Hotel of the week: The Nam Hai, Hoi An Hamlet, Vietnam

Thirty-five years ago, the city of Danang was home to the biggest US air force base in Vietnam. Thousands of combat missions were flown from its airfield, until the Communist forces overran the city in March 1975. These days Danang is a central player in Vietnam's burgeoning tourism industry. Dozens of resorts are opening along the 20 miles of beaches leading to the charming town of Hoi An. Just seven miles south of Hoi An, the Nam Hai is one of the newest properties along this stretch of coast. Home to 100 opulent designer villas, many with private pools, plus two restaurants, a library, spa and gym, it aims to be the country's leading luxury resort.

Dark woods, white walls, slate flooring and perfectly symmetrical architecture provide a frisson of designer chic, while infinity pools and manicured lawns complete the picture. They certainly get the luxury basics right here: the spa, food and service are impeccable.

The complex sits on the edge of the giant arc of gorgeous sands that make up Ha My beach. Be warned: the rip tides here can make the sea treacherous. The nearby town of Hoi An, with its French quarter, pagodas and historical buildings, is one of the cutest places in Vietnam, brimming with languid, riverside charm and famed for its street food.

The villas

Each villa has a multi-level bed platform finished in dark woods, dozens of soft pillows and a giant, firm mattress. There are also day beds on the terrace and a giant sofa. Other features include an enormous sunken bath, entertainment complex with giant flat-screen TV, iPod and dock, free on-demand movie library, satellite TV, desk, free internet and, just in case you get exhausted, another day bed. A giant two-person tub is located just behind the bed, with a great view of the TV. There are also indoor and outdoor showers. Lots of Acqua di Parma toiletries come in ceramic pots.

The food and drink

The amiable Malaysian chef Stanley Cheung creates a great presence in the open-plan kitchens. Try Vietnamese delights such as spring rolls and banh xeo (rice pancakes) with the astonishing mam tom dip made from fermented shrimp. Stanley's chocolate mousse has to be eaten to be believed and the racks of succulent tandoori lamb are unforgettable.

The access

The villas are unsuitable for guests with limited mobility. Children welcome.

The bill

Travelmood (0871 2266164; travelmood.com) offers b&b in a one-bedroom villa at Nam Hai from £266 per night. Qatar Airways (0870 770 4215; qatar airways.com) offers return flights from the UK to Ho Chi Minh City, via Doha, from £436.

The address

The Nam Hai, Hoi An Hamlet 1, Dien Duong Village, Dien Ban District, Quang Nam Province, Vietnam (00 84 510 940 000; ghmhotels.com).

Compare Travel Insurance - 5 day Euro cover from £4.33 and Annual worldwide policies from just £43.08