Maha Mangala Zen Garden & Residence

The Zen garden & residence where you have breakfast is amazing and so peaceful. It is a monastery and has a very spiritual feel to it. There is outdoor seating looking out to the ocean, perfect for mornings. The apartment was very clean and comfortable with large balcony looking over pool.

The apartments are 5-8 mins walk to the Zen garden & monastery which wasn't clear when booking. They do provide a buggy to transport if needed. Also the apartments are close to a main road so there is some traffic noise all night.

The hospitality experience upon checking in was amazing. Upon arrival, we were welcomed with tea and check in was not done standing up, but seated in their meditation area. After clearing the administrative work, we were given a tour of the space while waiting for the room to be ready. Afterwhich, there was a buggy that brought us to our room that was a distance away, which staff Dao gave us an introduction of the various spaces and facilities around the area. The room was also lovely and of amazing value. We were in the first floor and had a balcony that had access to the public pool. The room came with cooking equipment which was helpful for late night cooking suppers. The breakfast was delicious! For a meat lover, their vegetarian spread did not disappoint or leave me needing meat to satisfy my stomach. It was something that baffles even myself. The noodles of the day is a must have! Of the 3 mornings we had breakfast, the noodles did not disappoint and added variety to their meals.

The pool lights were not switched on after 6pm, so while we could swim, it wasn't the safest to do so either way. We couldn't figure out how the blinds work, so had to sleep with some light shining in. The incense that was burning during breakfast might be unbearable to some.

Very clean spacious rooms

Extremely odd staffing, very high control they uncomfortably search your room on check out like you are leaving North Korea. We can not figure out why but it is a nice place. Mostly private residential. The compound is very nice but be ready to feel watched or stared at

Friendly cleaning staff

Weird check-in procedure, room near the main road, bad restaurant (Nếp), dreary expat compound