Namia River Retreat, the only 5-star, all-pool villa resort in the heart of Hoi An, is scheduled to open at the end of this year. This luxurious retreat is nestled on an islet overlooking the Thu Bon River, just a short bicycle ride from Hoi An’s bustling central market and vibrant café scene.

A tranquil oasis to call home, Namia River Retreat offers unique experiences that blend luxury villa accommodations with traditional wellness therapies and cultural activities inspired by the rich heritage of Hoi An. Infused with charming local Vietnamese allure, the resort encourages guests to weave mindfulness into their daily routines. Designed to welcome all generations, Namia River Retreat promises to create lifelong memories for everyone.

Guests will enjoy exclusive access to the picturesque islet where 60 luxurious pool villas await. Each villa is inspired by the native Nipa palm forest, featuring an open-plan living room that seamlessly flows into an outdoor terrace with stunning views of the forest or the Thu Bon River. The spacious bedroom boasts a sunken bathtub overlooking the pool, and an en-suite bathroom with a refreshing shower.

The resort’s main attraction is its experiential salt-water swimming pool, offering 180-degree views of the Thu Bon River. Complete with a serene waterfall, jets, foot reflexology, a bio-pond with fish, and cozy lounge areas, this pool is a haven of relaxation. The poolside restaurant and bar offer a relaxed dining experience inspired by local fishermen, with fresh seafood and locally sourced herbs from nearby Cham Island. The mainland welcome lounge leads to Mia Dining, where the flavors of Hoi An come alive. Inspired by local arts and crafts, as well as the ancient trading port’s exotic spices and wares, Namia’s hyper-local culinary journey will offer guests a true taste of Vietnam with nourishing farm-to-table ingredients. Guests can also indulge in a riverboat dinner cruise, or browse the market display for locally sourced spices, artisanal coffee, and unique handicrafts to take home.

Guest well-being is at the heart of every stay at Namia River Retreat. All guests can enjoy a 90-minute well-being journey per person, per night, consisting of a 30-minute herbal hammam using locally sourced herbs, and a 60-minute traditional therapy, perfect for detoxifying and calming the mind and body.

“The spa and wellbeing journey has a distinct Vietnamese story and is inspired by Thuoc Nam (Southern Herbology). We’ve also incorporated a visit to our apothecary, Duong Sinh (a traditional Vietnamese morning movement practice) as well as Xông Hơi (a folk remedy steam prescription) and Dien Chan (oriental facial reflexology) into the guest experience,” says Michelle Ford, CEO of Lumina Wellbeing, the wellness and hotel operator of the resort. Guests are also invited to experience mindful rituals such as a silent meditation walk, a lantern lighting ceremony, or the wishing tree as part of their daily program.

For travelers seeking an immersive and authentic experience, many nostalgic adventures await. Namia River Retreat thoughtfully crafts daily mini-tours to connect people, cultures, and souls. From visits with traditional artisans to learn about their crafts and way of life, or daily bamboo bicycle trails in the Nipa Forest, to sundown river cruises, guests are encouraged to soak in the immense beauty of life in Hoi An.

Namia River Retreat integrates essential lifestyle practices into its operations, aligning systems, procedures, and team training to contribute to the local ecosystem and Hoi An community. The resort strives to lead the way for responsible tourism in the region, reducing its environmental footprint through localized sourcing, waste management programs, and community collaboration projects.

“My vision is to create a resort that reflects our cultural essence in a modern way. I’ve shared my stories and childhood memories in the village with the team, which are now infused into design details or cultural experiences. The name Nam-Mia is about passing on my legacy to my two sons - the next generation. To be proud of our culture of Vietnamese hospitality and that it can be amongst the best in the world,” says Nam, CEO of the owning company HG Holdings. “I can’t wait to share this with you!”

Stay tuned for the grand opening of Namia River Retreat, a new sanctuary of luxury and culture in the heart of Hoi An.