On a recent trip to Vietnam’s central coast, I checked into Villa Le Corail, A Gran Meliá Hotel in Nha Trang. I’d heard about the property—its all-villa setup, Spanish-meets-Vietnamese hospitality, and growing reputation as a culinary destination—but experiencing it firsthand was something else. The reason for the visit? The launch of Sal by Hispania, the new open-air tapas venue by Michelin-starred Chef Marcos Morán.
This wasn’t just a typical hotel opening or F&B rollout. It was a fully curated experience: thoughtful design, great storytelling, and a culinary perspective that genuinely reflects both its Spanish roots and its Vietnamese setting.
A New Culinary Concept: Sal by Hispania
Located poolside with full ocean views, Sal by Hispania brings the feel of a Mediterranean beach club to the quiet shoreline of Fairy Mountain Bay. The setup is laid-back and open-air—perfect for barefoot lunches and lingering afternoons with a glass of sangria.
Chef Marcos Morán, the man behind Hispania’s global culinary direction, introduced the concept during a Four Hands Dinner that completely sold out. From there, Sal officially launched with an easygoing, shareable tapas menu built for social dining. Think creamy mushroom croquettes, Andalusian-style calamari with roasted garlic emulsion, and Hispania’s signature garlic prawns—dishes that wouldn’t feel out of place in Madrid, Barcelona, or Oviedo, but here they are on the Vietnamese coast.
The twist? Many of these dishes use local ingredients. “What inspired this menu? Nha Trang itself,” Chef Marcos said. “Its seafood is extraordinary. We’ve found real harmony between Spanish tradition and Vietnamese ingredients.”
The atmosphere is relaxed, but there’s still a level of detail and finesse that you’d expect from a Michelin-driven kitchen. Starting August 1st, Sal will also host weekly Sunday DJ sets, adding a touch of Balearic beach energy to the experience.
Elevated Evenings at Hispania
While Sal is perfect for daylight and poolside dining, Hispania, the resort’s main restaurant, delivers a more formal, refined evening experience. The interiors balance warm wood and soft lighting with clean lines and a breezy open-plan layout. Seating is split between 42 indoor and 28 outdoor seats, and the setting is elegant but not stiff.
The updated à la carte and tasting menus reflect the depth of Spanish regional cuisine. Standouts include:
- Lingote de Cochinillo Segoviano – a slow-roasted suckling pig from Segovia, crisp on the outside, melting on the inside.
- Mero Asado – local grouper paired with a bold pickled chicken sauce and hazelnut.
- Tarta de Quesos Españoles – a silky, rich Spanish cheesecake that finishes the meal with a quiet bang.
The throughline across dishes is clear: heritage, quality, and attention to detail without overcomplication. Chef Marcos explained it best: “Sal by Hispania is a celebration of how we live in Spain—joyfully, casually, and always close to the sea. It’s more laid-back than the restaurant, but equally rich in flavor and soul.”
The Stay: Quiet Luxury, Coastal Calm
Beyond the food, Villa Le Corail stands out for its all-villa concept. My villa came with its own private pool and ocean-facing deck. Waking up to the sound of waves and having your morning coffee just steps from the water—there’s a reason this property markets itself as “A Life Well Lived.”
While the setting leans romantic, the resort works just as well for friends, families, or even creative retreats. The service was polished and proactive, but not overdone. What stood out to me was how well the space blends Spanish design sensibility with Vietnamese ease—a rare combination that feels grounded, not gimmicky.
And if you’re into experiences beyond the typical luxury checklist, the resort offers coral reef conservation activities, spa rituals inspired by traditional Dong Y medicine, and a curated menu of “Exceptional Experiences” that feel locally rooted.
More Than Just a Resort
Villa Le Corail is the first Gran Meliá branded resort in Vietnam, and it does a solid job of bringing Spanish luxury into the Vietnamese context. Gran Meliá is known for properties in places like Seville, Menorca, and Rome—but in Nha Trang, the brand seems to be finding new energy by tapping into the richness of local culture and ingredients.
In a market where many resorts try to wow with over-the-top amenities or generic luxury, this one stands out by curating moments—whether through food, wellness, or setting—that feel natural, not staged. That’s a harder thing to pull off than most give credit for.
Final Thoughts
Would I go back? Yes. But more importantly, I’d recommend Villa Le Corail and Sal by Hispania to anyone looking for something different in Vietnam—a break from the expected, and an introduction to the softer side of Mediterranean living.
It’s not just another beach resort. It’s a place where food, setting, and vibe all work together to create something cohesive. Whether you’re a fan of Spanish cuisine, curious about new destinations in Vietnam, or just looking for a thoughtful travel experience, Villa Le Corail should be on your list.