C'EST LA VIETNAM

Embrace the slow life at these luxury hotels in Vietnam -home to Tatler's newest edition

- Coco Marett

To mark the launch of Tatler Vietnam, this is a little love letter to our new home. It’s not hard to see why so many travellers fall under Vietnam’s spell—even the late Anthony Bourdain referred to the country as one of his “favourite places on Earth” and his “first love”. There is, indeed, so much to delight in: its colourful culture, its delicious cuisine that is remarkably fresh and layered, the organised chaos, the gentle approach to life.

Lately, it has been a leader in redefining what luxury hotels look like for a new generation of travellers—boutique properties that are design-centric, with an emphasis on supporting the local community and embracing slow living.

One article isn’t enough to show or say it all, but we have sought out four properties from around the country that embody this ethos, from a riverside retreat inspired by the owner’s childhood memories to a city hotel that puts local creative talent in the spotlight.

NAMIA RIVER RETREAT

Opened this summer, this new retreat is located in a peaceful islet by the Thu Bon River, just a short bicycle ride from the Unesco World Heritage site of Hoi An. Sixty standalone pool villas are dotted among a forest of native nipa palms, each featuring an open-plan living room that seamlessly flows into an outdoor terrace with either forest or river views.