The Island Lodge

The Island Lodge makes its home not just on any old island, but on the Mekong Delta’s Unicorn Island, an auspicious setting if ever there was one. Here, a short distance from Ho Chi Minh City, is one of the most relaxing hotels in Vietnam, a place whose sense of tranquility belies its relatively convenient location. And if it’s not the flashiest boutique hotel in the world, that’s to be expected — here it’s charm and character, not eye-popping luxury or design fireworks, that keeps guests coming back.

Its modest size also keeps it mellow — 12 rooms is small by any standard, and with eight in the main lodge and four in a pair of outlying pavilions, the Island Lodge is anything but crowded. The style is classic, featuring plenty of traditional craftsmanship as well as modern necessities like flat screens and (crucially) air conditioning.

The Mekong delta isn’t exactly urban, but it’s certainly settled, and you’re free to wander the local markets and explore by bicycle, either at your own pace or on a guided tour. And while a bit of Vietnamese cooking is always appreciated, it’s even better when accompanied by French fare, as is the case at Le comptoir de Marthe et Edouard, named for the hotelier’s grandparents.