The Nam Hai was designed a decade ago by the late Jaya Ibrahim and infuses many elements native to Vietnam, which shine through in the contemporary villas. Seen from the front entrance, the three-bedroom villa’s demure design is restrained with simple whitewashed walls and multiple buildings with pitched roofs clad in terracotta tiles, an architectural element inspired by the Tu Duc royal tomb. Past the enclosed walls lies a calming, private enclave defined by its palm-fringed courtyard with a bubbling fountain at its centre, and adorned on one side with stone-carved relief sculptures alluding to those found at the My Son ruins. Through the double doors of the main structure is an airy living and dining room with pared-back teak furnishings, complemented by regal Vietnamese silk cushions in muted bronze and navy tones, along with a well-stocked bar beside a fully-equipped entertainment system and flatscreen TV.

The trio of intimate en-suite bedrooms are interconnected via a pathway, facing the beach and off to alternating sides of the sparkling pool, allowing for the utmost privacy. Rest and relaxation remain at the core of the bedroom, evident in the platform canopy bed positioned as the centrepiece of the room. Built into a graduating teak wood platform resembling a multilevel stage, it’s a design that’s reminiscent of Vietnamese phan beds in traditional garden houses. The bed is surrounded on all sides by flowing white drapes that set the mood for romance, as does a deep sunken tub made of traditional Vietnamese duck egg lacquer, and an open-air shower outside the cavernous his and hers en-suite bathroom.

High exterior walls shield the villa's interiors from public view. Inside, a pared-back courtyard serves as the perfect foil to the plush interiors and spectacular pool area.

The villa's large private pool is set on a lawn that's dotted with tall palm trees and overlooks the beach.

The expansive his and hers bathroom walks out to an open shower.

The master suite, with its inviting lounge area and platform bed draped with billowing white curtains, sets the mood for romance.

Interiors draw inspiration from Vietnamese design, seen in the wooden screens and thatched roof as well as the soft furnishings made from local silk.

A tub made of traditional Vietnamese duck egg lacquer sits in the master bedroom. The breezy outdoor shower is a great option for guests who want a memorable au naturel experience.

By: Beverly Cheng

Photography: Edgar Tapan
Styling: Soraya Froissart