What it is

Where the jungle meets the sea: a blissful traditional Vietnam-inspired resort with a private beach, wellness-oriented spa, and Michelin-starred chef.

What it isn't

Boring. The staff has curated bottomless activities of every sort, whether you want to try windsurfing (gratis), take a dip in three pools, learn Vietnamese cooking techniques with the chefs…the list goes on.

What we think

When you schlep all the way to Vietnam, you don’t want to stay in a hotel that looks like it could be anywhere. That’s one of so many reasons this resort—where the architecture was inspired by the regional vernacular—is pure perfection. Even the Classic Rooms feel of their place; we recommend the 750 square foot Resort Classic Panoramic Room Oceanview for a perch overlooking the jungly hills and sea, plus amenities that include a rain shower, marble soaking tub, Bose sound system and private terrace. To splurge, we j’adore the 1,560 square foot One-Bedroom Seaside Villa on the Beach: it’s exactly as dreamy as it sounds, with its soaring canopy bed, infinity pool, and beach access via a private staircase. Swoon.

You're here because

The resort sits within the 6,200-acre Son Tra Nature Reserve, complete with 800-year-old banyan trees; they even have a zoologist on their full-time staff to teach guests about resident animals (such as red-shanked douc langur monkeys).

The Moment

Michelin-starred Chef Pierre Gagnaire helms the hotel’s La Maison 1888, and it’s every bit as dazzling as you expected. Tonight’s eight courses include Brittany lobster poached in Tahitian vanilla butter: heaven on a plate.

Restaurants & Bars

Citron - Vietnamese cuisine served with mountain and bay views

La Maison 1888 - French cuisine with a Vietnamese twist

Barefoot - Beachfront casual dining

The L_O_N_G Bar - Beachfront bar

Buffalo Bar - Sophisticated bar with an elegant-yet-quirky interior

Location

A span of private beach surrounded by lush, untouched hills, just 41 minutes from Da Nang International Airport.