoon/Evening: Street Food Temptation and a Philosophical Meltdown: After a quick nap, ventured out again for a few street foods. I ate a springroll, and a spicy chicken skewer. I considered it a triumph. Watched the moon rise over the bay, and for a moment, felt a sense of peace. That was quickly replaced with a philosophical crisis about the meaning of life while considering ordering another spicy chicken skewer.
- Night: Sleep Under the Sky and the Endless Sounds of Nature: Slept on the balcony. Actually, I had a decent night’s sleep, no bites!
Day 3: The Cruise Disaster (A.K.A. "When Glamour Goes Kablooey")
- Morning: Wake up feeling, relatively, like a human being. Had some breakfast that was questionable.
- Mid-morning: THE CRUISE. Okay, so I pre-booked a cruise to explore Ha Long Bay properly. It promised luxury, amazing views, and the chance to, you know, cruise. The reality? Packed like sardines on a floating barge. Views? Spectacular, when you could fight your way to the railing. The food? Let's just say I’m still unsure what I ate.
- Afternoon: The "Relaxation" Experience: There was supposed to be a "relaxing" part of the cruise, which meant everyone went to the top deck and tried to take a picture while the boat floated in place.
- Evening: Return to the Ruby Villa and Regret: Back to the villa. The cruise wasn't bad, but I would take the calm of the bay any day.
Day 4: Departure and the Sweet, Sweet Smell of Freedom (and Maybe Some Laundry?)
- Morning: Had a final breakfast. Seriously considered ordering the bun cha again, then stopped myself. Made a mental note to find a decent laundry service near the airport.
- Late Morning: Last Glimpses and Goodbyes: Sat on the balcony one last time, breathing in the sea air. It was actually a bit sad to leave. Vietnam is beautiful, even when it tries to kill you with bad food.
- Afternoon: Taxi and the Long Journey Home: Back to Hanoi, ready for the flight home. I'm tired, I'm slightly sunburnt, and my stomach is still recovering but I am sure that I'll never forget the messiness and everything that happened on this trip.
Final Thoughts:
This wasn't a perfect trip. It was a bit chaotic, I faced some food-related horrors. But you know what? That's life, and that's travel. There were moments of pure, breathtaking beauty. There were moments of hilarious clumsiness. I met some amazing people. And well, I hope to go back, with better eating habits and a proper hat. Because the world, and Ha Long Bay, are worth the trouble.
Millsboro Escape: Avid Hotel's Unbeatable Georgetown Getaway!
Unbelievable Luxury? Tuan Chau Ruby Villa – Ha Long Bay (Maybe)
Alright, so you're thinking about dropping some serious cash on a stay at the Tuan Chau Ruby Villa in Ha Long Bay? Let me tell you, I've been there. (And I'm pretty sure my bank account is still recovering.) Here's the brutally honest truth, spiced with a healthy dose of my own personal baggage and utterly useless opinions.
Is the Tuan Chau Ruby Villa actually as luxurious as they say? Or is it just… shiny?
Okay, let's be real. "Unbelievable Luxury" is a phrase that gets thrown around like confetti. And, yeah, the Ruby Villa is definitely… shiny. Think polished marble, gold-plated EVERYTHING, and a view that COULD make a hardened criminal cry. But is it *truly* luxurious? Here's the thing. My first impression? Jaw on the floor. The infinity pool overlooking Ha Long Bay? Spectacular. The private butler service? Initially amazing. (More on that later…) But then… the details start to poke holes in the fairytale.
For instance: the "state-of-the-art" sound system that kept glitching out, cutting off Fleetwood Mac mid-lyrical genius. The "chef's table" experience that, while delicious, took a solid *three hours* to serve. And the bathroom, which, yes, was lavish, but the shower pressure was about as forceful as a gentle drizzle. So, yes, it's luxurious. But prepare for a level of imperfection that's almost… endearing? Honestly, it's the messiness that makes it memorable, right?
What's the deal with the private butler? Is he actually helpful, or just a glorified doorstop?
Oh, the butler. Bless his little cotton socks. He was… an experience. At first, it was all perfectly choreographed politeness. "May I assist you, madam?" "At your service, sir." He brought me cocktails by the pool, ironed my ridiculously expensive linen shirts (that I only wore… once), and generally made me feel like a visiting dignitary. I went for a manicure at the Villa spa, it was heavenly.
Then the cracks started to show. I asked him to arrange a private boat tour to see the limestone karsts. He booked the wrong one. I ordered room service. It arrived an hour late (and cold). Then, the crowning glory: I tried to explain, very slowly and clearly, that I needed an extra pillow. He stared blankly at me. Blankly! After some frantic hand gestures and charades, it eventually arrived… three hours later. So, helpful? Maybe. Entertaining? Absolutely. Worth the "butlered" service? Depends on how much you value a good laugh and an experience to tell your friends later. Honestly, by the end, I was half expecting him to accidentally set the villa on fire.
Is the view from the villa truly worth the price tag? Does it live up to the hype?
Okay, buckle up, because this is where things get emotional. The view? It's… breathtaking. Seriously. I’ve seen some amazing views in my time, and this one genuinely made me speechless. The emerald waters, the towering limestone karsts jutting out of the sea… it's like a painting come to life. Sunrise? Sunset? Both were just… divine. I sat on the balcony, sipping a (slightly warm) cocktail, and just… stared. I actually cried a little. (Don’t judge me. I blame the champagne.)
Is it worth the price? Well… financially speaking, probably not. You could probably buy a small apartment for the cost of one night. But that view? It's an experience. It's something you'll remember forever. It’s the reason you go. Just don't expect the staff to be as unforgettable.
Are there any activities to do besides staring at the view and drinking expensive cocktails?
YES! (Mostly, anyway.) Ha Long Bay itself is an adventure playground. You can (and should) take a day trip to one of the caves. They're magnificent on the inside and so cool. Do a boat cruise. Go kayaking. Try your hand at squid fishing. You can even… *gasp*… leave the villa! The villa offers tours, and the concierge (even though he's a bit hit-or-miss) can help arrange things. Just double-check EVERYTHING before you commit. Make sure the kayak is seaworthy.
Oh, and a word of warning: avoid the karaoke at all costs. Trust me on this. Unless you REALLY want to traumatize yourself (and possibly your fellow guests), just… don’t.
Would you go back? Knowing what you know now?
That's the million-dollar question (or, you know, the several-thousand-dollar-a-night question). The honest answer? Maybe. I mean, the view alone is practically worth the price of admission. But if I did, I'd go in with my eyes wide open. I'd lower my expectations a tad, embrace the glorious imperfections, and maybe… just maybe… bring my own extra pillows. And definitely, definitely, invest in travel insurance. Because you never know when you might need it when traveling.
It's a splurge. It's a gamble. It's an experience. And it's probably the most ridiculous, wonderful, and slightly frustrating vacation I've ever had. So, go. If your budget allows. And then, come back and tell me all about it. And prepare for a tale to tell for a lifetime!
