Published on: 23 May 2023
Share with:

Ana Mandara Villas Dalat – A Story of Villas

Dalat is also famous for its beautiful historical buildings that become even more mesmerizing as time passes by, and one of which is Ana Mandara Villas Dalat Resort & Spa, renowned as the oldest villa in the city. Each and every of Ana Mandara’s villas has its own unique story, and if you are looking to add a historical site or two to your Dalat bucket list, you have come to the right spot! To help you embrace the uniqueness of the atmosphere in this timeless city, Ana Mandara is thrilled to introduce the stories that represent the history of our villas:

Villa 3 – The Botanists’ Villa

Such a name originated in the early 20th century, when amateur orchidologists and botanists from all over the world flocked over to research the potential of Lang Bian Plateau. The French settlers observed a uniquely mild climate in the tropical region of Dalat, which was highly suitable for the study of the local flora. Pioneer colonel Jean O’Neil volunteered to lead the expedition to Dalat, remaining one among the first to design the urban area here. 

Jean O’Neil wanted to find the perfect place to build a community residence and thus the Botanists’ Villa was born. The villa is also a tribute to the botanists of Dalat city, who have spent their whole lives researching and developing unique plants in this land.

Villa 5 – The Photographers’ Villa

The peaceful and poetic city of eternal spring is also a source of endless inspiration for artists and photographers. The Photographers’ Villa was built in the 1920s, amidst the rise of postcard art, and it has perfectly preserved its initial charm since then. Inspired by Southeast French architecture, the Photographers’ Villa has gone into history as an exceptionally valuable heritage building in Dalat

Villa 9 – Military Guests’ Villa

In the early 20th century, Dalat was the only city that was not wrecked by the continuous colonial conflicts surrounding the entirety of Vietnam, as it was the place where multiple French military officers came for a holiday. Having fallen in love with this charming city, Colonel Jean O’Neil decided to construct Le Petit Restaurant, also known as Military Guests’ Villa, to welcome his guests from the military. Today, at Ana Mandara, the villa houses an extensive collection of wines from around the world.

Villa 11 – The Traders’ Villa

The early 19th century in Indochina was a time of exploration and development, with the French playing an important role in many businesses and skilled trades. As the foreign trade market continued to thrive, a series of villas and houses were built in Dalat, including the Trader’s Villa. In the modern days, the villa serves as a historical witness to the French influence in the commercial movement of Vietnam in the 19th century.

Villa 13 – The Architects’ Villa

By the end of the 19th century, Swiss-French physician Alexandre Yersin discovered the picturesque plateau region of Dalat, with its beautiful waterfalls, lakes, and rivers that were peacefully surrounded by the pine forests. With this discovery, the delicate French architecture was also introduced to Vietnam through construction works, such as houses, train stations, and office buildings.

The Architects’ Villa was among the very first villas built by the French settlers, also known as one that symbolizes the elegant beauty of 19th-century French architecture.

To Conclude

A stroll around these historical buildings that are the features of Ana Mandara Villas Dalat Resort & Spa will open a door to a historical era that has long passed. For the upcoming holiday, come to Ana Mandara to enjoy a wonderful stay at the classic French villas, and to learn more about the stories behind them!