The Nam Hai
UPDATE: Since our stay The Nam Hai has new owners and is now operated by luxury brand, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, we are sure that as ‘Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai’ this luxury resort will reach even higher levels of service and facilities, we’ve amended the website links and contact details below.
Everything about The Nam Hai oozes style and luxury; no opportunity to offer their guests a little slice of luxury has been overlooked. This multi-award winning resort has been impressing critics and guests alike since 2006 and continues to offer one of the finest 5 star hotel experiences in the world.
But what would we think of The Nam Hai experience as vegan guests?
We approached the lobby from a long and secluded driveway, driving past the well equipped, state of the art fitness centre, a ‘teen club’ for younger guests and outdoor tennis, badminton and basketball courts. When we reached the check-in desk we began to fully appreciate the beautiful style of the resort with sweeping views over 3 infinity pools down to the ocean and beachfront. It was seriously impressive.
The Nam Hai has 100 villas from one to five bedroom, that are set among 35 acres of well manicured gardens containing swaying coconut palms, giant earthenware pots, sweet perfumed jasmine bushes and beautiful tropical flowers. Our one bedroom villa was a great place to rest and unwind, with a garden area outside that had two large and comfortable day beds, positioned perfectly to allow hours of blissful relaxation whilst admiring the view of the East Sea and the nearby Cham Islands.
The villa had all of the facilities and amenities we’d expect of a resort of this high standard plus some little extras including a coffee machine, a mini-bar stocked with premium products as well as complementary soft drinks, (vegan) beer and water.
There was an iPod pre-loaded with a wide range of music for all tastes, hooked up to a good quality sound system and a flatscreen TV with international channels. The Wifi was strong and stable here and throughout the resort. Small additional touches like a ladies fan and stylish slippers that brought a smile to our faces.
The service was exceptional from check-in to check-out. A warm, friendly welcome before our details were efficiently taken, and the necessary information about hotel facilities was passed over to us. We especially liked that we were asked whether we had any dietary requirements at check-in so were able to explain about being vegan to the guest relations staff who made sure the relevant people knew.
The Vegan Food
The team of chefs at The Nam Hai adjusted some of the dishes on their menu to make them vegan friendly. Breakfast was a feast of vegan delights every morning, accompanied by decadent champagne cocktails and freshly brewed coffees.
The Nam Hai team really know how to serve a top class luxury vegan breakfast
We ate deliciously light and fresh pho, full of tofu instead of the usual meat. They made a hearty vegan version of a local speciality noodle dish called cao lau meaning we didn’t miss out on a taste of the local cuisine just because we’re vegan.
The rest of the food was equally impressive and varied; tasty vegan risottos full of vegetables, light vegetable pizzas (no problems removing the cheese for us) and a whole range of authentic Vietnamese dishes that we could eat.
We had dinner delivered to our villa and the quality and taste of the food was outstanding
Sometimes it’s good to relax and enjoy the comfort of your room (especially when it’s as luxurious as The Nam Hai villas are). We’re pleased to report back that The Nam Hai room service passed The Vegan Food Quest room service test delivering us a top quality vegan meal with no mistakes.
The dishes were laden with top quality vegetables and rich, flavoursome sauces including vegan risotto, braised eggplant and mixed mushrooms in a rich and spicy sauce.
The Vegan Essentials
Our made was made with feather free duvet and pillow and the amenities were not tested on animlas but included non vegan ingredients such as honey.
The spa at The Nam Hai has many products that are vegan, giving the opportunity to pick up a few luxury cosmetic or skincare items as well as being pampered, we were so pleased to hear that these cruelty-free products are being used throughout the spa.
Bikes are available for all guests to use (including locks and helmets for those wishing to cycle outside of the resort) and there is a regular shuttle service to and from the old town in Hoi An for those wanting to explore outside the resort.
The Vegan Food Quest Verdict
Make a reservation at The Nam Hai in Hoi An if you want to be treated to some top class vegan luxury and indulge in long, decadent vegan breakfasts.
Visit the spa for treatments using luxury vegan products and spend your time relaxing but don’t forget to give your body a workout at the excellent daily yoga class.
A stay at The Nam Hai will give you a luxury vegan escape that you won’t forget
We were guests of The Nam Hai but please rest assured that their generosity in hosting us didn’t influence our views
The Nam Hai
Dien Ban
Quang Nam
Hoi An
Vietnam
Telephone: +84 235 394 0000
Cost From: £420 / $630 per night (May 2015)