Zannier Hotels Bãi San Hô is a sprawling beachfront resort spread over 245 acres, secluded on a peninsula in Phú Yên province, just a 90-minute drive from Tuy Hòa airport. Less prominent than mainstream 5-star hotel chains searchable on Google, Zannier offers a unique experience.
What sets it apart?
A Hotel with a Fashion Lineage
Zannier originated from a fashion conglomerate established in 1962 by Roger Zannier. His flourishing empire of childrenswear in Europe was sold in 2017, pivoting his focus to a vineyard and a hotel venture initiated by his son, Arnaud Zannier.
Stepping into the hotel, one can't help but notice its deep-rooted connection to fashion. It seems Roger Zannier's fashion heritage seamlessly integrates into the hotel's fabric, transforming even the most ordinary spaces into 'Instagramable spots.' From a bedroom corner with a simple hanging light and a vase to a window view of serene fields or the meandering lush trails linking the resort's areas, every detail exudes aesthetic elegance.
Quiet Luxury Rooted in Vietnamese Heritage
Zannier Hotels Bãi San Hô embodies the essence of 'quiet luxury,' a philosophy it adopted well before it became a buzzword. What makes this hotel stand out is its seamless integration of luxury with authentic Vietnamese culture. Whether guests are from Vietnam or abroad, they can feel the distinct Vietnamese character in every detail of the resort, from its choice of location in the relatively secluded Phú Yên province to the incorporation of locally crafted artisanal objects and especially its architecture inspired by the ethnic minorities of Vietnam.
One notable architectural inspiration is the longhouse, a hallmark of the Rhade‘s matriarchal culture. These longhouses are communal dwellings for extended families, expanding with each generation. Zannier has translated this architectural concept into the design of its hill pool villas. The villas' long, interconnected structures create a sense of unity and spaciousness, blurring the boundaries between different areas and fostering an expansive, open atmosphere.
Immersing in Local Culture at Zannier Hotels Bãi San Hô
Venturing out of urban chaos into serene landscapes is a rarity for many of us city folks. Zannier Hotels Bãi San Hô offers just that, with its location along a 1 km long beach and surrounded by lush rice fields. These fields, besides yielding several tons of rice per season (donated to a nearby orphanage), provide guests with a unique view at dawn and dusk. For nature lovers, the sight of mountains, long beaches, and rice fields viewed right from their bed is a delightful experience.
During my stay, I discovered that about 80% of the staff hail from Bình Định and Phú Yên, with some even coming from as far as Saigon, Nha Trang, and Hanoi. English proficiency wasn't a strong suit for everyone initially, but the hotel's commitment to a 2-hour daily training regimen ensures their ease in interacting with international guests, catering to diverse needs and preferences.
Besides quiet luxury, sustainable tourism has been Zannier's focus since its inception. However, implementing this concept is easier said than done. With tourism booming, many locals shifted from traditional jobs to service industries, altering the original beauty of their regions. During my conversation with David Francisco Castillo Pigalle, Executive Assistant Manager at Zannier, he shared:
“It's understandable for many to seek better job opportunities. My father also transitioned from a traditional job to tourism. Interestingly, in the post-pandemic era, I've noticed that there's been a shift, especially among the younger generation, back towards traditional cultural values.
The balance between the pursuit of progress and a reconnection with one’s roots will naturally form over time. At Zannier Hotels Bãi San Hô, we contribute to this balance by not only employing local talents but also by actively supporting and utilizing local products. We procure seafood directly from the Phú Yên region and use traditional, locally-made fish sauce.”
My brief but enriching three-day stay at Zannier Hotels Bãi San Hô was more than a retreat; it was a deep dive into the heart of local culture. Alongside the scenic beauty and exceptional hospitality, the hotel offers a myriad of culinary experiences and cultural activities. To explore more about Zannier Hotels Bãi San Hô, you can visit their website through this direct link.