The Nam Hai: Hoi An, Vietnam

As much an icon as its legendary location, China Beach boutique hotel The Nam Hai, in Vietnam, is a spa-equipped designer escape that has become a destination in itself. Beside the South China Sea, between the cultural hubs of Hoi An and Hué, the imperial influence is evident in its opulent-yet-zen ocean-view villas. Yes, it’s seriously chic, but it’s also family-friendly… and if you visit before 11 December 2011, kids under 10 stay and eat for free – plus you’ll get three nights for the price of two. Get packing!

Style: Seaside design shrine
Setting: Iconic China Beach

Need to know

Rooms: 100 villas, including 60 One-bedroom Villas and 40 Pool Villas each with one to five bedrooms.

Facilities: Spa, gym, health centre, yoga pavilion, tennis courts, free WiFi throughout. In rooms: flatscreen cable TV, Bose sound system, multimedia player with preloaded movies, iPod dock, Panpuri toiletries, minibar, espresso machine.

In the know

Sleeping
All of the villas are spacious and child-friendly. Baby cots are free; extra beds cost US$35 a night; and you can convert the sofa to a bed for US$60 in a villa or US$120 in a pool villa (or take advantage of that family offer. Plump for a Pool Villa and you’ll also get Club Benefits, including free airport and local town transfers, butler service, minibar items, daily breakfast, in-room afternoon tea and complimentary pre-dinner drinks and snacks.

Playing
The Children’s Club will keep the Smithettes amused with a whole range of activities such as kite-flying, tug-of-war, art classes and baking lessons. Even adults will be tempted to sign up. It’s open from 9am to 5pm and lunch can be arranged here.

Splashing
Water babes will love the choice of three pools. The temperature-controlled upper pool features artsy ceramic urns on plinths. Dropping down a level is a long, narrow lap pool for serious swimmers. Finally comes the definitive infinity pool that blends into the ocean horizon. A lifeguard oversees the splashing from 7am to 6pm. The powdery sands of China Beach also beckon…

Feasting
The Restaurant serves Mod international cuisine and artistically presented Vietnamese dishes. The Beach Restaurant is perfect for a lazy lunch by the pool. Children are welcome in both, and there’s a kids’ menu at all times. High chairs are on tap, packed lunches can be requested, and staff will happily heat up baby milk, too.

No need to pack
High chairs and baby cots. Don’t forget to bring your favourite clothes, particularly retro numbers you can’t find in the shops anymore, as Hoi An is the unofficial tailoring capital of Vietnam. Getting designer threads skillfully recreated is a cinch.

Time-out
Babysitting is available for US$20 an hour with hotel staff given 24-hours notice. This provides a golden window to seek out the day spa or tee off at a nearby golf course. Plus, Smith members get a bottle of sparkling wine on arrival, so you can simply use this time to sip in peace.

To book a child-friendly Smith stay visit www.mrandmrssmith.com or call the expert Travel Team on 800 905 326. What’s more, if you sign up as a Smith member, you can enjoy exclusive offers at more than 850 hand-picked hotels around the world.