It's the time of year again. Mango Bay Phu Quoc (www.mangobayphuquoc.com), an eco-chic resort recently featured on the New York Times newspaper in the article « In Bustling Vietnam, a Rare and (Still Untrammeled) Escape,” is preparing for its 5th football tournament for the country's expat community, on Saturday, 5th May 2012.

Like clockwork, the tournament has been organized in Phu Quoc by Mango Bay resort for each of the past years at the first weekend of May to celebrate the coming summer. This year, 8 expat teams, divided into two groups, will compete for the title at the island's An Thu 3 stadium. The registration fee is $300 per team of 10, including 1 goal keeper, 6 starting players and 3 substitutes. The fee includes complimentary water, and players get a reduced rate of $10 per person for a special BBQ night where you can either boast about your twinkle-toe moments or drink yourself into a stupor to forget the pain of losing. Players' accompanying guests could also join the legendary barbeque with seafood fresh off the boats or melt-in-the-mouth steaks for $20 each.

Last year, the weather could not have been better and the six teams showed great skills and sportsmanship. The final between the Raiders with expats from Saigon and the Flipper comprising of local islanders and a few Saigonese city slickers ended with triumph for the former, who will undoubtedly try to defend their title this coming May. Team Fantastic Blues finished last and won the least covetable "try harder next year" trophy, it remains to be seen whether they will be psyched up for this year or not.

Last year, Ronan Le Bihan, Mango Bay's General Manager, said « I see it as one of the best ways to socialise and get to know each other better», and the players couldn't agree more. But he also added that this year, Mango Bay itself will try to get the cup for the first time, so be prepared for some stiff competition from the home team. No matter what the result, you could reward yourself afterwards with ice cold beer and barbeque, or watch the sunset from Mango Bay bungalows made popular by the phrase « unspoiled beauty in Phu Quoc, Vietnam» by the New York Times.

To release tense muscles after the matches, your best bet is to head to Mango Bay's tranquil spa overlooking the beach, where experienced staff only uses 100% natural products from AZIAL, made from pure essential oil with the endless benefits of pure botanicals, created from French formulations with French certification. In this calm oasis, choose a soothing full body massage with warm oil, and find yourself drifting in and out of a pleasant snooze.

Mango Bay offers eco-friendly and luxurious accommodation in Phu Quoc, with rooms and bungalows starting from $45, all decked out in new thatched roofs, crisp white bed linen, romantic four-poster beds and outdoor showers, a deluxe tropical feature. So, budding golden boots can stay in comfort and luxury.

For the detailed schedule, more information on this football tournament, or for the best deals in room rate, email Ronan directly at gm@mangobayphuquoc.com.