The resort on Vietnam’s central coast was founded by French hotelier Arnaud Zannier, whose other properties have played host to celebrities like Angelina JolieFor many years I was convinced that there was no place in Asia that could match the lure of a European beach holiday. I was proven wrong when I recently discovered a slice of la dolce vita in one of the most unexpected places: Vietnam’s central coast.Zannier Bai San Ho is surrounded by a lush tropical forest. Photo: HandoutNestled in a secluded peninsula and surrounded by 99 hectare (245 acres) of ancient rice paddy fields and lush tropical forest is Zannier Bai San Ho, which was founded by French hotelier Arnaud Zannier. This #iykyk boutique hotel brand has a cult following among industry insiders – and celebrities like Angelina Jolie – thanks to its fresh approach to luxury travel that focuses on authentic, unpretentious experiences that combine cultural immersion and sustainability. For this reason, all the brand’s five properties are located well off the tourist path – a fact that makes them special, if somewhat arduous to get to.Zannier Bai San Ho’s interiors move beyond the traditional. Photo: HandoutBai San Ho is among the group’s largest resorts, but somehow feels completely secluded. The property features 73 villas which are divided into three categories, each with its own unique appeal and ties to Vietnamese culture and architecture. Overlooking the rice paddy fields are the fishermen-style Paddy Field Villas, while the newly refurbished Beach Pool Villas – some were destroyed during last year’s typhoon – provide direct access to the resort’s white sandy beach and pristine Bay of Corals (after which the hotel is named).Zannier Bai San Ho has excellent views of the ocean. Photo: HandoutI’m staying at a Hill Pool Villa that’s hidden in the mountains and that boasts stunning views of the ocean from almost every vantage point, including the expansive terrace and plunge pool. Modelled on traditional longhouses, it feels at one with nature thanks to its bamboo exterior and use of local materials. The interiors, though, are more Architectural Digest than traditional, with smooth bamboo flooring, handwoven textiles, handcrafted wood furniture and a rich, earthy palette of sand, terracotta and ochre. In fact, I feel as though I’m in a chic African desert hideaway rather than a coastal town in Vietnam.Rattan furniture is a feature of Zannier Bai San Ho. Photo: HandoutThis inimitable design aesthetic – one that Zannier has become renowned for throughout its portfolio – continues throughout the resort’s public areas, each of which comes to life in a series of nostalgic vignettes. Nothing here is cookie-cutter or generic – the lobby is dotted with hundreds of antiques, apothecary-style cabinets and Vietnamese ceramics, while the main restaurant Nha O features a stunning central courtyard flanked by low tables and rattan furniture. The adjoining cocktail bar is equally stunning with its French and Vietnamese design details.Zannier Bai San Ho’s Lang Chai is a beachfront bar that serves up locally sourced seafood. Photo: Handout