Modern Luxury by the Sea

Not all getaways are meant to excite, some are intended to restore. And on Vietnam’s southern coast, I found exactly that. My recent stay at Ana Mandara Cam Ranh, tucked along the quiet stretch of Bai Dai Beach on Vietnam’s southern coast, was exactly that. A gentle exhale from the noise of everyday life.

With its open skies, barefoot elegance, and a sense of heritage woven through every space, the resort offers more than just a beachfront escape. It invites you to slow down, soak in the moment, and reconnect with nature, with culture, and with yourself.

Arrival & First Impressions

Arriving at Ana Mandara Cam Ranh felt less like checking into a resort and more like being welcomed into a private coastal sanctuary– the perfect home away from home. Just a short, scenic drive from Cam Ranh International Airport, the resort is nestled on a peaceful stretch of Bai Dai Beach, making the transition from travel to tranquillity remarkably smooth.

As I passed through the grand entrance — framed by serene lotus ponds and swaying palms — I was instantly enveloped in calm. The open-air reception, adorned with local textures and elegant simplicity, set the tone for what would be a deeply restful stay– something taken very seriously at Ana Mandara ;). I was welcomed with a refreshing drink infused with ginger, honey, and lemon, a cool towel, and a delightful yogurt parfait, a small but thoughtful gesture I absolutely loved.

The check-in experience itself was seamless. Miss Lana, a truly kind and gracious member of the team, walked me through every detail with genuine warmth. It wasn’t long before I felt completely at home, already slipping into the gentle rhythm of the resort.

Exploring the property

Before heading to my villa, I was given a brief tour of the resort by Tina, the lovely Marketing Manager, and one of the warmest staff members who drove us around in a buggy. Together, they introduced me to the heart of the property — from the serene Ana Beach House Restaurant and breezy Pool Bar, to the dedicated Wellness & Spa centre, the newly opened kids’ club, fitness centre, and various villa types, each with its own mood and story. And one in particular completely stole my heart: the Premium Sky Pool Villa. Elevated and effortlessly elegant, it offers sweeping panoramic views over the ocean that truly take your breath away. If you're a sucker for sunsets or morning coffee with a view, this villa is a dream.

While my private pool villa was my personal sanctuary, the Sky Pool Villa? That’s the one I’m already bookmarking for next time.

My Sanctuary: The One-Bedroom Pool Villa

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Walking into my One-Bedroom Pool Villa was like discovering my own slice of paradise. Lana, ever so kind and attentive, gave me a thorough tour of the space, pointing out all the thoughtful touches and luxurious details. The villa’s contemporary design perfectly balances comfort and elegance, with a spacious bedroom opening onto a private terrace, complete with a refreshing plunge pool surrounded by lush greenery, mmm…pure bliss.

Inside,The villa features a plush king-sized bed that promises the deepest sleep, while the bathroom... Well, the bathroom was absolutely huge — honestly, I could’ve slept there! It boasts a spacious bathtub and a rain shower, with a charming veranda-style window framing serene garden views, flooding the space with gentle natural light.

Comfy scatter cushions were thoughtfully placed throughout the living area, which is open-plan and airy, making it the perfect balance of style and comfort. The floor-to-ceiling windows connected the indoor space seamlessly to the peaceful outdoors, while a sleek kitchenette added a practical touch for longer stays.

As I was still marveling at the beauty of my villa, trying to wrap my head around just how perfect this little hideaway was, there was a gentle knock on the door.

“Room service,” came a warm, cheerful voice.

It was Cindy, the resort manager, who would become my wonderful host throughout my stay. For two nights and three days, Cindy was the friendly face that made everything effortless and joyful. She, accompanied by a friendly staff member, personally brought me my afternoon tea service, thoughtfully tailored to be gluten-free, featuring delicate jasmine tea alongside an assortment of light, flavorful treats that felt like a comforting hug in a cup.

Over tea, Cindy shared insights about the resort and its offerings, reminding me that my main goal here was simple: to relax, unwind, and do absolutely nothing else but rest.

And honestly? Mission accomplished.

Dining at Ana Mandara

One of the absolute highlights of my stay at Ana Mandara was the incredible food and believe me, I ate sooo much. From sunrise to sunset, every meal was a celebration of fresh, local flavors served with genuine warmth.

Breakfast was nothing short of magical, especially the famous floating breakfast served right in my villa’s private pool. Imagine sipping freshly brewed coffee while surrounded by a beautiful spread of tropical fruits, pastries, cheese platter, and gluten-free options thoughtfully prepared just for me. It was the perfect way to start the day — leisurely, luxurious, and totally Instagram-worthy.

The resort’s Ana Beach House restaurant offers an extensive menu blending Vietnamese specialties with international favorites, catering beautifully to all dietary needs, including gluten-free options that never felt like an afterthought but a delicious highlight.

And if the floating breakfast wasn’t enough, I also had the absolute treat of a private BBQ dinner set up right outside my villa. With a private chef attending to every detail, it felt like my own little feast under the stars. We kicked things off with refreshing fresh coconut water, the perfect palate cleanser, before moving on to an incredible spread from the Ana Mandara BBQ menu.

Highlights included Vietnamese fresh spring rolls with chicken, lemongrass and soft tofu wrapped in wild betel leaves, and perfectly grilled skewers of chicken breast and thighs marinated in fragrant five-spice powder. The grilled chicken wings with tangy tamarind sauce were a standout, along with smoky king oyster mushrooms that even non-vegetarians would crave.

Simply put — eat, sleep, tan, and repeat. Because why not?

Relaxation Redefined: Ana Mandara Spa

After all that indulging and exploring, I treated myself to the aromatherapy massage, a blissful 60-minute escape that was exactly what my body and mind needed. From the moment I arrived at the serene spa sanctuary, I was welcomed with a soothing cup of herbal tea, setting the tone for pure relaxation.

The skilled therapists used carefully blended essential oils that gently melted away tension and revived my senses. The peaceful ambiance, combined with expert techniques, left me feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

To complete the experience, I was served a refreshing cup of tea alongside a fresh yogurt parfait, a thoughtful and delicious touch that perfectly rounded off my wellness journey.

Final Thoughts?

Would I return to Ana Mandara Cam Ranh? In a heartbeat. This peaceful beachfront retreat blends heritage charm with barefoot luxury, creating the perfect space to slow down and truly unwind. With warm hospitality, thoughtfully designed villas, and experiences that celebrate Vietnam’s coastal beauty — it’s more than just a stay, it’s a soulful reset.

If you’re after a spot that’s a bit off the beaten path but still offers all the comforts you need, this resort should definitely be on your radar. Plus, it’s close enough to the airport to make your travel days a breeze.

So, pack your sunnies, your appetite, and your chill attitude — Ana Mandara Cam Ranh is waiting. Book Now!