Princess d’Annam Resort and Spa

Phan Thiet, Vietnam

Description and Location
One of the most acclaimed luxury hotels in the region. Located a scenic 4 hours drive north of Saigon, in the quiet resort of Ke Ga, 20 minutes from Phan Thiet and 40 minutes from Mui Ne. See note within Chic Check

Accommodation
The 57 rooms are all villa style and each is beautifully designed, fully capturing the relaxed and elegant style.The Mandarin Villas are set in clusters of four, with garden view and most face towards two swimming pools used mainly by Mandarin guests – a real haven of peace. The Princess Villas are even larger with walled garden and small plunge pool. The three storey Empress suites have two bedrooms, living area and swimming pool. All of the accommodation is contained within 45 acres of tropical gardens, with many plants and trees imported from around the region. All of the Villas and Suites are set within the tropical garden, approx. 4 minutes walk to the beach and main pool, a little longer if the romance of the place takes over !

In common with several other luxury hotels in the region, the beds have a wooden surround which is a Vietnamese design feature – good to look at, although your shins might disagree !

Facilities and Activities
Facilities include main swimming pool at beach front, a second equally attractive pool set in the gardens complete with jacuzzi, and two smaller options used mainly by Mandarin Villa guests. Main restaurant directly overlooking the beach with an indoor and out door option. Attractive spa. Gym.  Kids club more suited to younger children. A selection of mainly non motorised water sports ( weather permitting ) although the hotel does have its own speedboat which can be hired for local excursions. There are several golf courses within an hour drive

The beach here at Princess d’Annam really has to be emphaised – a stunning two mile strand of soft sand. Its the perfect place for power walks, either to the historic lighthouse to your left or to the towering white sand dunes to the right. Time it to coincide with the local fisherman bringing their catch onto shore, and don’t forget to take your camera!

Chic Check – Princess d’Annam Resort and Spa is a real hide and chic top class retreat. It is wonderfully isolated with little else in the immediate area, so you just enjoy the spacious and comfortable accommodation, the attractive grounds and gardens, the superb beach and the fantastic staff,  and of course each other. Without doubt one of the finest hotels in the region, just as long as you are not looking for shops and nightlife on your doorstep. It is romantic, a perfect place to just spend your days doing very little, total relaxation.

This area is one of the driest in the region. The most popular months are December to April when the days are usually bright and sunny. In the summer you do get slightly more rainfall in short heavy showers but not enough to detract.

The journey from Saigon will take just over 4 hours on a slow road transfer. Not ideal but think of the advantages – maybe because of the transfer time many of the major hotel investors have so far ignored this area, so it remains wonderfully unspoilt. If the access was any easier, you would probably have 20 hotels on a 2 mile beach front, at the moment you have one !

7 nights from £1788 with travel on Malaysia Airlines via KL and private transfer to resort.