🌿 Introduction – Le Lai Resort (Ana Mandara Villas Dalat)
Nestled on Le Lai Street, Ward 5, Da Lat City, Ana Mandara Villas Dalat Resort & Spa (also known as Le Lai Resort) is one of the most charming heritage resorts in the LangBiang Highlands, showcasing well-preserved French colonial architecture and timeless elegance. Surrounded by lush pine forests, blessed with cool weather all year round, and embraced by poetic natural scenery, this is the perfect destination to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and return to peace and nostalgia.
🏰 Architectural Highlights
1. French Heritage & Historical Villas
The resort features 17 French-style villas built between the 1920s and 1930s, all of which have been carefully restored to their original beauty. Each villa carries its own story and architectural personality, reflecting the lifestyle of the French community in Da Lat during the colonial era.
2. Architectural Elements & Materials
The villas are adorned with traditional fish-scale tiled roofs, arched windows and large glass panels to welcome sunlight and fresh air, spacious corridors, and verandas that blend harmoniously with nature.
Many original interior details have been preserved: wooden floors, fireplaces, vintage light switches, ceiling fans, wooden framed windows, and decorative elements—all contributing to an atmosphere that is both nostalgic and elegant.
The architectural style is influenced by various European designs, including French Colonial, with subtle Art Deco elements and touches of Norman, Provence, and Savoie styles.
The villa walls are built from natural stone, creating a sense of solidity, rustic charm, and excellent thermal insulation—warm in winter and cool in summer. The raw stone is skillfully crafted to express both the structural durability of the villas and their timeless aesthetic, setting them apart from modern constructions. This stone architecture, typical of French villas of the time, gives each building a unique warmth and character.
🪨 Stone Pathways – A Mark of Time
One of the most distinctive features of Ana Mandara is its network of stone-paved pathways. These small, winding paths curve gracefully around the pine-covered hills, paved with natural stone in the traditional European style, connecting the historic villas together. As you walk along the mossy stone paths, you may feel as though you are strolling through a quaint village in the south of France, surrounded by Da Lat’s peaceful, pine-scented air.
3. A Dialogue Between Architecture & Nature
The resort is situated on a pine-covered hill, with villas thoughtfully positioned to maximize natural light, fresh air, and scenic views.
Beyond the towering pine trees, the villas are surrounded by persimmon gardens, which bear fruit in the last quarter of each year. As the fruit ripens, the landscape comes alive with shades of yellow, orange, and red, creating a picturesque and poetic setting.
Corridors, verandas, and wide windows open out to the forest, while some rooms feature 270-degree balconies, offering sweeping panoramic views and a refreshing atmosphere.
🌸 Architectural Value & Guest Experience
-
🏛 Cultural and Historical Value
Ana Mandara is not just a resort; it is a living witness to the French architectural heritage in Da Lat, preserving traces of the colonial lifestyle and design philosophy of the early 20th century. -
🕰 A Journey Back in Time
By preserving the original structure, interiors, and atmosphere, the resort allows guests to experience the refined, nostalgic elegance of a bygone era. -
🧭 Harmony of Heritage and Modern Comfort
While maintaining its timeless French charm, the resort is equipped with modern amenities such as a spa, restaurant, meeting rooms, and event spaces, ensuring a luxurious and comfortable stay. -
🌿 Sustainable Architecture
Ana Mandara Villas Dalat received the Tropical Building Award for its eco-friendly design, which takes advantage of natural light and ventilation, and uses energy and water efficiently—demonstrating a thoughtful blend of heritage and sustainability.
