AZERAI KE GA BAY, A SLICE OF PARADISE IN SOUTHERN VIETNAM
Azerai Ke Ga Bay, the new beachfront resort by Adrian Zecha in southeastern Vietnam, boasts one of the country’s most coveted locations, overlooking the East Sea. However, it’s the resort’s stunning architectural transformation and design overhaul that truly steal the spotlight.
Situated 180 kilometers east of Ho Chi Minh City on a pristine five-kilometer stretch of white sand, Azerai Ke Ga Bay opened in November following a complete refurbishment of the former Princess D’Annam Resort & Spa. Once a popular destination for Vietnamese beachgoers, the property had fallen into decline before its dramatic revival.
In the redevelopment of Azerai Ke Ga Bay, the exteriors were extensively repaired and repainted, while the interiors were completely reimagined with new layouts, finishes, and contemporary furnishings. The 46 guest suites now reflect an elegant, minimalist design, with 10 suites featuring either plunge pools or larger private pools for added luxury.
Vietnamese Influences
All materials used in the resort’s transformation were locally sourced in Vietnam, with a significant increase in natural stone and timber to add warmth and texture. The color palette is muted and calming, encouraging a relaxed, “beachside” mindset.
Nods to Vietnamese craftsmanship are evident throughout, with details like woven rattan and seagrass matting, pebble-wash flooring made with local sand and stones, and paint colors inspired by the region’s natural rock formations. Local artisans contributed to the décor, and traditional Vietnamese design elements are present in the wooden screens found in guest suites and the resort’s restaurant.
‘Private Garden Living’
Azerai Ke Ga Bay offers a sense of spaciousness, contributing to its luxurious atmosphere. The resort features four public pools, thoughtfully placed in different areas, while the guest rooms, whether deluxe suites (65 sqm) or pool suites (130 sqm), are larger than those typically found at other resorts in the region.
The resort’s General Manager, Ketut Bagiartha, highlights this spaciousness: “In cities, space is often a luxury, but at Azerai Ke Ga Bay, we offer guests almost private garden living, complemented by the grandeur of the resort’s public spaces.”
Sustainability at the Core
The resort emphasizes sustainability in various aspects of its design and operation. Guest suites are equipped with sliding glass doors that allow natural ventilation, bringing in sea breezes or views of lush gardens. A solar farm has also been installed to generate green energy, while all air-conditioning systems have been upgraded for energy efficiency, and low-energy LED lighting is used throughout the property.
Reimagined Public Areas
The public spaces near the beach have been redesigned to create a seamless flow between dining, lounging, and leisure areas. Stairs lead down from the resort’s terrace past daybeds to the pool area and a sunken lounge, offering privacy while maintaining a sense of intimacy.
The resort’s four swimming pools have been re-tiled, and wide, gradual steps were added, giving guests more space to relax in the water. Frangipani trees by the beach pool, some over 50 years old, contribute to the resort’s timeless appeal.
The Spa
The oceanfront spa, with views toward the iconic Ke Ga lighthouse, has been completely reimagined. It now features 10 private treatment rooms (six for individuals and four for couples), along with relaxation lounges, daybeds, a beauty studio, a Jacuzzi, and a modern gym equipped with the latest cardiovascular and strength-training equipment.
Azerai Ke Ga Bay’s blend of modern design, Vietnamese heritage, and sustainable practices creates an extraordinary retreat that stands as a new benchmark for luxury resorts in Vietnam.
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