Six Senses, Ninh Van Bay, Nha Trang

Location

Ninh Van Bay is about 40 minutes from Nha Trang and more than an hour from Cam Ranh Airport. Isolation is everything here and the bay is only accessible by boat. Once you arrive at the bay, add a twenty minute boat ride to the resort.


Six Senses Ninh Van Bay - Review

Six Senses Ninh Van Bay (formerly known as Evason Hideaway), is Vietnam's original luxury hideaway escape. Those that roughed it in basic beach bungalows for a pittance decades ago, will find its recreation of selected pieces of that experience - in understated luxury - a delight. The environment is of luxurious simplicity. The service is impeccable, warm and understated.

Many who never stayed in rundown bungalows for a pittance decades ago, also come to Six Senses Hideaway at Ninh Van Bay. The past guest list includes celebrities, sports stars and even royalty.

Six Senses Ninh Van Bay is more of an escape from, than an experience of, Vietnam. This is beachside luxury that happens to be in Vietnam. But as you travel through the country, you may well feel the need to step back and refresh. Budget permitting, this is the perfect place for it.

The bay is picturesque but this isn't one of Asia's best stretches of beach. At low tide, the water is shallow, and the coral is close to the surface. You'll need to time your swims or stick with your private pool or the resort pool.

Design, ambience and people

Natural materials throughout blend comfortably into the landscape. With only 58 villas, the resort makes only the slightest imposition on its setting. Villas are large, airy and simple.

There are 6 different villa types and they're either located on the beach, in the surrounding hills, or on the rocks at each end of the bay. Prices vary across the locations and they all have their benefits. All villas are spacious - the smallest is 154sqm - and include at least two large rooms, outdoor space and a private plunge pool.

Some of the most spectacular villas may make demands on mobility so check with the resort if you're concerned.

Butlers are attached to all rooms. Don't be put off by the name. There's nothing buttoned up about the friendly, natural service they offer. Staff are superb and complement the setting's natural warmth.

The isolation means that you'll be eating your meals at the resort. There are no other options available. There's a broad mix of western and Asian dishes on the menu and they're priced at the high end. You'll be spending as you would at a fine dining restaurant for most meals.


Facilities
Complimentary wired and wireless internet, flat screen TV, DVD, stereo system with iPods available on request, common pool in addition to private plunge pools in each villa, restaurants and bars, tennis courts, gym, watersports  and more.


Disclosure
Rusty Compass received a complimentary night of accommodation and breakfast during our stay. We paid for other meals (2 light lunches and dinner) and ended up spending well over 100USD not including alcohol.