Can’t sit still for long? Neither can we. Even when on vacation, the urge to explore will eventually lure us out of the sweet lap of luxury of any abode to discover what wonders might lie between our poolside lounger and the horizon (and, often enough, far beyond). With The Vietage, a little birdie has tweeted our way through the thick forests of South Central Vietnam, Anantara Hotels & Resorts have now launched an experiential train journey to take you from one pool lounger to the next. Whoever said you can’t have it all?
The 12-seater carriage connects Anantara’s properties in Quy Nhon and Hoi An (an ancient port city we simply adore) via a 318 km and six-hour journey along one of Indochina’s most quintessential routes. Catch glimpses of the former Champa Kingdom’s ruinous capital city or observe water buffalos grazing in verdant rice plantations. Furthermore along the track (yet truly off the beaten, well, path), watchful journey-makers will spy the long wall of Quang Ngãi. Though looking inwards, you’ll also be rewarded with a dose of Vietnam’s tropical allure…
The wagon’s elegant interior, crafted from locally sourced wood and marble, cloaks travellers in a contemporary, Southeast Asian ambience partitioned into rattan-clad two-seater booths for ultimate privacy (any honeymooners on track for some railroad romance?). And because no return to the glamorous age of luxury train travel would be complete without a three-course meal, guests are invited to savour an aromatic junction between Vietnamese and French cuisines – think lemongrass tofu, passion fruit tarts and premium wines à la carte.
Speaking of wines, the Vietage’s most OutThere feature is its sit-up bar, serving Twisted Negronis and ice-cold, Vietnamese cà phê. There’s a designated space for minor spa treatments, too, though again, we just can’t sit still for long – especially with this much to discover all around.
www.thevietagetrain.com | www.anantara.com
Photography courtesy of Anantara Hotels & Resorts
