Wednesday newsletters always feature a hotel or flight review.

Last spring, I enjoyed a great holiday in Vietnam, where some resorts far exceeded my sky-high expectations (and rank among the best hotels I have ever stayed at). You can read my trip reports here:

• Review: Singapore Airlines A350 Business Class Düsseldorf to Singapore
• Review: Singapore Airlines A330 Business Class Singapore to Ho Chi Minh City
• Review: The Reverie Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City
• Review: Anantara Mui Ne Resort & Spa
• Review: Vietnam Airlines ATR-72 from Ho Chi Minh City to Con Dao
• Review: Six Senses Con Dao
• Review: Evason Ana Mandara, Nha Trang
• Review: Six Senses Ninh Van Bay
• Review: Amanoi, most exclusive hotel in Vietnam
• Review: Avani Quy Nhon Resort & Spa
• Review: Anantara Hoi An Resort 
• Review: Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An (today)
• Review: Banyan Tree Lang Co
• Review: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
• Review: Cathay Pacific A350 Business Class Hong Kong to Düsseldorf

Today (September 20, 2017): Review of Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai (Hoi An, Vietnam).

• Location: Google Maps
• Address: Block Ha My Dong B, Điện Bàn, Quảng Nam, Vietnam
• Hotel website: Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai
• Tip: enjoy complimentary VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso

Embellishing heritage with Four Seasons flair, Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai is a harmonious ode to coast, culture and community in Vietnam’s UNESCO-strewn centre. Along a seemingly infinite stretch of sand – hailed by Forbes as one of the best beaches in the world – a strand of sophisticated, visually striking villas lines the dramatic beachfront. Inspired by 2,500 years of history, The Nam Hai’s architecture and interior design present a dramatic play on wind and water inspired by ancient feng shui philosophy and the grandeur of the Tu Duc royal tombs of Hue. All of the 100 private retreats are elegantly finished with Vietnamese lacquer and diaphanous silk, reflecting the soul of Vietnam’s cultural heartland and illuminating the spirit of all who visit. The resort’s central area wraps around three tiers of infinity swimming pools – one of the most stunning hotel pool areas in the world.

Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai features in my top 10 lists of the best luxury hotels in the world, the best luxury hotels in Vietnam, and my favorite Four Seasons hotels & resorts in the world.

In this review (more info below my slideshow):

• Pros & things I like
• Cons & things to know
• My verdict
• Tips for future guests & save money
• Best time to visit
• How to get there
• Photos

PROS & THINGS I LIKE

• Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai is Central Vietnam’s premier resort, combining spectacular beachfront living with the true spirit of Indochina. The sophisticated resort enjoys a convenient location 30 km (18 mi) south of the international airport of Da Nang (which is Vietnam’s third city) and 11 km (6 mi) north of the charming old town of Hoi An, which is a UNESCO world heritage site. One of Vietnam’s most famous attractions, the ancient imperial city of Hue and its citadel – a must visit – is a 2 hour drive away. The resort’s extensive, 35-hectare grounds are a zen-world away from the urban area that surrounds them, as they are discreetly tucked away behind a quiet section of Vietnam’s most (in)famous sand – China Beach – where US troops landed during the 70s ferocious war.

• Upon arrival, mind-boggling first impressions of the world-famous resort are quickly established as you ascend the few steps towards the open-sided reception pavilion, which offers a great view of the resort and its myriad of majestic staircases and enormous pools that stretch for more than 0,5 km (0,3 mi) towards the beach at the horizon. From here, you’ll also be struck by the resort’s massive size, although its layout is quite simple once you know your way. A U-shaped complex of pavilions that embraces the central reception area and a water pond houses a stylish indoor lobby (with work stations and a library), a meeting room (which boasts a cosy setting for social events), and the resort’s main dining venue – Café Nam Hai – with its rooftop bar. Below these pavilions, you find the magnificent, beachfront pool complex with a second dining venue – La Sen – on the side, while the resort’s 100 accommodations are set in five beachfront, horseshoe-shaped sandy inlets – three on one side of the main reception and two on the other side. The gym and the stunning spa are located in separate facilities close to the lobby.

• The astonishing sleek decor – which will leave you speechless the moment you enter the resort – is the epitome of designer chic and the result of a collaboration between three industry-leading figures: the hotel’s founder Adrian Zecha (who is better known as the hotelier behind Aman, the world’s most exclusive hotel brand), French architect Reda Amalou, and Indonesian interior designer Jaya Ibrahim. The clean and minimalist lines of dark granite, grey stone stairs, white walls and wooden floors contrast sharply with the garden’s lush greenery and the cobalt-blue of the East Sea, turning the resort’s look into a fest for the eyes. When Four Seasons took over the resort in 2017, the Four Seasons style was deftly applied by adding a subtle touch of vibrancy with the brand’s signature blue colour.

• Although the resort features a contemporary decor as described above, the design also celebrates traditional Vietnamese temple architecture, discernible by split-level rooms and raised platforms in the gardens which serve different functions throughout the day. Pagoda-style roofs, palm-trees decorated with handmade lanterns, and enormous reflective water ponds pay homage to thousands years of Vietnamese history and culture. The resort’s contemporary interpretation of Vietnam’s authentic traditions also recreates an impressive ambience that is somewhat reminiscent of the royal grandeur of the country’s elegant palaces to be found at the nearby imperial city of Hue.

• The resort’s three massive swimming pools cascade down three levels from the open-air reception to the beach, and form the most spectacular pool area I have ever seen at any resort in the world. Flanked by loungers, palm trees, water features and manicured gardens, each pool has an infinity edge that beautifully merges with the East Sea beyond. The uppermost family pool is comfortably heated year-round, making it ideal for little ones. One level below, somewhat out of sight, is a long narrow lap pool, which is open to guests over 16 years of age. Also geared towards adults, the lowermost olympic-sized pool is surrounded by a sleek line of lush palm trees, representing a vast haven for rest and relaxation, just a few steps up from the beach.

• The resort’s 100 sumptuously appointed, stand-alone villas – 60 of them with private pools – are all thoughtfully positioned to optimize ocean views and phong thuy (feng shui) principles. The villas are located in clusters of coconut groves on each side of the lobby and range from one-bedroom villas to five-bedroom luxury compounds. During my holiday, I stayed in a one-bedroom villa, which is the lowest room category. The spacious room featured a unique layout with a raised central platform wrapped in gossamer netting complete with a padded divan, king-sized bed, sunk desk area and a bedside bath with a lacquered eggshell cover. The sleek decor was enriched by traditional Vietnamese elements, such as vaulted ceilings with sections of bamboo and lattice paneling. At the back, there was an expansive open-plan bathroom with two sinks, an indoor rain shower, and a romantic enclosed garden with another rain shower. Towards the front, the villa opened to a small private garden with direct access to the beach cove.

• Selected items in the room’s minibar (e.g soft drinks and beers) are offered on a daily complimentary basis: 2 Coco Cola’s, 1 Diet Coke, 1 Sprite, 1 tonic water, 1 soda water, 4 still waters, 2 Hanoi Premium beers, and 2 Saigon Special beers. Minibars are daily replenished.

• The resort features two outstanding restaurants: Café Nam Hai and La Sen. Cafe Nam Hai is located near the lobby and pairs refined Asian design with contemporary fine dining with a focus on Indian food and innovative Asian fusion cuisine. Interspersed with carved wooden screens, tables are spaced inside around the buzzing open kitchen and outside on a shaded wooden deck. The other dining venue, lantern-lit La Sen, is next to the olympic pool and offers snacks during the day – such as stone-baked pizzas, local fishermen’s catch and Vietnamese comfort foods, including banana flower salad with smoked duck – while it offers authentic Vietnamese cuisine at night with traditional musicians enhancing the serene setting. I highly recommend the ‘cao lau Hoi An’, a delicious steaming rice noodle soup with chillies and succulent pork.

• The breakfast buffet is displayed around Café Nam Hai’s open kitchen and bursts with Western and Asian items, complemented by a full à la carte selection. The buffet is truly spectacular with tons of fresh fruit, fragrant Vietnamese broths, cheese, cold meats, yoghurts, freshly-baked breads, and an assortment of Danish pastries. During high occupancy, an additional breakfast buffet is set up at La Sen restaurant’s open kitchen, so the restaurants never feel very crowded.

• The resort has direct access to China Beach, a marvelous stretch of gold sand, described by Forbes as one of the ‘best beaches in the world’. The beautiful sweep of fine sand runs all the way up north to the city of Da Nang, located 30 km (18 mi) further away. Its name was introduced by the Americans during the war, when soldiers would be sent here for some relaxation from bases all over the country. The Vietnamese call sections of the beach by different names though, and the beach in front of the hotel is called Ha My Beach. Although the beach is public, it feels very private and exclusive. Several loungers are placed under umbrellas close to the shore and a beach bar – where one can lounge in a hanging chair or doze on a daybed beneath soaring palms – brings a chilled-chic vibe to the sands of Ha My Beach.

• In a beautiful setting perched over a lotus pond, The Heart of the Earth Spa is a haven of calm, connection and compassion. Inspired by renowned Vietnamese Zen master, scholar and peacemaker Thich Nhat Hanh, the Spa centres on the awareness that we are not separate from the Earth but at one with her, and that by aligning with nature’s rhythms, we can improve harmony within ourselves and between humanity and the planet. The spa treatments are offered in the privacy of eight lake-side villas, each one of them coming with an overwater relaxation pavilion. The therapists make use of crystal singing bowls tuned to 432 Hz – the harmonic intonation of nature – and focus on simple breathing techniques to attune body and mind to the Earth’s heartbeat.

• The service is top-notch and extremely efficient, as you would expect from one of the world’s most exclusive hotel brands. As with all Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts worldwide, the staff knows your name from day one. They will go out of their way to please you and nothing is too much trouble.

• To keep kids entertained, the resort offer a selection of games and books in the complimentary kids club, located on site.

• The resort features a sunlit health club, which includes all the latest cardio and strength-training machines plus free weights. A steam room, sauna and ladies’ and gentlemen’s changing rooms are also available.

• Once a fishing village – with a historic temple preserved on site – the resort presents an authentic connection to the region through inspiring on-site activities, from a cooking academy and tennis lessons to exhilarating water sports and cultural excursions. The range of motorized watersports on offer is especially impressive, with the X-jet blades being a highlight for many guests.  With these revolutionary under-foot jetboards, you transform into a superhero by ‘flying’ above the water and progressing to all sorts of aerial acrobatics.

CONS & THINGS TO KNOW

The Four Seasons The Nam Hai is without any doubt one of the most exclusive beach resorts in Vietnam. The ultra-stylish design, phenomenal pool area, residential villas, exquisite fine dining options, and wide range of land and water activities will make every stay here a truly memorable event. It would be hard to find any faults with this resort, but you may want to know the following nonetheless when considering a stay here:

• The resort’s magnificent lush gardens contrast sharply with its rather unappealing urban surroundings, although you probably will never notice that since the chances are very high you will never leave the resort boundaries. There is really nothing of interest (e.g. shopping, restaurants) around the resort within walking distance. That said, the good news is that the resort offers four daily complimentary shuttles to Hoi An, where history buffs, art lovers or shopaholics will find nirvana on every lantern-lit street corner.

• This is a massive resort, not only by the scale of the resort grounds, but also by the number of accommodations. While it never feels very crowded (since the domain is so expansive with many guests choosing to lounge at their private pool), the resort somewhat lacks an intimate ambience which is so typical of smaller Four Seasons hotels or Aman resorts, such as Amanoi, which is located in southern Vietnam near Nha Trang.

• Food at the resort as well as spa treatments and activities are expensive and priced according to the ultra-chic standard and legendary fame of the resort, which may come as shock for Vietnam (but you should know that going in). Cheaper eateries and massages are available in nearby Hoi An, which offers a great selection of restaurants and spa salons to suit all budgets and tastes.

• There are few steps in the dimly-lit villas, which may represent a hidden danger that I experienced myself (I fell, albeit without any grave consequences). It makes the villas not ideal for people who have difficulties with stairs, although the resorts grounds themselves are very accessible with plenty of buggies and bicycles to get around.

MY VERDICT

• Location: 8/10
• Design: 10/10
• Pool: 10/10 (I would rate the pools an 11 if I could)
• Rooms: 10/10
• Food: 10/10
• Breakfast: 9/10
• Spa: 10/10
• Service: 10/10
• Value for money: 9/10
• Overall experience: exceptional: 9,5/10

TIPS FOR FUTURE GUESTS & SAVE MONEY

• Save money: read my tips for getting the best deal at a luxury hotel like The Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, whether it’s booking a room at the cheapest price or receiving complimentary VIP perks (e.g. upgrade, breakfast, resort credit, etc …).

• Save money: enjoy complimentary VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (upgrade on arrival, daily continental breakfast, $100 USD resort credit, early check-in and late check-out).

• Save money: Four Seasons guarantees that every reservation booked through its websites will have the lowest room price (including all taxes and fees) publicly available on the internet. If you find a lower rate within 24 hours of making a booking, Four Seasons will be happy to match the rate. All you need to do is submit a claim form.

• Room tip: all villas are excellent it’s worth splurging on a villa that features its own pool and direct access to Ha My Beach, since the lower room categories don’t come with a pool and only offer access to an artificial sandy cove.

• Vietnam travel guide: get the most out of your (luxury) trip to Vietnam with my online travel guide.

• Read my tips for preparing your trip in time.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Typical for the tropical climate of Vietnam, Hoi An enjoys warm weather year round with a distinct rainy and dry season. The rainy season in Hoi An lasts quite long from September to January, and the constantly heavy showers may put a damper on your wonderful trip. In addition, there’s always a risk for typhoons and floods. On the other hand, the dry season lasts from February to August. The best time to visit the area is the first months of the dry season when the weather is mild and beautiful with moderate temperature, low humidity, and blue skies. If you enjoy sunbathing in tropical temperatures on the resort’s famous beach, I recommend to delay your trip to April or May. From June, temperatures start to soar, making it too hot for most tourists.

HOW TO GET THERE

Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai is located a 30 minute drive south from Da Nang, the largest city in central Vietnam and the most important gateway to access Central Vietnam. There are frequent direct flights to Da Nang Airport from Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, as well as international arrivals from Beijing (Northern China), Kunming (Yunnan, South-west China, Shanghai (central China) Singapore, Pakse (Laos), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia),  and Seoul (Korea). Click here for a list of airlines that offer direct flights to Da Nang. It’s also possible to get to Da Nang by train from both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

*** Follow me on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook for a daily moment of travel inspiration ***

The post Review: Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai (Vietnam) appeared first on the Luxury Travel Expert.

Wednesday newsletters always feature a hotel or flight review.

Last spring, I enjoyed a great holiday in Vietnam, where some resorts far exceeded my sky-high expectations (and rank among the best hotels I have ever stayed at). You can read my trip reports here:

• Review: Singapore Airlines A350 Business Class Düsseldorf to Singapore
• Review: Singapore Airlines A330 Business Class Singapore to Ho Chi Minh City
• Review: The Reverie Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City
• Review: Anantara Mui Ne Resort & Spa
• Review: Vietnam Airlines ATR-72 from Ho Chi Minh City to Con Dao
• Review: Six Senses Con Dao
• Review: Evason Ana Mandara, Nha Trang
• Review: Six Senses Ninh Van Bay
• Review: Amanoi, most exclusive hotel in Vietnam
• Review: Avani Quy Nhon Resort & Spa
• Review: Anantara Hoi An Resort (today)
• Review: Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An
• Review: Banyan Tree Lang Co
• Review: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
• Review: Cathay Pacific A350 Business Class Hong Kong to Düsseldorf

Today (September 6, 2017): Review of Anatara Hoi An (Vietnam).

• Location: Google Maps
• Address: 1 Pham Hong Thai Street,, Hoi An City, Quảng Nam, Vietnam
• Hotel website: Anantara Hoi An

Scenically positioned on the banks of the Thu Bon River, Anantara Hoi An Resort is a charming boutique retreat in the historic Vietnamese port town of Hoi An, a UNESCO world heritage site since 1999. Designed with French, Dutch, Chinese and Japanese influences that reveal Hoi An’s fascinating cultural diversity, split level rooms and suites open onto porches with comfortable daybeds, overlooking the river or a garden courtyard. When not exploring the old city, Anantara’s guests can delve into Vietnamese culture with language, lantern making and cookery classes, or simply laze by the pool.

In this review (more info below my slideshow & Youtube clip):

• Pros & things I like
• Cons & things to know
• My verdict
• Tips for future guests & save money
• Best time to visit
• How to get there
• Photos

*** Get the most out of your (luxury) trip to Vietnam with my online Vietnam travel guide ***

PROS & THINGS I LIKE

• Situated on the banks of the Thu Bon River, Anantara Hoi An Resort is just a 10 minutes stroll or a 5 minute bicycle ride from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hoi An, wich represents an exceptionally well-preserved example of a South-East Asian trading port dating from the 15th to the 19th century. Its decline in the later 19th century ensured that Hoi An has retained its traditional urban character to a remarkable degree. The town reflects a fusion of indigenous and foreign cultures (principally Chinese and Japanese with later European influences) and comprises a well-preserved complex of more than thousand timber frame buildings, with brick or wooden walls. At night, the central streets are beautifully lit by quaint, hand-made and old-fashioned lanterns, making it an atmospheric and beautiful spot.

• If you want to broaden your cultural horizon, the hotel is also ideally located to explore two other UNESCO World Heritage sites in the area. The My Son UNESCO World Heritage Site – often dubbed Vietnam’s Angkor Wat – is one of the foremost Hindu temple complexes in Southeast Asia, and only a one hour (47 km or 30 mi) drive from the resort. The other UNESCO site, the Imperial City of Hue with its famous citadel, served as the capital of Vietnam until 1945 under the Nguyen Dynasty, the last royal dynasty of Vietnamese history, and is located a 2 hour (130 km or 80 mi) drive from the resort. The hotel organizes excursions to both sites.

• With ornate balustrades, terra-cotta tile roofs, and high curved ceilings, Anantara Hoi An resembles a grand French colonial-style mansion, making this boutique hotel the most stylish place to stay in the vicinity of Hoi An’s old town. Although the charming architecture may look old and authentic, the hotel was built less than 20 years ago. The contemporary, airy and elegant interiors are fused with local Vietnamese design elements and feature graceful French, Dutch, Chinese and Japanese influences, reflecting Hoi An’s fascinating cultural diversity.

• The resort features a compact layout, with the rooms and suites spread across two L-shaped buildings that are set among lush tropical gardens besides the river. From the arrival pavilion – where the luggage is collected and tagged before being delivered to the room at check-in – it’s a short walk through a pleasantly green courtyard to the open-sided, colonial-style lobby, which has a small boutique shop on the side. Across the courtyard from the lobby, you find two restaurants and the spa (more on that below). The swimming pool is located in its own river-side courtyard (although the pool area was under renovation during my stay and closed off from the rest of the resort). A public promenade runs between the resort grounds and the river.

• All 93 rooms and suites enjoy either garden or river views. During my vacation, I stayed in a ground-floor Junior Garden Suite. On the outside, the room featured an attractive al fresco porch area, which was a great place to relax and enjoy the tranquil garden scenery after a day of sightseeing in Hoi An. The split level suite had a lower level with a sofa and a work desk, and an upper level with two twin beds (although you can also book this room type with a queen bed configuration). The mid-room balustrade, shuttered windows, and ceiling fan lend the suite a colonial flair. The neutral colour palette of white walls and sandstone floor was given a touch of vibrancy with orange cushions and lampshades. The small but functional bathroom was laid out in mosaic tiling and featured a shower, one sink and a toilet.

• The resort has two restaurants, which are located opposite the lobby in one of the colonial-style wings. Hoi An Riverside Restaurant is open for lunch (light snacks) and dinner (delicious Western and Asian cuisine), and features a gorgeous art deco inspired interior reminiscent of a Parisian brasserie; the dining venue also has a lovely terrace overlooking the river, where outdoor tables are shaded by leafy trees and cooled by a gentle breeze. Lanterns Restaurant is located on the first floor above Hoi An Riverside Restaurant and is only open for breakfast, which is served as a grandiose buffet with live cooking stations.

• Located in the vibrant street side courtyard of Anantara Hoi An Resort, O’malleys is the only Irish style pub in Hoi An town, serving a range of cold beer selections including Guinness, with pool tables, foosball, dart boards and big screens televising international sports. O’melleys also serves light fare such as hamburgers, poached prawns, braised pork belly, pork ribs, chicken wings, triple cooked chips, and onion rings.

• When you’ve had enough exploration, you can always retire to the resort’s private spa, which is one of the best spas in town. It offers a range of nourishing scrubs and wraps, heavenly massages and rejuvenating facials. The intimate and cozy facility, which is tucked away in a tranquil corner of the resort near the restaurants, features four treatment rooms, each with a private bath, and also one couple’s treatment room. Manicure and pedicure treatments are provided in a garden cabana overlooking the Thu Bon River.

• Complimentary bikes are provided to guests for the duration of their stay. These can be used to go on excursions or to travel to the nearby beaches of Cua Dai and An Bang (5 km or 3 mi away).

• The hotel management and resort staff are absolutely charming and very friendly. Every one I met was smiling and seemed to go the extra mile. IMHO, it is the staff that turns a stay at Anantara Hoi An into a memorable event.

CONS & THINGS TO KNOW

Anantara Hoi An is by far the best and most stylish place to stay in the old town of Hoi An, a place that almost certainly will end up on your Vietnam itinerary since its one of the country’s top tourist attractions. Nevertheless, it’s important to set your expectations right and you need to know the following when considering a stay here:

• Although Hoi An’s beaches can be easily reached by bicycle or boat from Anantara’s private jetty, the hotel does not offer the same vibe as a beach resort. It is a boutique resort in the center of a city, although its riverside setting offers peaceful surroundings. If you are in need of sun kissed sands, I recommend to stay in one of the area’s ultraluxe beach resorts and visit the town of Hoi An on a tour. However, when you’re a history buff, art lover or shopaholic, you will find nirvana on every lantern-lit street corner in Hoi An and you’re better off staying at Anantara resort which has the old town at its doorstep. Or you can do like me, and stay one night at the Anantara resort to explore the old town, and then move to the coast for a few days of pure relaxation.

• The pool area – located in its own courtyard – was under renovation during my stay, and guests that were in need of a dip were provided access to a pool of a resort nearby. However, by the time you read this review, the pool area has reopened and it looks a genuinely sophisticated place on photo. There’s also some construction going on behind the pool area on a neighbouring property, which can cause some noise disturbance during the day, although this is beyond the control of the hotel.

• Ananantara Hoi An is a 5-star hotel, but unfortunately, the hotel does not really compare to the ultraluxe resorts in the wider Hoi An area, such as the astonishing Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai (Hoi An), the InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort (Da Nang), and Banyan Tree Lang Co Resort. Although the Anantara Hoi An Resort lacks the extravagant facilities of these sublime beach-front hotels, it tries to make up for that with its convenient old town location, boutique atmosphere, colonial style, and superb staff.

• The culture and heritage that the UNESCO World Heritage Site status for Hoi An Ancient Town was trying to preserve has long since gone. Its UNESCO status put Hoi An on the travel map, causing a massive influx in tourists, with the result that most houses in the old town have been sold by the community to speculators and shop owners to be used for commercial purposes. The former community, and with it their culture and heritage, has gone and in their place are endless tailors shops, restaurants, and art galleries. That said, although Hoi An lost a lot of its authenticity over the past decade, the town still retains some of its former, grandiose and mystical allure.

• River proximity means that the clatter of passing boats may cause some noise annoyance at night and in the early morning, disturbing light sleepers.

MY VERDICT

• Location: 8/10
• Design: 7/10
• Pool: not applicable (under renovation during my stay)
• Rooms: 7/10
• Food: 8/10
• Breakfast: 8/10
• Spa: 7/10
• Service: 9/10
• Value for money: 8/10
• Overall experience: good: 7,8/10

TIPS FOR FUTURE GUESTS & SAVE MONEY

• Save money: read my tips for getting the best deal at a luxury hotel like Anantara Hoi An, whether it’s booking a room at the cheapest price or receiving complimentary VIP perks (e.g. upgrade, breakfast, resort credit, etc …).

• Save money: Anantara Hoi An guarantees that every reservation booked through its websites will have the lowest room price (including all taxes and fees) publicly available on the internet. If you find a lower rate within 24 hours of making a booking, the resort will be happy to match the rate and give you an additional 10% discount on your stay. All you need to do is submit a claim form.

• Room tip: Light sleepers should request a room away from the river and street side to avoid occasional noise disturbance.

• Vietnam travel guide: get the most out of your (luxury) trip to Vietnam with my online travel guide.

• Read my tips for preparing your trip in time.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Typical for the tropical climate of Vietnam, Hoi An enjoys warm weather year round with a distinct rainy and dry season. The rainy season in Hoi An lasts quite long from September to January, and the constantly heavy showers may put a damper on your wonderful trip. In addition, there’s always a risk for typhoons and floods. On the other hand, the dry season lasts from February to August. The best time to visit the town is the first months of the dry season when the weather is mild and beautiful with moderate temperature, low humidity, and blue skies. If you enjoy sunbathing on famous beaches near Hoi An like Cua Dai Beach or An Bang Beach, I recommend to delay your trip to April or May. From June, temperatures start to soar, making it too hot for most tourists.

HOW TO GET THERE

Hoi An is located a 30 minute drive south from Da Nang, the largest city in central Vietnam and the most important gateway to access Central Vietnam. There are frequent direct flights to Da Nang Airport from Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, as well as international arrivals from Beijing (Northern China), Kunming (Yunnan, South-west China, Shanghai (central China) Singapore, Pakse (Laos), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia),  and Seoul (Korea). Click here for a list of airlines that offer direct flights to Da Nang. It’s also possible to get to Da Nang by train from both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

*** Follow me on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook for a daily moment of travel inspiration ***

The post Review: Anantara Hoi An Resort (Vietnam) appeared first on the Luxury Travel Expert.