Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An — Hotel in Quảng Nam Province

OK, so let me start with the tl;dr version: this is arguably the best Four Seasons Resort on the planet, and if you're reading this and do want to visit Hoi An and/or Da Nang, just stop reading here, make your reservation and then come back for some tips.||Reservation done? Alright, so let me take you through my experience with this spectacular resort...||The Great||1. The Villa: We stayed at a 2 bedroom villa with pool; I am obviously very spoiled and I do particularly love the design and aesthetic of the Four Seasons, but this was one step above anything I've ever experienced before; impeccably designed, built and maintained, from the rooms to the spectacular infinity pool, this puts to shame even other Four Seasons resorts. Sure, the standard in Vietnam is high but I challenge the reader to find a flaw with the accommodations.||Of particular praise, given the heat, was the AC in the villas, that was both effective and almost invisible and inaudible, an amazing balance to strike.||2. The Breakfast: given Vietnam's ambition as foodie paradise (an ambition that has undoubtedly been achieved -- I have yet to meet a human that doesn't like Vietnamese food, much less the food in Vietnam), the Four Seasons had a high bar to overcome. It did, and in spades -- if one thought it impossible to come up with an absolutely flawless (included/free) breakfast that will keep any person happy, they have achieved it. Honestly -- Hoi An itself did NOT impress me food wise; but we all know the Four Seasons has high standards in terms of food; after all, it is not uncommon for it to be the highlight of my stay at any of their franchised properties (even in countries with high food standards, like the FS Florence, CDMX or Koh Samui). But words do not even begin to describe the level of the food here; somehow the team here managed to find a way to perfectly execute pretty much anything that can be had as breakfast. Even non-Vietnamese food. I genuinely had the best pancakes (yes, pancakes -- the most Northern European thing you can imagine) of my life here. Chinese food? Excellent. Japanese food? Superb. French Pastries? Fantastic. And then of course Vietnamese staples -- from the Pho to the Ca Phe Sua Da -- were absolutely flawless (I'm a coffee snob and I will be dreaming of their Ca phe Sua Da for months).||3. The Beach: Arguably the piece de resistance of this place, and almost undoubtedly why the Four Seasons picked this particular location, words can't describe how amazing the (arguably private) beach is. There's nothing quite like being able to walk off from your beautiful bedroom at sunrise into a perfect white sand beach, and calm, warm, quiet tropical waters.||4. The Grounds: perfectly maintained, with abundant, beautiful wildlife -- and probably some of the most effective mosquito mitigation that I've ever seen.||5. The Staff: with the exception of the GM, the staff is all Vietnamese and if you know the amazing people in this country that's pretty much all you need to stay; in spite of the insanely hot weather we experienced nothing but smiles and quick responses to anything we asked for. They always remembered who we were, where our villa was, and even remembered our breakfast preferences. Never had to wait too long for a golf cart, which was appreciated especially in the, again, insanely hot weather that did not lend itself to walking or biking to the main building.||So, again -- as someone who's been to a lot of different Four Seasons resorts all over the world, including all the ones made famous by White Lotus, this is the best of the best... no doubt.||It is with that in mind that I have some constructive feedback / notes for the team there -- because even outstanding can be improved upon:||Food for thought||1. Heat mitigation: Unsurprisingly (at least for environmentalists like me), each Summer has been hotter than the last one, and everyone needs to adapt to the new reality of insanely hot days. For better or worse, water is the solution, and I strongly encourage the property team to a) add plenty of water foggers / misters in the outdoor areas, both common and of the villas b) get in the habit of handing guests cold towels all the time c) better stock of the minibars with cold drinks||2. More diverse grounds: the ONE thing about the FS Koh Samui and the FS Costa Rica that I missed here was the beautiful landscaping. No, White Lotus didn't do that FS justice; in both of those resorts I literally took the time to simply walk around and take pictures of the immense variety of plants and flowers. The grounds here are, as I wrote above, very well maintained, but they look a little...boring maybe? Nitpicking here I know but...||3. Rethink the butler role: I always hesitate talking about resort or hotel butlers, because I have an impossible standard; in my early days I held similar positions and I am extremely passionate about these types of roles; I always thought about the role as kinda having the mind-reader responsibility of a bartender or DJ (i.e., a superb butler is able to predict a guest's needs before they express them, much like a really good bartender knows to customize a drink for the taste of the person who orders it, or a really good DJ lets the crowd guide the story they want to tell with music). Our butler was very competent and nice but... I'm not sure if she was trained to be a predictor. She was extraordinarily responsive, helpful and nice, but I always felt that she was either spread too thin or just not empowered to be proactive. Something to think about.||(do note that to be completely honest, in relative terms our butler was still the best one I've had in any resort where I was assigned one; I'm really just being nitpicky because I do believe whenever there's room for improvement, it's good to provide constructive criticism)||Things you can't change, but guests should think about:||1. Location: to be completely honest, I really really really wish this exact resort was down the coast in Nha Trang, or up in Hue, instead. Hoi An is really not that interesting; sure, it has some important History, but it's become kind of a tourist trap. It kinda lacks the charisma and interest to match the Four Seasons experience... maybe that's the point (never leaving the resort) but... the other FS resorts and hotels I've stayed in, are in very specific locations that have their own charisma and interest... Hoi An does not, I am sorry to say. Nha Trang definitely does and, in a different way, so does Hue. The thing is: not sure if it would be possible to find the right location for this resort in either of those areas... then again maybe the FS can take over the An Lam in Ninh Van Bay and completely redo it... ;-) The Six Senses there needs some competition.||That's it folks. Hope...

I spent 2 nights and 3 days at Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai with my husband and I highly recommend this destination.

Upon landing in Danang Airport, we were greeted with a friendly smile from our chauffer. The airport transfer from Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai is a good idea and helps with ease and convenience.

The drive was quick and smooth and upon arrival, the moment you drive into the main gate, you are transported right away. The beautiful natural surroundings, thousands of coconut trees, clear blue skies with no high rises in the way, it’s simply breathtaking.

Check in is very quick and convenient and then we were brought to our Beachfront Villa. The room is spacious and filled with natural light, the back door opens to a grassy green yard and faces the ocean. In the evening the view is just as beautiful when the sky is filled with stars.

If you wish to have a little more privacy, opt for the pool Villa as the room we stayed in opened up facing directly to the beach which we loved. The villa we stayed in is beautiful, with indoor and outdoor shower, a bathtub in the common area. Taking a shower outside is very liberating and then in the evening I had a bath in the common area which is a pretty cool experience. Try this when the room has been turned down for the evening. The atmosphere in the evening, enjoying a bath with the scent of the oils provided in the room…magic. The bed is very comfortable, filled with plush pillows and faces the ocean. Waking up hearing the waves and nature, seeing the sun creep in through the small cracks is the morning alarm we should all experience in our lives. Another cool touch I loved from the room is the TV. Its simple and really cool. I didn’t watch much TV though, you are surrounded by too much natural beauty to spend time in front of the TV. Still though, worth a mention to spark your curiosity.

Breakfast Buffet is served at Café Nam Hai. There is an open buffet and you can also select from the menu that has a variety of options. We also had dinner here and the butter chicken and pork chop was amazing. We also ate had lunch by the pool and the burger is amazing, and friends enjoyed the surf & turf banh mi, and fresh seafood. The Nam Hai Cooking Academy is a really fun experience. You get to visit the garden and pick your ingredients and then you are guided step by step to make a delicious meal. We learned how to prepare some Korean dishes and we graduated as well. Our teacher is incredible. The highlight for me is The Spa and Wellness Centre. Nam Hai Earth Song – my new favorite. This treatment tops it all. There are no words to describe this experience. Here is how the website describes: “Bathe self and senses in healing vibrations and align your internal rhythm to the “song” of the earth. Whether experienced alone or as a couple, this treatment will connect you to yourself and inspire a deeper connection to the earth. Indulge in the warm spicy cleansing smoke of sustainable Hoi An agarwood, a Heart of the Earth sound and breath ritual, Vietnamese scrub and bath (featuring herbs from our own farm), a deep pressure massage incorporating balancing gem-tipped tuning forks and a fully immersive sound bath. Radiate and emanate love – for yourself, for the community and for the planet – and surrender to a deep and profound connection to the heart of the earth.” I know it sounds amazing, it is even better when you are in it. I would like to add the Spa manager and all the staff have a special ability and energy to what they do. True professionals that help you to fully relax into the treatment. A definite must try. Also at 6pm every day there is a ritual called Goodnight Kiss to the Earth. It is a wonderful idea and concept. I was able to find some new connections within myself and I have taken this with me as a ritual I have replicated to do at home for my...

I recently had the most incredible stay at the Four Seasons Nam Hai, and I can confidently say that it exceeded all my expectations. From the moment I arrived, I was captivated by the stunning ocean views that greeted me from the villa. The layout of the villas was phenomenal, providing a sense of space and privacy that was truly unmatched.

The beds in the villa were exceptionally comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep. Waking up to the breathtaking ocean views every morning was an absolute dream. It was a true luxury to have such a serene and picturesque setting right at my doorstep.

The hotel provided high-end, comfortable bikes for guests to explore the property. It was a delightful experience riding through the lush grounds, taking in the beauty of the surroundings. The attention to detail and the commitment to providing the best possible amenities truly stood out.

The beach at Four Seasons Nam Hai was simply perfect. The temperature was just right, and the waves were gentle, making it ideal for swimming and relaxing. The pristine sands and the inviting waters created an oasis of tranquility.

I was fortunate to celebrate my birthday during my stay, and the hotel went above and beyond to make it a memorable occasion. Upon entering my villa, I was greeted by an amazing birthday cake, flowers, and a thoughtful card. It was a delightful surprise that made me feel truly special and appreciated. The attention to detail and the personalized touch added an extra layer of magic to my experience.

The pool and beach bar at the hotel were a haven of relaxation. The cocktails served were fresh and unique, perfectly complementing the comfortable lounge chairs and the soothing sounds of the ocean. It was a blissful retreat where I could unwind and soak up the beauty of my surroundings. They offer adult/quiet areas for those who would like to be in a peaceful setting without distractions of other guests.

The dining options at Four Seasons Nam Hai were simply mouthwatering. Whether enjoying dinner or breakfast, the choices were abundant and delicious. The option to dine either indoors or outdoors added to the overall dining experience. Each meal was a culinary delight, and the impeccable service only enhanced the overall enjoyment.

The hotel grounds were a true work of art. Lush greenery and artistic touches could be found in every direction, creating a serene and visually stunning environment. I appreciated how the hotel consistently incorporated sound bathing and meditation as a way to connect with the world, providing an opportunity for guests to replenish their mind, body, and soul.

Transportation to the nearby town was easily accessible. The local taxi service was convenient and reasonably priced for about $7, allowing for exploration beyond the hotel grounds. Additionally, the hotel offered shuttle services at set times, further enhancing the...