Travelling Headcases: February 2017

Tranquility, Seclusion, Indulgence & Warmth

4 words that describes our stay at Six Senses Ninh Van Bay located on the peninsula of Nha Trang in Central Vietnam.
Only reachable by boat, we were chauffeured from the airport for about an hour to the resort ferry port where we hopped onboard a small ferry along with other guests for a short 20 minute journey to start our week of pampering.

Getting off the ferry to be greeted by our GEM (Guest Experience Maker)

The resort has 4 different types of villas - Hill Top Pool Villa, Beach Front Pool Villa, Rock Pool Villa and Water Pool Villa. There is also the Hill Top Retreat which can accommodate up to 10 guests. Every villa has a private pool.

We decided on staying in a Hill Top Villa as the views are more spectacular and we figured we would have more privacy. The only draw back is the steep climb of about 50 or so steps to get to it. (Well worth the effort and it allowed us to work off all those delicious meals and cocktails we indulged in). As soon as we arrived, we were whisked off in a golf buggy with our GEM, AN. He showed us around the resort before showing us to our villa. As we drove pass Dining by the Pool, An mentioned there is an ice-cream room where all guests can enjoy complimentary ice cream everyday between 8am - 4pm........... THAT IS 8 HOURS OF ICE CREAM !!! I am in heaven.............. AN gave us his personal contact number and told us we can call him 24/7 for any assistance during our stay at the resort. He was amazing.

We stayed in Hill Top Villa 15. It was better than what we saw on the website. Spacious, tastefully decorated that blended in with the natural surroundings, our very own plunge pool overlooking Ninh Van Bay, Separate villas for bedroom and lounge/dining room, outdoor and indoor shower, the BEST wooden bath and massive bathroom, walk in wardrobe and a very well stocked wine fridge.

Awesome Bathroom. I want one of these at home !!

A panoramic view of our villa.... and no neighbours

Plunge Pool

We found the best way to cool down after climbing up to our villa is to strip off and dive straight into this beautiful pool............ instant gratification. Because the villa was so comfortable and spacious, we enjoyed many room service lunches rather than heading down to the restaurant. The only thing is I felt so sorry for the poor staff who has to make the delivery to us. They must have dreaded when they get our call. But he always has a smile on his face. Check out this cool room service back pack. Better than the good old room service trolleys !!

Every guest is provided with a push bike to get around the resort. For those who are not keen on riding can always call their GEM to pick them up in the buggy. Just for the record, we rode our bike the entire time........sprightly young things that we are !!
Well..... AN did insist on picking us up in his buggy once, we had arranged to have a degustation dinner up at Dinner by the Rocks. We were kind of dressed up and it was kind of far from our villa and we would have had a bit to drink........ (excuses, excuses !!! )

The bikes have number plates with our villa number on them. Apparently, if we return next time, it will have our name on it.

Six Senses Resorts are famous for their spa treatments. We had the best spa day on our last visit to Vietnam when we stayed at the Six Senses Anamandara in Nha Trang. So when we had booked our stay at Six Senses Ninh Van Bay, an afternoon of pampering at the spa was definitely on our agenda. Steph booked us in for a "Couples Connect" Ritual. Steam/ sauna, body exfoliation, full body massage, Indian hair massage and a coconut milk bath. 3 hours of heavenly bliss.

Privacy is the key at this resort. Just before the final flight of steps leading up to our villa, this face can be found

Eyes open - indicates we are either out for the day, the room attendant can service our room.

Eyes shut - indicates privacy please.

Such a brilliant novel idea. The good thing is all staff calls out as they come up the last flight of steps just in case........... which is a good thing because the entire villa is completely open.......... its somewhat liberating.

Six Senses Ninh Van Bay is an amazing place with the ideal location and all very thoughtfully planned out. It is eco-friendly, has enough activities and facilities to keep everyone entertained for days and days, beautiful clean secluded beaches, delicious food and great cocktails. The best thing about this resort is their staff. We were blown away by how welcoming they all are. Every staff is a host, and you are always made to feel like you are a guest in their home. Everyone, from the resort manager to the restaurant and bar staff, room attendants, gardeners would all come up and make their introductions on our first couple of days. By the end of the second day, they all knew who we are and would greet us any time of the day as we pass by on our bikes or enjoying a meal or drink. Every single staff takes ownership of their resort and you can feel the warmth along with the professionalism in what they do. That is a testimony to a well managed property.

It was a sad day when our visit came to an end.......... An, along with a number of staff wave farewell to us as we pulled away from the jetty......... I am gonna miss this place and will endeavour to come back so I can have "Jules" on my bike. Maybe next time we will book a Rock Pool Villa or a Water Pool Villa for a different perspective.

Here are some photos during our stay.