Returning to my room at 9 PM, I found myself in a five-bedroom villa overlooking Nui Chua National Park. The changes were subtle yet thoughtful: my belongings were neatly arranged, a gift box adorning the bed—a testament to the meticulous care lavished upon guests.
I had a pretty clear idea that while I was away, someone had stood right where I was standing now. They looked around and took a few moments to think: What could I do to make the guest in this room feel more comfortable?
A close definition of luxury
“Aman” in Sanskrit means “peace.” The Aman Group owns 35 hotels and resorts in 20 locations around the world.
As a tradition, they name these peaceful places by combining “Aman” with a beautiful word from the local language. Like Amankora in Bhutan, where “kora” in Dzongkha means walking around a sacred place, or Amantaka in Laos, with “taka” from “tipitaka” meaning the teachings of the Buddha.
You might have guessed what Amanoi stands for: “Aman nơi,” a place of peace. Such a simple yet beautiful Vietnamese word, isn’t it?
A hospitality industry expert once shared two distinct interpretations of “luxury” in his field. The first type of luxury is the royal treatment, where every service is meticulously planned and executed with precision, ensuring that the experience is just as impeccable on the hundredth occasion as it was on the first. The second type of luxury is embodied by deeply personal and thoughtful care, the kind that envelops you like the warmth of family.
Amanoi falls into the second category. Nestled in Vinh Hy Bay, the resort has only 44 villas and residences, yet it is supported by an extraordinary team of 350 staff members. Six staff members care for each guest, making it one of the most guest-centric experiences in Vietnam.
Interestingly, Amanoi doesn’t adhere to many standardized operating procedures. Instead, staff and managers are encouraged to decide or devise creative solutions tailored to each guest’s needs. Their guiding principle is simple yet profound: what is given from the heart truly touches the heart.
A Very Addictive Experience
To reach Amanoi, guests must land at Cam Ranh Airport and travel 75 minutes to Vinh Hy Bay. This intentional distance was designed by the resort’s founder, Adrian Zecha, who envisioned creating refuges far removed from the urban hustle, nestled within pristine natural settings – be it amid Utah’s deserts or the grandeur of the Himalayas.
The resort is situated at the core of the UNESCO-recognized Nui Chua Biosphere Reserve. Beyond its gates lies over a kilometer of unnamed paths with no signs or directions. It feels like entering a grand mansion or wandering through your private estate.
Architect Jean-Michel Gathy has masterfully constructed the villas and residences so that, despite sharing the same view, one cannot see anything from one house to another. There’s always a natural rock or a strategically placed branch providing privacy for the guests.
The architectural design is so secure that one can stretch out in a swimsuit and spend the afternoon with a book. It’s safe enough to shower with the doors flung open, letting the fresh air from the virgin forest fill the space, or to lie back and count the stars in a pollution-free sky.
I must warn you, all the above experiences are highly addictive!
Indeed, there’s even a term for loyal guests who are “addicted” to the Aman experience: Amanjunkies.
In the years before the pandemic, guests at Amanoi in Ninh Thuan primarily came from the US and Europe. However, in the post-pandemic years, the rankings have shifted, bringing Vietnamese guests to the forefront. Many Vietnamese travelers are also becoming addicted to the connections made with loved ones or themselves during the tranquil moments of a getaway.
A Gift That Keeps On Giving
Gifting is a tradition that dates back to the dawn of human civilization. Everyone loves receiving gifts, but I bet you, no one masters the art of selecting and wrapping presents quite like luxury brands do.
Take, for instance, a morning at Amanoi when I was invited to join a hike within the resort grounds. This 15-minute trek was a rare activity for someone as exercise-averse as me.
We set off at 5:30 AM, passing through a stretch of forest and a rocky area dotted with scrubby bushes and dense foliage characteristic of a semi-arid landscape. By 5:45 AM, our group was rewarded with a splendid view atop Goga Peak as the sunrise draped a copper hue over the vibrant Vinh Hy Bay.
That sunrise scene is a souvenir I can always retrieve from my memory. It made me appreciate the “gift giver” who had meticulously packaged a trekking experience with just the right blend of comfort and fulfillment.
From the forest to the sea, a beachside dinner at Vinh Hy Bay is another precious memory. The chef treated us to a fine dining experience inspired by Cham cuisine, with perfectly prepared seafood and fresh vegetables. The sound of the waves and the crackling fire added a rare spice you couldn’t find in other culinary experiences.
I ended the meal feeling deeply content, picking up a piece of coral as a souvenir to return to Saigon. Now, that coral piece sits in my bathroom, often reminding me of leisurely mornings overlooking Vinh Hy Bay or bathing in Nui Chua National Park.
I brought back many other souvenirs from Amanoi, most of them intangible. Yet, it’s fascinating how these gifts can encapsulate ideas about life, peace, and tranquility that linger long in memory.