WHAT’S IT LIKE? As we drove in from Vietnam’s Danang Airport along the long straight road running parallel to the seemingly endless stretch of China Beach and past the famous Marble Mountains, the ride and the anticipation ended when the driver took a left turn some 30 minutes later. We had arrived at The Nam Hai, GHM Hotels’ latest and newest flagship addition to their design-oriented collection of boutique hotels and resorts.
WHERE IS IT? It’s located 15 minutes from Hoi An (a UNESCO-listed World Heritage site) and approximately 30 minutes from Danang International Airport, which connects this part of central Vietnam with most domestic airports and internationally, with Singapore and Bangkok.
HOW MANY UNITS? There are 60 one-bedroom villas and 40 one-, two- and three-bedroom pool villas, each one sitting on an individual plot of landscaped garden so in harmony with the surroundings. The layout had all villas fanning out towards the ocean, with pool accommodation boasting spectacular views of the South China Sea.
So much respect has been given to the local people and the land that The Nam Hai preserved a small temple, where fishermen used to pray for a bountiful catch before heading off to sea.
ROOM FACILITIES: Our three-bedroom villa was like no other we had stayed in before. Surrounding the core structure – which contained the living and dining areas complete with TV, sound system, books and a patio leading to the pool – were three individual villas, featuring a king-size bed on a dais with a mosquito net canopy cascading from the high ceiling, a writing desk, complimentary internet access, lounge and eggshell lacquered bathtub.
For entertainment, there was TV with a wide selection of satellite channels and an iPod complete with thousands of songs in its collection.
Out in front of the villa, the temperature-controlled pool allowed us to perform our laps comfortably as we listened to the waves rushing in onto the white sandy beach just a few steps away.
Whenever we needed a beverage, snack or a meal, we simply called on the butler to arrange everything.
RESTAURANTS: Breakfast took place at The Restaurant with all the usual morning favourites, plus an additional selection of Vietnamese and local delicacies. Dinner was a leisurely affair in air-conditioned comfort or outdoors overlooking the water gardens and the ocean. Lunch at the Beach Restaurant with its serving of fresh seafood and grills, was a welcome break from the suntanning sessions.
BARS: In the evenings, drinks at The Bar on the upper levels above The Restaurant was complemented by romantic views of the changing colours of the water at dusk.
BUSINESS FACILITIES: Meeting facilities were cosy, with the boardroom taking from 24 to 50 people. The butler and Front Desk could handle any secretarial requests. The Library was a place for quiet reading, a good time to bask in the serenity of the resort.
LEISURE FACILITIES: Even if we had our own pool in the villa, the hotel’s swimming pools descending towards the beach area, remained inviting. The Spa was yet another haven of pampering and retreat surrounded by a lotus pond setting. The gym, tracks around the resort grounds and tennis and badminton courts would have delighted any sporting buff.
PRICE: Internet nightly rate for a three-night stay in early December for a three-bedroom villa starts from US$1,400.
VERDICT: An outstanding, indulgent and luxurious retreat in a place of unrivalled serenity and beauty.
CONTACT: Hamlet 1, Dien Duong Village, Dien Ban District, Quang Nam Province, Vietnam, tel 84 510 940 000, www.ghmhotels.com
Goh Chui Peng
