Naman Retreat

In the wide range of upscale beachfront hotels in Da Nang, Naman Retreat is hands down the most visually stunning and elegant. Its design, by famous Vietnamese architect Vo Trong Nghia, draws heavily on bamboo and dark stone, creating striking spaces with soaring ceilings supported by bent bamboo poles, and huge windows offering garden views. Throughout, natural wood and stone make common spaces classy and contemporary, most particularly in the main restaurant. Its jaw-dropping inverted conical pillars made of bamboo create a sort of cathedral-like space, while its black floors and myriad white pillows add a touch of sophistication. 

The resort has an air of distinction that goes beyond its stunning architecture and design. Soft lounge music plays at the beach and pool bar, golf carts zip guests between the entrance and the beach area, and low buildings are partly hidden behind thick foliage. Naman Retreat is medium-sized in terms of room count, but its sprawling grounds and many nooks mean the atmosphere is quiet and relaxing throughout. Rope hammocks tied to palm trees, big day beds placed under umbrellas, and loungers lining gorgeous pools offer plenty of opportunities to unwind. 

Few hotels in the area can compare in terms of design, elegance, and luxury, but those seeking something even more exclusive (and expensive) may want to consider the Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An, which features elegant villas and lots of great freebies, including shuttle service to the Ancient Town. The Fusion Maia Da Nang is an excellent alternative, with free daily spa services, free yoga classes, and contemporary villas with private pools and outdoor living areas. Families may find more kid-friendly amenities at the Vinpearl Da Nang Resort & Villas, which features a kids’ club, huge pools, access to an excellent beach, and lower rates that include breakfast. 

Naman Restreat is located on a peaceful, sandy stretch of Da Nang’s longest beach. There's a golf club right across the street and a few other beachfront resorts (some still under construction) within a few minutes’ walk of the hotel, but little else of general interest can be found in the immediate vicinity. The hotel occupies a large lot abutting a main thoroughfare, which allows for easy access to Da Nang and Hoi An, each located a 20-minute drive from the Naman Retreat. The famous Marble Mountains can be reached in less than 10 minutes by car, and An Bang Beach, known for its hip beachfront restaurants and fine sand, is a 15-minute drive away. Other local attractions, such as the Lady Buddha and the scenic Hai Van Pass, are more than a 30-minute drive from the hotel. Danang International Airport is a 25-minute drive from the hotel, and transfers can be arranged at the front desk for a fee. The hotel also offers free shuttle service to Hoi An and Da Nang.

The hotel has a total of 102 rooms and villas, all featuring contemporary design that combines natural woods, stone, and bamboo with soft colors to create stylish spaces that feel airy and uncluttered. The large windows and clean lines tie in with the neutral palette, making bedrooms light, and highlighting the lush exteriors. The open-plan bathrooms, with sliding frosted glass doors in showers and toilet cabins, add even more visual space. Rooms have big, square smoky gray floor tiles that stand out against the all-white walls decorated with minimalist artwork. Most villas feature handsome wooden floors in the living room and beige floors in rooms. 

Pool Villas, with one or two bedrooms and no common living room, are the smallest of all villa types. All villas have small private gardens with plunge pools and loungers, and small seating areas with L-shaped couches and a coffee table. The rest of the villa types have up to three bedrooms, large living areas with dining tables and full kitchens, and bigger pools and gardens. Pools in Beach Villas have infinity edges over the beach. 

All rooms and villas come with individually controlled air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs with international channels, iHome docks, electronic safes, and minibars. Wi-Fi is available free of charge throughout the property. Additionally, villas feature coffeemakers (espresso machines in all units except for Pool Villas), surround sound systems, and scales in bathrooms. All minibar items in Beach Villas are free but not replenished after the first day. 

Bathrooms are upscale in all room types, and have large walk-in rain showers and big sink areas with plenty of storage space. Most villas also have separate soaking tubs placed along huge windows overlooking the garden, and sliding screens dividing bathrooms from the bedroom.

The stunning Hay Hay Restaurant serves an excellent breakfast buffet with a vast array of delicious Vietnamese and Western options, including pho, lots of fresh fruits, pastries, eggs in a variety of styles, and grilled vegetables. The lunch and dinner menus offer traditional Vietnamese specialties along with a handful of Western options and a varied wine list. Breakfast is included in room rates. 

The more casual B Lounge offers light meals by the beach. It's housed in a sleek glass pavilion overlooking the ocean, and has a spacious deck with a number of tables under big palm trees. The menu includes Asian fusion tapas and cocktails, and there are themed nights with food, live music, and DJs several times per week. Across from the B Lounge is Sitini Bar, which offers snacks and sweet bites. The Coffee Club serves afternoon tea along with coffee, tea, and pastries during the day. 

The resort is set directly adjacent to a palm-fringed, white-sand beach dotted with large loungers that are reserved for guests only. There are generally few people in the area and the lounge music playing at the adjacent B Lounge is kept at a low volume, so the beach feels private and peaceful. Waiters are always on hand to take food and drink orders. The main pool is beautiful and relaxing as well, with an infinity-edge looking out over the beach, and a few dozen wooden loungers with umbrellas. The other pool is tucked away in the gardens and has an even more serene feel, with just a handful of padded loungers. 

With its open plan, tranquil ponds, fresh scent, and minimalist decor, the spa has a sophisticated, peaceful feel. There are 15 treatment rooms, most of which feature floor-to-ceiling windows and stylish zen-inspired decor with dark woods against off-white floors. Access to a sauna, a whirlpool, and a steam room is free for guests, and all rates include a 15-minute massage for each guest. The fitness center has a good array of Lifefitness cardio and strength-training machines. Free yoga and tai chi classes are available daily. The resort also offers a range of free activities for adults on a daily basis, including movies, bikes to borrow, pottery, and cocktail-crafting classes. Children are kept busy during the morning and into the afternoon at the kids’ club, which is located in the spa building and provides a variety of art supplies and toys for kids.  

Wi-Fi is free throughout the resort. Wedding and event space is available for rent.