At the end of 2018, Hotel de la Coupole - MGallery opened its doors, restoring a once-forgotten mountain retreat back to the glorious splendour of its heyday.

A must-see destination

Since the turn of the 21st century, the tourism industry in Sapa in northern Vietnam had been on the ascent. With each passing year, the standard grade of hotels had been slowly climbing. 

But at the end of 2018, images of a newly-opened resort in this heavenly mountain retreat were suddenly being shared across the globe. On seeing the magnificent Hotel de la Coupole - MGallery, luxury travellers all over the world started making arrangements to visit the north of Vietnam. 

With the precipitous slopes of the awe-inspiring Hoang Lien mountains in the background, the hotel is truly a spectacular vision, one that seems to belong to a realm of fantasy. 

Backed by the project’s main investor, Sun Group, the architect Bill Bensley — described as ‘the king of exotic luxury resorts’ by Time Magazine — pulled out all of the stops when conjuring up the design for this outstanding international five-star accommodation, which is already being lauded as an inimitable creation and a masterpiece of architecture. 

Versailles in the clouds

A true visionary with an eye for the spectacular, Bensley has turned Sapa into a ‘Versailles in the clouds’ with Hotel de la Coupole, which is also a homage to the halcyon days of old Indochina, one that will have guests feeling as though they have been spirited away to a bygone era. 

Stepping into the lobby, guests will soon see how Bensley has also infused the interiors of Hotel de la Coupole with lush haute couture textures and the vibrant colours of the ethnic hill tribes that have populated the Hoang Lien mountains for many centuries. The result is a fabulous blend of styles that will captivate each guest from the moment they check-in at reception. 

Guests will be treated to the height of luxury in each and every one of the 249 modern and spacious rooms while noting the fabulous attention to detail of the décor throughout the hotel with gorgeous artwork, tribal patterns, state-of-the-art facilities, lavish furnishings and vintage collectibles, all artfully and elegantly arranged throughout the accommodation. 

Outside each window they will also see panoramic views of the northwestern mountains and when they step out onto the balconies, they will be able to drink in the crips, cool mountain air. Just a short walk from the hotel, guests can easily immerse themselves in the local culture at the bustling Sapa market, where H’Mong, Thai, Red Dzao and other hill tribes sell various handicrafts and souvenirs. 

Superlative, five-star services 

The indoor, heated swimming pool, Le Grand Bassin boasts spectacular arched columns and an elaborate ceiling composed of marble and mosaic. After a day on the slopes, guests will be able to have a refreshing swim beneath the crystal chandeliers before heading to the fitness centre or Nuage — the in-house spa, which offers various rejuvenating packages that will have guests feeling as though they are walking on air.

For large events, the resort offers a 435sqm ballroom that can host up to 570 guests. Besides the spacious auditorium, there are six fully-equipped meeting rooms and four board rooms for executive meetings.

The superlative, five-star, international standard services also extend to the restaurants at Hotel de la Coupole. At Chic guests can expect a dining experience on a par with the Michelin-star restaurants of Paris. The chef and his team have crafted a menu featuring sublime haute cuisine with classical French dishes as well as traditional Sapa staples, all of which are elevated by fresh local ingredients.

When sojourning in Sapa at the top of Hotel de la Coupole, guests will adore Absinthe bar — the jewel in this five-star accommodation’s crown. While sipping on a perfect cocktail and sharing delicious plates of tapas, guests can kick back and relax while admiring stunning views of the mountains in a cosy setting with an open fireplace. 

Guests can also indulge in all kinds of delectable desserts and pastries at Cacao café. The chocolate-based treats are all made with the single origin, artisanal Marou, described as “the best chocolate you have never tasted” by the New York Times. Whichever decadent treat you choose, it can be complimented with a hot chocolate or a perfect cappuccino made by the baristas at Cacao. 

Conquer Fansipan in style 

Naturally, Fansipan — also known as the ‘rooftop of Indochina’ — is one of Sapa’s greatest attractions and it’s now more accessible than ever before thanks to Fansipan Cable Car. Also developed by Sun Group, this project took several years of back-breaking work as engineers and labourers achieved what some said was impossible — building a three-cable car system that could conquer the peak of Fansipan. 

Fully operational since February 2016, the cable car offers breathtaking views on the ride to the top. Hotel de la Coupole is conveniently located right next to Fansipan cable car station.

Riding in the cabin, passengers can feast their eyes, not only on the heavenly mountainous landscapes, but also the stunning terraced rice fields — voted as one of seven most beautiful and impressive ones of Asia and the world by readers of the US's magazine Travel and Leisure. They will also see rural villages and carpets of wild azalea flowers, and so much more in a part of the world that has truly been blessed with an abundance of natural beauty. 

Upon reaching the peak of Mount Fansipan, travelers can admire the newly built complex of spiritual architecture all of which has been developed by Sun Group to honour Vietnam’s highest peak. A trip to this inspirational destination can now also include a visit to Sun World Fansipan Legend, where visitors can be introduced to some of the traditional dances and musical instruments that are unique to the hill tribes of Vietnam’s northwest.

All in all, there is no shortage of magical experiences awaiting guests who choose to stay at Hotel de la Coupole Sapa - MGallery— and why would you choose to say anywhere else when in Sapa? If you’re going to travel to Heaven on Earth, why settle for anything less than the very best five-star experience?