Central Vietnam

From the editors of Condé Nast Traveler:

This former imperial capital lures explorers of nineteenth-century architecture and of regional cuisines—and now, of blissful tranquillity. The Ana Mandara occupies a private expanse of golden sand along the South China Sea. The first beach resort to take advantage of an undeveloped coastline, this 78-room property is built around a rectangular granite pool on seven acres of palm and frangipani trees. At night, the only sounds are crashing waves and chirping crickets, though you're just a 20-minute drive from the city. Design cues are taken from vernacular Hue, with wide-eaved, red-tiled roofs edged in hand-carved wood, ornate recessed ceilings, and mahogany furniture. Platform and four-poster beds are dressed in wine-colored silk quilts; writing desks double as vanities. In the larger villas, long violet couches and low coffee tables set with petite porcelain teapots face a veranda; standard rooms have marble-tiled terraces and cushioned daybeds. Traditional music is regularly performed in the restaurant, which serves local specialties like beef grilled in betel leaves. But to take full advantage of the seaside location, request a seafood barbecue right on the beach. —2011 Hot List

Which room to book: Beach Villas are twice as large as standard rooms and have sea-facing terraces.

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