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Review: The Nam Hai in Hoi An, Vietnam

International Traveller
We find a new standard of  luxury in Vietnam, where time stands still in lieu of relaxation.

Time ceases to exist while at the Nam Hai Resort – well at least that’s the way it feels when you’re spending most of it lying horizontal, be it relaxing by the pool, face down on the massage table or floating in your cloud-like bed.

What was supposed to be four days of exploring central Vietnam and World Heritage-listed sights such as My Son and Hue, ended up being spent mostly within the confines of the Nam Hai’s exquisite grounds.

Guest villa at The Nam Hai hotel in Hoi An, Vietnam.
Make the most of the tropical weather with your private outdoor shower, part of the villa’s spacious bathroom.

 

Design is a major player

Inspired by more than 2500 years of local history and ancient philosophy, the resort draws on contemporary design aesthetics to create the perfect blend of east-meets-west.

One hundred exclusive villas, a three-tier infinity pool, two Asian fusion restaurants and an award-winning spa and wellness centre span 35 hectares of tropical gardens, all positioned along a pristine white-sand beach.

Upon arrival to this modern day masterpiece and after a seamless check-in where management personally welcomes us by name, we’re whisked away via buggy to become acquainted with our very own private retreat.

 

The villa

Guest villa at The Nam Hai hotel in Hoi An, Vietnam.
The one-bedroom villa, complete with whimsical four-poster bed.

 

As the concierge introduces us to the 80 square-metre, one-bedroom villa I can’t help but be in awe of its design.

Delicate hand-spun silks are elegantly draped from the high ceilings and wrapped around an elevated platform that encompasses a plush king-sized bed.

For me, a true marker of a five-star hotel is the bed and its ability to make you lose all senses among its appropriately numbered Egyptian cotton sheets, soft feather pillows and 100-per-cent-down duvets.

While this one is not the best I’ve ever had, it’s certainly up there with the top contenders and much of my Nam Hai time is spent tangled in its alluring web.

A writing desk, padded divan and sunken eggshell bath make up the rest of the villa, which I later read is inspired by the layouts of traditional Vietnamese garden houses.

Rich mahogany floors made from local woods open onto a large terrace with day beds at the front and a private garden with outdoor rain shower at the back.

The bathroom runs the width of the villa and includes his and her basins (and closets!), a separate toilet, and indoor shower, should you not be game enough to bathe outside.

 

Twice-daily maid service

The twice-daily maid service, which includes a few unassuming tricks to turn your villa into an oasis of relaxation at night, might be expected at a resort of this standard, but I’m impressed with the selection of complimentary drinks and snacks that are included each day, as well as the variety of free movies programmed on the TV.

I find it’s these small inclusions that set the Nam Hai above the rest; from the cold towels and fresh fruit you receive when whiling away time by the pool, to the push-bikes available for use and free yoga and meditation sessions held each morning.

The Beach Restaurant at The Nam Hai, Vietnam.
Dine at The Beach Restaurant by lantern light with a view of Ha My Beach

 

The one let down

However, it’s not all perfect – unfortunately the resort’s food and beverage area lets it down a little.

Don’t get me wrong, the elaborate buffet breakfast with additional à la carte option is something I’m still writing love poems about, but I do question whether this magnificent feat extends past midday.

Case in point: one night we decide to make the most of the free movies and order room service.

While most of the restaurant’s fine-dining menu is available, we opt for our favourite naughty fix of burgers and pizzas.

At the Australian equivalent of nearly $100, I am expecting something pretty amazing, but to my disappointment it does not live up to its exorbitant price tag (bland pizza, soggy burger).

Which leads to my other quip with the Nam Hai – it’s outrageously overpriced.

Forking out $10 for a beer is a little hard to swallow, especially when I know I can get it down the road for less than $1.

It seems as if they are making up for all the freebies by charging through the roof for everything else.

Sadly, this puts me off trying what has been deemed as one of the best spas in South-East Asia by the likes of Condé Nast Traveller UK and luxury hotel website Mr & Mrs Smith, as I can’t justify coughing up $350 for a massage.

But since time ceases to exist at the Nam Hai, it was easy enough to put the expensive extras aside and appreciate the resort for exactly what it is – the perfect place to unwind and forget all of your worries.

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Details

The Nam Hai

Hamlet 1, Dien Duong Village, Dien Ban District, Hoi An, Vietnam

Contact the hotel’s website for more information and to book.

The IT Verdict

A beautiful haven of relaxation that redefines the standards of luxury with its extra little touches of comfort.

  • Location = 9.5/10
    Perfectly positioned on stunning Ha My Beach and only eight kilometres from the charming town of Hoi An.
  • Style/character = 9/10
    Modern yet inviting with its tropical setting and tranquil vibe.
  • Service = 9/10
    Attentive, with staff exuding that warm and friendly Vietnamese manner.
  • Rooms = 9.5/10
    Elegantly designed with lots of space for lounging around.
  • Food and drink = 8/10
    Breakfast is to die for and can easily last for hours, but room service is a let down.
  • Value for money = 7/10
    A one-bedroom villa was reasonable at $450 per night (breakfast included), but everything else will quickly burn a hole in your pocket.

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This is why cruising is the best way to see Asia

    Dilvin Yasa Dilvin Yasa
    Continue
    Iconic destinations, unforgettable adventures and thrilling onboard adventures; say hello to your next Asia holiday with Royal Caribbean.

    When you want to explore the gleaming skyscrapers of Shanghai and the bars of Singapore, but also embrace centuries-old traditions in Japan before traipsing through the lush jungles of Malaysia, a conundrum presents itself: how do you do it all seamlessly without the stress of flying (or repacking)? Enter, Royal Caribbean.

    With a brand designed around maximising your holiday time, sip cocktails by the pool or watch Broadway-style performances on board as the ship glides effortlessly from one atmospheric port to the next.

    Now that you have Asia at your fingertips with minimal effort, the big question is: which all-inclusive experience (and itinerary) is best for you?

    Japan

    The itinerary

    Spectras Cabaret royal caribbean
    Prepare for a show, on and off the ship.

    The Land of the Rising Sun has never been hotter, and Royal Caribbean has a vast array of unforgettable Japanese itineraries – these range from eight-night adventures to 14-night holidays circumnavigating the country’s islands.

    The eight-night Best of Japan sailing is memory-making perfection, kicking off in Shanghai (Baoshan) on 24 October 2026. Stop at fascinating ports to soak in the sweeping landscapes and seascapes of Saikaiminato, Kyoto, Niigata and Hakodate while enjoying incredible dining and adventurous activities onboard Spectrum of the Seas®. Complete your journey back in Shanghai, ‘the Paris of the East’.

    Port highlights

    mt fuji in japan
    See iconic vistas of Japan.

    Off the ship, hike the dramatic volcanic peaks of Sakaiminato’s Daisen-Oki National Park, explore the iconic temples of Kyoto, enjoy traditionally brewed sake made in Niigata (the birthplace of many quality sake brands), and taste local flavours at Kanemore Red Brick Warehouse, a premier dining and shopping district in Hakodate.

    Don’t miss Royal Caribbean’s Amanohashidate Highlights shore excursion in Kyoto, an exhilarating experience that features a cable car ride up to Kasamatsu Park and includes a visit to Nariaiji Temple, a hillside Buddhist site.

    The ship

    Spectrum Of The Seas in Singapore
    Step on board Spectrum of the Seas®.

    Aboard Spectrum of the Seas®, days at sea are just as action-packed as those on land. Here, 17 dining venues, along with eight bars and lounges, take guests on the ultimate global dining tour. Stop into Sichuan Red, designed specially for this ship, where you can savour a rich tapestry of authentic spices and Asian-influenced flavours. Start with the chef-recommended royal sea cucumber, then move on to a hot and savoury bowl of mapo tofu simmered in a traditional spicy sauce, or authentic pickled radish and duck soup.

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    Thailand and Malaysia

    The itinerary

    Izumi Teppanyaki on ovation of the seas royal caribbean
    Sit down to hibachi at Izumi Teppanyaki℠.

    Royal Caribbean’s Southeast Asia sailings deliver the perfect fusion of culture, cuisine and coastlines, and the four-night Penang & Phuket cruise is proof that short escapes can still feel spectacularly rich.

    Kick off with Royal Caribbean’s iconic Sail Away Party as Ovation of the Seas® departs from Singapore on 27 February 2026. The itinerary then weaves through two of the region’s most mesmerising destinations: Malaysia’s melting pot of cultures in Penang and Thailand’s sun-soaked island of Phuket.

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    Port highlights

    iconic ‘James Bond Island’ made famous in The Man with the Golden Gun thailand
    Zoom around the ‘James Bond Island’.

    In Penang’s George Town, a maze of heritage architecture, vibrant murals and street stalls serving sizzling char kway teow and aromatic laksa come together, blending past and present. Visit the Taoist Goddess of Mercy Temple to soak up its peaceful energy, ride the century-old funicular to the forested summit of Penang Hill for panoramic views, and wander Batu Feringhi Beach, where the Andaman Sea laps gently against golden sand. Jet skis? Why not?

    Then it’s north to Phuket, where both adventure and relaxation beckon. Make the most of the local beach scene at Kata Noi and wander up Monkey Hill for sweeping vistas (and mischievous company). Be sure to book Royal Caribbean’s thrilling shore excursion here – you’ll zip along in a three-engine speedboat to the iconic ‘James Bond Island’ made famous in The Man with the Golden Gun. After a day of exploration, you’ll have enough time to enjoy a sunset cocktail on the waterfront before returning to your ship for another unforgettable evening.

    The ship

    Ovation of the Seas®, royal caribbean
    Experience thrills aboard Ovation of the Seas®.

    Of course, life on board Ovation of the Seas® is just as exhilarating as your adventures off it. Sit down to 16 flavoursome finds, from Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver® to theatrical hibachi at Izumi Teppanyaki℠.

    Build up an appetite with Royal Caribbean’s iconic onboard activities, from the FlowRider® surf simulator to soaring sky-high on RipCord® by iFLY® and zipping around in bumper cars in SeaPlex®. You can really choose your own adventure.

    End the night with Spectra’s Cabaret at Two70®, a fascinating fusion of music, robotics and light that redefines entertainment at sea.

    The result? A holiday brimming with discovery, indulgence and Royal Caribbean’s signature magic: Asia, perfectly packaged.

    Start planning a cruise around Asia that you’ll never forget at royalcaribbean.com.