Urban paradise

For most of us cooped up in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City we probably imagine the perfect hideaway is somewhere along Vietnam’s central or southern coast.

But one woman envisages creating the ultimate getaway spots slap bang in the middle of Vietnam’s major metropolises.

Le Thi Thu Ha, the chairwoman of Khanh Hoa Trade and Tourism Company, which runs the Ana Mandara resorts in Nha Trang and Dalat, has announced that the company intends to expand into Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and else where across the country.

Ha says she wants to build properties similar to those in Nha Trang and Dalat that provide a high level of luxury and absolute privacy that urban dwellers are seeking.

“There is no shortage of luxury hotels in Hanoi but the city is still lacking something that can provide a totally relaxing environment,” she says.

Ha is now working with Six Senses & Spa on a 20-hectare resort in the suburban Dong Anh district of Hanoi where guests can play a round of golf at the nearby Van Tri Golf Course.

“There we will build a resort that reflects the traditional culture of the northern countryside while offering luxury accommodation and services similar to what you expect in an Ana Mandara resort,” she claims.

Fulfilling this vision won’t be all plain sailing. An Ana Mandara-style resort is a world of complete privacy and currently there is a road running through the proposed site for the resort. Ha is now seeking to reroute the road before construction commences.

She is also eyeing another site in Ba Vi district of Ha Tay province for a luxury resort that will focus on health and spa treatment.

“We want to build a health-spa resort that combines health treatment with relaxation,” she says.

The Ana Mandara brand will also possible pop up in Bai Tu Long bay, Hue, Nhon Trach district of Dong Nai province and on Phu Quoc island.

“We will open three to four Ana Mandara resorts over the next five years,” Ha says.

Meanwhile, the Ana Mandara Resort in Nha Trang has recently undergone an extensive renovation with new bar, furnishings and wine cellar. Lionel Valla, general manager of the resort, reveals the 74-room resort will be expanded to accommodate the rising demand for luxury travel in the seaside resort city.

The property in Dalat will also add a new restaurant and a playground for children.

Source Vietnamnet