Shades, Mui Ne’s writer’s retreat

Overlooking the beach near some of Mui Ne’s most famous clubs, restaurants and kitesurfing schools, Shades boutique resort has eight beautifully appointed self contained apartments that all are ideal for writing. Each apartment has a computer with internet access that doubles as a large flat screen for watching the library of DVDs available free at reception. There’s also WIFI for your laptop and a fully equipped kitchen so you don’t have to go out if the juices are flowing. The rest is all opulent comfort tastefully designed by a New Zealand engineer and the prices are easily within range for any scribe who has done with the poor starving artist routine.

The outdoor area is also good, not too busy, beautiful light (and shade), tables and chairs and sunlounges, ocean views, an inviting pool in the sun and a tropical bar to ward off writer’s block. The small resort’s friendly managers (more Kiwis, Vaughan and Sharon) will make sure you are being taken care of, while the staff are attentive but not invasive. Vaughan is also an excellent golfer so if you feel like a leg-stretch while in Mui Ne on some of Vietnam’s best fairways be sure to ask.

The ocean plays the starring role at Shades, the blue horizon and sound of the waves the only distraction. Breakfast by the beachfront is included in the price and is another feature that will leave an impression. Lightly scrambled eggs, toast, muesli, fresh fruit salads and yogurts are a reminder of the best home can offer, comfort food for the perplexing business of unscrambling words. The Shades management also boasts to have the best coffee in Mui Ne – a prerequisite for sane creativity or you can make your own in your room and bunker down at the desk. Whatever your subject matter, Shades provides a quiet alcove a few meters away from Vietnam’s mad pace for a creative headspace.