In Vietnam, now a hot spot for high-end globetrotters, ultra-luxury hotels are just beginning to pepper the landscape. The secluded villas of An Lam Ninh Van Bay—reachable only by boat—are tucked away from the bustling beach resorts of Nha Trang, dotting the coast of Central Vietnam’s South China Sea. An Lam boasts a top-notch spa, just-caught cuisine and their specialty 24-hour butler program. But the true standout is their palatial villas—there are 35 total. Villa number one—the resort’s most requested—is a two-bedroom retreat complete with a private pool and secluded beachfront access. Antoine Sirot, An Lam’s Chief Operating Officer, offers a glimpse inside.
Most requested room in the hotel:
“An Lam Beach Villa #1.”
What makes it special:
“This beach villa is located at the far end of the strip, where you can see the entire resort—but guests can’t see you—offering complete privacy with the best view. This two-bedroom, two-bathroom suite is the most spacious of all villas at the resort, and is made for rest, relaxation and romance. One bed can be used for napping under the gauzy mosquito netting, while the other can be designated for reading. Or there’s a white daybed that swings on ropes from the ceiling.
“Bathing is often done outside on the secluded patio that boasts an outdoor shower and bathtub-for-two carved of a single slab of grey stone marble. And there’s a massive deck with an oversized plunge pool made of local, black marble stone, a smattering of loungers and the wooden sun bed, with waterfront views.”
Your personal favorite:
“The Hill Rock Villa #23.”
Because…
“It’s a one-bedroom villa with all-wood construction that gives the guests the feeling of staying in a luxury tree house—complete with its own private pool.”
Celebrity guests:
“We’ve had well-known athletes and a few famous business people as guests at the resort. Unfortunately, we do not give names without their authorization.”
The rate:
The average rate is $300-500 USD, depending on the period of stay and the type of villa.
Fun fact:
“An Lam is built along the edge of a natural reserve and reachable only by boat. Guests arrive on their private speedboat, zipping across the bright, green waters of the South China Sea. One of the highlights of the resort is the 24-hour butler program. The resort operates with individual butlers, who can do everything from pack (or unpack) luggage to popping champagne from your curated wine refrigerator. Guests request exactly how hands-on they’d like their butler to be; and because of the attention provided to each person, there’s no need for reception counter or desk on the premises. They’ll bring you whatever, whenever.”
