Why the hype?
Housed in a skyscraper and bejewelled, gilded and plumply upholstered from its marble floors to its chandeliered heights, The Reverie Saigon is the most opulent pied-à-terre in Ho Chi Min City, Vietnam. It’s also an infinitely more characterful choice than the grand but bland international chains with outlets in this metropolis. The Vietnamese-owned hotel is packed with spectacular design, from a three metre-tall Baldi clock in green malachite and 24 karat mouldings, to the five metre-long leather Colombostile sofa, fringed with syrupy flourishes of baroque gold. And that’s just a fraction of the reception lobby. The two-floor, 1,200 square metre spa is as lavish as you might expect from such an establishment.
What to have?
Set in one of ten peacefully cloistered teak and leather-walled treatment rooms, the Five Elements treatment uses Ila products in a multi-sensorial Tibetan-inspired treatment. The 60- or 90-minute experience involves fragrant essential oils, hot stones on Chakra points and sweeping massage, as well as hand cupping and hot poultice compression. Ultra-luxury touches abound, from the 400-thread count sheets and Frette bath linens, to the crystal jug used in the foot-washing ritual and the gold bowl of ferns and deep purple orchids into which you gaze during the treatment.
Where to chill?
Once thoroughly relaxed, glide through the vast corridors to the experience steam room (with coloured lights) and salt sauna. Afterwards there are plenty of quiet spaces to sit with a cup of jasmine tea and watch the city thrum below, through floor to ceiling windows. Back in the hotel proper there is a spectacular outdoor pool overlooking the cityscape, with an underwater sound-system to entertain you during leisurely laps. As you laze on loungers staff appear at intervals with water, fresh fruit and just-pressed juices.
Best by boat
Fly in and make the most of The Reverie’s new 18.3m Beneteau Monte Carlo 6 yacht, which offers a variety of charter trips; takie in the city lights, visit the Can Gio UNESCO Biosphere Reserve or stop by the immaculate Taekwang Jeongsan Country Club – all while enjoying a champagne picnic and butler service. Then meet your own yacht and continue up the coast to explore more of this extraordinary country.