With a focus on fresh fish and seafood delivered the same day by fishermen plying Vinh Hy Bay, as well as nutritious vegetables and herbs, plucked at Amanoi’s own organic garden, the alfresco dinner located in a hidden spot among the trees and natural environment was lit up with candles and torches upon our arrival. It wasn’t hard to relish the eight-course dinner which consisted of Marinated Octopus, Char-grilled Pork Ribs, Stir-fried Prawn and Braised Fish Fillet with Turmeric, lemongrass and peanut.
After the mouth-watering Pumpkin Custard as dessert, we walked a short distance to another hidden spot in a wooded area behind a huge tree for the last step of this magical Cham diner – a blessing ceremony performed by a Cham Master, a traditional healer and medicine man.
The next morning, an eight am Pilates class was the first thing to do. Conducted by one of Amanoi’s visiting wellness specialists, Carly Keelan led a Pilates class in the Yoga Pavilion located at the Aman Spa. Built on the Lotus Lake itself, there can’t be a more conducive place to do Yoga or Pilates than on the placid lake.
Lunch was at the Amanoi’s Beach Club, a modern structure located to the north of the resort. Arriving by a buggy, we were greeted by Dr. Lucas Hausler, Amanoi’s resident Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) doctor and acupuncturist. Specialising in meridian therapy, herbal formulations and Tui Na Massage, the good doctor gave us pointers on what, or rather how to eat for overall health. With a menu which is both nutritious and healthy, it wasn’t difficult to practice what Dr. Hausler preached when it came to having lunch. With vegetarian options available, the Watermelon and Feta Cheese Salad, Spirulina Spaghetti with Seafood or the Banh Xeo Hai San (Vietnamese Rice Pancakes with Seafood) were all loaded with vitamins and nutrients which according to Dr. Hausler was better than popping a vitamin pill.
After lunch, it was time for a pampering session. The Aman Spa is a sanctuary for relaxing and rejuvenation and from its lemon and basil-scented air, you know you have entered into a destination unto itself. With five double treatment rooms complete with dressing rooms and steam showers, there are also two hydrotherapy suites with heated stone treatment tables and Jacuzzi.
There are also two Spa Houses, a new addition to complement the concept of Aman Wellness which was spearheaded by Vladislav Doronin, the chairman of Aman Resorts. Delving deeper into wellness and transformation of the mind, body and soul, Aman Wellness empowers guests to adopt an all-encompassing holistic lifestyle.
In line with this concept are Aman’s Individual Wellness Immersions, three carefully-calibrated and individually-tailored immersive programmes lasting three to 10 days which encompass dietary, exercises, treatments and therapies to achieve palpable results for overall wellbeing for those who sign up for it.