Some places are destined to be special. Like when you’re set in a remote part of Vietnam among the lush jungle, with a picturesque river that runs through it – it’s like you are meant to be exceptional. This is a wellness retreat to put on the radar this year.
Location
Namia River Retreat marks its one-year anniversary this month in the small merchant town of Hoi An. The private, villa-style hotel sits between the Thu Bon River and a nipa palm forest. The location immediately sets the tone for a nature-inspired stay. The owners collaborated to create a space rooted in wellness and local culture. Each bring their own expertise to the project. Mr. Tran Thanh Nam, CEO of HG Holdings and Bhaya Cruises, grew up in the village, bringing deep local insight to the project. Co‑owner Michelle Ford oversees the management of Luminara Spa, one of six wellness properties across Vietnam for which she has curated spa journeys.
Accommodation
The property categorizes its 60 villas by view. All villas are private and include a pool. Some face the river, while others overlook the lush foliage of the surrounding forest. Each villa features an indoor and outdoor shower, along with a sunken bathtub. Because — is it really a wellness retreat without at least three bathing options? The bathtubs are positioned beside sliding glass doors that open onto the terrace, creating an open-air bathing experience. If you’re lucky enough to score a river-view villa, you can watch traditional thuyen thung (basket boats) drift by in your temporary backyard.
Couples seeking a more romantic experience can opt for the Honeymoon Pool Villa. This accommodation brings the retreat’s communal amenities directly to you. A sauna, pool, Jacuzzi, and dining sala mean there’s little reason to leave the bedroom. No sock on the doorknob required here; the four-poster bed comes with curtains.
Dining
The Merchant serves as the all-day dining venue, offering Vietnamese specialties such as freshly roasted, farm-to-table duck, alongside a market display of locally sourced spices, coffee, and custom handicrafts that nod to the port village’s history. Another option is The Fisherman, where poolside barbecues feature yakitori grills, sushi boats, a Japanese raw bar, and fresh Hoi An seafood straight from the ocean.
Luminara Spa
Guests choose a wellness program during their stay. For visits under three nights, recommended options include Deep Rest and Body Balance. Longer stays begin with a health assessment, after which wellness guides tailor a personalized program. Regardless of your choice, each day includes 90 minutes of complimentary wellness. Your experience begins in the herbal apothecary, followed by 30 minutes in either a private herbal hammam or the communal cold plunge and sauna.
From there, you’ll receive a 60-minute Vietnamese therapy session, such as a Herbal Poultice treatment. Practitioners press warm bundles of medicinal herbs into the skin to restore balance. Additional facilities include herbal steam rooms, indoor movement studios, meditation salas, and wellness therapy spaces. For an evening ritual, guests can request a thuoc nam herbal bath soak in their villa tub, reclining among dried flowers, while sipping chrysanthemum and lotus tea.
Other Experiences
Hotel staff can help arrange excursions ranging from local cultural visits to sunset river cruises. Guests can also borrow complimentary bamboo bikes to explore the countryside or try navigating a thuyen thung basket boat themselves.
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FAQs
Q: What should I bring to prepare for a wellness experience at the spa?
A: The spa asks you to have completed your holistic assessment, stay hydrated, and arrive wearing the bathrobe and disposable underwear provided in your room.
Q: What are The Merchant’s hours of operation?
A: The restaurant is open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Q: Can I add additional treatments to my experience beyond the complimentary offerings?
A: Yes. Additional treatments are available to enhance your spa journey for an added cost and must be pre-booked.
