Having lived out of a suitcase for the past 8 years or so, I have spent many a night at different accommodation types, from bamboo huts to classy resorts. To be honest, not many of those stays stuck in my memory for too long, because as the days pass and new experiences come, those memories fade and become blur in the recesses of my mind.
On the other hand, my most recent holiday at L’Alya Ninh Van Bay in Nha Trang, Vietnam will stay in my heart for a long, long time to come. I know it because my experiences there stood out for me.
Romantic? Vietnam? Yup, I know not many consider the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to be a country to spend some lovey dovey time in, but Nha Trang (pronounced as Niah Chang) in Khanh Hoa Province is all about gorgeous sandy beaches and more. This hidden gem of a destination in Vietnam has been discovered by tourists from China and Russia.
But worry not! You can still enjoy a slice of this paradise in the secluded location of L’Alya Ninh Van Bay and the great news? It’s just a short flight away! Air Asia flies once every day directly to Nha Trang from KLIA2.
L’Alya Ninh Van Bay provides airport transfers for guests, waiting for them at Cam Ranh International Airport, as soon as you have cleared Customs and collected your luggage. It’s not just any airport transfer, though, as you will be picked up using a limousine van. Yes, everything spells “LUXURY” from the get-go, the romantic honeymoon that we all dream about.
To reach L’Alya Ninh Van Bay, from Cam Ranh International Airport, we have to travel north by road for about an hour to arrive at L’Alya Ninh Van Bay Lounge, where we will be served with welcome drinks, snacks and wet towel to refresh ourselves. It’s not like the journey was so tedious that we needed refreshing, but L’Alya Ninh Van Bay surely knows how to make their guests feel as comfortable and “at home” as possible.
After registration was done, we were whisked off on a private speedboat across Nha Phu Bay to our destination of L’Alya, just about 20 minutes and then we were on Ninh Van Bay.
L’Alya Ninh Van Bay gives guests a tranquility away from the hustle and bustle, the pin pin pon pon of Nha Trang city. You wouldn’t even realise that you are in Vietnam, if not for the Vietnamese traditional conical leaf hats (nón lá) worn by some staff when they are outdoors. In fact, during their stay, guests are provided complimentary use of the nón lá and a sling bag made using the same natural materials.
The fact that you’re indeed on Vietnamese soil is most apparent during mealtimes at Pillars Restaurant when you indulge in the most exquisite of Vietnamese cuisine, served by the in-house culinary team headed by Executive Chef Chuong, a true blue Vietnamese.
If your palate is not that adventurous, don’t you worry, there is an extensive menu to select from, which includes Asian delights such as nasi goreng Indonesia and beef redang. In fact, if you have special requirements for Halal food, this can be arranged for you, no problem. Oh yes, most of the vegetables, herbs and fruits are harvested from the resort’s very own organic garden. How fascinating!
For your information, once on the property, L’Alya Ninh Van Bay has plenty of activities lined up for their guests. From island excursion to kayaking, fishing, snorkelling, jungle trekking, mountain climbing, and more, this is the perfect time to get close to nature again. Don’t worry, you’ll still be able to access the internet as the resort is well connected by WiFi, but frankly, who wants to be bothered by messages when in such a beautiful setting?
If spending time outdoors is not your cup of tea, then why not take this holiday to pick up a self-improvement skill, such as yoga and cooking? Yes, private classes are conducted here at L’Alya Ninh Van Bay for guests. Thanks to this opportunity, I finally learnt how to wrap Vietnamese fresh spring rolls (gỏi cuốn) the correct way, thanks to the resort’s Executive Chef Chuong for conducting such a fun and interesting cooking class. Now, when dining at Vietnamese restaurants in Ipoh, at least I can confidently wrap gỏi cuốn for my family.
When in L’Alya Ninh Van Bay, you can choose not to do anything at all. Whether you want to lounge around in your own villa with its private plunge pool, by the infinity swimming pool or head out to the catamaran, waterfall or private mini beach fronted by pristine waters for some exclusive adventure, go on a sunset cruise sailing on a traditional Vietnamese boat, it’s all up to you.
If you need anything at all, just give your butler a buzz on the phone and he will be at your door in a jiffy. Yes, no matter which villa you opt to stay in, you will be served by your very own complimentary 24/7 butler. How’s that for taking your holiday to a whole new “atas” level?
Talking about villas, there are four different types: Hill Rock Pool Villas, Lagoon Pool Villas, Beach Front Pool Villas and the largest, most spacious and grandest, Grand Lagoon Pool Villas, at 236 sq. m.
My Grand Lagoon Pool Villa came with its own wine bar, chargeable, of course. But for a teetotaller like myself, I made full use of the coffee machine that was complimentary.
I have great news for you! Hill Rock Pool Villa with 24/7 butler service is currently going at USD250 per night, with complimentary breakfast for two. This extra special price is applicable to Malaysians only and valid until 23rd December, 2019! Let me confirm with you that this is ONE golden opportunity that’s not to be missed! Celebrating your wedding? An anniversary? You don’t need any occasion to have a memorable time! Just book and enjoy! Live life beyond the ordinary. Go for it, I say.
If you do not know yet, I have a weakness for pampering myself, so I did not pass up the opportunity to indulge in a full body massage, traditional Vietnamese style. But of course! There are many wellness packages being offered at the spa, but as the saying goes, “When in Vietnam….”
Vietnamese traditional massage is a traditional combination of physical and mental works to rediscover the body balance and energy, after a tiring time. The massage begins with a dry technique to warm up and loosen the muscles. It is then followed by an aromatherapy-based massage that’s focused on acupressure points. The third step would be to place heated suction cups on the back to stimulate blood circulation as well as remove toxins from the lymphatic system. This is what we know as cupping, but the procedure is very swift.
When the sun goes down, it’s time for a romantic dinner. Fancy a candlelight BBQ dinner of the freshest seafood? What about fine dine on the pier as the crashing waves create a symphony in the background while the soft wind caresses your face? Whatever your mood, your wish is L’Alya Ninh Van Bay’s command.
If you thought that it’s time to wrap up the night once dinner’s done and dusted, how about a movie date on the beach? Ah, this is surely a new experience for many. You can also play some games in the games room, take even more photos at spots that have been set up for night shots, or just enjoy a nightcap at the beach bar, before returning to you villa, which had already been turned down for the night by then.
Again, if you wish for an early night, who is to say otherwise? It’s totally your call atL’Alya Ninh Van Bay. Really, if you are looking to go away, somewhere, anywhere, just hop on a flight and you’ll soon be at L’Alya Ninh Van Bay for some much deserved rest and relaxation. A luxurious one, at that!
But before you drift off to dreamland, there is one more important task to do: place an order your sumptuous breakfast in bed for the next morning!
Again, from now until 23rd December, Hill Rock Pool Villa with 24/7 butler service is selling at ONLY USD250 per night, with complimentary breakfast for two. If this isn’t the best news, I don’t know what is!
L’Alya Ninh Vân Bay
Add: Tan Thanh Hamlet, Ninh Ich Commune, Ninh Hoa District, Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnam.
Email: reservation.nvb@lalya.com
Reservation line: +84 258 3624 964 – 0905223966
Fax: +84 258 3516 153
Facebook: L’Alya Ninh Vân Bay
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