World-class luxury arrives in Vietnam with the opening of the Nam Hai, the latest project from Adrian Zecha, founder of Aman resorts. The hotel has snagged a stunning site on the South China Sea, near Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Vietnam's most beautiful towns. The villas are an oasis of privilege and pampering that brings eye-popping contemporary design to Vietnam.

WHAT'S THE BIG WOW?
Three huge, stepped pools--the first for reflecting, the other two for swimming--descend from the open-air reception pavilion and are the centerpiece of the resort. The effect is stunning. The spa--with eight treatment pavilions--overlooks a manmade lagoon. The 100 villas are inspired by traditional Vietnamese houses, with a central living area that includes a Thai-style couch, a bathtub, a desk, and the bed, all of which are surrounded by white muslin curtains on a six-poster system of beams. The entire package was designed by Paris architect Reda Amalou and London interior decorator Jaya Ibrahim (who was born in Java).

LIKED BEST
The outdoor shower, the gorgeous views of the sea, the preloaded iPod on an iPod dock, and the incredibly comfortable bed. The spa is one of the best I've ever seen, and I also loved the gray-blue stone from a quarry near Danang, which is used throughout the resort.

LIKED LEAST
This resort takes itself a little too seriously—a warmer and more casual atmosphere would make the grandeur of the architecture less overwhelming. And while the food was good, why does the menu offer so much Indian food when everyone wants Vietnamese?

WHO SHOULD STAY THERE?
Design junkies will love this place, and it's also a good choice for people with deep pockets who want a timeout during a trip to Vietnam.

WOULD YOU GO BACK?
I would. But at $550 a night, not anytime soon.