'I'm calling it: This is Vietnam's most underrated luxury beach destination.'

As someone who's always on the hunt for the perfect balance of relaxation, culture, and let's be honest, really really good food, I'm constantly scrolling through Instagram to find my next travel destination (because that's how we should all make important life decisions).

Da Nang, Vietnam wasn't originally on my radar until I started seeing more and more stunning beach shots mixed with incredible mountain backdrops fill my feed. Over a long weekend (yes, literally three days), I stayed at the Hyatt Regency Da Nang Resort and Spa— and it was one of the best travel decisions I've made this year.

This underrated city offers the perfect trifecta: beachfront luxury, authentic Vietnamese culture, and enough activities to keep you busy without feeling overwhelmed. Plus, with direct flights from major cities, it's surprisingly accessible.

Where to stay in Da Nang.

The Hyatt Regency Da Nang Resort sits along Non Nuoc Beach, offering the most perfect view of the sea and mountains. The resort itself is massive but doesn't feel overwhelming. It's like a little luxurious village with different sections and vibes depending on what you're after.

TOLD YA! Image: Supplied.

I was lucky enough to get the Regency Club access, which gave me access to an exclusive lounge with complimentary breakfast, all-day refreshments, and evening cocktails.

Watch (and giggle): Horoscopes at the airport. Post continues below.

The food scene.

From left to right: Vive Océane, Le Petit Chef & Xanh House. AKA the best meals of my life. Image: Supplied.

The food in Vietnam is beyond. There are endless options that are so reasonably priced, you could spend your entire trip going from food stall to food stall.

One of the highlights of staying at the Hyatt Regency Da Nang was the incredible range of dining options. I never had to leave the resort if I didn't want to (though I did, because FOMO).

Xanh House quickly became my go-to spot. As someone who loves immersing myself in the local cuisine when travelling (and also just loves food in general), their authentic Vietnamese dishes were exactly what I was looking for. The setting is absolutely gorgeous with the view of the beachfront from floor to ceiling windows. Their phở was so delicious I'm trying my hardest not to drool while writing this, and don't even get me started on their rice paper spring rolls. I even attended a morning yoga class in their garden before heading straight to lunch (yes, it was very main character of me).The resort also offers other dining options like Vive Océane, which serves up some of the most memorable dishes I had during my stay. We had the best dinner there — chicken bao buns, grouper carpaccio, a perfectly cooked steak (medium-rare, obviously), prawn coconut curry and scallops. Every single dish was a 10/10. AND the oceanfront setting just enhanced the whole experience.

The most unique dining experience, however, was at Le Petit Chef. I can't stop thinking about it. Without giving too much away (because surprises are fun), it's an immersive dining experience that combines amazing food with technology and storytelling. It's theatrical, whimsical, and unlike anything I've experienced before.

Lady of leisure.

I literally belong here. Image: Supplied.

If you're anything like me and consider a massage a non-negotiable part of any vacation, the VIE Spa at the Hyatt Regency Da Nang will not disappoint. I booked both a massage and pedicure, and the therapists were phenomenal — the kind that make you contemplate quitting your job and moving to Vietnam just so you can get weekly treatments (JK… kinda… not really).

The spa itself is stunning, with the most beautiful private treatment rooms. While I could have happily spent my entire stay alternating between the beach, pool, and spa, Da Nang offers plenty for the more adventurous (or those who start to feel guilty about all the lounging).

The Beach Club experience at Vive Océane was a highlight. We had a few sundowner cocktails in a private cabana while watching the sky turn pink and purple.

The Marble Mountains are just a short drive from the resort. They are these limestone and marble hills filled with caves, tunnels, and Buddhist sanctuaries. The views from the top are breathtaking.

If you're up for venturing further afield, Hội An is just a 30-minute drive away. It's a beautiful and vibrant town with colourful lanterns, tailor shops, and riverside restaurants.

Keep in mind…

If you're travelling from Australia and stopping over in Ho Chi Minh City, make sure you have enough time to catch your connecting flight. You need at least three to four hours because immigration is very long (like, painfully long) and the domestic terminal is far from the international terminal. I nearly missed my connection because I naively thought two hours would be plenty of time. Spoiler alert: it wasn't.

It's also worth noting the Hyatt Regency Da Nang Resort is aimed towards families, so there are A LOT of kids. I went with my mum and we still had a great time. It wasn't too noisy and was super relaxing. The resort is designed in a way that even during busy periods, you can still find quiet spots to enjoy some peace. If you're looking for an adults-only experience, this might not be it — but honestly, I hardly noticed the family vibe once I was knee-deep in spa treatments and cocktails.

Da Nang offers that perfect balance of luxury resort life and authentic Vietnamese experiences and the Hyatt Regency provides an excellent base. It's comfortable and lavish enough that you could happily never leave, but also well-positioned for exploring the surrounding area.

If you're looking for a destination that offers both relaxation and adventure, incredible food, and stunning scenery, Da Nang should absolutely be on your list. We're already planning our next trip there.

If you want more from Emily Vernem, you can follow her on Instagram @emilyvernem.

Mamamia travelled as a guest of Hyatt Regency Da Nang Resort and Spa. All opinions expressed in this article are the author's own.

Feature image: Supplied.