Found opposite hon Thi island in the far southeast of Vietnam, Ninh Van Bay is at the bottom of a peninsula beside the South China Sea. It’s the place to come if you want a retreat, a luxury hotel and stunning landscapes (lush jungle, white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters). There’s a little village and the sea, but little else, the ideal antidote to modern life, or for those who’ve already completed a non-stop itinerary of travel across southeast Asia. It’s a sheltered inlet with ferries crossing from its shores across Nha Phu Bay. Here are our recommendations for your stay in Ninh Van Bay.
An Lam Retreats Ninh Van Bay
Book into one of 37 eco-friendly villas and soak in Vietnamese heritage among a backdrop of handcrafted decor. Sign up for a wellness programme at the Jungle Spa, dine at Sen restaurant, drink at the elevated bar – Sen Deck – with 360-degree views, or enjoy a post-hike barbecue beside the nearby stream. Ingredients come from the onsite organic garden and local producers, including a nearby fish farm. Villas have up to three bedrooms, some are right on the beach, others in the seclusion of the rainforest, many have private pools and all offer a private dining service.
L’Alya Ninh Van Bay
Accessible only by sea (a 15-minute speedboat ride from the mainland), L’Alya Ninh Van Bay offers an authentic slice of Vietnamese luxury living. A lagoon-style seaside infinity pool is flanked by giant boulders, indigenous to the area. Low-rise rustic buildings have thatched roofs, the bar area has swings so you can feel a gentle breeze as you sip on a cocktail. And there’s verdant tropical planting all around, giving an added sense of leafy seclusion. The menus change frequently to incorporate the freshest ingredients and meals can be taken on the west-facing deck, for a ringside view as the sun sets.
Six Senses Ninh Van Bay
Sleep in an overwater bungalow at the Six Senses Resort. Each of its private residences has either a terrace or garden and a plunge pool, with locations beside the beach, on the mountainside and between the giant boulders – as well as suspended over the sea. Some even have dining rooms, Bose sound systems and a wine cellar. You can dine in restaurants by the rocks, by the bay, by the pool, or in a wine cave, practice yoga, work out at a jungle gym circuit, measure your health with a smart-tech-led wellness programme, and book locally-inspired therapeutic treatments.