Located in the beautiful surroundings of historic Ninh Binh, Vietnam’s ancient capital, the Emeralda is truly a jewel set amidst natural beauty. Just a short 90 minute drive from Hanoi, the hotel is situated on the brink of Van Long Nature Reserve, home to countless species of flora and fauna, making it an unforgettably tranquil retreat. Beautifully designed to capture traditional Vietnamese architecture, the emphasis is on celebrating nature and the environment, from the building itself, to the cuisine served across its four restaurants. Indoor and al fresco dining options are available with dishes that nod to Vietnam’s rich heritage - from authentic, traditional favourites, to French-inspired, colonial fare. Guests can choose from the extensive list in the wine bar or relax poolside with a refreshing cocktail before dinner. Superior and deluxe suites offer comfort as well as style, not to mention stunning views of the beautiful scenery. Finally, guests in search of relaxation will find it in the fully-equipped spa.

Inspired by the ancient villages of Northern Vietnam, the Nham Village Resort offers 13 traditional houses that capture the ambiance of a Vietnamese family home while featuring sophisticated modern twists for absolute comfort. Each accommodation is a soulful celebration of local architecture and craftsmanship that feature rich tones of dark wood paired with exquisite bronze and lacquer ornaments anchor and its own private balcony with stunning views of the valley. For dining, the Com Restaurant celebrates the flavors of Vietnam using fresh ingredients sourced from local producers, and including vegetables and herbs from their own garden. While the Gao Bar offers a range of beverages from mocktails to wine and everything in between. Facilities include a large outdoor swimming pool which looks upon the rice fields and mountains of Tom Coc, and the Moc Spa which is located in a beautiful 100-year-old house and offers wellness treatments and rituals that leaves guests feeling restored and re-energized.

Hidden away in the green-skirted mountains of Mai Chau, the Tam Coc Garden Resort was developed from the original garden houses along the Red River Delta. The resort offers 8 stone bungalows, each with two rooms decorated in traditional tiles, bamboo furnishings and framed photographs of the flora and village life. The rooms have a large bed on a raised sleeping platform, an outdoor terrace, and an open-air shower in the rustic bathrooms. The gardeners of Tam Coc Garden cultivate a wide variety of plants and vegetables and aromatic herbs which are used in the resort kitchen’s dishes. Just 20 meters away from the garden lies the Citronella Restaurant where the chef experiments with the garden’s bounty to design the menu. The Longani Bar offers delicious timeless classics and innovative creations from their list of signature cocktails. Facilities include a swimming pool, jacuzzi, and spa offering a variety of massage therapies.

In the beautiful and mysterious province of Ninh Binh, just two hours south of Hanoi, the sleek, contemporary Cuc Phuong Resort meets the wilds of nature and ancient Vietnam. With Cuc Phuong National Park less than two miles away, this ecological resort is surrounded by stunning scenery and sites of natural interest including ancient caves and a 1,000-year-old Chò tree. The hotel’s luxury suites and bungalows are spacious yet cozy, decorated with natural materials and equipped with WiFi and LCD televisions. The resort’s position atop a natural mineral spring allows for hot mineral water to be piped into each room’s private wooden tub, for a relaxing bath with healing properties. The same water flows in the resort’s indoor and outdoor swimming pools and further health-giving properties can be enjoyed in the mineral mud baths. With mountain views and eye-catching dishes, dining at the Dabiru restaurant is as beautiful as it is tasty, not to mention healthy with the use of organic, local ingredients.