Sitting on a kilometre stretch of Ha May Beach, The Nam Hai is an idyllic base for enjoying the nearby historic, Unesco-listed town of Hoi An, celebrated for its lantern-lit streets and traditional architecture
Location
Although you’re only 30 kilometres south of all-singing, all-dancing Da Nang, the vibrant, modern coastal city in central Vietnam, once you’ve passed through this Four Season resort’s gates all else feels a million miles away.
There are regular direct flights from both Ho Chi Minh City (75 minutes) and Hanoi (90 minute) to Da Nang International Airport. It takes around 45-minutes by taxi to reach the Nam Hai resort from here.
The Unesco-listed town of Hoi An is 15 minutes away by taxi (though the resort provides a regular shuttle). And don’t miss a trip to Danang’s Marble Mountains either, a cluster of five hills named after the universal elements, with caves, temples and grottos to explore.
Read more: The best hotels in Hanoi, from five-star luxury to boutique stays near the Old Town
The vibe
This is laid-back luxury at its finest, and the quiet atmosphere is one of its biggest draws.
The resort is vast, covering 86 acres, and has a strong sense of order in its design, which is based on Feng Shui principles, to enhance a sense of wellbeing. You’ll find an abundance of calming water features and the villas are positioned in perfect symmetry to optimise both the sea views and cooling breeze. Built in 2006, the hotel was rebranded as Four Seasons in 2016.
Although the stretch of Ha May Beach the resort sits on isn’t private, it receives little footfall, even when the hotel is at full occupancy, so you’ll feel like you’ve got it all to yourself.
Service
As with any Four Seasons, service is impeccable and personal, with staff often calling you by name and anticipating what you need before you even know you need it (cold water? A fragrant hand towel? A refreshing slice of watermelon? Yes, yes, and yes please).
It’s the attention to detail that is most impressive, such as finding a pretty bookmark slipped into the pages of your novel, or a cleaning cloth (of bespoke Nam Hai design) under your reading glasses after turndown.
The concierge team are experts in creating bespoke excursions. A food tour by vintage Vespa around Hoi An was a highlight of my stay.
Bed and bath
There are 40 privately-owned residences available to book (which vary in interior design but still adhere to Four Seasons’ high standards). Of uniform design, though varying in size, the resort has a further 60 elegant beach villas, all recently renovated, which take inspiration from the garden houses found in the Imperial City of Hue.
The one-bedroom villa I stayed in had a large, elevated bed as its central feature, flanked by comfy sitting areas. Thanks to the abundant use of local hardwood, the villas blend unobtrusively with their environment.
Magnificent, luxe bathrooms are decked out in marble sourced from nearby Danang. Yoga mats are provided for in-villa workouts and the outside shower, nestled amid ferns and palms, is perfect for a moonlit cool-off.
Bespoke wooden furniture is stylish, and as with the whole resort, there is Feng Shui symmetry to the design. The fixtures and fittings are all unique. The ombre curtains surrounding the bed, which mimic lantern light, are particularly lovely.
There’s a small outside area with a day bed facing the sea. If you want a full ocean view, you’ll have to pay more. For me, it was enough to know it was there.
Read more: The best Vietnam holiday destinations – when to travel and where to stay
Food and drink
The Nam Hai’s pride and joy is its Japanese Omakase restaurant, Nayuu. Chef Alex Moranda’s seafood is flown in twice weekly from Japan, and his tasting menu changes to showcase the finest flavours of the season.
For more casual dining, with an emphasis on local and organic Vietnamese food, La Sen has a beachfront location. For lunch think banh mi, the lightest of baguettes filled with pickles, coriander, mint and lemongrass chicken.
Cafe Nam Hai offers authentic, elevated Indian dishes. Expect an extravagant breakfast buffet, featuring everything from French patisserie items to Chinese dumplings, plus an a la carte menu. Here, my request for gluten-free bread was happily accommodated when I ordered the mango French toast. A daily delight – for adults and kids alike – is the distribution of fruit popsicles in the afternoons, which are lychee and watermelon flavoured.
Homemade taro and banana chips accompany all cocktails at Bar Sol & Sao, which boasts an innovative cocktail list. Try the Back to 1820, made with vodka-infused oolong tea.
Facilities
The gym is state-of-the-art with all the latest cardio and strength-training machines, as well as free weights, and a steam room and sauna.
There are paddleball, pickleball, basketball and tennis courts, and kayaks to borrow free of charge. There’s a daily free yoga class at 7am, plus lots of other complimentary experiences, including crystal singing bowl meditation.
The award-winning Heart of the Earth Spa is gorgeous, with treatment rooms overlooking a lotus pond. Book in for an indulgent bathing experience in an overwater pavilion.
In the Cooking Academy join a taster session and learn how to rustle up the perfect Vietnamese spring roll.
Three vast pools – family, lap and pleasure – will satisfy all. Teenagers will enjoy the youth club, open until 10pm, with table tennis and a pool table.
Every guest is issued a bicycle to get around (but as the gardens are so lovely, you may prefer to walk). Wifi is available everywhere (even on the beach) but it’s best to log off and gaze upon the East Sea, where local fishermen set sail in traditional basket boats.
Read more: Vietnam’s lesser-known destinations away from the tourist trail
Accessibility
There are no adapted rooms. There are steps in many of the public areas, although the team will install ramps on request.
Pet policy
Small dogs, weighing less than 13kg, are allowed for no extra fee.
Check-in/check-out
Check-in is from 3pm, check-out is at 12pm (though times are flexible according to availability).
Family-friendly?
Families are well catered for with eight larger villa options. Children’s bicycles are provided, and the kids’ club is complimentary and open daily, welcoming kids from four to 12 years old. Activities range from lantern-making to stand up paddle boarding.
Youngsters can also join the junior cooking academy. The Heart of the Earth Spa has several treatments suitable for younger guests. Babysitting is available upon request at an extra cost.
At a glance
Best thing: Returning to the peace of the resort after a thrilling foodie tour by vintage Vespa.
Perfect for: Couples and families who want to spend quality time together.
Not right for: Those looking for a party.
Instagram from: The spa’s lotus pond pavilions at sunset.
Address: Block Ha My Dong B, Dien Ban Dong, Ward, Dien Dương, Ward, Da Nang 50000, Vietnam
Website: fourseasons.com
Read more: Sheer drops and hairy near-misses – exploring Vietnam’s untouched landscapes by motorbike
Kate Wickers was a guest of Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai.
