THE FACTS ABOUT EVASON HIDEAWAY AT ANA MANDARA

Vietnam

Lounging by the beachside pool of one of Vietnam's most glamorous resorts, the Ana Mandara, you'd be forgiven for forgetting that just outside your oasis is a clogged thoroughfare and busy international airport at Nha Trang. But at the newly opened sister property, the Evason Hideaway at Ana Mandara, on a 300-acre island in idyllic Ninh Van Bay, the feeling of tranquillity is not an illusion. The 52 airy villas - choose between one nestled into the lush hillside, on the beach, or among dramatic rocky outcrops - have panoramic views of the sea, private plunge pools, and daybeds where you can sprawl for hours. When you can pull yourself away, book treatments at the Six Senses spa (next to a waterfall), hike through the surrounding acres, take cooking classes (using produce from the hotel's vegetable garden and fruit grove) or a boat ride to Nha Trang's main market or other islands nearby. This is where to find the Vietnam of old, with only the occasional fishing boat anchored in the bay for company. WHEN TO GO Between Christmas and Chinese New Year when the weather is warm but not stifling ROOM TO BOOK Number 5, a rock villa with spectacular views CONTACT Evason Hideaway at Ana Mandara, Ninh Van, Vietnam (00 84 58 829829; fax: 829629; www.sixsenses.com). Doubles from US$460; rock villas from US$540