Anantara Quy Nhon Villas

Marooned between Da Nang and Nha Trang, the sleepy coastal city of Quy Nhon has so far remained off the tourist radar — which makes a stay at this months-old resort even more of a delight. Overlooking a private cove south of town, the Thailand-based Anantara brand’s third property in Vietnam comes with just 26 one- and two-bedroom villas, each with private swimming pools, gauzy cabanas, whirlpool bathtubs, and sultry outdoor showers; be sure to book one with direct beach access. With little else to see and do in the immediate neighborhood, it’s ideal for those looking to chill out and play spot-the-fishing-boat. That said, more restless types can join day trips to cinnamon-scented incense factories, photography tours to morning wet markets, or motorcycle excursions to see the crumbling ruins of 12thcentury Cham temples. Outside food options are limited as well; next-door sister property the Avani provides something of a change in scene, but getting to Quy Nhon’s best seafood joints requires a 20-minute drive. So it’s a joy to find the Anantara’s bountiful breakfast spread and lunch and dinner menus continue to hit the mark for more than a few days’ stay. As, for that matter, does the spa, where exceptional treatments are delivered in cliff-side pavilions. — 84-256/3840-077; anantara.com; doubles from US$442