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February 2014 | by Nathan Wedding

Amanoi, Vietnam joins the Aman collection

Aman’s newest resort, Amanoi in Vietnam, was one of the most hotly anticipated hotel openings in 2013 and with the doors recently thrown open the team at Seven Skies hot-footed it to this remote and rarely visited corner of Vietnam in January to experience it first-hand.

A short 40 minute flight from Saigon, Vietnam’s commercial heart, delivered us to Nha Trang’s Cam Ranh airport and the gateway to Vinh Hy Bay and the location of the new Amanoi. A 2 hour drive started first in the outskirts of Nha Trang province, before we turned off and headed overland across bumpy roads that carve their way through some very pretty rice paddy fields. The bumps soon ended as we made it to the start of the new highway that winds its way along the coastline. More reminiscent of the Mediterranean than Vietnam, the gateway to Amanoi is a real surprise packet. With kilometres of winding coastline and hectares of National Park, the coastal drive is beautiful and the pearl of this part of Vietnam is Vinh Hy Bay. A charming, little fishing village plays host to generations of Vietnamese fisherman who head out each day and evening in their colourful boats to catch their haul. Amanoi, as all Aman Resorts seem to have the knack of being able to do, is situated in the heart of the National Park and the views here, whether of the mountains behind, the blinding blue of Vinh Hy Bay, or the wild coastline to the south, are quite simply spectacular.

With 31 Pavilions, some with private pools, and five Aman Villas, the rooms are scattered throughout the National Park with equally spectacular mountain, lake and ocean views, and are reached by an always at the ready flotila of golf buggies. A mix of contemporary elegance with Vietnamese architectural styles, the rooms are stunning. An indoor and outdoor shower, huge bathtub and a combined living and sleeping area completes the picture.

Some of our favourite experiences? Sea kayaking around Vinh Hy Bay soaking up the charm of the fishing village. The hydro-baths at the Aman Spa - try a few steam, cold pool then hot jacuzzi rotations - spa heaven. A soak in the infinity-edge cliff-top pool. The espresso machine. The sea of twinkling lights from the fishing boats at night. What would we love to do next time? Paddle board around Vinh Hy Bay. Hop aboard a traditional Vietnamese fishing boat and watch the men ply their trade. Explore the cliffs on a zodiac jumping out for a snorkel along the way.

Our favourite room? Room No. 18 for its seclusion, the fact that it offers both spectacular mountain and Vinh Hy Bay views, and for its great big square private pool set against a rocky outcrop. Sublime.

We’ve fully experienced all this resort has to offer, from the best rooms to the not to miss experiences, so contact us about organising your stay. Goes well with? Our Vietnam experience – add this to the end of your trip for the ultimate beach break.

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