VIETNAM: THE NAM HAI
We’re in Ho Chi Minh City during Tet, the Lunar New year. According to our driver it is 60% quieter in this city of 9million inhabitants, but it doesn’t feel like it. The streets are buzzing with cars and motorbikes who beep their horns (rather than use their indicators) to tell each other their intention. It’s sticky and loud.
Weary (or scared if a tourist) pedestrians traverse the hectic traffic like a scene from the arcade game Frogger – dodging the cars and bikes across the wide roads where there are no discernible marked lanes. Our mantra becomes “walk with purpose” as we take a steady pace, without stopping, across each hectic road as motorcyclists expertly weave past with plant pots of yellow and red flowers strapped to any available space on their body.
The city is hot and humid so after two nights we head for a flight out to the quieter climes of Da Nang and it’s beautiful World Heritage status neighbour Hoi An. Right in between the two and along the coast of Ha My Beach is The Nam Hai Resort. An upmarket 5 star luxury getaway of 100 villas (60 one bedroom and 40 pool villas with up to 5 bedrooms) offering beachfront living for honeymooners, the style-conscious and golf loving travellers.
Set within expansive picturesque grounds (transportation via golf buggy coming in very handy) lush green landscaping surrounds the villas and sand sweeps to the front to remind you how close you are to the beach. On entering the resort visitors are met with three perfect palm tree lined infinity pools that take your eye to the East Sea and out on to the horizon. Beyond the guest’s sun loungers the resort’s restaurants sit adjacent to the pool. A beach restaurant serving up fresh seafood and traditional vietnamese fayre and a more formal dining offer with international cuisine for evening dinner.
Our villa room is large and spacious with a high ceiling. The dark wood and subdued lighting offers a cooler welcome temperature and full oriental serenity. Traditional design flourishes are mixed with modernity and the raised bed in the centre of the room is enveloped with white drapes. There’s plentiful seating arrangements both inside and outside the villa for maximum lounging and relaxation but the large, deep bath in the centre of the room will certainly whisk any anxieties away.
The size of the resort means it is easier to lose track of direction but there is always a staff member and a golf buggy around to hail for lifts to breakfast (delicious international cuisine with plenty of healthy options) or to take you to the stunning terrace bar for pre-dinner cocktails and light bites to whet your appetite. The Nam Hai has its own organic farm where the food grown is used by the restaurant chefs who produce a fine mix of culinary delights. We go for a dish from the Contemporary Main menu; the New Zealand Spring Lamb Rack and a dish from the Indian menu; King Fish Mango Curry. Both are delicious, filling and very satisfying.
If after a few days the luxury of lounging and dining is getting too comfortable then the resort offers trips to the historic town of Hoi An. A beautifully preserved town packed with plenty of tailors, chi chi cocktail bars and outdoor street dining (the tiny plastic chairs are a challenge to get used to). Filled with colourful French colonial style buildings it is a world away for HCMC in both pace and architecture. The mainly pedestrianised roads house street vendors, markets and the river is busy with boats willing to take you on a ride around the town to view the buildings from the water.
Brightly coloured lanterns line the way through the tangle of streets and alleyways leading to hidden courtyards with tea houses and family run cafes serving local cuisine. Its a friendly, charming and idealistically romantic getaway that is hard to compare.
Facts
Nearest airport: Da Nang
1 bedroom villas start at around £280 per night
To book visit: http://www.ghmhotels.com/en/nam-hai/
