The spa trend was late to hit Asia. But now, there’s one opening
every month, usually at a high-end hotel property.
One of the newest is at the Ana Mandara Resort in Nha Trang, the
beachside town that’s widely known as Vietnam’s most popular
vacation spot for locals and tourists alike. The resort is operated
under the Evason Hideaway brand by the Six Senses group of
Bangkok.
The spa, set in a coconut plantation, alongside the
four-mile-long beach, was built out of natural materials, using
traditional Vietnamese design elements and water features.
There are three sunken outdoor treatment salas, or
Vietnamese-style huts, surrounded by pools and miniature
waterfalls.
Inside the spa, there are treatment rooms for couples or
singles, with sunken Jacuzzi baths, a Vichy shower, a
Japanese-style bath, saunas and steam baths.
The changing areas for men and women are outdoors, surrounded by
ponds and lush vegetation.
The mountains to the west and north of the city provide a
picturesque backdrop, and they also isolate Nha Trang from the
region’s weather patterns.
This city of 300,000 people, which is about 300 miles north of
Ho Chi Minh City, enjoys the well-deserved reputation of having the
best climate in Vietnam. The rainy season starts at the end of
October and lasts until early January, but afterward, sunny skies
are almost guaranteed with an estimated 250 days of sunshine a
year, temperatures that range from 79 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit,
and moderate humidity.
Although Ana Mandara stands alongside infernally busy Tran Phu
Boulevard, at least it is at the south end, and somewhat separated
from areas frequented by Nha Trang’s infamous thieves and child
prostitutes.
The resort is comprised of 16 villas containing 68
well-appointed guest rooms.
Six Senses is a hotel, resort and spa management and development
company. It operates properties and products branded as Soneva,
Evason, Pavilion and Six Senses.
84-58-829 829; www.sixsenses.com or [email protected].
