First Impressions
A song you should listen to when you arrive:
Todd Terje & Bryan Ferry – “Johnny and Mary”
Best detail:
The remote location in the middle of a Vietnamese National Park. The views in combination with the calmness of complete seclusion.
Worst detail:
You will measure pretty much any other resort against this one.
Best time of the day:
Late afternoon on the beach when you will be completely alone.
Atmosphere:
You will forget to check your emails.
Architecture:
Typical Aman: modern but with respect for local traditions.
Room we stayed in:
Ocean Pavilion: 80m2 plus large terrace.
View:
You won’t see a neighboring villa out of any window, only nature. Monkeys on the terrace included.
Neighborhood
Only a tiny fishing village in the national park.
Service and Staff
Front desk:
Knows your name — and your kids’ — before you even arrive.
Check-in:
Only takes one minute: you hand them your passport and a credit card and they are brought back to your room when done.
Concierge:
Will find you a unicorn if you request one.
Housekeeping:
Even if you only leave for a few minutes, you’ll return to a clean room.
Turndown service:
Yes, they leave locally produced gifts on the pillow every evening.
Food and Beverage
In-room dining:
Excellent mix of Western and Vietnamese specialties for decent prices. The Pho is amazing and comes served with the freshest ingredients.
Restaurants:
The restaurant is located in the main building, sit outside for the view. Ask the chef for his recommendations in regards to seafood, he will serve you lobsters and pulpo that was caught a few hours ago in front of the resort. For lunch, head to the beach club for lighter meals and excellent seafood.
Bar:
Great drinks and a beautiful setting with a mixture of black-and-white photos and colorful Vietnamese art on the walls.
Breakfast:
Only à la carte. Order fresh pomelos and mangos to start — don’t miss out on the selection of freshly squeezed juices. Give yourself some time for breakfast, there is hardly a better way to start the day than on the terrace overlooking the bay.
Mini bar:
All the usuals, plus complimentary cookies and nuts.
Complimentary water:
Can be found at any place that makes sense around your room. Cold ones in the mini bar.
Amenities
Villas:
Very spacious and minimalist with a lot of wood and concrete. Every villa comes with a large living room area and nice terrace to take in the nature surrounding the property.
Bed:
King size, but a bit too hard.
Bathroom:
Big double sinks, amazing water pressure in the shower. Open the sliding door in the shower to look over the bay, not many places can offer a shower like that!
Bathtub:
Yes, very large.
Bathroom products:
Organic products in ceramic sustainable containers.
Storage:
Separate His & Hers closets, next to the corresponding sinks.
Safe:
Of course.
TV:
High-end flat screen in the middle of the room, rotate-able so you can watch either from bed or the couch. PayTV, Netflix installed.
Spa
Sauna:
Only in the Spa Villas, not the common area.
Steam room:
Yes.
Cold water pool:
Yes.
Spa treatments:
Everything you can imagine from classics to Vietnamese specialties, provided by top-notch therapists.
Water:
Of course, everywhere.
What to do
Experiences and excursions:
Have a private dinner at the Pavilion on the Lotus Lake, ask the staff to take you out on the complimentary catamaran, or use one of the paddle boards to cruise the bay. Consult the Experiences booklet in your room, and be sure to take advantage of them — they are amazing.
Yoga:
Take a private lesson at the pavilion overlooking the Lotus Lake or join the complimentary group classes at sunrise/sunset.
Tennis:
The hard court is in great condition and best to be played in the early evening hours when the sun has set.
Pool and Beach
Pool:
Two infinity pools, one on the cliffs, one in the beach club by the sea including a beautiful sculpture in the middle of it. Most villas have private pools as well.
Beach:
Untouched. Not your typical tropical white sands and turquoise water, but very peaceful.
Towels:
Everywhere.
Sun chairs:
The best padding.
Extras:
Complimentary fresh iced tea, ice water and popsicles throughout the day as refreshments.
