Cat Ba Water Park Resort

Only a few years ago Cat Ba Island was a virtual paradise / wasteland, depending on what side of the development divide you stood, with few hotels of that elusive 'International standard. The town has certainly come on in some not-inconsiderable steps since and these days the view from the approaching hydrofoil is that of a nearly-built up holiday hotspot, with some hotel towers rising well over 10 stories and looking almost ill at ease against the verdant backdrop of the island.Cat Ba water park resort is less obtrusive than the high rises and crowded buildings of the town. Though the swimming pool can be seen from the sea there's a more seamless look to the place. It doesn't jar with its surroundings.Cat Ba water Park resort has the all-important things a resort should have and a few nice extras you'd wish more did have. Set only a couple of minutes' walk to the main beach, the densely-packed Cat Co 1, and sharing the sand of its kind-of private beach with it, Cat Ba water park resort has those out-to-see views that can cost much more in other places. Less than a year old, it's already doing well, with an exceptionally friendly staff which exude genuinely warmth more than enforced civility, perfectly-main-tained surrounds and the kind of laid-back feeling the larger hotels can occasionally struggle to inspire.With two generously sized swimming pools, one public and other solely for guests, plus plenty of space to recline and relax under blue umbrellas, Cat Ba Water Park Resort makes a nice break from the congestion of the town in summer months.The water park, with two water slides looping down to a pool filled with big, floating toys, is open to the public for an entrance fee of 80000 VND. Despite this it remains relatively calm compared to the afternoon chaos of the main beaches.As yet, spa facilities are very basic with small 'jacuzzi'. Which is more like a small indoor pool, and massage options limited to 'foot' or 'body' and sold in hour and half hour blocks. Saunas are also on offer, in rooms surrounding the jacuzzi area.Rooms come in two basic varieties, Superior ($90/ night) and Deluxe ($110/night), with several suites in a separate building and one $500 a night President Suite, a multi-room apartment with huge private balcony.The standard rooms are comfortably sized and decked out in white wicker. All have private balconies overlooking the sea and are the kind of light and breezy space you hope desperately for when booking at a beach resort - a perfect complement to the gorgeous view.The seemingly large selection of TV channels is, in fact, small. Unless you're a fan of state-run television, of course. The mini-bar offers a little more than many hotels', with small small bottles of spirits along with the two cans of Tiger beer and soft drinks.Cat Ba Water Park Resort has three restaurants, the western Captain's Cup, a mainly al fresco dining experience which includes seating in the prow of a ship and overlloks the private pool, the Asian-style Seashare restaurant and the upper-level Pirate's Grill.A set menu at the Captain's Cup will set you back 120 000VND and consists of a salad, a soup, a main and a fruit plate. This being Cat Ba Island there is an obvious focus on seafood.Cat ba Water Park Resort is still quite obviously finding its feet, but already the place is a relaxing way to spend a few days away from the city, or a luxurious alternative to sleeping on-board a boat at Ha Long Bay.