Vietnam has plenty of resorts but few offer guests the opportunity to foster deep connections with nature and themselves. Amanoi, perched atop the verdant, rolling hills of Vĩnh Hy, is one such property.
Known mainly for fishing and grapevines, this sleepy enclave in Ninh Thuận Province, is home to some of the country’s most overlooked sites of natural beauty. The last decade, however, has seen a small but significant increase in tourism attention. Fortunately for the environment, the pace of development has been relatively slow with guesthouses and homestays dotting the road between Phan Rang and Cam Ranh, rather than hulking resort projects.
Exposure to nature starts with the ride from the airport along a winding route through the seaside mountains. The latter half of the trip introduces vistas of the open ocean, bobbing, blue-hulled fishing vessels, and lush landscapes.
On arrival, guests will immediately take note of Amanoi’s intimate aesthetic. From the reception staff to the porters, all staff greet guests by name and lobby furnishings are more reminiscent of a home than a hotel.
Moreover, rather than the manicured lawns and rows of palm trees typically found at beachside resorts, Amanoi’s native plant life is left to grow and wilt with the comings and goings of the rainy season, keeping wildlife balanced. This natural approach establishes a warm, secluded atmosphere.
One is unlikely to see another villa on their trip unless peering up from the beach or down from the central restaurant. This sense of privacy is possible due to the resort’s topography. Designed to conform to the natural landscape, pathways spread out and branch across the hillside. Rather than walking off the main path to one’s door, smaller walkways bring guests to their accommodations, increasing the feeling of total seclusion and proximity to nature.
Guests will experience nature particularly close-up if staying in one of the many rooms with a private pool. The unchlorinated water is flanked by tall grasses and trees that attract birds that gingerly flutter in the water to cool off.
These pools are also the perfect place to reflect, basking in the sounds of trumpeting birds and the grumble of insects while staring at the layers of misty peaks on the horizon.
The hills provide fertile ground for what Saigoneer considered the standout activity during our visit to Amanoi: a morning hike with a guide through dirt and sand paths. The more adventurous version of the hike lasts about 2 hours and is not a casual undertaking, but the rewards are immediate. Vistas overlooking the fishing village are paired with stories about how tigers once roamed the same hills. Though these apex predators are gone, there are plenty of smaller animals, insects, birds, and trees that our guide could name and contextualize. For those who want to take things a step further, Amanoi offers a 20km trek through the adjacent Núi Chúa National Park.
The hike concludes at Amanoi’s private cove where one can enjoy unfettered natural landscapes and a number of water sports. For those a bit less adventurous, umbrellas offer an ideal setting to read beneath or simply look off into the lush mountains or emerald sea.
This view also backdrops meals as a patio extends off the main restaurant that provides laidback fine-dining experiences at lunch and dinner. It is also an idyllic place for breakfast or the daily afternoon tea which offers a wide selection of healthy coffees, teas and juices and fresh fruits, pastries and local savory snacks, highlighted by a woman preparing local specialty bánh khọt.
The Amanoi experience also provides guests with wellness options. The Aman Spa offers everything from signature massages to personalized programs. The resort even incorporates two lake-view villas with dedicated therapists and integrated spa facilities such as treatment rooms, steam rooms, plunge pools, and Jacuzzis.
These expected wellness services are certain to bring balance and relaxation, but the aspect that makes Amanoi truly stand out is its integration of the natural environment. Few properties in Vietnam give guests the opportunity to align their minds and bodies with open skies, the vast sea, and the symphonious forest.
+84 (0) 259 3770 777
Vinh Hy village, Vinh Hai commune, Ninh Hai district, Ninh Thuan province, Vietnam
