Almanity Hoi An Wellness Resort

Designed with a mix of Japanese, Indochina, and Portuguese influences, the Almanity is one of the most visually stunning properties in Hoi An. Painted tiles, local crafts, delicate latticeworks, and rich fabrics make common spaces stylish and elegant, with a subtle look at the past that extends to the architecture. The brand concept draws heavily on open spaces that let the beautiful outdoors in, with the water as the connecting element. The hotel entrance is dominated by a quaint Japanese garden complete with a large koi pond, bonsais, and rock formations. The open lobby leads to the gorgeous central pool, which, in turn, connects via waterways to the spa. 

Touches such as welcome drinks served in small blue bottles reminiscent of those used by the ancient chemists, and lanterns illuminating outdoor spaces set the vibe for a luxurious, romantic stay. Although some rooms are big enough for families and there is a kids’ club, the hotel has a hushed atmosphere that makes it more suitable for couples. We have visited the hotel several times and only once did we see kids at the pool. The rest of the guests were middle-aged and older couples. We also saw plenty of guests getting off the hotel’s free shuttle at An Bang Beach. 

Almanity Hoi An is one of the best luxury properties in the city center, with gorgeous grounds, excellent amenities, and stylish decor. Still, rooms are a little small for the price, so travelers wanting to compare rates with other upscale hotels may want to check out the Essence Hoi An Hotel & Spa, which has a more classic style, lovely gardens with two pools, and a cute spa. For a bit more money, Boutique Hoi An Resort and Sunrise Hoi An Beach Resort are great picks with similar amenities, resort-style grounds, and a serene beachfront location. 

Almanity Hoi An is located on a busy street off the main road connecting the city center and An Bang Beach. There are several local shops, a number of restaurants, and a couple of banks within two blocks of the hotel, and a few pretty rice paddies can be found about a 10 minute-walk from the hotel. The gorgeous Ancient Town of Hoi An is also a 10-minute walk or five-minute drive away. There, guests can find dozens of great restaurants, charming shops, renowned tailors, and historic attractions. Vegetable Village can be reached in about 20 minutes by bicycle. An Bang Beach, known for its hip restaurants and lounges, is just a little farther away along a mostly flat road. Bikes can be borrowed free of charge at the hotel, and the property runs a free shuttle to the beach several times per day. The stunning Marble Mountains are about 25 minutes away by car. Danang International Airport can be reached in 45 minutes.

The hotel has 145 rooms spread over two three-story buildings set around a beautiful pool. With room category names such as My Spirit, My Energy, and My Mind, the hotel’s philosophy of wellness and spirituality is showcased in rooms. Decor is uncluttered and stylish, with lots of wood accents, platform beds, latticework details, and a soft neutral color palette with pleasant pops of aquamarine. Starting at 300 square feet, some rooms are a little small for the price, but clean lines, open closets, and soft colors make them feel bigger than they really are. Thoughtful, chic touches such as pottery, copper crafts, and lanterns add lots of local charm. 

All rooms come with a set solid amenities, including flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, minibars stocked with imported and local beer, sodas, waters, and snacks, and electric kettles with free tea and coffee (replenished daily). Bathrooms are lovely and contemporary, with beautiful ceramic sinks and antique-style taps made by local craftsmen, spacious walk-in rain showers, shower/tub combos, or separate showers and soaking tubs, and lots of painted tiles and wood accents. My Heart Rooms have big whirlpools on the balcony. Shower gel, shampoo, body lotion, and conditioner are presented in big ceramic containers. Toothbrushes, shower caps, and cotton buds are also provided. 

Most rooms have either a balcony or a patio, but some standard rooms (known as My Spirit here) have no outdoor space and uninteresting views of the rear garden or the adjacent plot of land.

Four Plates is the hotel’s main restaurant, open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It takes its name from the four types of cuisine it offers: Italian, Japanese, Vietnamese, and grill -- and has a spacious dining room with large doors opening to the pool deck. It's decorated with painted floor tiles, wood lattice screens, and a stylish mix of earth and blue hues. A tasty breakfast buffet (included in all room rates) offers an array of Vietnamese and Western options, including fresh fruit juices, pastries, fried rice and noodle dishes, made-to-order eggs, and pastries. Lunch and dinner are a la carte, and food is excellent -- but pricy.

Blue Bottle Bar is a charming lounge adjacent to Four Plates. It has a small tapas menu, as well as a wide array of cocktails and exotic drinks. There are a couple of comfortable padded swings where guests can relax with drinks in hand. The outdoor area has a romantic feel at night, with many lanterns and serene views of the Japanese garden. 

My Chi is a gorgeous, topnotch spa offering wonderful treatments in a relaxing, luxurious building decorated with zen and Buddhist-inspired elements. It has 40 treatment rooms -- some for couples and some for private massages. We booked a coffee and tea body scrub and a foot massage, and both were excellent and adapted to our needs and preferences. The salon area offers a wide array of services, from manicures and pedicures to foot exfoliation and reflexology. There are locker rooms with saunas and steam baths. Most rates include daily 90-minute spa treatments. 

Downstairs is the meditation room, complete with a big, open area for relaxation, a yoga studio with free morning classes, and an indoor pool. Located on the top floor of the spa building, the fitness center has a good array of Matrix cardio and strength-training machines. 

Along with the spa, the saltwater pool is another hotel highlight. The huge pool is beautiful, with plenty of palm trees and loungers, and an appealing two-tier design that allows for an uncrowded feel. The main restaurant has a few tables beside the pool, but waiters circulate to take food and drink orders as well. There's a smoking section with a few tables away from the loungers. The pool’s top tier is shallower and for kids only. 

The hotel has a staffed kids’ club that guests can use for a fee, but it works more as babysitting service than a place where kids can go play with other children and take part in scheduled activities. There's also an outdoor playground with slides and swings. 

Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. There's a meeting room for events. A souvenir shop sells local handicrafts and textiles.