BackNear Me » Press Releases » Namia River Retreat: Hoi An’s Hidden Charm - A New Chapter Of Wellness Hospitality In Central Vietnam

Nestled on a secluded islet along the Thu Bon River, Namia River Retreat opened its doors in December 2024 as Hoi An’s first and only luxury resort offering all private pool villas. This wellness-inclusive resort introduces a new kind of travel to Vietnam’s central coast - one where every stay includes traditional Vietnamese therapies, daily wellness rituals, and riverside cultural immersions.

Rooted in the healing wisdom of Vietnamese herbology (Thuốc Nam), Namia reimagines wellbeing for the modern traveller, offering curated wellness pathways inspired by native botanicals, ancient rituals, and mindful hospitality. Guests are invited to slow down, reconnect with themselves and the land, and rediscover the art of deep rest.

VILLA LIFE BY THE RIVER

Each of the 60 pool villas is a private sanctuary, inspired by the native nipa palm forest. Designed with natural textures, indoor-outdoor living, and sunken bathtubs overlooking private pools, every villa echoes the serene rhythm of the river. From sunrise dips to moonlit soaks, Namia’s architecture gently blurs the line between nature and retreat.

The resort’s centrepiece, a 180-degree heated pool facing the Thu Bon River, features waterfall hydrotherapy, reflexology jets, and floating lounges. Nearby, Namia’s two restaurants - The Merchant and The Fisherman - showcase contemporary Vietnamese flavours, local seafood and sustainably sourced ingredients, paired with panoramic river views.

VIETNAMESE HERBOLOGY, REIMAGINED

Namia’s wellness-inclusive concept is designed for travellers at every stage of their wellbeing journey, whether in search of a moment of calm or a complete reset. The Lumina Spa and Wellbeing’s signature rituals draw from time-honoured Vietnamese traditions such as Xông Hơi (herbal steam therapy), moxa sticks, and the rare art of Diện Chẩn (Vietnamese facial reflexology developed by Professor Bùi Quốc Châu).

Every guest enjoys a complimentary 90-minute wellness journey per night of stay, which includes:

  • A stop at the in-house apothecary, where personalised herbal prescriptions are crafted in collaboration with traditional doctors and local healers
  • A 30-minute Vietnamese herbal hammam and Vichy shower, using fresh local botanicals
  • A 60-minute traditional treatment - your choice of cupping, acupressure, or Diện Chẩn facial reflexology

Guests may choose between two Wellness Pathways tailored to specific needs:

  • Deep Rest – for emotional calm, sleep support, and mindfulness
  • Body Balance – for pain relief, improved circulation, and physical restoration

MOMENTS TO REMEMBER

Namia encourages guests to move with the natural rhythm of the day. Awaken to a sunrise bicycle trail through the countryside, or join a Dưỡng Sinh (Vietnamese t’ai chi) movement session by the pool. Glide by paddle boat through Hoi An’s iconic nipa palm forests, unwind with sunset riverboat cocktails, and release a floating lantern in the evening Ritual of Lights.

Each day also includes mindful offerings such as yoga, meditation, and in-room evening rituals, such as a mugwort and cajeput bath soak or herbal tea ceremony to gently ease into rest.

A TASTE OF HOI AN

Helmed by Chef Thu Lê, a Hoi An native who carries the culinary wisdom of generations, Namia’s kitchens honour the land and its stories. Guests can savour plant-forward dishes crafted from seasonal, foraged herbs, take part in Vietnamese coffee workshops, or enjoy sustainable wines on the riverside terrace.

This summer, Namia will host special culinary and cultural events, including:

  • Namia Dinner Duets (June 2025) - Rooted in traditions, nourishing the future. 6-course menu paying homage to Hoi An dishes and inspired interpretations, blending culinary heritage with a sustainability-first approach.
  • Namia Mindful Living Fair (July 2025) - A vibrant celebration of conscious living, featuring wholesome food, local artisans, wellness, and community spirit. Guests are invited to discover a curated selection of artisan foods, natural self-care products, and eco-friendly home goods. The fair also offers a rich cultural experience with slow-living workshops, live music, traditional performances, and meaningful encounters with local producers and makers.

ROOTED IN PURPOSE

Namia’s commitment to wellness extends beyond its guest experience. With eco-conscious operations, local hiring practices, and deep-rooted community engagement, the luxury wellness-inclusive resort aims to redefine what it means to travel well, not just for oneself, but for the land and people too.

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