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| Namia River Retreat, Hoi An, Vietnam |
There's a newcomer to the prestigious luxury wellbeing sector and it's already making a great impression with its themes of cultural wellness and Vietnamese herbology. Namia River Retreat was introduced to a group of us in the glorious setting of the Sydney Botanic Gardens on a sparkling, if cool, sunny day. The harbourside gardens are large enough to almost lose yourself in but, as I remarked to a colleague, I really wouldn't mind that at all.
The Retreat's presentation was delivered by the travel industry's revered Donna Campbell and her description of the pools, the cuisine and Namia's proximity to heritage Hoi An already promised a very special experience. Then she mentioned the 90 minutes of wellbeing therapies and treatments included daily in the cost, and we were hooked.
The truly delicious Vietnamese lunch served in a crescendo of sharing plates at Botanic House, where the Asian cuisine is crafted by Ambassador Chef Luke Nguyen, forged further ties with the at-this-point intangible Namia. As in, I feel I know it even though it doesn't open until December 2024.
I've been fortunate to experience a selection of the world's great spas and wellbeing retreats in the course of magazine roles including that of Health & Beauty Editor, and as a travel writer. So I know how blissful it is to be pampered, revitalised and nourished in a setting where you can feel a sense of place, to retreat and not lose but find yourself.
Connecting with and embracing the local culture of Hoi An means that wellbeing really will meet sense of place at Namia River Retreat.
And I really wouldn't mind that at all.
Read about it here:
What they say:
"Namia River Retreat is a quintessential Hoi An experience not to be missed!! Thoughtfully crafted with out-of-the-ordinary cultural journeys and wellness-inclusive therapies inspired by Vietnamese herbology. This is truly a new way to explore this lantern-lit ancient town for those seeking a deeper connection to the people and culture. Return home to the luxurious comforts of a private pool villa, hyper-local Hoi An dining experiences, and stunning pools set amidst indigenous landscapes overlooking the Thu Bon river."
