Zannier Hotels Bãi San Hô

"Why book? This is a design-lover’s hideout: every detail is ultra-considered from the hand-washed textured walls to the bamboo fan placed just so on top of the reclaimed-wood dresser. But it’s not just for architecture snobs, it’s a beachy retreat for people who love fresh seafood and the sound of the waves first thing in the morning.Set the scene: Compared to Vietnam’s big-hitting destinations—Hôi An, Hạ Long Bay—Phú Yên, on the south central coast, is virtually unknown. But the closest city, Quy Nhơn, has been drawing locals seeking out smart stays at Anantara and Avani for a few years. While borders are closed, you’ll find weekenders from Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi here, along with a few curious expats. The backstory: Purchased in 2014 by French hotelier Arnaud Zannier, Bãi San Hô is as ethereally eclectic as his other far-flung properties in Namibia and Cambodia. The area’s local dishes, traditions, materials and architecture take centre stage—a common theme across Zannier’s clutch of distinct properties.The rooms: Each of the four villa types draws on different styles of Vietnamese architecture. The Hill Pool Villas are the most popular for their wide-screen views across the rice paddies. But the pitched roof Beach Pool Villas, just footsteps to the waves, steal the show. If you’re on a budget or visiting when the weather is less than ideal, the Rice Paddy Villas are cosy for couples, with low ceilings and no reason to leave the comfy bed and plunge tub. Food and drink: Seafood is a must here—especially the lobster. Try it at boho beachside spot Làng Chài, but don’t bypass the freshly squeezed sugarcane and tea mixes either; they’re a brilliant refresher in the sun. The smartest restaurant Bà Hai, meaning Grandmother Hai, is set in a traditional communal home with soaring ceilings, where each course of the set menu is a zhuzhed-up version of the country’s street-food favorites. The spa: Another curvy, softly designed space, the partially subterranean spa specializes in using local herbs and healing practices.The neighborhood/area: What neighbors? There are no other places to stay within 30 minutes. But do go on a bike ride with a guide through the local fishing villages.The service: Warm, welcoming and genuine. Service here is attentive yet unpretentious, which reflects local life in the region. Zipping you around the property in a buggy, the staff love a chat about how your day is going, where you’re from, and where else you’ve traveled in Vietnam. For families: While the smaller villas are more suited for globetrotting couples, there are two enormous houses—with a pool for cannonballs—that families can spread out in. Eco effort: During construction, the team created a plant nursery to house local vegetation and planted acres of greenery after completion—more than 96.5 percent of the plant life was preserved and replanted later. Accessibility: Wood-slatted pathways and multiple steps don’t make the property accessible for those with mobility issues. Anything left to mention? The hotel is spread over a whopping 240 acres, so bicycles are scattered throughout to get around the sprawling, sloping space more easily. Or a buggy ride is on speed dial." - Katie Lockhart