Amanoi (Vietnam) - Trip Report
Introduction Soaring above the landscape rather like a Meiji castle, the Amanoi is a welcome sight after the 1.5 hour (scenic) drive from the airport. You are immediately struck by the semi-arid landscape with cactus growing wild, more like a Greek Island than the lush green tropical landscape you might associate with Vietnam.<br> We visited the Amano'i right at the end of the soft opening period, so one might expect everything to be sorted ready for full operation. There were a few minor rough edges but nothing that we found detracted from our enjoyment of this stunning place. CENTRAL PAVILION This is a work of art. Two majestic staircases lead you to a huge and vaulted space with a glass walled central dining room for use in bad weather, an open dining area, and the bar. Symmetry has been used to stunning effect to create an inspiring space that is not overpowering. Gorgeous.<br> LIBRARY Hidden at the back of the glass-walled dining room is a staircase that takes you to the library. It is a lovely space but we were surprised to find the Apple Computers were not running the latest software, despite the hotel being new. .<br> PAVILIONS After the drama of the main entrance, a more domestically scaled staircase leads you past the gift shop to a line of golf buggies that whisk you to your pavilion. The grey tile roofed pavilions nestle in the landscape like iron butterflies and the space in each is divided a third to sleeping, a third to living, and a third to bathing and dressing.<br>A consistent palette of colours, materials and textures is used throughout each pavilion, creating a relaxed and sophisticated atmosphere. All the features are of the highest quality and details are beautifully resolved. <br>The only changes we would have asked for were a bigger safe in the room and a more subtle TV than the huge black monster provided. Indeed we could have done without the TV at all. YOUR TERRACES Each pavilion comes with a terrace front and back. There are two sun loungers, of the same design used at both pools. Not particularly comfortable to be candid.<br>Pavilions with pools do not have any extra outdoor space of note, but the large infinity pools are a treat. HOUSEKEEPING Immaculate. In addition to morning and evening visits, the housekeeping team seemed to pop in whenever we were out to tidy the room ... yet we saw them only once.<br> CLIFF POOL The cliff pool is close to the central pavilion and is adults only. Spectacular views from this immaculately clean infinity pool. Two staff are on duty to bring drinks etc. Heaven.<br> BEACH CLUB The beach club is a 10-15 minute walk from the pavilions down a hill, which in 30+degrees is a long way, so a buggy (just dial 1) is a good idea, particularly on the way back! <br>The architect seems to have channeled Donald Judd in the design of the Club's elegant pavilion which has a minimalist aesthetic. There are plenty of loungers, a restaurant open for lunch, a super pool and access to the beach. THE BEACH The beach is small, has quite coarse sand and could be better maintained. Surely one of the Amanoi's 200 employees could be tasked with picking up litter and raking the sand so it looks more appealing? If Housekeeping were asked to adopt the beach as an extra pavilion it would look way better real fast. Two additional beaches are accessible, but only by sea.<br> THE FOOD The hotels Vietnamese food didn't really cut it for us, but we were anticipating it being hotel-ised, so were not really shocked, only slightly disappointed. The food otherwise was good.<br> THE BAR A convivial space that does the full range of cocktails, not just the few listed.<br> COMPLIMENTARY AFTERNOON TEA Is available in the central pavilion each afternoon. No savoury options, but fabulous pastries.<br> THE MANAGEMENT The GM (Susan), her deputy, and the F&B manager were consistently visible, personable and keen to interact with guests and get feedback. This was much appreciated.<br> THE STAFF The Amanoi has a super team of 200 bright, friendly and well intentioned staff. It is true to say that the employees' English was variable, but it was still way better than our (non-existent) Vietnamese. Was pleased to hear that some of the staff are from the local area, and that the hotel's English teaching is also open to local residents.<br> SECURITY Security staff are visible at various points throughout the extensive grounds. <br> SPA I wasn't overwhelmed by the look of the Spa, or the massage that I had. However, the gym is of decent size, for this scale of resort, and am advised that the Yoga/Pilates instructor is excellent.<br> EXCURSIONS Should you want (why?) to leave the Amanoi there are a range of local excursions. Nothing particularly awe inspiring to see in the area though. You need to go to the front desk to find out what the trips are and how much they cost.<br> GIFT SHOP A limited range of items are available. Mainly clothing. More to come we are told.<br> COST OF LIVING Obviously it is not cheap to stay here, but Aman spent four years building the resort so need to get their money back! Allow at least $150 per person per day for food and drinks, but more if you are a wine drinker as wine is $50 and upwards a bottle.<br> OVERALL <tbody> <tr> <td> <p>This is a gorgeous resort of the highest quality. We were very impressed and would love to return. Many thanks to everyone at Amanoi for making our first Aman visit a trip to remember for all the right reasons. Now for some more Amans!</p> </td> </tr> <tr> </tr> </tbody>