A luxurious riverside wellness retreat is opening in Hoi An

The 60-villa resort will have a strong focus on cultural immersion and Vietnamese wellness practices when it opens on 15 December 2024

New five-star villa resort Namia River Retreat will open on a serene islet along the Thu Bon River this December. Positioned within a short bicycle ride from the UNESCO-listed town of Hoi An, the resort will offer a blend of modern comforts and deep-rooted cultural experiences, all within a lush waterfront setting.

The resort boasts 60 spacious villas, each with its own private pool and large terraces with scenic views of either the river or the forest. The villas’ design draws inspiration from the surrounding Nipa palm forest and are thoughtfully crafted with open-plan living spaces that blend harmoniously with the natural environment.

Namia River Retreat will place a strong emphasis on wellness and cultural immersion. Every stay includes a daily 90-minute well-being experience inclusive of a 30-minute herbal steam session followed by a 60-minute traditional therapy. The resort also has an on-site apothecary, where guests can explore ancient healing practices such as Duong Sinh – a morning movement exercise, Xong Hoi – a traditional steam treatment, and Dien Chan – a Vietnamese form of facial reflexology. The wellness offerings aim to provide guests with a comprehensive, holistic approach to relaxation and rejuvenation.

Guests of Namia River Retreat will be encouraged to immerse themselves in the local culture through a range of unique experiences such as bamboo bicycle rides through the Nipa Forest, guided visits to meet local artisans, sunset river cruises and visits to the bustling town of Hoi An.

Namia River Retreat will offer two restaurants: Nam Eatery, with its all-day menu inspired by Hoi An’s fishing culture, and Mia Dining, which will serve up traditional Vietnamese dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. For an added layer of luxury, a riverboat dinner cruise will be available, allowing guests to enjoy a meal with the scenic backdrop of the Thu Bon River. The resort will also have a market display where guests can explore and purchase local spices, artisanal coffee and handcrafted goods sourced from the surrounding region.

Sustainability is also key aspect of Namia River Retreat’s operations. The resort is committed to minimising its environmental impact through the integration of responsible tourism practices, ensuring that guests can enjoy the natural beauty of the region while supporting its preservation.

The starting rate for a stay at Namia River Retreat is USD$700 per night. This includes a luxurious pool villa, all-day breakfast, a complimentary minibar (excluding alcohol), daily wellness treatments and various cultural experiences, such as the bamboo bicycle ride and sunset river cruise.

Guests are also invited to participate in a personalised ‘Meet a Local’ experience, where they can connect with Hoi An’s residents either through an app or in person, crafting their own stories of interaction and exploration. Namia River Retreat’s official grand opening celebrations are scheduled for 19 February 2025, with bookings open from 15 December 2024.

namiariverretreat.com