Nestled along the untouched coastline of Vietnam's Phu Yen province, Zannier Bãi San Hô doesn't just captivate guests with its breathtaking natural surroundings and reimagined luxury – it also creates a living canvas where light and shadows take centre stage.

The resort's design, a harmonious blend of local architectural traditions and contemporary minimalism, is specifically crafted to enhance the way light interacts with its structures. As the sun rises and sets over the encompassing lush hills and private beachfront, it paints an ever-changing play of silhouettes across the resort's pavilions, villas and striking shared spaces.

A Zeitgeist of Design and Designed Experiences

Zannier Bãi San Hô is a stunning sanctuary that redefines luxury with its exquisite design and thoughtful architecture. Comprising 73 spacious villas, each is a masterclass in blending traditional Vietnamese aesthetics with modern comfort. Guests can choose from one- to four-bedroom villas, each featuring thatched roofs, natural materials, and expansive outdoor terraces that invite the soothing sounds of the sea. Inside, the decor is an artful combination of contemporary furnishings and local craftsmanship, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

The resort also boasts an array of luxurious amenities, including a breathtaking infinity pool that seems to merge with the ocean, a world-class spa offering holistic treatments inspired by the region's traditions, a sport and activity centre, and a selection of gourmet dining options that showcase local flavours.

From intimate dining experiences to relaxed beachside cocktails, every culinary moment is crafted to delight. Guests can unwind at the beach club, where comfortable lounge areas provide a perfect spot to bask in the sun or watch the sunset over the horizon. Every detail at Zannier Bãi San Hô is designed to offer a truly immersive experience, allowing guests to indulge in the beauty and tranquillity of their surroundings.

Architecture that Embraces Shadows
Shadows have long played a significant role in vernacular architecture, particularly in tropical climates like Vietnam. The design of Zannier Bãi San Hô embraces this principle, using shadows to create visual depth, regulate temperature, and enhance the guest experience. By casting intricate patterns across living spaces, courtyards, terraces, and walkways, the resort taps into a timeless architectural technique that adds complexity and beauty to its spaces.

Arnaud Zannier, founder of Zannier Hotels and head of the brand's design team, explains: “In architecture, shadows can be as important as the structures themselves. They introduce a dynamic element, allowing a space to transform throughout the day. At Zannier Bãi San Hô, we wanted the shadows to tell a story, to be a natural part of the guest experience, reflecting the rhythm of nature and the passage of time”.

“Across the broader Zannier Hotels brand, we revere the critical role that light and shadows play in biophilic design, which is central to our universal commitment to sustainability. By maximising natural light and using shadows to reduce heat and energy consumption, we create environments that are both ecologically responsible and deeply connected to nature. This approach minimises our reliance on artificial lighting and air conditioning, helping us reduce our environmental impact. Across all our properties, including Zannier Bãi San Hô, we aim to harmonise with the local environment, enhancing guest wellbeing while staying true to our sustainable values”.

A Dance of Light and Shadow: Illuminating the Soul of the Landscape
Throughout the property, light is used to create immersive, sensory moments. In the guest rooms, strategically placed low lighting and warm-toned lamps create a serene ambiance, casting gentle shadows that encourage relaxation and calm. As guests descend the spiral red clay staircase that leads to the spa's treatment rooms, they'll be mesmerised by the interplay of light and shadows dancing on the curved walls. The outdoor terraces are adorned with geometric wooden screens, casting intricate patterns across the stone floors as the sun filters through the canopy of trees, while in the evening, soft ambient lighting enhances the silhouettes of the surrounding landscape, giving the resort an ethereal glow.

These carefully orchestrated moments have earned Zannier Bãi San Hô international recognition for its innovative use of lighting. The resort was honoured with a 2023 LIT Lighting Design Award, acknowledging its ability to blend light and architecture seamlessly, transforming the guest experience through the beauty of shadows.

A Meditative Experience Through Light and Shadow
The interplay between light and shadow at Zannier Bãi San Hô transcends a design feature – it's an integral part of the resort's tranquil atmosphere. From the quiet mornings when the first light of day stretches across the villas and pavilions, to the golden hour when long shadows dance on the beach, the experience is both poetic and immersive.

The lighting design at Zannier Bãi San Hô embraces a philosophy of tranquillity and harmony, using soft, ambient lighting that effortlessly complements the natural surroundings. By seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor spaces, the lighting creates an enchanting atmosphere as day fades into night. This graceful transition from sunlight to the gentle glow of evening fosters an immersive sense of calm, allowing guests to reconnect with the serene beauty of the coastal moonlight and the soothing rhythms of nature.

By celebrating this balance between light and dark, the resort offers guests a serene and meditative space where they can feel connected to the natural world, while also experiencing the artistry of its architecture.

Arnaud Zannier adds: “At Zannier Bãi San Hô, we have created an ethereally eclectic environment where light and shadow interact in ways that imbue a profound sense of place. Every element is designed to connect guests to the landscape, allowing them to experience the rhythm of Vietnam's culture and nature in a deeply authentic way”.

For more insights into the architectural secrets behind Zannier Bãi San Hô, and how the resort celebrates both light and the artisanal traditions of Vietnam, explore further here: Architectural Secrets of Zannier Bãi San Hô.