It’s rare to arrive at a 6-star hotel and immediately feel at home. Yet that’s the impression Six Senses Ninh Van Bay gives, with its subtle blend of luxury and simplicity, and its comprehensive wellness offering. Pascal Languillon, director of Luxe Wellness Club, tells us all about his long stay in paradise…
This splendid resort is located in the pretty bay of Ninh Van, on the edge of a long 2 km sandy beach, with the rainforest and mountains in the background. Only accessible by boat, it gives the impression of being on a private island, even though it’s really just a peninsula not far from the seaside resort of Nha Trang. Here, the watchword is “barefoot luxury“: comfort and service in a hotel where you can dine with your feet in the sand.
An example of sustainable development
Opened in November 2004, the hotel has since been consistently ranked as the best hotel in Vietnam. What’s impressive here is the traditional architecture in harmony with the environment and the concern for ecology. The 59 villas are nestled among the rock formations or on the hillside, with pools carved directly into the basalt rock.
With around 250 days of sunshine a year, the Nha Trang region is fairly dry, and remote Ninh Van Bay has no public water supply. It was therefore necessary to create a self-sufficient water supply, and the hotel has its own rainwater collection tank and deep groundwater wells. The treated water is recycled and used to irrigate the garden.
Exceptional villas
I had the chance to try out two types of villa: the beach villa and the hilltop pool villa. It’s hard to pick a favorite – they’re both perfect. Outdoor showers, multiple terraces and splendid views from every villa. The gamble paid off: you feel at one with nature.
It should be noted that the construction process at Six Senses Ninh Van Bay was as environmentally friendly as possible, banning plastic and chemicals wherever possible.
Organic, local and fusion food
The hotel boasts three top-quality restaurants and two lounge bars filled with canapés. The cuisine is resolutely fusion, at the crossroads of East and West.
The freshly caught seafood from the bay is particularly delicious. The food is mostly local and organic, taking advantage of the huge vegetable garden created on site. There are even cooking classes given by Vietnamese chefs for those who like to learn new recipes.
It’s hard not to fall under the spell of the huge breakfast selection: exotic fruits, traditional Vietnamese recipes and delicious Viennese pastries. Not necessarily very detox-like, but to hell with the principles!
A simply divine spa…
The spa at Six Senses Ninh Van Bay is striking first and foremost for the beauty of its setting. Embedded in lush vegetation near a waterfall, it features six Vietnamese-designed treatment areas, a sauna, a steam bath, and a meditation and yoga pavilion. It’s a sanctuary for all the senses.
I was lucky enough to try two types of one-hour Vietnamese massage. It was simply excellent, with incredible technical skill. I was also able to practice yoga in the shala overlooking the sea, and learn about stone therapy. Zen atmosphere and relaxation guaranteed.
For those with time to spare, the resort offers total wellness immersion programs lasting three days or more. These include personalized consultations with therapists who then focus on a particular problem: sleep disorders, the need to detoxify the body, or loss of tone, for example. I recommend these programs, as it would be a shame to come to Ninh Van Bay for less than 3 days.
..and more than pleasant excursions
The setting of Ninh Van Bay stands on its own, as the magnificent beach is home to numerous corals and fish. You can also board a boat to take a tour of the surrounding bays and enjoy the sunset with a glass of champagne in hand. An unforgettable experience!
Our feeling
The quintessence of luxury and ecological well-being! A dream hotel in a dream setting. The guarantee of an unforgettable souvenir.
Luxe Wellness club.
Book Six Senses Ninh Van Bay
Rates: From 600 euros per night.
Contact us to benefit from our expertise on this extraordinary hotel and spa.
or call us for the USA on +1 (646) 980 6652 , or for the UK on +44 20 4577 3258, to discuss your holiday plans.
