Namia River Retreat, a new five-star riverside wellness resort and spa, is set to debut in the heart of Hoi An, Vietnam, in December 2024.

The 60-key destination, nestled on an islet overlooking the Thu Bon River, is set to offer a wellness-infused customer journey from start to finish.

The retreat’s healing concept will centre around Vietnamese herbology known as Thuoc Nam, plant-based nutrition, signature therapies and movement practices.

"The spa and wellbeing journey has a distinct Vietnamese story and is inspired by Thuoc Nam (Southern Herbology)," said Michelle Ford, CEO of Lumina Wellbeing, the resort’s wellness and hotel operator.

Ford also oversees Luminary Wellness, the spa and wellness consultancy which has overseen the project from concept creation to project execution.

"As part of this, we’ve incorporated Duong Sinh (a traditional Vietnamese morning movement practice), a visit to our apothecary, Xông Hơi (a folk remedy steam prescription) and Dien Chan (oriental facial reflexology) into the guest experience."

Namia’s Lumina Spa will feature two traditional apothecaries, eight herbal steamrooms, a river-view terrace with a sauna and cold plunge, two relaxation lounges, a retail boutique, and a movement studio for yoga and fitness.

Treatments will be conducted in one of Namia's six double and four single treatment rooms.

As part of room rates, guests will enjoy a daily 90-minute Wellbeing Journey every evening. This will consist of a 30-minute herbal hammam experience using locally sourced herbs and a 60-minute traditional therapy.

They’ll also invited to participate in mindful rituals such as a silent meditation walk or a lantern lighting ceremony as part of their daily programme.

The resort’s centrepiece will be an experiential saltwater swimming pool with 180-degree views over the Thu Bon River, complete with a serene waterfall, jets, foot reflexology, a bio pond with fish and cosy lounge areas.

Accommodation

The resort, designed to welcome all generations, features pool villas inspired by the native Nipa palm forest. Each villa includes an open-plan living room that seamlessly flows into an outdoor terrace with forest or river views. Spacious bedrooms offer a sunken bathtub overlooking the pool and an en-suite bathroom with a refreshing shower.

Property owner HG Holdings has tapped Saigon-based T3 Architects to be lead project architect, due to its expertise in sustainability.

Additional amenities will inclue a poolside restaurant and bar providing an all-day relaxed dining experience inspired by local fishermen, featuring fresh seafood and locally sourced herbs.

For travellers seeking a more immersive and authentic experience, Namia River Retreat offers daily mini-tours that connect people, cultures and souls.

"My vision is to create a resort that reflects our cultural essence in a modern way," says Nam Tran Thanh, CEO of HG Holdings.

"I've shared my stories and childhood memories from the village with the team, which are now infused into design details and cultural experiences. The name Namia represents passing on my legacy to my two sons, the next generation."

Namia will integrate essential lifestyle practices into its operations, aligning systems, procedures and team training to contribute to the local ecosystem and Hoi An community.

The resort team aims to lead the way in responsible tourism by reducing its environmental footprint through localised sourcing, waste management programmes and community collaboration projects.