Where to stay in Vietnam: Hoi An timeless charm and beachfront paradise in Quy Nhon

A relaxing escape by the riverside, Anantara Hoi An Resort is rooted in Vietnamese history, featuring traditional-inspired Hoi An rooms and fine colonial architecture.

Staying at Ananatara Hoi An Resort is almost like stepping back in time through the city’s ancient past. Lanterns hang from trees, elegant archways frame the grounds, lush greenery surrounds every corner, and French colonial touches imbue the resort with timeless charm. What’s special about this boutique resort is the way it tells a story through history. From the sound of a gong on an arrival influenced by agrarian culture to the layout of the rooms inspired by a traditional Hoi An home, designed with a narrow, linear space including a small front sitting area through to a tranquil bedroom at the back.

The Deluxe Balcony Room offers spacious living with traditional design notes that have been enhanced for comfort. It overlooks the beauty of the garden with a comfortable cushioned sofa area to take in the peacefulness of the tranquil grounds. The colonial architecture and cultural details are prominent throughout the resort, including the Art Space restaurant, which is brimming with vibrant paintings of Hoi An, sourced from local artists. The resort’s homage to its surroundings and rich history makes Anantara Hoi An truly unique, offering guests the perfect balance of serenity and culture in a central location.

Set between the Thu Bồn River and the Ancient Town, Anantara Hoi An Resort is in a prime spot, making it accessible to all areas of the historic city while being enveloped in comfort and tranquillity inside the property. With a choice to relax by the pool, among the palm trees, or dive into the culture of Hoi An, I explored the UNESCO World Heritage Site, which showcases Japanese, Chinese and Vietnamese heritage in every house and street corner. As I wandered the ancient town, I discovered street-food stalls, browsed tailor-made clothing, and explored lively markets bursting with local character.

During my stay at Anantara, I took a sunset cruise down the Thu Bon River. In a traditional Vietnamese boat, the tour gave me a glimpse of everyday life. Gliding past the ancient town, local villages, and Central Market, I watched fishermen at work against a backdrop of beautiful nature, rolling hills, and wildlife, from water buffaloes to grazing cows. Across the river is VinWonders, where I watched a traditional Vietnamese show that told a story through art, dance, music, and on-screen storytelling. The beauty and intricacy of the attention to detail made it one of the most stunning shows I’ve ever seen.

An all-villa resort, Anantara Quy Nhon is the perfect place to visit in Vietnam if you’re seeking ultimate tranquillity, seclusion, and luxury comfort by the shore.

Travelling further down the coast of Vietnam, Anantara Quy Nhon Villas offers scenic views and privacy like no other. The beachfront villas are designed with a private pool, a day bed and sun loungers on the outdoor terrace. With a contemporary feel, it features floor-to-ceiling windows that allow you to take in the majestic scenery from the comfort of a plush king bed or while soaking up a bubble bath.

While staying at Anantara Quy Nhon Villa’s it’s a must-do to witness the mesmerising sunrise. If the landscape of Quy Nhon wasn’t already beautiful enough, I woke up at 5:30am to watch the most stunning sunrise I have ever seen. The horizon unfolded like a pastel painting, brushed with shades of vivid orange and soft yellow. With only the silhouettes of fishermen’s boats drifting at sea, not a single person around to disturb this peaceful moment of taking in the scenery.

If you’re feeling adventurous, Quy Nhon city centre is a 30-minute drive from the villas, allowing guests to explore ancient Cham towers dating back thousands of years, where the Champa Kingdom would worship their gods and kings. However, Anantara Quy Nhon Villas is all about unwinding and taking a step back from life, indulging in luxury comfort and a rare kind of privacy in Vietnam.

While staying at Anantara Quy Nhon, I enjoyed some of the most delicious food I’ve had the pleasure of trying. Specialising in rare salts from around the world, Sea Fire Salt restaurant features a dedicated salt library that enhances the taste of each course. The show-stopping dish was a selection of grilled meat on the barbecue, divinely cooked on a block of Himalayan salt. Consisting of Angus beef tenderloin, lamb cutlets, chicken skewers, pork ribs, pork skewers, and wagyu striploin. Accompanied by sauteed mixed vegetables drenched in pesto, boiled Da Lat fresh potatoes and garlic butter, peppercorn and spicy barbecue sauces. While dining at Sea Fire Salt, take the opportunity to sample Ban Xeo — central Vietnam’s local speciality that consists of pork, beef or shrimp, green onions and bean sprouts in a crispy pancake and dipped in a tangy sweet fish sauce.