Situated in some of the most beautiful locations around the globe, Six Senses resorts are synonymous with luxury – and Six Senses Ninh Van Bay, Vietnam, more than lives up to the brand’s reputation. After a brief transfer via tarmac and H2O from the coastal resort city of Nha Trang, the first glimpse of the rocky hillside property begs the question: how can this architectural marvel both complement and encapsulate the surrounding environment so beautifully?
The 59 private villas, all with private pools, use the surrounding geological formations, hills and sandy beaches to deliver a diverse range of suite options, with the resort also utilizing the varying landscape across the bay to provide a range of decadent dining experiences – each with rather descriptive titles – including Dining by the Rocks, Bay, Pool, or Drinks by the Sea. The resort has an impressive organic garden and communal pool if you feel like venturing out of the comfort of your villa, with bikes available for each guest to help deliver you traverse the resort and explore the surrounds on two wheels. If you are staying in one of the Beachfront Pool villas, you can handily cycle to your front door, although other villa options do require a few steep stairs – and are well worth the short trek.
Entering a Water Villa, you are welcomed by a view of the bay, facing the sunset head on, which paints the perfect backdrop for the private plunge pool located on your spacious deck. Almost exclusively wooden in terms of materials, the villa consists of two separate areas; a bedroom and bathroom combo, as well as a lavish lounge area. The bedroom features a desk and a small living area if you’re inclined to turn on the TV, with a sound system available, as well as a large king size bed equipped with a mosquito net if required. The bathroom, easily as large as the bedroom, features a handcrafted wooden bath and two separate vanities that sit at either end of the room. There are two shower options available, leaving you to decide whether you prefer indoor or outdoor bathing.
The separate lounge area works as an extension of the deck and is built in the same vain as the main villa. It is fitted with a generous day bed, television and extensive bar. During the day, it’s the perfect place to retreat to between enjoy dips in the pool, or explore the open waters, conveniently just a few steps away. Situated just behind the lounge is a set of steps that deliver you to the water. A luxury I had never previously experience, this easy access was the main contributing factor sneaking in more snorkeling time than in all my previous travels combined.
The ergonomic design, spacing and attention to detail throughout the villa is one of the reasons why it’s easy to see why Six Senses as a brand, and specifically Ninh Van Bay, has such a loyal and varied range of visitors – including families, honeymooners and friends. The resort creates the holiday that you want to have, whether that focuses on health and wellness, adventure or complete relaxation – resulting in a stay that is truly unique. Guests also have a dedicated Guest Experience Maker (GEM) available round the clock to coordinate activates. Whether it’s stand-up paddle boarding, diving or adventuring hiking that takes your fancy, or something more low key like a romantic sunset cruise, one of the many spa treatments on offer or a Vietnamese cooking class, the experiences available are seemingly endless.
As a brand known for wellness, the experiences offered also include tailored programmes focusing on general heath, weight loss and sleep, among others. I sat down with the resort’s executive chef, Alex Oddy who discussed the role food plays in your stay, also highlighting how a nutritional programme at Six Senses could ultimately change your relationship with food in your life post-vacation. The knowledge he imparted has indeed impacted the way I have approached food since leaving the resort. My new approach also includes the recipes shared with me, such as the namesake super salad by Oddy, which even made me enjoy my veggies. Who would have thought?
Stay:
WHAT: Six Senses, Ninh Van Bay
WHERE: Ninh Van Bay, Vietnam
SUITE: Water Villa
TEL: +84 258 3524 268