Cover Soma Mot is a soothing space in the heart of Saigon (Photo: Soma Hideaways)
Soma Mot is a soothing space in the heart of Saigon (Photo: Soma Hideaways)
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Embrace the slow life at these luxury boutique hotels in Vietnam— home to Tatler’s newest edition
To mark the launch of Tatler Vietnam, this is a little love letter to our new home.
It’s not hard to see why so many travellers fall under Vietnam’s spell—even the late Anthony Bourdain referred to the country as one of his “favourite places on Earth” and his “first love”. There is, indeed, so much to delight in: its colourful culture, its delicious cuisine that’s remarkably fresh and layered, the organised chaos, the gentle approach to life.
Lately, it’s been a leader in redefining what luxury hotels look like for a new generation of travellers—boutique properties that are design-centric, with an emphasis on supporting the local community and embracing slow living.
One article isn’t enough to show or say it all, but we’ve sought out four properties from around the country that embody this ethos, from a riverside retreat inspired by the owner’s childhood memories to a city hotel that puts local creative talent in the spotlight.
See also: How to spend 48 hours in Ho Chi Minh City
Amanoi
Situated on a secluded cliffside between a national park and a marine reserve, with an infinity pool that fades into the sea and a spa that sits by a lake dotted with lotus blossoms, Amanoi is truly a sight to behold. The hotel’s design is airy and earthy, allowing the breathtaking scenery to steal the show—and rightfully so.
Amanoi’s 31 pavilions and five villas face either the ocean to the east or verdant mountains to the west. For those who want more from their holiday than poolside lounging and spa treatments, the 290-square- kilometre Nui Chua National Park encircling the resort has plenty to explore, with a network of trails that include family-friendly rambles to picnics on secret beaches, and more challenging treks to the rock formations of Bai Da and Goga Peak.
Guests can also wander down to Amanoi’s own 400-metre private beach, backed by soaring boulders and lush vegetation, trek to nearby waterfalls or visit the home of a local elderly couple and their relatives in the nearby fishing village of Vinh Hy to learn more about the local way of life in this serene pocket of Vietnam.
An Lam Ninh Va Bay
The owner’s background as a wood importer and furniture maker come through in An Lam Ninh Van Bay’s striking architecture, which is quite a sight as you approach the private island on which the resort is located. It’s accessible only by boat, and guests have no choice but to switch off and tune in to the beautiful surroundings.
The timber villas—from cosy Jungle Rock Villas surrounded by tropical jungle to beautiful Beachfront Pool Villas that are just steps away from the shore—combine wood with other natural materials, including wardrobes adorned with bamboo canes and textiles hand-dyed using local plants.
Most villas have private pools, but we still recommend visiting the main freshwater pool—which, like the rest of the resort, follows the lines and curves of the island’s landscape to appear like a natural lagoon.
The most notable building on the island is Sen, an overwater restaurant and bar where soaring beams semble semi-open lotus leaves. The menu specialises in Vietnamese cuisine, with an emphasis on locally caught seafood. For something more intimate, the resort can organise a private picnic or barbecue on a chic platform next to a nearby stream.
Namia River Retreat
Opening this December, this new retreat is located in a peaceful islet by the Thu Bon River, just a short bicycle ride from the Unesco World Heritage site of Hoi An. Sixty standalone pool villas are dotted among a forest of native nipa palms, each featuring an open-plan living room that seamlessly flows into an outdoor terrace with either forest or river views.
The experiences at Namia River Retreat are inspired by the owner’s fond memories of growing up in these parts. This includes visits to local artisans’ studios to learn about their crafts and way of life, bamboo bicycle trails in the nipa forest and sundown river cruises. Meals at the retreat are influenced by the local fishermen, with their catch of the day cooked and served with fresh herbs sourced from the nearby Cham Islands.
Its wellness programme is inspired by thuoc nam (traditional Vietnamese medicine) to incorporate offerings like duong sinh, a traditional Vietnamese morning movement practice, a herbal steam remedy known as xong hoi and dien chan, a form of facial reflexology.
Soma Mot
Soma Mot is an artful embodiment of traditional Sino-Vietnamese aesthetics, where the allure of bygone eras is met with contemporary comforts. Located along the Saigon River in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 2, the hotel’s interiors are inspired by the sacred waterway and its role as a historical witness to the city.
The guest rooms are muted and tonal, playing with a spectrum of different textures ranging from polished wood to woven rattan, bouclé couches and armchairs to soft billowing curtains. A roster of Vietnamese creatives were tapped to bring the Soma Mot vision to life: the furniture is by prominent brand District Eight, the artwork is curated by contemporary art space Gallery Medium and handmade tablewares are from Gom Sai Gon, a popular ceramics gallery and store.
Staying true to its multilayered and multisensory approach, upon request, the hotel can organise bespoke experiences around the city that encompass design, art, culture and dining.
Zannier Bai San Ho
The family-owned hospitality brand Zannier Collection tends to not follow where the herd goes. It’s this knack for destinations with a difference that led founder Arnaud Zannier to this undisturbed stretch of beach in Vietnam, which occupies a sleepy peninsula in Phu Yen province with no other resorts in the vicinity.
This hotel attracts fans of quiet luxury: the interiors follow a “perfectly imperfect” formula of hand-washed walls and patina-covered furniture. Its 73 standalone villas are designed in three distinct architectural styles: the Paddy Field Villas are inspired by local fishermen’s stilt houses; the Hill Pool Villas resemble the traditional mountain longhouses of Vietnam’s Ede tribe; and the beach pool villas are built in the style of the Cham people, who live along Vietnam’s central coast.
Beach time aside, guests can learn about the 11th-century Cham dynasty, receive temple blessings at Quy Non or follow the walking trails nearby, all in relative seclusion. In an era of overtourism, this is one of the greatest gifts of this luxury property.
Coco Marett is a writer and editor who grew up between Hong Kong and Melbourne. She currently heads the travel section for Tatler Asia, and manages the Tatler Travel account on Instagram. She is known for her features on unique, under-the-radar properties and destinations. She's also known for her in-depth interviews that paint a refreshingly candid portrait of influential figures across various industries —from artists to political figures, CEOs to celebrity chefs. Follow her on Instagram @cocomarett
