Evason Ana Mandara

"Evason Ana Mandara may be Vietnam’s most expensive resort to date but don’t expect the latest in-room gadgetry and marble bathrooms. Instead, the natural elegance of organic fabrics and coconut fixtures accessorize the fifty-five thatched roof huts set around coral rich Ninh Van Bay off the mainland village of Nha Trang. Upper floors are simply outfitted with rustic wooden dining sets and pillow strewn daybeds, ideal for sunsets and stargazing. Downstairs a mosquito net cocoons the funky bamboo bed made with untreated cotton sheets. An extensive pillow menu featuring ergonomic and herbal options is emailed to guests in advance. The substantial open-air bathroom is a standout: the double-headed outdoor shower is accessed by charming tree-stump footpath and a deep barrel-sided soak tub makes for a memorable splash. Guests are assigned personal butlers who are sweet but helpfulness is hampered by the lack of English language skills. Another area for improvement: the hand drawn resort map is charming but few outdoor lights makes nighttime navigation a real challenge. Thankfully, sea-facing private plunge pools eliminate the need to venture far. A selection of water sports, including excursions to some of Vietnam's best dive sites plus jungle walks, a waterfall safari and cultural tours to nearby village markets and the historic Cham temples of Dalat make the Hideaway like sleep away camp for grown-ups, albeit one with a French chef and Six Senses spa where the traditional Vietnamese massage featuring warmed suction cups placed on the back is an exotic encounter not to be missed."