Six Senses Ninh Van Bay, Nha Trang

The Six Senses style

This is a classic luxury beach resort, built in the Six Senses’ hallmark rustic style. Architecture and interiors strongly draw from local traditions, with thatched roofs and use of bamboo, teak and rattan as well as simple, raw wooden elements.

Fine details complement the aesthetics: wooden bath-tub for two, taps made out of ordinary iron and thick ropes as door handles… or soap, wrapped in a coarse recycled paper.

Space, the rusticity of design and harmony with the environment make the Six Senses Ninh Van Bay one of the best examples of a hotel that follows the philosophy of simple, eco-friendly luxury.

Blended into surroundings

Hilltop Villas, with breathtaking views over the bay, are built on the slopes of steep mountains and surrounded by a tropical forest, from which a local monkey may pay a visit (one stole our oranges).

The most picturesque villas and our favorite are Water Villas. Set between massive granite boulders, right at the waterfront, they definitely have the WOW factor.

The President Villa is unique: built on rocks at one end of the bay, with its own pier, a huge swimming pool, surrounded by wild boulders—this place fits a prince. Indeed, it is where the British Prince Andrew chose to stay a few years ago.

In all of the villas architects generously used natural light: sliding walls filled with glass let space freely flow between villa interiors and out to decks and terraces.

Spa and food

The spa is located in a tropical forest clearing, next to an organic garden. Treatment villas are scattered on the hillside and designed in the same style as residential villas, but also with an outdoor jacuzzi. The sessions are heavenly, with the most popular Vietnamese Massage.

Eating is simple but excellent and the breakfasts are real feasts, with a great variety of food ad drink, including champagne. Breakfast can be ordered to a villa (no extra charge) but normally is served in the Dining by the Bay restaurant, where guests also come back for à la carte dinner.

Dining by the Pool offers light lunches, while Dining by the Rocks, located on the hill above the Rock Resort, serves gourmet dinners—and fantastic views of the bay. Snacks, mojito and sunset are best enjoyed in the charming bar, built between the Dining by the Bay and the library.

Perfect escape

The relaxed atmosphere of a refined luxury contributes to the escapism of Six Senses Ninh Van Bay. Even the time itself is adjusted to the needs of guests: clocks are offset from Hanoi time by one hour just to make sure the daylight is enjoyed longer.

in our opinion

There are very few classic luxury beach resorts in Vietnam, and Six Senses Ninh Van Bay must be amongst the very best—it can certainly compete with any top resort in Asia. Great for couples, honeymooners, spa lovers and all those looking for a "time off" from reality.

One of the very few hotels the Travel+Style editor awards with the “Editor’s Pick” badge.

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What we love

• The private villas are of incomparable beauty: “just perfect” in their setting and design. Especially the Water Villa number 5 (took our breath away), or number 3, which Michael Schumacher picked to stay at—just before our visit!
• The unpretentious atmosphere and a “barefoot luxury” chic;
• The beautiful location of the hotel and its original design, especially the villas;
• Size of the villas: the smallest is over 150m2;
• The hotel holds an impressive collection of wines in a small cave, where a romantic dinner can be organized;
• Great spa and yoga sessions as well as complimentary Thai Chi in the mornings;
• Very friendly and attentive staff and outstanding butlers;
• The hotel has its own branded bottled water. Part of the proceeds from the factory is passed to charities;
• All villas are supplied with bicycles—which we immediately fell in love with. They are perfect to whisk across the hotel grounds!

What you should know

• From amongst the Hilltop Villas, number 3 is closest to the beach and the hotel facilities. Beach Villas from 1 to 8 have the best location and the softest sand on the beach;
• The hotel is built in a huge area and getting around necessitates calling a golf buggy (or riding a bicycle);
• Guests of the Hillside Villas have to conquer a lot of steps—it’s a price of great views!
• The Vietnamese Massage includes hot 'cupping', which not everyone will be comfortable with (it may leave bruising);
• We had a slight problem with communication, especially over the phone.