Dreaming of a luxurious, tranquil oasis in a natural wilderness that has both mountains and sea? Vietnam boasts many options, but perhaps the most exclusive among them is Amanoi, a five-star resort within the Nui Chua UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in Ninh Thuan Province along the south coast. 

Opened in 2013 as part of the international group of Aman Resorts, Amanoi – which means ‘a peaceful place’ in Sanskrit – is as good as it gets. This sprawling resort perched on a hill and tucked away among trees is surrounded by mountains, granite boulders, lush evergreen vegetation and dramatic ocean views of the Vinh Hy Bay and East Sea. Truly, if you’re wanting to splurge on soul-restoring seclusion and impeccable service, Amanoi should be your first choice. 

THE EXCLUSIVE LOCATION

Amanoi is situated on a hill along a quiet stretch of rugged coastline between a national park and a marine reserve. The 100 acres of pristine wilderness topography includes secluded valleys, sheltered inlets, rocky outcrops, a private white-sand beach, and a lotus-filled lake. In this green space surrounded by turquoise seas, you may even spot sun bears and muntjac deers.

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The best way to get there is to fly to Nha Trang’s Cam Ranh Airport, a 75-minute drive away. The hotel’s reservations team will gladly help you with all your travel arrangements. 

THE DISCREET DESIGN AESTHETIC

Malaysia-based Belgian architect Jean-Michel Gathy and his team at Denniston wanted to make the most of the heavenly setting. “The site is amazing,” he said, “with rocky promontory, dramatic cliffs, a private beach, thick evergreen vegetation, large boulders, rugged topography, and very private.”

To avoid spoiling the natural beauty, an unobtrusive, minimal design aesthetic was chosen, which subtly integrates into the surroundings. The buildings are a contemporary take on traditional Vietnamese architecture, with dark grey tiles and roofs that curve upwards. They’re reminiscent of the hilltop pagodas dotted around Vietnam, evoking a sense of spiritual calm. 

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The central pavilion, which is 69 metres above sea level and 16.2 metres high, is the main gathering place. Its design was inspired by the communal halls of Vietnamese villages. Here you’ll find a tea room, bar, library, restaurant and terrace with sensational sea and park views. The Dining Room restaurant is within a glass enclosure and has an ample outdoor terrace for alfresco dining to admire the wide seascapes beyond. 

Local art is showcased with paintings in the tea room and bar, with other features including raw silk screens on the 13 library cabinets. Lotus flower motifs, symbolic of enlightenment, are carried across the resort.

EXCLUSIVE ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Guest accommodation falls under five categories, depending on the size, location, facilities and views. There are pavilion rooms, villas with private pools, and larger residences that have four or five bedrooms. Given the hilltop location, epic views are guaranteed− especially in the Ocean Pool Pavilions. What’s more, the suites are spread apart, so they’re super private. In the villas, a private chef and butler can be at your service, 24/7.

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Inside, it’s all about luxurious space and soothing natural hues and materials. Think high ceilings with exposed beams, cement-and-timber flooring and a neutral colour palette. Vietnamese design elements include large folding, latticed windows that open up onto terraces as well as bamboo shades. The soft furnishings incorporate traditional materials, such as raw silk, in neutral and classic Vietnamese shades of yellow and red.

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Then there are the small details that add up to the overall experience of luxury: a Bose iPod dock, Nespresso machine, reading nooks and writing desks, exclusive toiletry products and beach bags complete with sun hats.

TOP-NOTCH FACILITIES AND SERVICES

Naturally, the service you get is what you’d expect from such a ‘top-dollar’ establishment. You’ll be greeted by the general manager and the staff who’ll take care of you. You’ll be greeted by name wherever you go. And your room will be quietly made up every time you step out. Fruit and sweet treats will be left for you to enjoy, and there’s also a doctor on site to ensure unwell guests feel well taken care of. 

In addition to the private beach you can walk to or ride a buggy to reach, there are two main pools. An outdoor infinity pool at the central pavilion, and the longer saltwater pool at the Beach Club. Keen on tennis? There are two tennis courts with a private coach on site. You can also book a private gym session with a personal trainer, or do yoga, tai chi or Pilates in the open-air pavilions.

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For some R&R, head to the Aman Spa, which is set beside a lake full of lotus flowers. They take a holistic approach to wellbeing here, with treatments incorporating traditional practices such as Ayurveda. Each of the spa’s five suites has a double bathtub, private shower and dressing room. As they’re hidden among the trees, they’re private and hardly noticeable, so you truly feel one with nature. 

DREAMY CUISINE

Enjoy all-day dining at the main restaurant on the clifftop, which focuses on Vietnamese cuisine using seasonal ingredients and fresh seafood caught locally. International meals are also on offer. Sip a cocktail or tea at the teahouse-cum-bar, which also has great views. Near the shores, the Beach Club is great for lunch or afternoon snacks.

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Wanting something special? The staff can arrange romantic beach barbeques and private picnics reached via boat. Intimate dining events, such as the Chef’s Table, are arranged at the Rock Studio, stunning sea-facing seating among granite boulders.

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THINGS TO DO

Make the most of the bay location with water-sports including snorkelling, diving, stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking. Explore nearby beaches and fishing villages, or hike the many trails through the national park. For something less physical, you can take a cookery class or a trip to the ancient Po Klong Garai Cham Towers, built in the 12th and 13th centuries, among other activities.

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