Elite Traveler HRS 2024

ZANNIER HOTELS BÃI SAN HÔ PHÚ YÊN, VIETNAM In a lesser-trodden corner of Vietnam’s jungle-covered coastline is where you’ll fi nd Zannier’s Bãi San Hô resort. The 245-acre property was opened by French hotelier Arnaud Zannier in December 2020 in the midst of the pandemic. All fi ve of Zannier’s luxury resorts (as well as Vietnam, the group also has a property in Cambodia and in France, and two in Namibia) have a distinct personality: tasteful, not fl ashy; original, not outlandish — though probably the most inherent detail is that local culture is thoughtfully woven into every corner. This is no more apparent than in Bãi San Hô’s architecture, which mirrors the traditional building styles and sustainable techniques utilized by a number of distinct Vietnamese communities. This sort of emulation can sometimes feel contrived in a fi ve-star setting, but Zannier’s dedication to detail has an authentic quality. STAY Of the 73 freestanding villas, there are seven types to choose from. Each style is spacious (even the Rice Paddy Field Villas are a roomy 527 sq ft) and adorned with carefully sourced antiques and repurposed furniture, muted color palettes and bamboo fl ourishes. If your happiness is measured in proximity to sand and sea, the larger one- and two-bedroom Beach Pool Villas open right onto the edge of the resort’s own beach. The emerald-toned sea is within gaze from the canopied four-poster bed through enormous glass doors leading to the private deck and pool. The most luxurious option is the four-bedroom Grand Bay Pool Villa, one of Elite Traveler ’s Top Suites for 2023. Peeking out from the hillside, it draws architectural inspiration from the thatched Ede longhouses found in the Vietnamese mountains. The 3,272-sq-ft, two-story retreat can accommodate up to eight adults and has a kitchen, dining room, sprawling living room, an expansive in fi nity pool and multiple terraces. DINE Over 95% of the produce at Zannier’s three restaurants is Vietnamese, the vast majority of which is sourced from small local producers (even the European-style cheeses served at breakfast). The abundant fresh fi sh and seafood are mainly supplied by fi shermen in the neighboring towns and villages. Nhà O restaurant is open all day and sits at the heart of the resort. It dishes up a tremendous breakfast bu ff et and à la carte menu with everything from organic egg omelets, sourdough loaves and viennoiseries created by in-house pastry chefs, to Vietnamese fare such as congee (a traditional rice porridge), beef pho and fresh banhcuon (a vegetarian or meat roll served with fresh herbs and dipped in a light tangy sauce). Pre-dinner cocktails can be enjoyed at the chic Ham Bar before being seated on Nhà O’s panoramic alfresco terrace. The dinner menu encapsulates the best of the hotel’s home of Phú Yên province, and the friendly local

Grand Bay Pool Villa

Zannier Hotels Bãi SanHô

treatment follows using oils blended with ancient indigenous herbs. The treatment fi nishes with a nourishing acupressure facial. EXPLORE The resort’s on-site water sports center o ff ers countless ways to explore its crystal-clear waters and coral reef including snorkeling, sur fi ng, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and fi shing. Guests are also invited to experience a morning ride on an authentic Vietnamese basket boat. Furthera fi eld, the team is on hand to arrange any manner of cultural activity, from tours of temples and nearby Quy Nhon City to a candlelit dinner on your own boat. Foodies will especially appreciate the chance to visit the local market with Zannier’s chef to uncover the best of Vietnamese ingredients. By Emma Al-Mousawi From $385 per night. Contact contact@zannier.com, +84 257 383 0000, zannierhotels.com

team are more than happy to explain dishes in more detail. Nhà O’s signature is the traditional hot pot, which is best shared due to its generous size. Have fun creating your own pot by adding your preferred ingredients to an aromatic noodle broth. RELAX As you descend downstairs to the Hoa Sen spa, the scent of jasmine lures you in. Inside you’ll fi ndseven treatment rooms, hammams, saunas, Himalayan salt beds and a tea room. Vietnamese traditional therapies such as bathing rituals and acupressure techniques have been developed with the guidance of a local healer and fuse with a selection of modern high performance approaches. Both local and French sustainable skincare brands are utilized. The Signature Ritual combines local tea leaves and herbs to rebalance the body. Detoxifying layers of mud are applied to the body while gentle feet acupressure helps to cleanse old energy. A balancing body

Photos Frederik Wissink