In 2009, I embarked on a trip to Vietnam, invited by Air France. It was a marvelous group, with impeccable organization and a captivating destination. This journey took place in December when Sofia Airport had been shut down for days due to dense fog. This was before the airport's blind landing upgrades. You might recall the chaos and turmoil every winter as we anxiously monitored the visibility, trying to discern if planes could actually land in Sofia.
The pinnacle of the trip was reaching Nha Trang. I remembered I had a couple of clients at the exclusive Six Senses Ninh Van Bay. I called them just to say hello, assuming there was no way I could visit the resort. It was only accessible by a boat transfer, exclusively for guests of the resort. Although the resort isn't on an island, it is encircled by impassable mountains, creating that illusion. The dramatic bay views, sandy beaches, rock formations, and towering green mountains made it a sanctuary of tranquility. Nothing ostentatious or modern, just pure harmony with nature.
To my surprise, their villa had a second floor they barely used, and they graciously invited me to stay for a couple of days. The husband slept until early afternoon, and Emilia, his wife, was a true beauty. She accompanied me to the restaurants for breakfast and lunch. Their butler, a young and educated woman named Trà My, who I believe now owns a small business—I still follow her on LinkedIn—kindly gave me a tour of the resort. I then had to purchase a new flight ticket to rejoin my colleagues, and the trip continued as originally planned.
Many people might never comprehend why Gwyneth Paltrow chose Soneva Fushi in the Maldives as her favorite island. A week there would cost a small fortune, yet there’s nothing modern or glitzy. Most clients might feel their money could be better spent elsewhere. But after experiencing Ninh Van Bay, I understood. You don't visit these places for the widely accepted luxury you can find anywhere else. These places, with their lush forests, pristine beaches, seclusion, simple wooden houses, and the highest level of service—intimate and unobtrusive—make you feel one with nature.
https://www.sixsenses.com/en/resorts/ninh-van-bay/
https://soneva.com/resorts/soneva-fushi/