Within the past decade, the Southeast Asian nation of Vietnam has witnessed an explosion in luxury accommodations. Of the myriad of options, three of the most unique upscale resorts – spanning the length of this diverse country and operated by Epikurean Hotels and Hideouts – are currently available on Luxury Link.

The An Lam Ninh Van Bay Villas afford the opportunity to relax on white sand beaches of the South China Sea. Inland along the beautiful Saigon River you will find the An Lam Saigon River Private Residences, where lush green forest surrounds you in every direction. Sliding back up the coast you will find Ana Mandara Hue, which offers the private beach experience that vacation dreams are made of. All three properties are operated with refined style, and invite active travelers eager to explore this incredible country.

An Lam Ninh Van Bay Villas
This gorgeous property sits on a secluded hillside overlooking the tranquil bay where it gets its name. Thirty-five villas adorn the property, each offering a home-away-from-home feeling with personalized butler service throughout your stay. Relax on your private balcony with a view of the lagoon or cool off with a dip in your own plunge pool. The incredible expansiveness of your villa is not to be overlooked, as there is even a separate living room in your 1,290-square-foot retreat. Bathing outside in your very own private shower lets you enjoy every second of the amazing surrounding scenery (in seclusion, of course).

Just outside of An Lam Ninh Van Bay Villas sit two popular waterfalls, Yan Bay and Ba Ho, which provide breathtaking views only a short hike away. Other active pursuits include waterskiing, windsurfing and many other water sports on the bay. For those more looking to venture further afoot, SCUBA diving is offered in the Hon Mun Marine Park where stunning reefs line the ocean floor.

“The breakfast fishing cruise and the sunset cruise are the popular excursions at our resort, using the traditional Vietnamese wooden boat. Each of them would give you a different feeling and experience,” said TJ Grundl-Hong, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Epikurean Hotels and Hideouts. “In the meantime, our catamaran – Kylie – would be your choice if you want to be a bit more luxury.”

The An Lam Ninh Van Bay Villas puts every amenity at your fingertips to either sit back and relax, or embark on an unforgettable Southeast Asian adventure.

An Lam Saigon River Private Residence
Sister property to the aforementioned beach resort, An Lam Saigon River Private Residence takes you away from the coast and immerses you in Vietnam’s lush hinterland while still offering the same impeccable service and amenities. Located in Vinh Phu, the An Lam Saigon River Private Residence is just north of Ho Chi Minh City.

Despite sitting adjacent to a bustling metropolis of 11 million people, An Lam Saigon River Private Residence lives up to its name as a tranquil, secluded oasis.

“It is located only 15 minutes by speedboat from the city center of Ho Chi Minh City,” said Grundl-Hong. “The hotel has a very natural environment and is set in vibrant tropical gardens offering the view of the Saigon River. We have created a resort feeling, but located closely to one of the main cities in Vietnam.”

This is an intimate property of only seven villas, adorned with rich, dark hardwood flooring and upscale furnishings. Like the Ninh Van Bay property mentioned above, each villa come equipped with a private outdoor shower, as well as a steam room and plunge pool, reaffirming that Epikurean properties take their water features very seriously!

With a treasure-trove of attractions and activities nearby, guests are never at a loss for how to full those warm-tropical days. A sightseeing cruise along the Saigon River takes you through lush forest landscapes, and allows you peer into the local culture of several communities that make the village their home. The Vietnam Golf & Country Club offers 36 holes if you are up to the challenge; otherwise their nine-hole course is relaxing and fits the bill for many luxury travelers. Tours of Mekong Delta are another top destination; here you can bask in the warm sun as you travel through rice paddies, forest and even fisheries.

After an active day Grundl-Hong recommends unwinding with Dragon Mojito along with BunThit Nuong, perhaps on your private villa deck with sweeping river views.

Ana Mandara Hue
Vietnam is a long, slender nation stretching over 1,000 miles, midway up its winding S-curve is Ana Mandara Hue, the only luxe beachfront resort in a culturally-rich corner of this diverse country.

Sitting on 400 meters of private beach, 78 rooms are spread throughout the property. Luxury Link travelers will enjoy Ana Mandara Hue’s highest-end accommodations, the 1,035 square foot villas. If the sheer size doesn’t immediately wow you, then amazing indoor/outdoor marble bathrooms, butler service and overall attention to detail will. Rich, dark wood floors outline the rooms which are accented with traditional Vietnamese style. Private terraces afford either beach or garden views.

Aside from the inherent resort activities of beach and poolside lounging, spa treatments and fitness activities, the city of Hue invites exploration. In it lies Tiger Arena – the Vietnamese version of the Roman Coliseum – as well as Citadel, which was once the Forbidden Purple City. Museums and temples surround Ana Mandara, and the hotel’s concierge desk will be glad to point you in an area of interest.

Foodies will have a field day at Ana Mandara Hue, and not just because of the four-course gourmet dinner included with your stay.

“Hue is Vietnam’s culinary capital, famous for several dishes and its royal cuisine,” said Grundl-Hong. ”The two most famous dishes are Bun Bo Hue and Hue Pancake. Bun Bo is a famous noodle soup with beef and Hue pancake is a unique pancake filled with king prawns, and mixed herbs. Being next to a fishing village, Ana Mandara Hue is well known for its seafood.”

Sun, sand, seafood and culture…a perfect recipe for an unforgettable luxe stay in the exotic nation of Vietnam!