Fleewinter

Huge open-plan villas with private pools that open out to the jungle, lagoon and ocean beyond are the name of the game at L’Alyana. These beautifully furnished villas feel like an extension of nature itself and we adore the finishing touches here that make it completely unique - like the huge wooden swings that hang from thick ropes in the bathroom.

Strictly speaking L’Alyana is not on an 'island' but a bay that curves around so sharply it looks and feels like an island. And it is much quicker and easier to get here by boat than any other way.

The crescent-shaped beach and backdrop of luscious green mountains is your welcome to the resort as you make your approach from the water - the villas, which are tucked into the jungle-like foliage, are completely camouflaged. Oh, and you'll see some floating sunbeds in the water on a small wooden platform supported by buoys.

Beside the crescent beach is the swimming pool and main restaurant and bar of the resort, which is the only central point of the resort, which focuses on giving visitors a complete private villa experience with butlers at your beck and call 24 hours a day.

There are four types of accommodation on offer. All villas are beautifully furnished in natural woods with huge beds on wooden platforms and beautiful big wooden mirrors (even the TV and air conditioning units are encased in wooden boxes), espresso machines and large bathrooms. Many have sunken bathtubs and showers outside. All villas open out to the private plunge pools and terraces, with differing views.

The Hill Rock Pool Villas are set on three levels, the first is an extra large bathroom area, the second an open lounge and plunge pool and the third a large air conditioned bedroom that has great ocean views. These villas benefit from having the most privacy in the resort but are not suitable for children or older guests as there are lots of stairs and winding paths to reach them.

The Lagoon Pool Villas are larger and are single story, with the same features displayed in a larger layout. The bathroom has an outdoor area as well and you can enjoy views of the pool, the ocean and the lagoon.

The two-bed Beachfront Pool is a large Villa and is ideal for families travelling together, the villas open out onto the lagoon with the beach and ocean shimmering beyond - the public facilities are easily accessible and the view from the private pools onto the water is marvellous.

But perhaps our favorite Villa of the Property is the amazing Grand Lagoon Pool Villa, that is actually two identical semi attached villas with a stunning central dining area. It also has a great garden area that opens up right onto the Lagoon.

The resort has a wonderful gym set in the jungle as well as free bicycles and kayaks on offer. Guests can also take treks inside the resort in the dense jungle and to a private beach with a guide, at an extra cost. Cookery classes can also be arranged.

There are many complimentary activities such as: Jungle Rock trail or Mountain trail, flora discovery, Kayaking on the bay, Fishing at Jetty, Yoga class, Health & Body exercises, Head massage lesson, Chef class in villa or on the beach, Vietnamese coffee making class and Gardening & seasonal fruit harvest

If you are worried about getting cabin fever on the island you can escape to the beachside town of Nha Trang easily enough as they run a daily shuttle boat and bus service - however you must be back at the property by 3pm.