An Lam Retreats Ninh Van Bay

Ninh Van Bay is somewhat off the beaten path, which helps keep it from getting overtraveled — this part of coastal Vietnam is home to one of the loveliest, quietest stretches of beach in Southeast Asia. But we think getting here is half the adventure: if you’re arriving internationally, that means a few airport transfers, an hour-long drive, and then a boat journey, because An Lam Retreats isn’t accessible by road. It’s a lot of travel, yes, but the payoff is pretty spectacular. There’s an embarrassment of natural riches — we’re talking mountains, natural waterfalls, views of the South China Sea, and white sand beach — but then there’s the resort itself.

The natural, woody aesthetic is designed with relaxation in mind (even the bathtubs are wooden) and lets nature do most of the heavy lifting when it comes to visual drama. Each of the 33 timber villas is uniquely designed, but they each incorporate a veranda, private plunge pool, and a patch of jungle. And if that’s not enough, there’s also a private butler who’s there to make your stay as comfortable and want-for-nothing as possible — and also is your point person for arranging any number of short excursions, from hiking to a tour of the nearest city, Nha Trang.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a proper tropical retreat without an excellent spa, and here An Lam delivers. You can’t go wrong with the naturally based treatments, including the spring water sauna. If your pleasure is more of the food and drink variety, you’re well covered too: The restaurant on site specializes in live seafood and traditional Vietnamese cuisine. The rooftop bar, the perfect spot for drinks before or after dinner, boasts some of the best panoramic views of the bay you’ll find. But of course, you’re here for the beach, and it is exquisite. You may find you have a hard time keeping this little secret to yourself.