Six Senses Ninh Van Bay

The Six Senses Ninh Van Bay’s freestanding lobby is an attractive open-air space decorated entirely in wood. The stylish yet informal interior has plenty of seating and vaulted thatched ceilings. The expansive grounds are clearly well cared for, yet they manage to retain an unmanicured wild feel reminiscent of a forest. They make the most of both the seafront and interior views, including a number of beautiful ponds, and give the whole resort a relaxingly secluded and tranquil vibe. Even the boat transfer waiting room is elegantly decorated in bright colors, and the large windows allow for plenty of natural light.

Of the Six Senses’ restaurants, Dining By The Bay is perhaps the most attractive set in an elevated wood structure with a thatched roof. The space enjoys unobstructed sea views, while inside there are high vaulted ceilings and modern wood-panel flooring, with a glass-floor effect in parts that gives sight of pebbles on the ground below. The large open windows and chunky wooden furniture with red and pink cushioning add to the restaurant’s romantic and informal vibe. Dining By The Pool has all-wooden tables and safari-style chairs with tan fabric slings, and occupies an airy, high-ceilinged, and open-air space at one end of the pool. Some tables even sit on islands over the water, while a wooden spiral staircase leads up to an additional elevated seating area with views of the treetop scenery and sea. Drinks By The Beach overlooks the resort’s jetty and has a similar open-air structure, with a long bar and tall stools, plus more of the same chunky-wood, plush-cushioned seats, along with large and tempting daybeds right on the sand. The equally chic Drinks By The Bay is set against a countryside-like boulder-wall splash, and has long communal wooden sofas dressed with bright yellow cushioning.

Set in a secluded position on Ninh Van Bay that's reachable only by boat, the Six Senses offers little outside of the resort. No other restaurants or bars are easily reachable. The transfer by road and speedboat to the resort from Nha Trang's international airport takes around an hour and a half, and it's convenient, but not included in room rates.

Spacious villas range from beachfront units to secluded Hill Top Villas, all with gorgeous wooden interiors and private outdoor plunge pools. Handsome wooden furniture includes chunky wood-framed beds, bedside tables, and desks, while walls are a mix of stone surfaces and wood-heavy designs. Separate living areas are furnished with large daybeds, tables, and chairs. The villas have a cozy, cottage-like feel due to the abundance of wood, simple furniture, and thatched roofs, while the partially open-air designs give them a breezy, beachy vibe and offer stunning views out to sea. Kitchenettes have espresso machines and well-stocked minibars complete with local snacks, spirits, and separate mini-fridges dedicated to a particularly impressive selection of wines. Other amenities include flat-screen TVs, DVD players, and safes, as well as private butlers on call 24-hours. Semi-open-air bathrooms have large freestanding wooden bathtubs and other rustic elements like copper sinks on wooden vanities, plus there are outdoor showers (some units also have indoor showers). Private patios or terraces with lovely plunge pools are furnished with sunbeds and umbrellas. The duplex Family Beach Pool Villas add an extra bedroom upstairs with an attached bathroom equipped with a rainfall shower. Guests seeking a bit of seclusion should opt for the Hill Top Pool Villas, which are located away from the majority of the resort’s facilities and accessed up a lengthy flight of winding steps, offering gorgeous sea views. Water Pool Villas have direct access to the sea, with steps leading from their patios to the seawater (though there is no sandy beach here), creating a lagoon-like feeling. 

The resort’s peaceful and secluded beach is a long, attractive cove, complete with a volleyball net and sunbeds under natural thatch parasols. Towels are provided and small open-air pavilions provide additional seating, while the attractive private wooden jetty pleasantly frames the beach. Though each villa is equipped with a private plunge pool, the resort also has a large main pool that's surrounded by padded sunbeds and yellow parasols. Guests can indulge in a pampering session at the on-site spa, which offers a wide range of massages and other treatments, as well as an outdoor hot tub. The fitness center sports an all-wood interior design with floor-to-ceiling windows. The selection of cardio equipment and free weights is reasonable, and there are flat-screen TVs, exercise mats, towels, and fruit and water. Those seeking outdoor activity can utilize the tennis court, football field, or hiking trail. There is also a comprehensive selection of water sports equipment, while the luxurious sunset cruise boat is decked out with plush cushions, and a mini sailing catamaran is available to use for free. Excellent snorkeling is available just a few feet off the resort’s beach. Guests also receive free use of bicycles to get around the expansive grounds; alternatively, the free golf buggy service can be called. 

The free breakfast buffet, served at Dining By The Bay, offers an extensive range of breads, pastries, and cheeses, plus local specialities and dishes freshly prepared at live stations. Though the restaurants’ lunch and dinner menus get far more mixed reviews, the resort’s memorable dining packages include a wine cave experience, sunset cruise, and cooking class. Dining By The Rocks serves local fare, while Dining By The Pool is open for lunch and serves Vietnamese and Western dishes.

Families are well catered for with a bright and well-furnished kids' club that includes a large ball pit and a sandy outdoor playground, plus a range of activities are organized like cooking classes. On-site shops set in attractive thatch-roof villas include a tailor, art gallery, and deli. Mac computers and printing facilities are available for use in the lobby, and there is reliable free Wi-Fi access throughout the property. Past guests consistently praise the resort’s friendly staff for outstanding service. Note that the bus-and-speedboat transfer from Nha Trang's international airport, while convenient, is subject to an additional charge.