We never miss the opportunity to visit Hoi An and Danang as they are two of our favorite destinations in Vietnam, while the fact that they are only 30 km apart makes them perfect for combining in one trip. From the picturesque streets and UNESCO heritage of Hoi An Old Town to the long, sandy coast of Danang, the region offers a combination of culture, cuisine and relaxation that never ceases to draw us in. During our recent trip, we were guests at two luxury wellness resorts, each offering their own approach to wellness that we embraced with open arms. Their locations were equally unique, with one located on the riverside in Hoi An and the other located on the seafront in Danang, making it the perfect combination of experience and destination.
Riverfront luxury at Namia River Retreat Namia River Retreat opened in 2024 and we were excited to finally have the opportunity to visit and experience their approach to integrated wellness, whilst enjoying their enviable riverside location, just a short walk from the lantern-lined streets of Hoi An.
The relaxing welcome lounge and welcoming staff created the perfect first impression, while our buggy ride through immaculate gardens to our stylish modern villa with river pool further increased our excitement. The villa was simply stunning and designed in a style that we really liked. We were confident that our home for the next few days was going to be memorable, making it difficult to venture much further than our luxury villa. During our stay, the expansive riverside infinity pool terrace was our favorite place to relax when we weren’t sleeping, eating or being guided through our Namia wellness journey.
Transformative wellness at Namia River Retreat Wellbeing is at the heart of Namia’s wellness journey and this became evident during our stay. Lumina Spa is where the magic happens and that magic begins in the tranquil welcome lounge which offers even more mesmerizing river views. Each day we were steamed, washed and washed in one of their herbal hammams for 30 minutes, before selecting a 60 minute traditional therapy from the extensive and impressive menu. All treatments and therapies have been inspired by Vietnamese herbal traditions, while respecting cultural healing practices passed down for many generations.
From observing our herbal scrubs prepared at the apothecary to the herbal teas we enjoyed at the end of each session, the attention to detail was of the highest standard. The consultants and therapists were attentive and thorough, which further enhanced our wellness journey and memorable experience at Lumina Spa. In addition to our delicious spa treatments and therapies, the jam-packed activity calendar offered wellness-focused classes including tai chi, mindful walking and yoga, while cultural experiences including Old Town bike tours, lantern lighting rituals and alternative offerings ensured we fully enjoyed our stay at Namia River Retreat.
Creative vegan options at Namia River Retreat Guests dining at Namia River Retreat can choose from two restaurants, The Merchant and The Fisherman, each of which offers separate menus and a different ambiance. We experienced both during our stay, having breakfast at Merchant each day with our lunches and dinners eaten at both locations. We’ve always been drawn to the flavors and fresh herbs that are omnipresent in Vietnamese cuisine, making it one of our favorites. Namia’s culinary team has managed to celebrate these familiar flavors while elevating them for a luxury resort environment.
As vegan travelers we are always grateful when there is a true understanding of plant-based dining and this was certainly the case in Namia. From vibrant and healthy green gazpachos to the seasonal garden platter with freshly baked herb flatbread and lotus seed hummus, and vegan versions of local dishes such as banh xeo and banh mi, we enjoyed the creative vegan options available at The Merchant and The Fisherman during our stay at Namia River Retreat.
Everything you need to plan your trip in 2026 Beachfront luxury at TIA Wellness Resort With its beachfront location on the spectacular Danang Coast, a selection of luxuriously appointed and stylish pool villas and its pioneering concept of inclusive wellness, it’s easy to see why the award-winning TIA Wellness Resort is considered one of the leading options for a luxury wellness experience.
Established as Fusion Maia in 2008, they introduced the first ever Inclusive Spa concept in Vietnam, which has been relaunched over the years under their own brand TIA, which continues to develop and expand its impressive integrated wellness offering. Being able to start each day with the golden sands beneath our feet and the invigorating ocean breeze preparing us for what lies ahead was one of the many highlights of our stay at TIA Wellness Resort, along with the innovative, comprehensive treatments and the nutritious and simply delicious plant-based cuisine.
Well-being included at TIA Wellness Resort The exclusive Wellness Inclusive concept at TIA Wellness Resort is carefully curated and delivered by a team of highly qualified therapists who will guide you throughout your wellness journey. The treatment rooms, yoga studios, surrounding gardens and thermal pool create a feeling of calm, preparing us for our multiple daily wellness sessions. We were able to select one therapy retreat and two wellness treatments each day of our stay, from the extensive menu offering everything from massages and manicures to facials and body scrubs. This allowed for a holistic approach to wellness that included therapies and spa treatments, as well as exquisite beauty treatments and pampering throughout our stay.
An additional daily program of activities, yoga and breathing classes was taught by truly caring instructors, which further enhanced our spa stay. Our wellness experience at TIA Wellness Resort was most certainly spa-centric, but the final piece of the “wellness puzzle” was the creative, nourishing and simply delicious plant-based cuisine which we enjoyed immensely.
Nourishing plant-based cuisine at TIA Wellness Resort The approach to healthy meals and plant-based cooking at TIA Wellness Resort was very impressive. Their decision to develop an incredible range of plant-based dishes created a perfect synergy between the spa and the dining room. Too often, the concept of well-being is not truly integrated into the culinary offering, but this is certainly not the case at TIA. Our “Inclusive Retreat” reservation included a thoughtful, creative and healthy plant-based meal plan. We were able to choose from vegan options on the a la carte breakfast menu in addition to the extensive selection offered at the vegan buffet. For lunch and dinner, we followed the plan which saw us enjoying three courses of plant-based delights for lunch and two courses of lighter fare for dinner to promote easy digestion and restful sleep.
Healthy and nutritionally balanced dishes were always at the forefront, while indulgent desserts such as raw cheesecake, chocolate and tofu mousse and salty peanut butter bars added that element of extravagance and excitement. For guests not following the plant-based meal plan, there was an excellent range of vegan dishes on all menus, making the vegan dining experience at TIA Wellness Resort simply sublime.
The approach to integrated wellness at these two luxury resorts on Vietnam’s central coast is truly impressive, with extensive and unique treatments, therapies and activities available at each. Their unique locations on the Hoi An River and Danang beachfront further enhance the overall experience, increasing the sense of peace and tranquility essential during a wellness retreat. With luxurious pool villas offering the perfect escape at the end of each day and creative, delicious and nourishing plant-based and vegan cuisine, our latest vegan luxury wellness trip was nothing short of sublime.
Paul Eyers Paul Eyers is co-founder of Vegan Food Quest which writes about luxury hotels and resorts in Southeast Asia with a focus on sustainable travel, eco travel and vegan travel. Currently based in Malaysia, Paul also writes about sporting events and some of the region’s finest golf courses.
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