HOI AN, VIETNAM, OCTOBER 2024: Nestled on the Cồn Ba Xã Islet in Hoi An, Namia River Retreat is thoughtfully crafted with genuine cultural journeys and wellness-inclusive therapies inspired by Vietnamese herbology. With 100% private pool villas, locally inspired dining experiences and stunning pools with Thu Bon River views, the resort opens new ways to explore and connect with the lantern-lit ancient town of Hoi An. The wellness lifestyle philosophy is woven throughout the resort, offering accessible options for everyone—whether you’re just starting your wellness journey or looking for a deeper immersion.
WELLNESS-INCLUSIVE JOURNEYS
The wellbeing of guests is at the heart of every stay at the Namia River Retreat. All resort guests can enjoy an inclusive 90-minute well-being journey per person, per night consisting of:
- Herbal remedy prescription in the apothecary
- 30-minute herbal hammam using locally sourced herbs
- 60-minute traditional therapy
CULTURAL WELLBEING
The spa and wellbeing concept has a distinct Vietnamese story and is inspired by Thuốc Nam (Southern Herbology). This traditional practice in Vietnam relies entirely on native ingredients, used in their fresh state or simply dried. These healing folk remedies have been passed down from generation to generation and infused throughout the spa experience.
Start your day with the morning Dưỡng Sinh at the poolside. This is an indigenous breathing and yoga exercise similar to Tai Chi, popularised in Vietnam by the historian Nguyễn Khắc Viện.
The herbal hammam experience is inspired by the Vietnamese herbal steam therapy Xông Hơi and the herbs used are found in the southern folk steaming remedies. Namia River Retreat has worked closely with a local herbal doctor to develop exclusive hammam herbal prescriptions.
All therapies have been selected and thoughtfully designed to help guests restore balance using an authentic Vietnamese touch. In collaboration with traditional practitioners, healing masters and Vietnamese schools, the resort has curated an inspired menu to showcase the power of these local treatments.
As a highlight, the signature treatment of Namia is the Diện Chẩn, an oriental facial reflexology technique based on the oriental philosophy developed by Professor Bùi Quốc Châu, a Vietnamese acupuncturist during the 1980s. Using custom tools, pressure is applied to points to balance yin and yang in the body and activate energy flow and healing support. In addition, other therapies such as Vietnamese massage, cupping, moxi combustion, and acupressure are also available.
“Our hope is to support Vietnamese Southern Herbology and Vietnamese Traditional Medicine to garner the same international recognition and trust in the therapeutic benefits, as with Indian, Chinese, Thai or Balinese therapies," says Michelle Ford, General Manager at the resort and founder of Lumina Wellbeing, the hotel and spa operator driving the project’s vision.
PRESCRIPTIVE WELLNESS PATHWAYS
The spa and wellness program has been designed to support a deeper level of relaxation to de-stress the body and ease the mind. There are 2 distinct pathways to enjoy under the complimentary wellness-inclusive offer, tailored to your self-assessment or preferred goals during your stay:
Deep Rest Pathway: unwinding the mind and ideal for stress relief, sleep improvement, mood boosting, and mindfulness
Body Balance Pathway: easing body tension including pain relief, reducing inflammation, and improving circulation
“As breakfast is included in your stay to enjoy on your holiday, we believe these 90 minutes of self-care for your body and mind daily are equally essential. Since it’s included, we’ve taken away the guilt factor. This inspires our wellness-inclusive movement that we believe will be a standard expectation in the future", says Emilie Chanon, Wellness Development Director of Lumina Wellbeing, who has also previously been recognised as Global Spa Leader of the Year in the World Spa & Wellness Awards.
Should guests wish to opt for an all-inclusive wellness retreat, the Ritual for Release retreat prioritises detoxing the body with food, and emotional easing with energy healing, while boosting vital energy with activating yoga and meditation practices, all under the guidance of a personal Vietnamese wellness practitioner.
MINDFUL MOMENTS & RITUALS
Wellbeing rituals are offered throughout the day, beginning with morning movement practices and a variety of yoga and meditation classes. To conclude your day, enjoy in-room rituals like a mugwort and cajeput bath soak.
The resort encourages guests to slow down.The team practices a mindful approach daily, inviting guests to engage in various offerings. Mindful moments include a silent walking meditation inspired by Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh.
