Dreaming on China Beach in Vietnam
Vietnam's most cultured beachside resort fulfils the wildest desires
Published on August 11, 2007
Interiors feature rich timber floors and distinctive Vietnamese decor that add to the strong sense of place.
Some say never go by first impressions. Well, it was the Nam Hai Hotel's black stone signboard at the entrance that gave me the shivers, and I didn't know what to expect as my car swept into the driveway.
But as I got out and walked past reception, that first negative impression instantly disappeared. Spread before my eyes were three huge "infinity" swimming pools, their edges merging with the majestic South China Sea in the background. It did nothing but fill me with a sense of tranquillity.
Vietnam's most exclusive oceanfront resort occupies 35 hectares of landscaped tropical gardens overlooking the South China Sea, along a kilometre of the famous China Beach, voted by Forbes magazine one of the world's 10 most beautiful beaches.
The all-villa resort, managed by General Hotel Management (GHM), features 60 one-bedroom villas and 40 pool villas ranging from one to five bedrooms, each with its own luxurious infinity pool.
All villas feature large bedrooms and living spaces, bathtubs, walk-in closets and bathrooms with an outdoor area. Each occupies its own landscaped garden and boasts views of the sea and nearby Cham Islands.
These spacious, split level rooms are contemporary in design with Vietnamese-style red tiled roofs and white rendered walls.
Interiors feature rich timber floors and distinctive Vietnamese decor that add to the strong sense of place.
Elegant furniture, also in dark wood, is complemented by sumptuous cream silks and other natural fabrics creating a setting of cool, calm, opulence which is framed by the breathtaking, unspoiled beauty right on the doorstep. It's interesting to have a raised wooden platform set in the middle of the room, enclosed in the evening under the canopy of a cosy mosquito net and surrounded stylishly by generous walkways and ample lounge areas. This section serves as a room within a room and features a king-size bed, writing desk, divan and long eggshell-lacquered bath within. The lavish bathroom opens into a private
garden with an outdoor rainforest shower with no worrying over issues of privacy. Double sinks and a dressing area with a chaise lounge and boudoir deliver a distinct sense of elegance. It's odd that despite the big space in the bathroom area the restroom is quite small. All villas are equipped with flat screen LCD television and Bose sound system, iPods and sound dock, wi-fi access, in-room bar, espresso machine and tea making facilities, and a safe. It takes a day just to learn your way around the room.
With the pool villas there's a courtyard entrance that leads into a living and dining area. Each also has a kitchen, a maid's room and a private temperature-controlled swimming pool. This reporter was fortunate enough to stay at a beachfront villa, so I sat back and relaxed on a day bed in the outdoor seating area, enjoying an unobstructed view of the South China Sea, outlying Cham Islands and nearby mountain peaks. The resort's restaurants offer a selection of international and Vietnamese cuisine, with appealing indoor and outdoor seating areas overlooking water gardens and the ocean. Fresh seafood and grills are served in a wonderful beachside setting.
For recreation, the resort amenities include a clubhouse, tropical spa and extensive recreational facilities that offer guests the chance to satisfy every holiday desire. Dreaming of a unique, romantic and memorable place to stay? The Nam Hai resort might have what it takes to fulfil those dreams. If anywhere deserves the label "paradise", for me this is the place.
Nam Hai Hotel at a glance High point: Spacious surroundings and the rooms' facilities make for a romantic and relaxing atmosphere, offering a perfect place for honeymooners. Low point: The variety of Vietnamese dishes is limited. Pay for it: Prices start at $550 per night for one-Bedroom Villa and $2,300 per night for five-bedroom, beach-front villa with a private pool. Find it: Hamlet 1, Dien Duang Village, Dien Ban District, Quang Nam Province, Vietnam. The hotel is about 30 minutes from Danang International Airport. Phone it: (84 510) 940 000
Jintana Panyaarvudh
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