I always ask myself if I would take a trip just to go back to a resort. And in this case, the answer is that I would not make a special trip to go back to either.

That said, if I was in the area at the right time of the year and in need of some beach time, I would certainly go back to the Six Senses. While not perfect, it was a fantastic beach and I could easily spend 5 days just hanging around the 2 bedroom beach villa. I’m actually eager to see what the new Six Senses resorts are going to be like since I think this chain is one that has a lot of potential.

For Amanoi, I would have to say that even if I was in the area, I don’t think I’d go back. Don’t get me wrong, I had a good time and thought the resort was lovely. It was one of those places that you are glad to visit just to have seen it. But I don’t know what it is. It’s not a beach resort - or at least not a very successful one (in my opinion). It’s not a cultural resort since there is very little local culture to experience in the immediate area. And finally, I think it’s overpriced. Especially for Vietnam and especially because one can get a 2 bedroom villa at the Six Senses for 2/3 the cost (and that villa is 5 times the size and is directly on a wonderful beach). I would actually sooner go back to either Amanzoe or Amanruya if I was looking for a ‘kind of’ beach resort. Both of these entail less travel (for me) and are in areas that I think are more interesting.

For those of you who loved Amanoi, please be kind. This is just my opinion. And I’m not saying one should not visit the resort, just that one should adjust one’s expectations accordingly, especially if one is expecting a beach resort. Because I am not 100% sold on the place does not mean others will not find it fantastic.