Amanoi is the first Aman in Vietnam. Situated on the northeastern coastline of Vietnam’s famous Nui Chua National Park it is an absolute gem sandwiched between the deep blue sea and lush green hills.
The resort offers stunning views of the Vinh Hy Bay – a gorgeous, untapped natural harbour on the country’s eastern coast in a province called Ninh Thuan. The names sound complicated, far different from a sense of calm that prevails from the minute you step into Amanoi. The property exudes a musical harmony of an urban habitat in the midst of a natural and serene landscape. Spread across 40 hectares of land, there are 31 guest pavilions and 5 villas that offer total privacy. If you are not much of a walker and prefer to holiday like a king, then you get to meander through the property in lazy golf buggies. The rooms, designed by an Amani favourite, and the ‘spoiled kid of the hotel industry’, Jean-Michel Gathy are spacious and tastefully done as is typical of the brand. The choice of colours are rustic and earthy but the texture and style are contemporary.
Most of the rooms have a private pool, and some of those that do offer unmatched views of the beach and the ocean like the Ocean pool villa. I must say it was no easy task to select seven things out of the several that captured my heart from the moment I checked in till I bid farewell to Amanoi. Nonetheless here are top 7 reasons why a stay at Amanoi should be at the top of your list when you visit Vietnam.
1. Transfers in true Aman style
As with all Amans, the Amanoi offers excellent service. You will be constantly reminded of this during your stay, thanks to the effortless but super efficient staff who are available to assist 24/7, if it comes to that. Right from the time we were picked up from the airport to the time we were driven back to fly back home, we were made to sit back and enjoy the ride. On the way to the hotel, you can sit back and relax with snacks, towels dipped in lemongrass and also a mobile phone to contact the hotel in case you found it difficult to communicate with the driver. You will have a wifi connection and will be given an iPad where you can scroll through the dinner menu and take an hour to decide. At the hotel, things are no less personalised. Jump to #3 to get an idea.
2. Minimalist luxury
We were booked into Pavillion #23, the second highest room in in the property’s portfolio. With their grey roofs, the rooms feels like an open shed in a farmhouse. With an area of 1022 sq.ft, these units are nestled between rocks and trees. The consistent use of white, gunmetal grey, stone colours, fabrics, furniture with the control set lighting and candles – all combined sets a romantic ambience. The theme worked to our best advantage as our stay at the hotel coincided with Valentine’s Day! While the general ambience is minimalistic and elegant, the celebratory V-Day setting was a bit much!
3. The Aman Ninjas
The Housekeeping team had to be my most favourite lot at Amanoi! They knew all our movements and that was not a bad thing, really. Everytime we returned to our room, it was spick and span. What’s more, they take the effort to learn our names and had a thorough idea of our activities during our stay – including managing our appointments.
4. Lunchers’ paradise
Facing the fishing village of Vinh Hy, the Beach club is one of the dining areas in the property which offers a picturesque view of the pristine blue sea touching the sparkling white sands and the infinity pool. It was our favourite place to hang about, having lunch and spending the noon watching the waves. Guests can also opt for snorkeling to see the corals and various other water sports are also available.
5. Insta-worthy
A long pristine beach, an infinity pool leads your glance to the wider ocean, the aesthetic interiors, the natural elements, the modern appeal, the curated dining experience all mean one thing – amazing pictures and a magnet for likes!
6. The Pools and The Spa
Amanoi has two pools. The cliff pool and the beach club pool. The cliff pool is situated near the central pavilion. Set on ancient boulders, the cliff pool offers the most stunning view of the rocky coastline. The view is different in every direction and a part of pool is surrounded by rocks and trees giving it a natural look. Serene private evenings can be spent with cocktails and a spectacular view.
As for the spa, it is beautiful. On entering you will instantly be drawn to the yoga pavilion. Surrounded by a lake, facing the lush green mountains the arena is perfect to stretch your body and relax with the soft murmur of waves and breathing clean air.
Amanoi’s two Spa Houses are first of their kind in Asia. Both provide guests with completely private stay at one or two of the pavilions facing the lake or the mountains. Private personalised Hammam or wooden clad Banya spa treatments can be enjoyed as a part of daily treatment staying in the spa house.
Various other immersion programs with a tailor made menu are also available to rejuvenate the senses.
7. The Delicacy Delight
Anywhere you decide to eat within this property, you will be blessed with a view of the blue skies and the deep blue ocean. Whether you dine under the stars, or on the terrace or at the Beach Club or at the Clifftop Pool – you are sorted.
Amanoi has a clear case of evoking all 5 senses, blanketed by the five elements of nature – earth, water, fire (sun), wind and space. You will get transported into a realm that you can’t imagine until you are there and you feel and see it for yourself.
Where: Amanoi Ninh Thuan
Vĩnh Hải, Ninh Hải District, Ninh Thuan Province, Vietnam
Phone: +84 259 3770 777
