EL’s KATE WOODBURY and daughter Sophia head to a beach resort in Vietnam, The Anam Cam Ranh, for a few days of pampering and relaxation – and they add in a visit to The Anam Mui Ne for good measure!
First impressions
Prepare to be seduced by The Anam Cam Ranh. Three thousand palm trees sway in the gentle sea breeze here, adorning 12 acres of lush, tropical gardens. “It’s even more dreamy than I’d imagined,” whispered Sophia as we stepped into the stunning open-air lobby.
She was right. I always find that the Indochine design style and architecture is good for the soul, and we had been looking forward to visiting The Anam for a much-needed weekend of R&R after a busy few months.
Action and relaxation
This beach resort in Vietnam is centred around a huge lawn leading to a private beach equipped with sunbeds and watersports equipment. A host of fabulous facilities are on offer including a kids’ club and playground, 18-hole mini golf, driving range, soccer pitch, tennis court, fitness centre and daily morning yoga, a 3D movie cinema, vegetable farm, and various activities including kite flying and coconut leaf craft.
Since our focus was on relaxation, we enjoyed serene strolls around the resort visiting each of the three swimming pools including the adults-only pool and saltwater beach pool.
The Anam Spa is a tranquil sanctuary with 10 treatment rooms, a relaxation lounge, steam room, sauna and jacuzzi. The menu offers a full range of massages and treatments to soothe and rejuvenate. We chose The Anam Signature massage, which combines both Vietnamese and Balinese techniques. It left us both feeling deeply relaxed and ready to return to our spot on the beach for golden hour.
Sweet dreams
A variety of beautifully appointed villas (some with private pools), suites and rooms offer families and couples plenty of choice. We stayed in a Seaview Villa overlooking the lawn and ocean – our terrace was perfect for catching the morning sunrise. From the dark teak furniture to the bespoke mosaic tiles, wooden shutters and Vietnamese art on the walls, it was a peaceful and luxurious retreat.
Wine and dine
Guests are spoiled for choice with five venues, so there’s plenty to tempt everyone. We enjoyed a magical “date-night” fine dining experience at the Colonial restaurant. The innovative four-course tasting menu blends Vietnamese and French flavours, and each dish is beautifully presented. Superb food and attentive service made for a truly memorable evening in this gorgeous dining room.
The next day, at The Indochine, we had one of best buffet breakfasts we’ve eaten, with a delicious spread of Vietnamese and international dishes. This was the only time the resort felt busy – when it was in fact at 90 percent capacity. Despite this, the ever friendly and efficient team effortlessly provided excellent service. On the second morning, we had breakfast in the Colonial, which is dedicated to villa and suite guests and offers a more elevated and refined dining experience.
Lang Viet Restaurant & Bar is another standout venue; it showcases regional authentic Vietnamese cuisine through bold, fragrant and vibrant dishes. Relaxed hangout Beach Club, meanwhile, serves a selection of international dishes and refreshing drinks, perfect for sipping on as we looked out over the beach and ocean.
Finally, no visit to The Anam would be complete without a nightcap in the atmospheric Saigon Bar.
Last word
This is a superb resort blending the best of Indochine charm with modern luxury. It’s perfect for couples or whole families, whether you’re looking for an active holiday or, in our case, a few days of indulgent, luxurious relaxation amid 3,000 swaying palms.
Also…
The Anam Mui Ne
Just a two-hour drive through picturesque countryside is The Anam’s second Vietnam property, located in Mui Ne. This seaside town is well known for kitesurfing and windsurfing; we spent an hour on the beach marvelling at the athletes’ speed and agility.
The resort is like a compact mirror image version of Cam Ranh, with its signature architecture, familiar eateries – The Indochine, Saigon Bar, Lang Viet Restaurant & Bar – and pools and spa set amongst swaying palms and lush tropical gardens. It also packs in a kids’ club, games room, gym, yoga room and watersports on the beachfront.
The property was buzzing with weekend visitors from Ho Chi Minh; by Sunday lunchtime, though, a tranquil calm had descended. We embraced the vibe by heading to the spa for yet another superb massage, this time opting for the signature Rippling Waves massage; a deeply soothing combination of Swedish, Thai and, my favourite, Hawaiian Lomi-Lomi. Our first floor room was spacious and luxurious with balcony views over the lawn and pool – simply magical at night.
Find out more about both of these Vietnam resorts and book your next trip at theanam.com.
This article first appeared in Expat Living magazine in Hong Kong. You can buy the latest issue or an annual subscription or read the digital version free now.
