Amanoi: Clifftop sanctuary in Nui Chua National Park overlooking Vinh Hy Bay with private beach club and lake spa

Perched on the rugged granite coastal cliffs of Nui Chua National Park—a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve on Vietnam’s south-central coast—Amanoi opened in September 2013 as architect Jean-Michel Gathy’s coastal masterpiece. Translating to 'peaceful place,' the 36-key retreat commands dramatic vistas across the marine-protected waters of Vinh Hy Bay and the East Sea. Designed to harmoniously blend contemporary lines with traditional Vietnamese architectural grace, the curved timber pavilions sit nestled in wild coastal scrub and granite boulders.

Arrival at the soaring Central Pavilion high on the clifftop offers sweeping 360-degree ocean and mountain panoramas. Day-one logistics focus on coordinating marine and cultural adventures: private snorkeling and sea kayaking in the crystal-clear waters of Vinh Hy Bay, guided morning treks through Nui Chua’s coastal jungle to Goga Peak, visits to indigenous Cham ceramic villages, and reserving a table for Vietnamese coastal dining.

Resort wellness is world-renowned: the multi-pavilion Aman Spa sits beside a serene lotus-filled lake, featuring two standalone Wellness Pool Villas (one featuring a Russian Banya, the other a Moroccan Hammam, each with private plunge pool and 24-hour dedicated spa staff). Recreational amenities include the clifftop Cliff Pool, a 30-metre beach lap pool at the private Beach Club, and tennis courts. Dining spans authentic Vietnamese coastal cuisine in the Central Pavilion, fresh seafood grills at the Beach Club, and cocktails in the Lounge.

Accommodations comprise 36 pavilions, pool villas, and multi-bedroom ocean residences starting at 95 square metres. Each pavilion features timber floors, vaulted ceilings, sliding glass walls opening onto wide outdoor wooden sundecks, deep freestanding soaking tubs, and private swimming pools in Pool Villas.

Nature lovers, wellness seekers, and couples seeking dramatic coastal cliff architecture, untouched marine bays, and world-class lake spa wellness should book Amanoi without hesitation. Travelers seeking bustling city streets or colonial river walks should look elsewhere. Grounded review consensus confirms exceptional standing with a 4.9 out of 5 on Tripadvisor across 420 reviews and a 4.8 out of 5 on Google across 310 reviews.