LWSY REVIEW > Evason Ana Mandara > Nha Trang, Vietnam
Evason Ana Mandara is just a short flight from either Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi. Once you land at Cam Ranh Airport you’re a hair raising but swift 30 minute or so private transfer to this beachside hotel in Nha Trang.
You might read in the Lonely Planet Guide that Nha Trang is somewhat of a party beach resort. Certainly the town is lively, with a buzzing young traveller atmosphere along the beach, the hotels draw an international crowd. Many Vietnamese use the area as a weekend holiday spot, the town is crammed with hotels, but Evason Ana Mandara is the only hotel directly on the beach (all others have to cross the busy main road), and for this single reason, already the hotel stands out in the area.
As we arrived early afternoon, we were invited to enjoy a welcomed refreshment in the bar. Our luggage was scurried away, and we were looking forward to settling into our villa. All we had to do was decide on which restaurant to choose for dinner.
The village style layout offers 74 semi-detached Garden and Seaview Suites & Guestrooms nested among 17 traditional Vietnamese villas. The lush gardens and views to the ocean seem to drown out the chaos of life on the other side of the road to the hotel. Try and opt for a villa on the beach, it’s the best way to enjoy the afternoon light from your deck. The beachside villas seem a little more private too.
Once we’d settled in we started to think of dinner. With two restaurants, options included local, regional and international cuisine, most ingredients are sourced from local markets. The Ana Beach House offers a more modern design, and serves international and Mediterranean dishes, whereas the Pavilion restaurant is the more traditional space, with a terrace and verandah, connected to the hotel bar, and the one we chose.
Compared to other Six Senses hotels I’m afraid my only remark here is that the evening menu doesn’t compare. Dishes could have been more refined, and simplified. Of course though, I am indulged with beautiful restaurant experiences, but we were hoping for a more authentic fare. Vietnamese hospitality is a wonderful experience, and we were looked after very well.
On the night of our stay, the hotel bar was showing a rather loud action movie on a projector. With no one in the bar at the time, I have to say it felt rather off kilter with a hotel exuding relaxation and comfort. It would have been far more beautiful to hear local musicians play, or a quieter soundtrack to accompany the sounds of the waves which we were longing for. It prevented us wanting to enjoy the bar after our meal, although we loved strolling past the hotels stocked library for a holiday read before walking along the beach back to our villa in the evening light. The outdoor en-suite was rather fun, with a huge bath and large powerful shower. Watch out for the mosquitos though!
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With an almighty storm overnight, we woke in our sea view villa to bright skies (you get the sunniest skies after a storm in Vietnam) but a rather soaked resort. An hour or two after a bustling breakfast full international guests, the beach started to fill and the resort came alive.
The Ana Mandara Suite
A sweet touch outside our villa, eyes closed for privacy, eyes open for your room to be serviced.
Into the Fizz poolside bar
The infinity pool beside the Ana Beach House
The Six Senses Spa and beauty salon offers an array of brand treatments, hot stone massages, Indian head massages and sensory spa experiences. The relaxation area is charming, a little cocoon even. The therapists are skilled in traditional Vietnamese and Asian treatments, you can also practice Yoga on their outdoor
If action is your thing, the hotel offers a diverse range of excursions, tennis, beach volleyball, water-activity and a PADI Dive Centre, plus a very colourful Kid’s Club.
Another great thing about Evason Ana Mandara, if you can spare a few days after your stay here, the hotel will drive you to their elegant sister hotel’s private jetty. A 15 minute boat transfer and you’ll arrive at Six Senses Ninh Van Bay. Now there’s a hotel you’ll not want to leave…
My full board stay was arranged by Perowne Charles Communications. With thanks to Evason Ana Mandara for hosting us. Images c/o Evason & LWSY
To book your stay at Evason Ana Mandara, just head to Tablet Hotels.
LWSY