Evason Ana Mandara

A super-sexy beachfront hotel with beautiful rooms scattered through lush grounds and a couple of gorgeous pools that overlook the ocean

Ana Mandara stands bang on the beach in the middle of town, but the feel here is peaceful and secluded and the moment you enter you know you’ve picked the right place. You find a smart, informal beachside resort that stretches along half a kilometre of private beach, where palms soar neatly into the sky and padded loungers lie under thatched parasols. Timber-framed interiors are open to the breeze; wander about and find 2 pools, 2 bars and 2 restaurants, all of which have watery views. There’s also a tennis court, bikes to borrow and a spa that overlooks the ocean.

Fabulous airy villas are scattered about the grounds and 5 full-time gardeners keep the place spotless. All have French windows that open onto shaded decks, and while suites are bigger and look onto the beach, all are pretty dreamy. Boats can be arranged to whisk you off to nearby islands, Nha Trang’s markets and restaurants will tempt you out, you can take to the hills to discover the White Buddha. If you want luxury on the beach with a little culture on your doorstep, you’ll be happy here.

Highs

• You won't ever want to leave the rooms; each has a jacuzzi bath, deluge shower and sink-into bed
• How many hotels have a pillow menu with 16 candidates to choose from?
• Heavenly spa with a range of massage and beauty treatments
• A range of watersports (parasailing, windsurfing, sailing) and a PADI dive centre on site

Lows

• The food is fine, but the hotel is better; this is a common observation in Vietnam
• You're right in the middle of a town. Not that you notice for a moment as the hotel is screened by dense curtains of tropical vegetation, but long walks along empty palm-fringed beaches are not an option