Vietnam’s top resort breeding world-class butlers
A generation ago, Americans called their Viet Cong adversaries Charlie or Mr Charles when they really wanted to show some respect for the tenacity of their foes.
Today, you can call his progeny James, or Jeeves. Take your pick.
On the sands of one of Vietnam’s most glorious beaches, the country’s premier resort, The Nam Hai, is establishing itself as a breeding ground for butlers, with one of the world’s foremost authorities on the craft leading the charge.
Earlier this year, representatives of the Guild of Professional English Butlers spent three weeks at The Nam Hai, educating the resort’s team of current butlers and other interested staff, from front-office personnel to landscaping attendants, in the ways of first-class stewardship.
'Our goal has always been to set new hospitality standards not just in Vietnam, but also in Asia,' said general manager John Blanco. 'Getting the Guild here, an organisation that’s been involved in the set up of butler departments at five-star hotels from Central Vietnam to South Beach, is testament to that.'
The London school also struck a deal with resort management to return annually.