Fleewinter

Live the dream of what it may have been like to have been Vietnamese royalty many moons ago. These opulent villas that occupy a gorgeous stretch of beach in central Vietnam, are richly decorated and fit for a King. Their opulent style has strong Vietnamese influences, making for a fitting stay in luxury.

Surrounded by eco-diverse mountains, spectacular national parks and awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage Sites, it is an ideal location for day trips - with both Hue and Hoi An within a one-hour’s drive.

The granite lobby is a space of calming pools and latticed screens; while the villas have glass-walled bathrooms, plunge pools and sundowner salas. There is no such thing as a badly located room here - accommodation is in 49 pool villas, with a choice of lagoon-view or beachfront categories. There are 17 of the latter, strung in a crescent (if you want to be close to the main facilities, ask for Nos 109-120), all with sandy paths that lead to a long and lovely strand of beach fringed with casuarinas. Each walled and gated villa is supremely private and roomy.

Saffron, in a pitch-roofed pavilion on a forested hill with sea views, is the standout dining option. Served here is Thai food, banquet-style, finessed by a clever Bangkok chef. Do not pass up a salad of banana blossom and prawns to start or dessert of coconut creme brulee with ginger syrup.

There’s Mediterranean cuisine dished up at Azura, with loungey outdoor seating to sink into for, say, Negronis at nightfall, and excellent buffets at the Water Court, with eggs cooked to order in an open kitchen at breakfast.

At the moment the resort sits on its own but it is part of a development that will soon include eight hotels and a casino.