Guide to Vietnam

QUY NHON AN EXCLUSIVE DESTINATION IN VIETNAM

Anantara Quy Nhon VillasAnantara Quy Nhon Villas

Where To Stay When Visiting Vietnam’s Latest Holiday Hot Spot

Quy Nhon is a coastal city in Bình Định province in central Vietnam. It’s well known to be a city which focuses on agriculture and fishing. It’s also a great place for nature hikes and exploring beautiful temples. With its pristine beaches, fresh delicious seafood, and historical buildings, Quy Nhon is a hidden gem for tourists seeking peace, relaxation, and cultural adventure. 

The small coastal city is an ideal getaway if you want to stay away from the bustling crowds and experience authentic Vietnam, whilst also enjoying some downtime. It’s a fantastic place for families due to high-end resorts that have opened which offer great kids clubs, and much more to entertain the whole family! Quy Nhon is the latest hot spot, particularly for luxury tourism in Vietnam, that’s creating a buzz. 

Anantara Quy Nhon Villas
Anantara Quy Nhon Villas

Ultimate Five-Star Luxury Resort in Quy Nhon

A top luxury hotel is Anantara Quy Nhon Villas. It’s an upscale resort located in a secluded bay in south central Vietnam, comprising 26 one- and two-bedroom ocean-facing beachfront and hillside villas ensconced amid 7.2 hectares of landscaped tropical gardens. The building highlights local architectural influence, rich heritage and traditional craftsmanship with chic Vietnamese-style designs and furnishings that create an elegant and cultural feel.

The resort is designed to blend seamlessly into the natural environment: locally sourced materials and regional influences are discreetly incorporated into its contemporary design. The spacious villas boast sleek timber sundecks made from locally crafted wood, oversized bathtubs, spacious living areas, and private pools. And if you’re travelling with family, you can book interconnecting villas.

Anantara Quy Nhon Villas

Interiors and Design

The design was undertaken by HB Design, founded by Hans Brouwer in 1995 following a distinguished career working for Sir Norman Foster. It takes inspiration from indigenous aspects of Binh Dinh Province, of which Quy Nhon City is the capital, incorporating typical Vietnamese characteristics, striking modern elements and subtle elegant touches.

Yu Jordy Fu, Creative Director, Marques & Jordy London, who spearheaded the interior aspects of the resort says: “The interior concepts of the resort’s common areas were inspired by Vietnamese traditions and local bamboo craftsmanship, which influenced the patterns and character of the design elements we used, leaving guests with both a strong sense of place and uniquely local experience.” 

Vietnamese blue stone keeps the look of the common areas vernacular, while granite and marble elements introduce a touch of modernity. The open-air lobby, set in the heart of the resort, brings old traditions to life with chairs and large sofas inspired by the typical round basket boats, or ‘thungs’, which were once the only way to go about one’s daily life and still a major form of transport throughout the country today. A large decorative piece spanning the length of the lobby’s back wall directly represents the design of the original fishing traps used by native fishermen to collect squid, lobster and daily catches, a nod to the region’s core essence.

Villa interiors boast a contemporary feel peppered with features emphasising quintessential Vietnam, from historic sculptures and artworks to modern-day style lighting and soft furnishings, bringing out the colours of the sand, sea and sky. Modern bright bathrooms with floor-to-ceiling windows and oversized bathtubs with a view are decked out with blue granite and white marble, native to the region, bringing a contemporary yet rooted flair to the interior. Outside, each villa has spacious sundecks made from locally crafted teak wood that overlook tranquil nature. 

Blending into the picture-perfect surroundings, the resort is hugged by mountains on three sides and its natural landscape is filled with lush, tropical greenery, local plants and flowers. When it comes to the spa, the use of traditional teak wood is seen throughout, from the treatment pavilions which beautifully overlook the trees and the ocean for a serene sense of wellness. The large yoga deck is also made of teak wood; it’s merged seamlessly into the jungle which makes it perfect for invigorating yoga classes, blending calming nature and soulful serenity. 

Mr Hans Brouwer, Design Director, HB Design Co., Ltd, says: “The overall master concept was to create a secluded and private guest experience of being hidden among nature. The design of the villas followed the existing typography, and we retained the original rocks and trees of the natural landscape, while crafting a seamless living experience. We wanted the architectural language to be contemporary yet show the infusion of indigenous materials and ornaments.” 

Anantara Quy Nhon Villas
Anantara Quy Nhon Villas

Personal Touch

With a focus on personalised experiences, guests are treated to in-room villa host services and a range of customisable luxury amenities, such as preferred room scents ranging from exotic lemongrass to refreshing green tea; Anantara’s signature natural soap collection; in-villa wine cellar, and an in-villa delicatessen with a selection of charcuterie, cheese and locally made ice cream.

Scrumptious Cuisine

The resort’s signature restaurant, Sea.Fire.Salt., has a stunning poolside setting and views directly onto Quy Nhon’s beautiful bay, offering a multitude of gastronomic delights from local freshly-caught seafood and picture-perfect meat combinations to Vietnamese-style delicacies, making each experience a true food adventure. It serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and daily tea and coffee served on ceramic crockery, all locally made within Binh Dinh Province. We really recommend the daily afternoon tea experience which gives guests an authentic taste of the local delicacies. 

The highlight of Sea.Fire.Salt.’s menu is the Himalayan salt bricks, which add a sense of theatre to each dining experience. Originating from the Punjab region of the Himalayas, the bricks are heated to 200°C, at which point meat and fish is cooked on the top, gently infusing depth of flavour and beneficial minerals. Seafood lovers can enjoy a variety of the freshest fish and shellfish, while those who can’t decide can enjoy the best of both with Surf ‘n’ Turf style.  

 Keeping the salt theme going, a selection of 30 locally flavoured infused salts are available to choose from to complement each dish, no matter what is chosen. Infused in Vietnam, these salts add subtle flavours to bring out the best taste and have been expertly paired with the menu. Flavours range from ginger, lime and garlic to sesame, and for those with a more adventurous streak, green tea and roasted rice, Vietnamese basil and green chilli, or a really local O Mai flavour from northern Vietnam.

It’s also worth noting that a five-minute walk from Anantara is Avani Quy Nhon Resort, which has a main restaurant called TRE that caters for food lovers that want classic Vietnamese-style cuisine in a casual, yet intimate, setting. We particularly love the Vietnamese Summer Spring Rolls and the selection of tofu dishes with tantalising sauces. You can dine on the decking, patio, or beach, all overlooking the sea. 

Also, Anantara’s main swimming pool boasts a swim-up bar, ideal for catching the sun go down. Sit back and enjoy the captivating view of the golden sun set whilst nibbling on a delicious selection of bar bites, drinking premium cocktails, Vietnamese craft beers and smoking Cuban cigars. It’s the perfect lazy poolside afternoon.

Anantara Quy Nhon Villas

Personalised Dining Experiences

If you’re travelling during the rainy season (which can begin from August to January) like we did, we suggest you cosy up in your villa whilst having in-house dining with a talented chef who will prepare food for you and the family. In-villa dining recreates an intimate culinary experience in the privacy of one’s villa with gourmet breakfast in bed, poolside barbecues and an authentic Vietnamese street food concept. 

Private deck BBQs with a private chef make for personalised and memorable dining experiences overlooking the ocean with the starry night skies above. Executive Chef Vinh was born and bred in Hoi An, just a few hours north of Quy Nhon. He loves to work with seafood and uses only locally sourced produce to ensure that every meal is as traditional and authentic. 

Anantara’s stylish ‘Dining by Design’ experience adds a bespoke aspect to private dining with castaway picnics on a local island, complete with a private chef, or tailor-made menus for romantic dinners on the beach. The castaway dinner experience is something to talk about. Just imagine the setting sun painting the skies over Bai Xep Bay with shades of pink, kicking off your shoes and enjoying a fine dining experience on your own private island, where time really feels like it’s standing still. As you sip on chilled champagne admiring the dexterity of your boat crew, a butler comes into view welcoming you to a rugged uninhabited island where an elaborately set table, tiki torches and a BBQ pit are the only signs of civilisation. It’s perfect for any special occasion.

Anantara are particularly accommodating for any specific food requirements. They are great with accommodating vegans, preparing gluten-free food, and catering for guests with allergies, intolerances, or dietary requirements – so don’t be shy to ask!

Anantara Quy Nhon Villas

Vietnamese Cooking Classes

Budding chefs can get stuck into Vietnamese cooking with the Spice Spoons cooking classes with Executive Chef Vinh. In the early morning, take a trip to the local fruit, vegetable, and seafood market to prepare for the feast to come. Learn how to make classic dishes with the guidance of expert Chef Vinh and his team. Chop, sauté and wrap, whilst he gives tips and tricks on how to master the art of making spring rolls and the traditional Pho noodle soup. Plate it, Masterchef-style, for the chance to win that coveted apron!

Anantara Quy Nhon Villas
Anantara Quy Nhon Villas

Relaxing Spa Break

Perched high on the hillside overlooking Quy Nhon Bay, Anantara Spa is a wellbeing paradise hidden among the lush tropical foliage. Nature-inspired treatment suites, positioned among the trees, boast double massage beds for Vietnamese traditional massages and oversized bathtubs for nourishing coconut milk soaks, while breezy cliffside pavilions bring the art of relaxation to new heights with a view directly overlooking the serene bay.

Surrounded by lush greenery, air heavy with frangipani and birdsong, the spa’s three breezy oceanside pavilions bring the art of relaxation to new heights with stunning sea views. The treatment rooms are enveloped amongst the trees allowing the calming breeze and gentle rustling leaves to waft through the air. Having a spa treatment here is the perfect way to simply relax.

Vietnamese wellness traditions are revealed at Anantara Spa in Quy Nhon. The spa’s signature experiences centre on organic and natural ingredients, along with indigenous touches to give a Vietnamese twist. Body wraps channel the healing qualities of cooling aloe vera, while body scrubs with coconut, mint and green tea wouldn’t look out of place in a juice bar. A selection of locally infused salts are used in body scrubs adding a homegrown element to the experience.

Signature experiences include Chakra Crystal Balancing for ultimate body and mind harmonisation and the Journey of Vietnam, an exotic coconut bath followed by a healing combination massage. Facials, steam bath rituals, traditional reflexology and Indian head massages add to the line-up and provide an all-round spa experience. 

For those seeking refuge in yoga, Tai Chi and sound healing, we recommend sessions with the spa manager Ms. Dao. Physical activities take place on the resort’s secluded private beach, or on the expansive spa deck and range from sunrise yoga and guided meditation to a native form of martial arts called Viet Vo Dao. 

Anantara’s signature Balance Wellness concept offers a uniquely flexible approach to feeling good, through an inspirational range of wellness journeys, holistic healing treatments and tranquillity programmes. The Masters of Wellness visiting practitioner calendar allows guests to book private sessions with alternative therapists who are trusted experts in holistic healing. Private meditation sessions of a morning yoga experience at the Cham Towers accompanied by a local monk, or the spa manager Ms. Dao, allow guests to expand and deepen their wellness journey in a breath-taking setting.

For those with a more health-conscious appetite, a full wellness menu focuses on harmonising energy of the mind, body and soul, by complementing wellness journeys at Anantara Spa and using locally farmed herbs and vegetables flavoured with superfoods, such as chia seeds, berries, matcha powder and bee pollen.

Anantara Quy Nhon Villas
Anantara Quy Nhon Villas

Adventure & Experiences

Rich in cultural attractions, Binh Dinh province, of which Quy Nhon is the coastal capital city, is an attractive option for families, couples and groups of friends in search of meaningful and shared experiences with easy access to local cultural attractions, such as the relics of Champa civilisation and centuries-old Buddhist pagodas. Drive through rice paddy fields, sleepy fishing villages and watch grazing water buffalos for a taste of Vietnam life. 

When it comes to exploring, Quy Nhon and the surrounding area offers a well-rounded mix of culture, history, stunning scenery and local flavours. Nearby floating village restaurants dish up superb seafood specialties, a handicraft village renowned for its pottery, woodwork, blacksmiths, and rice hats showcases local talent at its best, while Quy Nhon City is home to a bustling market. 

Cultural Explorer Tour

Guests embarking on a guided Quy Nhon Explorer tour can look forward to an early morning ride through the bucolic, rural countryside, with a traditional Vietnamese coffee and Banh Mi break on the way, before stopping at the family house of Mr. Lan’s – the fifth generation Non-La (conical hat) makers – for a hat weaving workshop. Having worked up an appetite, guests will be invited to share a home-cooked meal and some laughs with a local family who will serve traditional Binh Dinh dishes for the occasion. 

On the way back, centuries-old ruins of Champa towers peppering the hilltops around Quy Nhon will make for some great photo opportunities. After a quick pit stop for a glass of freshly squeezed sugarcane juice, it’s time for a hands-on rice paper making workshop before heading back to the resort. 

The Lost Kingdom of Cham

Dotted around the hillsides and valleys of Quy Nhon city are venerable relics of the lost Champa civilisation that dominated the country’s centre and south between the 2nd and 15th centuries. Despite the towers’ status as an architectural marvel, the temples’ remoteness means that travellers venturing further afield to explore them are likely to have the spectacular sites all to themselves. 

After grabbing a cup of traditional Vietnamese coffee at a local café, the journey starts with a 20-minute drive to the Banh It Towers. Built in the late 11th to early 12th century on top of a hill at a few dozen metres above sea level, a spectacular panorama of winding rivers, scattered country houses, green farms and villages unfolds in all directions. 

Back in town, Thap Doi (Twin) Towers are set in a quiet park in the centre of Quy Nhon. Steep steps climb to temples topped by curved pyramidal roofs – rather than the Champa temples’ usual terraced turrets – opening to a dome of blue sky. A still-functioning temple, Thap Doi is busy with locals making offerings, as the scent of incense fills the narrow space. The next stop is Binh Dinh Museum boasting an impressive collection of Cham sculptures as well as a permanent exhibition dedicated to Ho Chi Minh and his legacy.

Time permitting, further insight into south central Vietnam’s past and present can be gleaned with a visit to some of the province’s most spectacular Buddhist pagodas, Cao Dai temples and Catholic churches.  

Comfortable Four-Star Luxury

Anantara Quy Nhon Villas

Avani Quy Nhon Resort

If you’re looking for a resort that seems a little more affordable, we suggest you stay at Avani Quy Nhon – a contemporary seaside hideaway. Avani Quy Nhon Resort offers a tropical beach getaway in a prime location along Vietnam’s south-central coastline. Travellers arrive to find a postcard-perfect shore, with a backdrop of tree-covered mountains and the resort’s private beach, which boasts some of Vietnam’s most pristine sands and blue water.  

Contemporary style is brought to life throughout the resort, with hints of Vietnamese culture and Champa Kingdom heritage. The resort has 63 guest rooms and suites, all with private balconies that offer spectacular sea views of Quy Nhon Bay, interrupted only by fishing boats dotting the immediate horizon looking for the catch of the day. Sitting on the balcony is like viewing a picture-perfect postcard.

 It’s worth noting that Avani is only a short walk away from Anantara and both hotels share many facilities like the kid’s club, spa, and beach area. You can also dine in either signature hotel restaurants. The resort offers a selection of options for guests to enjoy the pleasures of food and drink.  TRE restaurant, with cliff-side tables and stunning coastal views, is open all day serving typically Vietnamese-style cuisine, while GIO Bar provides a casual, tropical poolside retreat, with a menu that includes refreshing exotic juices and smoothies, light lunch options and a long cocktail list. 

Avani Resort Activities

Active guests can try kayaking and snorkelling or take a fishing trip with some of the locals to experience the local way of life. Foodies can also take part in Vietnamese cooking classes and learn how to make some local classic dishes. The games room offers some typical pub-style entertainment, including table tennis, Fuẞball and pool. There’s also popcorn and snack vending machines and a gaming console. An outside patio area spilling onto the beach gives players the chance for a rest and cheeky refreshment. Younger guests will never get bored at the Avani Kids Play Zone with a choice of board games, soft toys, books, cartoons and much more to stimulate every young mind. 

When to Travel to Quy Nhon?

The year is broken up by distinctive wet and dry seasons. The hottest months on average are June and July, during which time the daily high temperatures will be in the mid 30s. Night-time temperatures during these months are in the mid 20s. The coldest months of the year are December and January. During these months the daily temperatures will be in the lower 20s and will drop below 20 during the night. 

The rainy (or monsoon) season is from August until January. It can rain constantly during October to January. There are days during which sunshine is abundant, but they are not the majority. The dry season is from late February until the start of August. These months provide plenty of sunshine and warm temperatures. The occasional thunderstorm can be experienced during these months.

How to get there?

The resort is a 40-minute drive from Phu Cat International Airport and only a 15-minute drive from downtown Quy Nhon. Daily flights into Phu Cat are currently operated from Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. 

Danang International Airport is approximately a 50-minute drive from the resort. It offers direct and connecting services to many large cities such as Shanghai, Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul, Beijing, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Danang Central Train Station is also approximately 50-minute drive from the resort. The hotels can arrange a limousine service to and from the resorts, upon request.

Avani Quy Nhon Resort, visit www.avanihotels.com/quy-nhon or email quynhon@avanihotels.com

Anantara Quy Nhon, visit www.anantara.com/en/quy-nhon or email quynhon.villas@anantara.com