We’ll take any excuse for a romantic getaway in the lantern-lit ancient town of Hoi An. Central Vietnam’s most romantic destination is about to get a little more luxe with Namia River Retreat opening an upscale ‘cultural wellness resort’ overlooking the Thu Bon River at the end of 2024.
Nestled on the Cồn Ba Xã Islet, Namia River Retreat will be the only five-star, 100% pool-villa resort in the heart of Hoi An, just a short bicycle ride from the lively central market and vibrant café scene. The resort will open new ways to explore and connect with the historic town, combining a luxury stay with traditional wellness therapies, locally inspired dining experiences, and authentic cultural activities.
Villa life by the Thu Bon River
Each villa will feature an open-plan living room that flows to an outdoor terrace with stunning forest or river views. The spacious bedroom will boast a sunken bathtub overlooking that all-important private pool as well as an ensuite bathroom.
The resort’s pièce de résistance is the main experiential saltwater swimming pool that offers 180-degree river views, a serene waterfall, jets, foot reflexology, a bio-pond with fish, and cosy lounge areas. Take us there!
A poolside restaurant and bar will offer relaxed all-day dining inspired by local fishermen, with fresh seafood and locally sourced herbs from nearby Cham Island.
A culinary journey through Hoi An
At Mia Dining, the flavours of Hoi An will come alive with a hyper-local culinary journey. Inspired by the local arts and crafts, as well as the ancient trading port’s exotic spices and wares, Namia will offer guests a true taste of Vietnam with nourishing farm-to-table ingredients. Guests can also indulge in a riverboat dinner cruise or browse the market display for spices, artisanal coffee, and unique handicrafts.
Herbology rituals for wellbeing
Now this is an absolute treat — all guests can enjoy a 90-minute wellbeing journey (per person, per night) comprising a 30-minute herbal hammam using locally sourced herbs followed by a 60-minute traditional therapy.
“The spa and wellbeing journey has a distinct Vietnamese story and is inspired by Thuoc Nam (Southern Herbology),” says Michelle Ford, CEO of Lumina Wellbeing, the resort’s wellness and hotel operator. “We’ve also incorporated a visit to our apothecary, Duong Sinh (a traditional Vietnamese morning movement practice) as well as Xông Hơi (a folk remedy steam prescription) and Dien Chan (oriental facial reflexology) into the guest experience”.
Guests are also invited to experience mindful rituals such as a silent meditation walk, a lantern lighting ceremony, or the wishing tree as part of their daily program.
Cultural connections
For couples looking to deepen their experience here, the resort will offer complimentary cultural excursions. From visits with traditional artisans to bamboo bicycle trails in the Nipa Forest to sundown river cruises, guests are encouraged to immerse in local life. Aligned with this is Namia’s pledge to “lead the way for responsible tourism in the region” through eco initiatives, localised sourcing, waste management programs, and community collaboration.
Find out more and start planning your trip to Vietnam at namiariverretreat.com
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