Wednesday newsletters always feature a hotel and/or flight review.

Last April & May, 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, the best resort in Vietnam (today)
• Review: Avani Quy Nhon Resort & Spa
• Review: Anantara Hoi An Resort
• 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 (August 23, 2017): Review of Vietnam’s most exclusive hotel, Amanoi. 

• Location: Google Maps
• Hotel website: Amanoi
• Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso

In 2013, Aman brought the brand’s signature sleekness to its debut resort in Vietnam, a contemporary beachside resort alongside a full-service Aman Spa overlooking spectacular Vinh Hy Bay in Nui Chua National Park, northeast of Ho Chi Minh City. The luxury hotel’s polished, slate pagodas peek out from a lush green landscape; its infinity pool segues into the sea; and its spa rests by a lotus-blossom-dotted lake. Amanoi offers total privacy in beautifully designed accommodations that are located in 31 pavilions, a number with private swimming pools, and five Aman residences, all positioned on the hillside with impressive views. The off-the-grid property designed by world-famous architect Jean-Michel Gathy positively encourages calm contemplation, whether lounging by the cliffside pool or at the elegant beach club, or surrendering to the tranquillity of the Aman Spa – set by a lotus-filled lake with a floating yoga pavilion.

Amanoi features in my lists of the hottest luxury hotel openings of 2013, the 10 most fabulous luxury hotels in Vietnam, the 10 most astonishing beach retreats in Asia, the 10 best things to see and do in Vietnam, and my favorite 10 Aman resorts in the world.

In this review (more info below my Youtube clip & 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

• Derived from the Sanskrit for ‘peace and ‘noi’ meaning place, Amanoi enjoys a dramatic location along the spectacular and rugged coastline of Vietnam’s southern Ninh Thuan Province. Separated from the world by miles of pristine wilderness, the ultraluxe resort is located inside the Nui Chua National Park on a wide, mountainous promontory which projects into the South China Sea. The beachside sanctuary boasts spectacular views of the protected waters of Vinh Hy Bay, which is part of a marine reserve surrounded by unique rock formations. The wild beauty of Amanoi’s surroundings spans ecosystems from tropical dry forest to lush ravines, and will knock you off your feet.

• The feeling of being far away from the civilized world and the stress of daily life is palpable throughout the resort, since Amanoi is removed from Vietnam’s often over-touristy urban resort centers. But despite its remote setting, the resort can be easily reached via a 75-minute drive from Cam Ranh Airport, which serves the popular Nah Trang area and receives regular flights from Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Danang, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Tokyo, Bangkok, and Seoul. While almost all visitors who arrive at Cam Ranh head north towards Nha Trang’s megalomane beach resorts, the lucky few who stay at Amanoi are driven in a luxury car 75 minutes in the opposite direction towards the lush forests and towering cliffs of Nui Chua National Park.

• Although Amanoi’s massive resort grounds rank among the most expansive in the world, the resort layout itself is quite convenient once you know your way. The rooms – located in stand-alone pavilions – are positioned on the hillside or around an inland lotus-filled lake where you also find the wellness center. Down the hill is a stylish beach club with restaurant and pool, overlooking a private stretch of gold sand beach. But the resort’s eye catcher is the Central Pavilion, which occupies the highest point in the resort and is home to the lobby, main restaurant, bar, library, boutique shop (which sells traditional Vietnamese lacquerware and other handmade items) and a second, even more stunning swimming pool.

• Upon arrival, guests are met by the resort staff with a welcome drink and cold towel at the lower level of Amanoi’s architecturally stunning Central Pavilion. From here, two broad and majestic staircases lead up to the Central Pavilion’s top floor which affords breathtaking views of the turquoise sea and green mountains. The first impressions of Amanoi’s lobby space are more reminiscent of a holistic sanctuary or sleek museum than a hotel. It makes each arrival at the resort an unforgettable, gracious and astonishing experience.

• Amanoi’s designers managed to meld the hotel infrastructure imperceptibly with the majestic topography of the landscape, with the resort’s curves discretely emerging from the green canopy. Featuring Aman’s signature style, the resort’s decor is the epitome of architectural minimalism, both on the inside and outside, and combines traditional Vietnamese influences and centuries-old antiques with natural materials and contemporary elegance. Amanoi is designed by the team of fellow Belgian Jean-Michel Gathy, the master architect behind some of the world’s most iconic hotels, such as The Setai in Miami, One & Only Retih Rah in the Maldives, the Marina Sands hotel in Singapore, and several other Aman resorts.

• Guest accommodations consist of 31 stand-alone pavilions, almost half of them equipped with private pools, and five private residences, all strategically spaced out, ensuring plenty of privacy. There are several accommodation categories to choose from. Mountain and Lake Pavilions offer picturesque views of either the surrounding mountains or the lake, while Mountain Pool Villas offer similar views alongside private swimming pools. Ocean Pavilion are located on the hillside and offer expansive ocean views of Vinh Hy Bay and the East Sea, with Ocean Pool Villas having the added luxury of a private pool. Two pavilions come with their own private spa, so-called Spa Houses (more on that below). Each one of the five Aman residences consists of four or five free-standing bedroom pavilions, as well as living and dining pavilions and a large 120m2 private swimming pool. Residences enjoy butler service in addition to an in-house cook, who meets all guests’ needs, including the preparation of Vietnamese or Western cuisine in the villa’s private kitchen.

• During my holiday, I was upgraded to a spectacular, so-called Mountain Pool Villa (Villa #6). The villa, which could be opened on two sides by pushing enormous pocket doors into the walls, drew on the grace of Vietnamese design by offering a combined bedroom and living room area. The airy space was equipped with an oversized king-size bed, writing desk, LCD TV with international channels, sound docking system, mini-bar, espresso machine, and a cozy seating area with one sofa and two loungers. The open-plan bathroom, which could be closed off from the bedroom with two pocket doors, featured a large bathtub between two sinks, with on one side an enclosed toilet and on the other a rain shower which had a sliding door towards the garden and large timber deck. The latter featured a magnificent private pool, which was heated and came with underwater lighting for night swimming.

• Amanoi’s two Spa Houses are the first of their kind in Asia. The Thuy Lien Spa House (meaning Lotus Spa House in Vietnamese) borders Amanoi’s tranquil lotus lake while the An Son Spa House (meaning Peaceful Mountain Spa House in Vietnamese) affords serene vistas of the national park. Both provide guests with completely private facilities together with one or two beautifully appointed guest pavilions. Facilities include a double treatment room, a contemporary Hammam or a wooden-clad Banya, a 15 m (50 ft) swimming pool, relaxation deck, outdoor dining area, steam room, cold plunge pool and Jacuzzi. Guests staying in a Spa House enjoy a daily Hammam or Banya treatment, a daily 90-minute Aman or Vietnamese massage, breakfast, and return airport transfers.

• Surrounded by million-year-old granite cliffs, the magnificent beach club is located a 10 minute buggy ride from the Central Pavilion along a private patch of gold sand beach. Designed to maximize the stunning views of Vinh Hy Bay, the Beach Club offers a restaurant (open for lunch only), that is outfitted in the resort’s superb minimalist design and wrapped by a large, black tiled infinity pool. Several pairs of very comfortable loungers are placed on the beach and perfectly spaced so that your privacy is never compromised. A range of water sports is available, such as Hobie Cats and kayaks which are perfect for exploring the caves and inlets around the bay. If you are a beach person, you will never want to leave here.

• Amanoi’s guests are spoilt for choice with two fabulous infinity pools, in addition to the private pools in the villas. The largest pool, 400m2 in size (or 130 ft in length), is located at the Beach Club and overlooks the gold sand beach and the turquoise waters of the marine conservation area around Vinh Hy Bay. The most spectacular pool though is the dramatic cliffside, 140m2 infinity pool, located around the corner of the Central Pavilion; this pool is lined with black volcanic rock and offer stupendous and mesmerizing views of the rocky shoreline. It’s without any doubt one of the most beautiful infinity pools I have ever seen during all my years of traveling, and it demonstrates how well thought the superlative design of the resort is.

• Amanoi’s superb wellness center is a destination unto itself, a retreat within a retreat, offering a journey of reawakening and relaxation via ancient healing modalities (e.g. Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda) and modern spa treatments. Surrounded by the rolling hills of the national park, the wellness complex lies beside a lotus-filled lake. Facilities include five double treatment rooms, all with unique double bathtubs, private dressing areas and showers. Two hydrotherapy suites, each equipped with a heated stone treatment table, steam room, Jacuzzi and cold plunge pool, are complemented by hand and foot therapy rooms and a finishing salon. Unique chemical-free spa products are used in a treatment menu drawing on Vietnamese traditions. The spa complex also comprises a spacious, state-of-the-art fitness center, a Pilates Studio, and a gorgeous lakeside Yoga Pavilion at the bottom of the spa’s majestic staircase.

• Service is impeccable and attentive without being intrusive, as you would expect from an Aman resort. There’s a staff count of four staff to one guest. Rooms are cared for continuously through out the day and the staff magically knows when you’re not there. I did not have any issues with the English standards of the staff. Most speak excellent English, and miraculously, there is always someone popping up to address you in English when confronted with one of the few staff members that is not so fluent in English.

• Amanoi has two restaurants, both of them serving exquisite food. Set in the heart of the property on the Central Pavilion’s top floor, the main restaurant features soaring columns and has no walls, bringing the outside in. It has an elegant air-conditioned room, which might be a welcome respite from the humid climate, although you may prefer shady alfresco dining on the terrace which comes with terrific views. At night, the dining venue serves Vietnamese specialties (such as handrolls with shrimp and pork and beef pho noodle soup) in addition to continental cuisine, while an à la carte breakfast is offered each morning.  The chef is passionate about his work and takes time to speak to guests about their individual tastes and preferences before preparing a meal. The restaurant at the Beach Club is only open for lunch, and it offers light meals – such as salads, burgers and catch of the day – accompanied by the pristine sand and the gentle sounds of the surf.

• Amanoi is a self-contained luxury oasis, representing everything that its mother brand Aman tries to achieve: tranquility, exclusivity, and a sense of place. Aman is the world’s most exclusive hotel brand and the company manages a fabulous collection of intimate properties across the globe. The brand is known for the understated elegance of its resorts, exquisite attention to detail, minimalist design, heartfelt service, and otherworldly locations.

• Among Aman’s habitués is a group of passionate repeat customers who call themselves ‘Aman junkies’ (count me in) and whose travel plans are determined by Aman locations. It’s a misconception that Aman junkies are always incredibly wealthy people: I prefer to spend my money on two nights at an Aman resort than two weeks at any other resort, as you pay for a unique and life-long memory. In all honesty and without exaggeration, an Aman resort makes some Four Seasons or Ritz-Carlton resorts look like a mediocre Holiday Inn hotel.

CONS & THINGS TO KNOW

Amanoi is the most exclusive resort in Vietnam and also my favorite Aman resort in the world. The phenomenal resort blew me off my feet, and the scale, design and setting are stunning beyond words. It’s a hotel I found very hard to fault. In fact it’s nearly perfect, but you may want to know the following nonetheless when considering a stay at Amanoi:

• Amanoi sprawls across 100 acres of dense forest and rocky outcrops. Because the resort grounds are so spread out – they rank among the most expansive in the world – it does take some time to get around, although a very efficient buggy service is provided with waiting times reduced to the absolute minimum. The rooms, spa, Central Pavilion, and Beach Club are all located a 5 to 10 min gulf card ride from each other, so it does require a bit of organization to plan your schedule during the day. I believe that the resort experience and guest mobility would be enhanced by providing bikes or gulf carts to the guests for the duration of their stay (although the hilly terrain may make that option difficult and right-down dangerous)

• Although it was probably an anomaly not in line with Aman’s overall superb service, the hotel driver who dropped me off in Nha Trang after my stay displayed a reckless behaviour on the road, despite me asking him to slow down. This is Vietnam, where the lines between traffic safety and danger are not drawn very clearly, but nonetheless, it was the only car transfer in Vietnam where I felt uneasy because of the high speed and repeated overtaking on the narrow winding coastal road. To give you an idea: the route from Amanoi to Nha Trang takes about 2 hours by car, but I was dropped off in less than an hour.

• The resort has one main restaurant, located in the Central Pavilion, and a less formal dining venue at the beach if the weather allows. The menus did not change during my 3 day stay. So, the food options are a be limited when you consider a longer stay at Amanoi. Perhaps that the addition of daily specials, destinations cuisines, and/or private dining experiences would solve this problem.

• This off-the-grid place is as remote as it gets. Amanoi is located about a 2 hour drive from the nearest urban center, Nha Thrang, but IMHO, that’s a good thing. It is the perfect place to visit if you want to decompress for a few days. However, if you like night life and action-filled holidays, you may find yourself disappointed, since the Aman brand appeals to a different type of traveler.

• Yes, the hotel is extremely expensive according to Vietnamese standards, but it’s an Aman hotel, the world’s most exclusive hotel brand, where holiday budgets come to die. You should know that going in. The most important thing is that when you can afford it, you will not be disappointed with the unique experience that awaits you. It’s a place you will never forget.

• Be prepared to become an Aman junkie as this will raise the bar for all your future trips.

MY VERDICT

• Location: 10/10
• Design: 10/10
• Pool: 10/10
• Rooms: 10/10
• Food: 10/10
• Breakfast: 10/10
• Spa: 10/10
• Service: 10/10
• Value for money: 10/10
• Overall experience: exceptional: 10/10

TIPS FOR FUTURE GUESTS & SAVE MONEY

• Save money: read my tips for getting the best deal at a luxury hotel like Amanoi. Book a room at the cheapest price and/or receive many free perks!

• Save money: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. villa upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and one complimentary lunch for two).

• Room tip: any accommodation type at Amanoi is bound to be a showstopper, but Ocean Pavilions with private pools are worth the extra price.

• 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. Please check with your nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate prior to travel. Generally, visas are required to enter, exit or transit through Vietnam. A visa on arrival can be obtained with a pre-approval letter procured through travel agents. Exceptions include passport holders from a select number of countries counting Russia, Japan, South Korea, Scandinavia and ASEAN member countries.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Amanoi’s own micro-climate makes it ideal for travel year round weather-wise. The five star resort is located in the southern part of Vietnam, near Nha Trang, the driest part of the country with very little rainfall. Amanoi experiences a long hot summer from March to October. From mid-November till the second half of February the wind can be very strong and sometimes there is a lot of rain. The Ninh Thuan Province is known to have one of the best climate in the country, with average temperatures ranging from 22ºC to 35ºC (70°F to 95°F). The area is protected by mountain ranges, which means that storms are rare. Approximately 250 days of the year are sunny.

HOW TO GET THERE

Amanoi is located a 75 min drive from Cam Ranh Airport (CXR), which services Nha Trang. Click here for a list of airlines that offer direct flights to Cam Ranh Airport.

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The post Review: Amanoi, the most exclusive hotel in Vietnam appeared first on the Luxury Travel Expert.

Wednesday newsletters always feature a hotel and/or flight review.

Last April & May, 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 (today)
• Review: Amanoi, the 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
• Review: Banyan Tree Lang Co
• Review: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
• Review: Cathay Pacific A350 Business Class Hong Kong to Düsseldorf

Today (August 9, 2017): Review of Six Senses Ninh Van Bay (Vietnam).

• Location: Google Maps
• Address: Ninh Vân, Ninh Hòa, Ninh Vân, Vietnam
• Hotel website: Six Senses Ninh Van Bay
• Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso

Six Senses Ninh Van Bay enjoys a spectacular setting in a dramatic bay that gives the feeling of being on an exclusive private island resort in the East Vietnam Sea. Impressive rock formations, a coral reef, a golden sand beach, a playful stream and the towering mountains behind, all add to the sense of being luxuriously at one with nature. The spa resort presents the reality of the destination, with an architectural style incorporating traditions of Vietnam. The 59 superb accommodations – done in Six Senses signature eco-chic design – are all personal villas with private plunge pools. The restaurants at Six Senses Ninh Van Bay serve international and local favourites plus East meets West specialties complemented by the best local seafood.

Six Senses Ninh Van Bay features in my top 10 lists of the most spectacular hotel bathrooms in the world, the most astonishing beach retreats in Asia, and the best luxury hotels in Vietnam.

In this review (more info below my Youtube clip & 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

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

PROS & THINGS I LIKE

• Six Senses Ninh Van Bay enjoys one of the most magnificent hotel settings on earth. The resort is located in a dramatic bay, at the end of a lush, mountainous peninsula, across the water from the busy holiday-resort town of Nha Trang in southern Vietnam. The crescent-shaped cove features a long stretch of gold sand beach and is backed by towering mountains clad in jungle vegetation, giving the feel of being on a private island and adding to the sense of being intimately at one with nature. Impressive rock formations on both sides of the beach overlook the East Vietnam Sea.

• The resort provides the ultimate seclusion as it is accessible only by water. Getting there is not difficult, although it does require a bit of a journey. From the nearest international airport (Cam Ranh), it takes 60-minutes by resort car – which has onboard WiFi – to the Six Senses jetty. Nha Trang – the closest town to Ninh Van Bay – is only 15 minutes away from the jetty. From the boat dock, it is a 20-minute scenic boat ride to resort itself with snacks being served onboard. The shared speed boat ride departs according to a fixed schedule, but you will never have to wait very long and the resort has a small lounge near the jetty where you can wait in all comfort for the boat departure.

• Despite being massive in scale, the resort has a simple and convenient layout. The central area on the beach near the jetty features a bar (which also functions as the welcome pavilion upon arrival), the activity center, an open-air lobby, several boutique shops, one of the 3 restaurants (‘Dining By The Pool’), and the main pool. The southern slopes of Six Senses Ninh Van Bay are home to the resort’s main dining venue (‘Dining By The Bay’), which is an enormous, fairytale-like, ocean-front, wooden complex that also houses a sunset bar, kid’s club and play room. Hidden in the northern hills and only reachable by 100+ precipitous steps, you’ll find the resort’s signature restaurant, Dining By The Rocks. The villa accommodations are tucked away in various locations along the rocky peninsula.

• The resort is a mind-blowing masterpiece of eco-friendly design, reflecting Six Senses’ signature chic style. The rustic, understated and elegant interiors blend perfectly with the subtropical outdoors and exude an ambience of tranquility and a Robinson Crusoë-esque lifestyle. All hotel buildings, including the villa accommodations, are built using local materials (e.g. wood, bamboo and stone), topped with a palm-leaf roof, decked out in stylish bright cushions, and decorated with simple but chic and sometimes funky furniture. This is barefoot luxury at its best, albeit in a low-key and environmentally conscious way.

• There are 59 beautiful thatched and spacious villa accommodations that will take your breath away. They all come with gorgeous wooden interiors and private outdoor plunge pools. There are several villa categories according to the location: some are set on the hill with views across the bay, several are dotted along the beach, while others are built into the rocks with steps straight down into the sea. During my holiday, I stayed in a two-level beachfront pool villa, which provided generous personal space with its own garden, plunge pool and direct access to the sandy shore. The ground floor featured a master bedroom with an absolutely stunning en-suite bathroom (more on that below). The upper floor featured a shaded, open-sided living area with brightly cushioned sofas. The  villa embodied the perfect Robinson Crusoe hideaway, albeit a modern version with all kind of technologies present to meet the comforts of nowadays travelers, such as flat-screen TV, DVD player, coffeemaker, minibar, wine cellar, A/C (bedroom only), complimentary WiFi, and safe.

• The stunning bathrooms at Six Senses Ninh Van Bay deserve a separate mention as they rank among my favorite hotel bathrooms in the world. Most bathrooms are semi-open-air spaces, with both indoor- and outdoor showers, and feature a rustic, somewhat antique decor with bamboo railings, whitewashed walls, thickly cushioned teak day beds, and two separate copper sinks on wooden vanities. The bathrooms’ eyecatchers are the freestanding, beautiful handcrafted wooden bathtubs. In line with Six Senses’ ecofriendly policy, plant-based natural toiletries in ceramic jars are provided to all guests.

• Set amidst the luscious greenery and granite stone synonymous with the Ninh Van peninsula, the three-bedroom ‘hilltop reserve’ is most exclusive villa in the resort, providing families and groups with an unparalleled 180-degree westward view of the bay, Nha Trang city and the adjacent mountains. Arrival at the villa – which comes with a large living area and dining room – is along a winding path through granite boulders and jungle. The villa’s oversized, climate-controlled infinity pool is the resort’s largest offered in a villa, at 818 square feet (76 square meters) stretched beside the sun deck designed to welcome up to 10 sunbathers.

• The expansive resort grounds behind the beach are well maintained yet retain a wild feel reminiscent of an untouched virgin jungle. Winding paths, roped walkways, and small bridges over picturesque creeks invite you for some exploration of the thick forest, with the sound of the emerald ocean and birdsong as a constant backdrop. Because the resort grounds are so spread out, guests get bikes for the duration of their stay, or can make use of complimentary buggy service.

• As already mentioned above, Six Senses Ninh Van Bay features three excellent restaurants, which offer memorable dining experiences. Located alongside the main swimming pool, the barefoot Dining By The Pool restaurant features an open kitchen and serves international and Vietnamese dishes during the day, while it occasionally opens at night for themed buffets. The hilltop Dining By The Rocks, which specializes in contemporary fusion dining, is the resort’s special-occasion eatery; it features an outdoor space with a wooden deck offering breathtaking sea views, in addition to an intimate indoor space that can also doubles as a wedding chapel. The main restaurant, Dining By The Bay, features a varied menu and spans over two levels with open views across the bay. The ambience downstairs is cozy with a bamboo ceiling, whereas the upstairs with its high thatched roof offers an al fresco dining experience. Adjacent to Dining by the Bay is a cozy bar, furnished with an assortment of relaxing daybeds and bar stools, that offers stunning views of the sunset and remains open until the last guest leaves.

• The delicious buffet breakfast is served at Dining By The Bay and offers a wide and impressive spread of fresh tropical fruit, cereals, juices, sparkling wine, breads, pastries, and local specialities in addition to a temperature controlled room with cheeses and cold meats, plus live food stations where hot dishes (e.g. eggs, pancakes, waffles) are freshly prepared.

• The fantastic spa – a sanctuary for all the senses – is tucked away in the jungle up the hills and features an all-wood interior design. It is accessed via some step stones over a lovely pond. Traditional Vietnamese therapies and Six Senses signature treatments and customized detox programs are available to suit every individual guest’s needs. In addition to the eco-rustic treatment rooms where you will feel at one with nature, the spa is equipped with yoga pavilions, a gymnasium and spa retail gallery. This is thé place to have a massage since the Six Senses brand is word-famous for its spa treatments (the company manages 28 luxury spas around the globe).

• The resort’s crescent-shaped, one-mile long (1,6 km) beach is composed of fine, gold-coloured sand. It’s perfectly safe to swim here in the delightfully warm sea. The narrow strip of sand is lined by thick tropical vegetation, so most of the beach villas are out of sight. In addition to the sunbeds that dot the beach and which belong to the beachfront pool villas, there’s a small beach club near the private wooden jetty, with a couple of loungers under natural thatch parasols; towels and sunscreen are provided. Behind the beach club is a large swimming pool that’s surrounded by padded sunbeds and wraps around the Dining By The Pool restaurant, although you will never find many guests here since each villa is equipped with its own private plunge pool.

• The resort is managed by Six Senses, a hotel and spa management company that currently comprises 11 resorts and 28 spas under the brand names Six Senses, Evason and Six Senses Spas. Six Senses was recently awarded the title of world’s best hotel brand by the prestigious Travel & Leisure magazine. The company  operates resorts in far-flung locations of incredible natural beauty that are known for their distinctive design and wellness programs. The brand was founded by Sonu Shivdasani, the CEO of Soneva (my favorite hotel brand in the world), and although Soneva and Six Senses now flourish independently, Six Senses Ninh Van Bay’s design and setting resembles the Soneva resorts in the Maldives (Soneva Fushi) and Thailand (Soneva Kiri).

• Besides Six Senses Ninh Van Bay, Six Senses also manages two other resorts in Vietnam: Six Senses Con Dao, which is located in a gorgeous archipelago a 40 min flight south of Ho Chi Min City, and Evason Ana Mandara, which is the only beachfront property in downtown Nha Trang. All three properties are highly recommended (although Evason Ana Mandara is not as luxurious as the other two), but if you are short on time, then put Six Senses Ninh Van Bay on top of your bucket list since it is the best resort among the 3 Vietnamese Six Senses properties.

• As with every Six Senses resort, each villa has its own Guest Experience Maker (GEM) or butler, who is on call 24 hours a day. This guarantees an exceptional level of service during your stay.

• Sustainability is on top of the resort’s agenda with numerous practices to minimize negative and embrace positive impacts. The eco-friendly policy focuses on energy efficiency, water and waste management, social commitment, protecting natural surroundings, air quality and noise control. For example, the resort has its own organic garden that grows herbs, vegetables, fruits and flowers, for use in the incense-fragranced spa as well as the restaurants.

• There’s a deli corner next to the Dining By The Pool’s open kitchen, which features an ice-cream parlor with unlimited and complimentary scoops for all guests (during daylight hours only).

• Outdoor movie screenings can be enjoyed on the private beach. The cinema operates twice a week (weather permitting).

• Six Senses Ninh Van Bay not only offers the perfect location for relaxation, but its proximity to Nha Trang and its prime position in a calm and sheltered bay, means that you can enjoy many activities and excursions on water and on land. The Experience Center near the arrival jetty offers activities which range from scuba, paddle boarding, hobiecat sailing, kayaking, waterskiing, wake boarding, fun tube, fishing trips and boat charters. There also a nice reef in front of the resort which is great for snorkeling.

CONS & THINGS TO KNOW

Six Senses Ninh Van Bay is without any doubt one of the most exclusive and magnificent resorts in Vietnam and Asia. The low-key but high-style resort features an incredible setting, fabulous villa accommodations, wonderful spa, amazing restaurants, and top-notch service. It would be very hard to dislike to the exceptional resort, but there are a few things you need to know when booking a stay here:

• The transfer by road and speedboat to the resort from Nha Trang’s international Cam Ranh Airport takes around 90 minutes, and although it’s convenient (with even WiFi onboard the car), the transfer is not included in room rate. At the moment, Cam Ranh Airport transfer fee to/from the resort by shared minivan or car and speed boat is charged at $45 USD per person per way.

• Due to the architecture and the set-up of the resort, with many stairs to negotiate in certain areas, stays for very young children and physically challenged people are not recommended in hill top pool villas, water pool villas, rock pool villas, and the rock retreat. If you have difficulties walking, I advise you to book a single level, beachfront villa.

• The resort grounds are very spread out and the ultra-secluded hill top villas are a fair way out, but bicycles and golf buggies are always available.

• The food and spa treatments are expensive for Vietnam, but not expensive when compared to other 5 star hotels in the region.

MY VERDICT

• Location: 10/10
• Design: 10/10
• Pool: 8/10
• Rooms: 10/10
• Food: 9/10
• Breakfast: 9/10
• Spa: 9/10
• Service: 9/10
• 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 Six Senses Ninh Van Bay. Book a room at the cheapest price and/or receive many free perks!

• Save money: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD food & beverage credit).

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

• If you have difficulties walking, I advise you to book a single level, beachfront villa, since most other villa types can only be accessed via stairs.

• The resort’s most expensive villa types, water pool villas, have with wooden steps leading directly to the sea and are an excellent launch pad for snorkelling enthusiasts.

• Booking one of the 35 Beachfront Pool Villas is a good choice since these accommodations were refurbished in 2016, with refreshed interiors sporting lighter toned furnishings for a more modern and lighter feel.

• Read my tips for preparing your trip in time.

• Read my tips for preparing your trip in time.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Like most of Southeast Asia, Vietnam varies from warm to very hot throughout the whole year. There are four annual seasons: cool and dry between November and February; (very) hot and dry between March and May; hot and wet between June and August; and cool and wet between September and early November. The best time to visit is the cool and dry season, when the weather usually benefits from a pleasant dry heat and the surrounding countryside is still green from the rains. In general, autumn travel in Nha Trang is not recommended as heavy rain, tropical storms and typhoon may occur.

HOW TO GET THERE

Upon arriving at Cam Ranh Airport (CXR), which serves Nha Trang (the closest town to Ninh Van Bay), guests with reservations will be met and transfer arranged. It takes 60-minute by car to the Six Senses Lounge in Nha Trang City. It is then a 20-minute boat ride to Six Senses Ninh Van Bay. Cam Ranh Airport transfer fee to/from resort by shared minivan or car and speed boat is charged at $45 USD per person per way. Click here for a list of airlines that have direct flights to Cam Ranh Airport.

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

The post Review: Six Senses Ninh Van Bay (Vietnam) appeared first on the Luxury Travel Expert.

Last April & May, 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 (today)
• Review: Six Senses Ninh Van Bay
• Review: Amanoi, the 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
• Review: Banyan Tree Lang Co
• Review: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
• Review: Cathay Pacific A350 Business Class Hong Kong to Düsseldorf

Today (August 2, 2017): Review of Evason Ana Mandara, Nha Trang (Vietnam).

• Location: Google Maps
• Address: Beachside Tran Phu Boulevard, Tp. Nha Trang, Vietnam
• Hotel website: Evason Ana Mandara

Evason Ana Mandara is Nha Trang’s only in-town beachfront resort, nestled between a magnificent bay and a bustling coastal street. The resort’s 74 guestrooms are set in semi-detached garden villas offering classic Vietnamese touches amidst a tropical oasis. Dining options include Vietnamese and international cuisine, with many ingredients sourced from local markets. A superb spa presents an array of specialty treatments, traditional therapies, beachfront aerial yoga and sensory journeys, providing truly relaxing and revitalizing wellness encounters. The family-friendly resort, which is managed by the famous Six Senses brand, offers a diverse range of excursions, beach volleyball, water-activity, PADI dive center, and the Kid’s Club.

In this review (more info below my Youtube clip & 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

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

PROS & THINGS I LIKE

• Nha Trang is Vietnam’s most famous resort town thanks to its magnificent stretch of gold sand. However, if you dream of going from your plush bed straight into the East China Sea for a swim, you can only do that at Evason Ana Mandara, since that’s the only hotel in downtown Nha Trang located directly on the sand. All other hotels – including the more recently built InterContinental Nha Thrang resort – are separated from the beach by the busy Tran Phu Boulevard.

• The informal beach resort stretches along 0,5 km (0,3 mi) of palm-fringed beach, and is tucked away in lush gardens, shielded from the traffic noise and lively streetscape of Tran Phu Boulevard. Although the bustling city is in the hotel’s backyard, a peaceful and secluded sanctuary will await you the moment you enter the resort grounds. The property offers a level of tranquility that’s not matched by any other hotel in Nha Trang city.

• The resort features a low-rise concept, reminiscent of a traditional Vietnamese village, which is a welcome alternative for the high-rise buildings that now dot the shore in Nha Trang. Natural materials have been used to build the resort and decorate the interiors, with rattan chairs, wood loungers, whitewashed bar tables, stone foundations, and terracotta tile roofs fusing traditional Vietnamese accents with contemporary design.

• At the hotel’s heart is a breezy reception pavilion, which is an open-sided space with dark wood cushioned chairs and tables under a high ceiling. The lobby overlooks a lily ponds packed with exotic koi fish and a small wooden bridge in the lush gardens. The lobby space also houses several on-site boutique shops, the activity & excursions center, a bar, an art gallery displaying works of local painters, and a charming library, which features a large choice of newspapers, magazines, and books. The lobby is also connected to one of the resort’s two dining venues, Pavilion restaurant (more on that below).

• Evason Ana Mandara offers 74 semi-detached suites and guestrooms within 17 traditional Vietnamese-style villas, which are set in the lush, tropical gardens on each side of the lobby. The resort accommodation is evocative of a traditional, serene Vietnamese village blended with modern refinement. During my holiday, I stayed in a so-called ‘deluxe sea view room’, which had French windows that opened onto a cozy, shaded terrace with partial views of the sea. The room, which came with two single beds in mosquito netting, featured a cottage-style decor, with high thatched ceilings and rustic Vietnamese hardwood furniture above the tile floor. The ensuite bathroom featured two sinks, a toilet, a full-sized bathtub, and a rain shower.

• Resort guests are spoilt for choice with two generously sized, beach-front pools. The pool near the lobby, which comes with a jacuzzi, is perfect for families with younger children. The far end of the property features an even larger pool, which has an inviting drop off blending with the horizon of the East China Sea. Daybeds and cushioned lounge chairs with umbrellas are set around both pools and encourage poolside relaxation.

• The property – a wholly Vietnamese owned enterprise – is managed by Six Senses, one of my favorite luxury hotel brands in the world. Six Senses is a hotel and spa management company that currently comprises 10 resorts and 28 spas under the brand names Six Senses, Evason and Six Senses Spas. Each of the Six Senses properties is supported by a leadership commitment to community, sustainability and wellness. Six Senses operates two other properties in Vietnam as well: ultraluxe Six Senses con Dao and – my favorite – Six Senses Ninh Van Bay. It’s important to know that Evason Ana Mandara is the least exclusive of the 3 Vietnamese Six Senses properties, reflecting the more budget-friendly character of the Evason brand.

• The seaside Six Senses Spa Nha Trang offers specialty treatments together with an extensive menu of traditional therapies, providing a truly relaxing and revitalizing experience to rejuvenate the senses. Skilled therapists create sensory journeys for guests, with a range of holistic wellness and pampering treatments using only natural products. The spa also offers Aerial Yoga which brings together stretching, breathing and meditation with gymnastics and aerial arts.

• The resort has two excellent beach-front restaurants. The Pavilion restaurant is located near the lobby and serves gourmet dining focusing on local cuisine. Once a week, it is transformed into a street market, highlighting authentic regional Vietnamese food from around the country. Each morning, the Pavilion restaurant is also the scene of a terrific breakfast buffet, which comprises several food stations. The other dining venue – Ana Beach House restaurant – is located along the infinity pool and specializes in seafood and Mediterranean fare.

• The hotel is located right on Nha Trang’s famous golden sand beach. The beach itself is fully public though it is far enough away from the main drag that few venture here. Several sun loungers under thatched umbrellas are available to hotel guests only. Remarkably, before sunrise and after sunset, it are mainly Vietnamese people who make use of the beach and swim in the sea, while European and Russian tourists largely outnumber the Vietnamese nationals during the day.

• There is a host of activities for the whole family at Evason Ana Mandara. The resort offers tennis, biking, gym fitness, beach volleyball, exciting moonlight cruises and much, much more. On Evason Ana Mandara’s tranquil beach, you will also find a onsite five-star PADI accredited diving center where the experts know many great diving and snorkeling sites. The islands surrounding Nha Trang offer exciting, adventurous trips and fishing excursions. Close by is some of Vietnam’s astounding countryside, with steep mountains and plush green paddy fields seemingly electrified by the sun.

• Eco-friendly and sustainable policies are at the core of the resort’s business, serving up organic, locally sourced food where possible, recycling and offering free bicycles for touring, employing local staff, and running charity schemes to improve locals’ quality of life.

CONS & THINGS TO KNOW

The 5-star Evason Ana Mandara enjoys an excellent reputation as the only beachfront property in Nha Trang town. It’s the perfect choice for a family holiday. There are some things you need to know though when considering a stay here to make sure that your expectations are met:

• The 74 rooms and suites are housed in 17 villas, which are located quite lose to each other. However, the tropically lush vegetation offers a high degree of privacy, so there’s not really something to be worried about.

• Although the hotel is right in the middle of a town, you will not notice that as the hotel is tucked away in a lush oasis of tropical vegetation. However, although the resort is a tranquil spot, hotel areas and rooms closer to the busy Tran Phu Boulevard behind the property may pick up a bit of street noise.

• Nha Trang’s beach is very busy and crowded, although the stretch of public beach in front of the hotel feels more quiet and more exclusive.

• The property is less luxurious and also considerably cheaper when compared to its more famous Six Senses sister properties. Although managed by Six Senses, the Evason brand is more budget friendly and caters to a different public, although there’s no denying that the property is still 5 star and does not compromise on comfort. However, if you expect the same level of luxury as at other Six Senses hotels, you may end up disappointed.

• Evason Ana Mandara Nha Trang is an older property. It opened 20 years ago, in 1997, and although facilities are very well maintained, the rooms and communal areas could use a little refurbishment in certain areas.

MY VERDICT

• Location: 7/10
• Design: 7/10
• Pool: 8/10
• Rooms: 7/10
• Food: 8/10
• Breakfast: 8/10
• Spa: 9/10
• Service: 9/10
• Value for money: 9/10
• Overall experience: very good: 8/10

TIPS FOR FUTURE GUESTS & SAVE MONEY

• Save money: read my tips for getting the best deal at a luxury hotel like Evason Ana Mandara. Book a room at the cheapest price and/or receive many free perks!

• Room tip: request a room away from the busy coastal street behind the hotel.

• 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

Like most of Southeast Asia, Vietnam varies from warm to very hot throughout the whole year. There are four annual seasons: cool and dry between November and February; (very) hot and dry between March and May; hot and wet between June and August; and cool and wet between September and early November. The best time to visit is the cool and dry season, when the weather usually benefits from a pleasant dry heat and the surrounding countryside is still green from the rains. In general, autumn travel in Nha Trang is not recommended as heavy rain, tropical storms and typhoon may occur.

HOW TO GET THERE

Nha Trang is situated 840 miles (1,350) kilometers from Hanoi (HAN) and 280 miles (450 kilometers) from Ho Chi Minh City (SGN). Vietnam airlines operates flights from Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Danang (DAD) on most days, according to schedule. Upon arriving at Cam Ranh Airport (CXR), it takes approximately 30-minutes by car to Evason Ana Mandara Nha Trang. Guest with reservations will be met at the airport by a resort host. Cam Ranh airport transfer fee to and from resort by shared van are $25 USD per room per way. Guests also have the option of private transfer at $61 USD for two to three persons per way, per vehicle.

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

The post Review: Evason Ana Mandara, Nha Trang (Vietnam) appeared first on the Luxury Travel Expert.