The Luxe List 2014: Amano’i, Vinh Hy Bay, Vietnam
Most travelers arriving at Cam Ranh airport on Vietnam’s southeast coast head north to Nha Trang, a beachside town known for its marine offerings. But “Aman Junkies” are now doing the opposite, taking a scenic road south to Vinh Hy Bay, home to the latest property from Amanresorts. There’s not much in the area, which is part of the appeal: Amano’i is enveloped by Nui Chua National Park, 29,000 hectares of forest harboring animals such as the rare black-shanked douc, with hillside pavilions and villas overlooking a white-sand beach and the bay. Jean-Michel Gathy is behind the design, which nods to traditional Vietnamese village houses with shallow pagoda-like roofs and pared-back timber-and-stone interiors leading to expansive decks. Some accommodations come with private pools, but the stars of the show are the communal pools: one set on a cliff top and one by the beach, both offering unparalleled sea views. Those wanting to keep active can kayak, enjoy daily yoga and Pilates, or have staff pack a picnic lunch for park hikes, with the promise of locally inspired spa treatments upon return to the resort.
84-68/377-0777; Amano’i; doubles from US$900
