Standing on a secluded peninsula of the Phu Yen province in Vietnam, Zannier Hotels Bãi San Hô sits amid 245acres (98 hectares) of ancient rice paddy fields, lush green hilltops, palm and bamboo groves. Taking its name from the private one-kilometre coral reef bay, the resort balances getaway from it all relaxation with adventure. 

The essence and philosophy of Bãi San Hô is a desire to share Vietnam’s rich culture and history through a journey of the senses. Each architectural feature has been infused with vernacular tradition. Interiors are dotted with Vietnamese artefacts, paintings and local silk prints. 71 standalone pool villas blend seamlessly with the natural simplicity of their surroundings. Three restaurants range from Grandma-Hai authentic regional cooking, fresh seafood, to all-day Southeast Asian casual dining. The resort’s Hoa Sen Spa continues the regenerative vibe, offering mind-body wellness through curated traditional Vietnamese therapies and practices. Tailored excursions continue cultural discovery.

Zannier Hotels’ collection of hotels, resorts and lodges are designed to inspire Life’s Greatest Stories. Arnaud Zannier is the author behind the brand’s “mastered simplicity” beyond the aesthetic. Bãi San Hô is the ultimate expression of his vision for creating one-of-a-kind destinations that echo the spirit of their surroundings and nurture enriching exchanges with local traditions, cultures and communities.

VILLAS 

Each of the 71 villas enjoy their own private setting, with private pools and terraces overlooking rice paddy fields, set atop dramatic hilltops or perched at the edge of the resort’s powder white beach. The one and two-bedroom villas –Paddy Field, Hill Pool and Beach Pool -have all been ecologically constructed using age-old techniques and local materials to authentically replicate the different architectural styles of homes found within Vietnam’s traditional villages and tribal cultures. Interiors combine a pared-back palette of natural colours and textures, with handcrafted materials from raw silk, woven rattan to reclaimed wood and bamboo-all enhanced by the Zannier Hotels contemporary edge.

EXPERIENCES 

Boundless opportunities await guests to experience authentic Vietnam. These include

• Exploring the private bay by catamaran or snorkel the rainbow reefs.
• Temple bells and blessings at Quy Nhon.
• Learning the local craft of fishing and harvesting oysters, followed by dining on a Vietnamese long boat. 
• Experiencing the ancient ruins of the Champa Kingdom or Da Dia Reef, through the eyes of a local guide.
• Picturesque walking trails, moments from all villas.
• Learning how to plant and cultivate rice, followed by a Vietnamese cookery class. 
• Outdoor games, ping-pong and Badminton to wildlife excursions for families.

WELLNESS 

Nature is the best healer and life source of preventative wellbeing. Overlooking the resort, lies the Hoa Sen spa -a place of simplicity and rebalancing -much like the Buddhist symbol of the same name, the ‘Lotus Flower’. Treatments and therapies fuse ancient Vietnamese traditions with nature’s bounty of indigenous ingredients. The 2-hour signature ‘Hoa Sen Ritual’ is deeply nurturing, using traditional methods from head to toe, to detoxify and restore the balance of Yin and Yang. Centuries-old ‘Forest Bathing Rituals’ combine blends of seaweed, lemongrass and cinnamon oils or ginger and local brandy to de-stress or promote vitality. Guests can also enjoy movement flows at the Yoga studio, maintain fitness in the gym or stay active on the tennis and padel courts.

CUISINE 

Surrounded by rice fields, Bà Hai –meaning ‘Grandmother Hai’ –is a Vietnamese restaurant housed in a stunning 12-metre high building, as a tribute to the beautiful architecture of the communal houses found in Bahnar villages. Like the traditional communal houses, Bà Hai is situated in the centre of the resort and acts as a place for guests to come together to enjoy authentic food which celebrates the fragrant flavours of Vietnamese cuisine. With four fixed menus representing the four main cuisines in Vietnam, the Chefs have created dishes with seasonal market produce and the daily catch from local fishing boats, using recipes handed down from their mothers and grandmothers. Further dining options include, vibrant Nhà Ở, with panoramic hilltop views serving all-day South East Asian and international menus and beachfront Làng Chài, designed to resemble a traditional fisherman’s hut; fresh fish and seafood menus are served alongside a grilled menu from the adjacent barbecue hut. As the sun sets, Hâm Bar is evocative of the Indochina era and serves inventive cocktails. The resort’s own organic and herb gardens have inspired a wide variety of vegetarian dishes. Additionally, the property cultivates rice throughout the year which in turn is served in the three restaurants. Excess rice is donated to local charities. The hotel is also currently in the process of constructing a hydroponic gardening plant as well as a farmhouse.

ABOUT ZANNIER HOTELS

Over the last ten years, Zannier Hotels has pioneered a new era of progressive luxury hospitality, rooted in a philosophy of ‘Simple Mastery’. Design drawn from traditions, experience rooted in cultural discovery, authentic cuisine and complete focus on guest’s wellbeing have become the signature hallmarks for Zannier Hotels around the world. Today, Zannier Hotels embraces a collection of 5 hotels, resorts, lodges and private residences in Europe, Africa and Asia. The journey and desire to share unforgettable moments continues with a further two hotels in Mexico opening by 2023.