Beach bliss

Coconut palms, soft sand and stylish lodgings make Mui Ne a favorite with holiday makers. Manh Hung Resort.

Mui Ne, once a sleepy fishing village, and Phan Thiet, famous for pungent nuoc man (fish sauce); have in recent years become popular beach destinations. The dirt track that tourist had to master to reach the area’s handful of hotels not too long ago has now turned into a paved road with a wide sidewalk, perfect for a nice evening stroll. A good range of accommodations has sprung up, representing everything from backpacker-style guesthouses to luxurious resorts.

Among these is the Cham Villas, a secluded hide-away that draws visitors wishing to relax. Opened two years ago, it has set new standards for tranquility, design and service. Guests I met claimed it provided all the amenities of a five-star hotel with a beautiful ethnic flair and, thanks to its small size, a family atmosphere. Upon entering the Cham Villas’ lush tropical garden you leave the dust and noise of the road behind to find 16 villas embedded in 9, 00 square meters of immaculately kept tropical landscape. Tastefully decorated with handicraft pieces made by ethnic Cham people living in the area, the villas are spacious and well-equipped, yet retain an authentic local atmosphere. All villas have a large private patio with a day bed that invites afternoon naps. The open restaurant, which overlooks the pool and garden, exudes the same relaxing, rustic ambience.

Traditional carvings line the walkways, which lead to a private 60-metre stretch of beach and to a large swimming pool. Beside the billiard table there are no distractions. But you may want to drag yourself away from the beach, pool or your villa in the afternoon to indulge in the resort’s selection of home-made German cakes and fresh coffee. Come evening, tropical cocktails, great wines, and a delicious meal round up a perfect lazy day.

There is only one thing that guests of Cham Villas always complain about – that their stay has come to an end.