MICHELLE FORD, GENERAL MANAGER OF NAMIA RIVER RETREAT AND FOUNDER OF LUMINA WELLBEING
A POSTCARD FROM HOI AN: MICHELLE FORD OF NAMIA RIVER RETREAT
Greetings from the beautiful Hoi An! As we prepare for the grand opening of the Namia River Retreat, I wanted to share a bit about the inspiration behind our new luxury wellness destination. Our guiding philosophy here is to create a sanctuary where guests can immerse themselves in the rich culture of Hoi An while enjoying deep relaxation through wellness journeys rooted in Vietnamese herbology. We aim to offer a unique way to experience Hoi An by uncovering its hidden gems and fostering meaningful connections with its people and culture.
Hoi An is often seen as a quieter alternative to more bustling wellness destinations like Ubud. What makes Hoi An truly special is its harmonious blend of rich cultural heritage and serene countryside landscapes, combined with its beautiful beaches. It’s a place where you can slow down, find a mindful pace of life, and enjoy the preserved ancient architecture that reflects Vietnamese, Japanese, Chinese, and French influences. This tranquil backdrop, along with the vibrant fishing town scenes and the peaceful Thu Bon River, distinguishes Hoi An from other wellness hotspots.
Namia River Retreat will contribute to Hoi An’s vibrant food scene by drawing inspiration from the town’s fishing heritage and historic trading past. We focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and authentic flavours. Our dining venues, Mia Merchant and Nam Eatery, offer a mix of traditional Vietnamese cuisine and seafood, creating a rich culinary experience that reflects the essence of Hoi An. For those exploring Hoi An, I recommend sampling the local street food and visiting renowned establishments like Tok Restaurant, Mua Dining, and Mango Rooms for a taste of both traditional and inspired Vietnamese dishes.
With the recent Michelin recognition in Da Nang, Central Vietnam’s culinary landscape is gaining global attention. At Namia, we are excited to showcase authentic flavours through our dining experiences, led by our talented Executive Chef, Ms. Ly. We are proud to contribute to the growing recognition of local Hoi An cuisine with our “Food to Nourish” concept, which integrates wellness and mindfulness with food.
Our wellness offerings at Namia are truly unique. We integrate well-being as a natural part of the guest experience, with daily wellness journeys included in the room rate. Our spa treatments are inspired by Vietnamese herbology and traditional wellness practices, providing a deep cultural and therapeutic experience. The philosophy of “Life as a River” guides our mindfulness practices, helping guests find balance and restore their natural rhythm.
Hoi An’s unique duality of history and modernity is delicately balanced at Namia River Retreat. From the design inspired by the local river life and traditional crafts to rituals that honour Vietnamese heritage, every aspect of our retreat reflects this harmony. We hope to bring authentic Vietnamese hospitality to a global stage, combining tradition with modern luxury to create a truly special experience for our guests.
Hoi An is a compelling choice for discerning travellers seeking an immersive experience. Beyond the retreat, I recommend exploring the ancient town’s architecture, visiting local markets, and engaging with local artisans. There’s so much to discover here, from the bamboo bicycle trails to traditional healer meet and greets. Each experience provides a deeper understanding of the region’s essence.
As Hoi An continues to evolve, we’re excited to see the future of its tourism and wellness sectors. We’re observing trends like personalised wellness services and eco-friendly practices, and we aim to adapt and lead in these areas. We hope to highlight the mindfulness practices brought to the world by zen-master Thich Nhat Hanh, as they resonate deeply with our wellness philosophy.
If I could capture the spirit of Hoi An in a single postcard, it would be an image of lanterns glowing softly over the Thu Bon River at dusk, with the ancient streets of Hoi An in the background. The message would read: “Hoi An— the city of lights. Discover a timeless escape where every moment illuminates a story untold.”
We can’t wait to share the Namia Stories with you!
With warm regards,
Michele
A POSTCARD FROM HOI AN: MICHELLE FORD OF NAMIA RIVER RETREAT
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