Azerai Can Tho

Adrian Zecha knows hotels. The Aman founder’s vision of small-scale, high-design, no-expense-spared resorts more or less established the luxury boutique hotel as a genre, and under the Azerai banner, he continues to develop his hospitality vision. Azerai Can Tho stands on an islet in the Hau river, just outside the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho, accessible only by boat — and that small separation is all it needs to create a complete and transformative escape.

The accommodations range from relatively humble rooms with garden, lake, or river views all the way up to a five-bedroom villa with a private pool. In typical Zecha style, however, all rooms are thoroughly luxurious, their style equal parts classic and contemporary. There’s no essential comfort left out, and on the other hand there’s no needless opulence — nothing to break the spell of a faultless travel experience.

Equally impressive are the Grill, the Café, and the Lounge & Bar, each one combining local traditions and flavors with modern techniques and inspirations. Wellness offerings include a spectacular infinity pool as well as a yoga pavilion, a Pilates studio, a tennis court, and a stylish and thorough spa. And the excursions, naturally, focus on the Mekong delta, including tours of the famous Cai Rang floating market.