Looking for a place where you can find peace and quiet, and perhaps yourself again? Newly opened in December 2024, we check into Namia River Retreat in Hoi An, Vietnam and discover a slice of heaven hardly anyone else has heard about… (for now)!
Where: Hoi An, Vietnam
What is it: Say ahoy to this brand new luxury wellness destination in Hoi An and treat yo’self at Namia River Retreat – a calm and quiet riverside retreat to nourish your wellbeing and find inner peace.

Location: From Danang airport, Namia River Retreat is a swift 45-minute car ride away before you are greeted by friendly “Xin Chao’s” by the beige linen-clad staff at reception. From the retreat itself, which is perched right on the Thu Bon River, you can easily cycle into Old Town within 10 minutes or reach it by foot in 30.
Rooms: The retreat’s 60 villas are split into Nipa Pool Villas and River Pool Villas – the latter of which face out towards the calm Thu Bon River (tip: the many tourists in the boats that float by can and will see you, so dress accordingly). Both have an open-plan bedroom with a sunken-in bathtub, ensuite bathroom and outdoor terrace with a giant private pool and two sun loungers.

For larger groups, there are the family-sized villas which have two bedrooms – a main and twin bedroom – along with a private terrace, outdoor dining area and pool with sun loungers.
Dining: With all-day brekkie and two restaurants on-site, you’re unlikely to go hungry at Namia River Retreat. Start your day at The Merchant behind the main reception area, where freshly-made banh mi, congee and steamy bowls of pho, alongside a colourful buffet of local sausages, breads and pastries, exotic fruits, yogurt, granolas, salads and cold cuts, await. Pair with a strong cuppa Vietnamese coffee and you’ve got the perfect buzzing start to the day.
Open for lunch or dinner exclusively for in-house guests, The Fisherman’s seafood-leaning menu is light and refreshing with dishes like tuna ceviche and grilled seabass with local veggies paired with your choice of juices, smoothies, kombucha, or mocktails.

The Merchant – which is also open to non-staying guests – serves authentic Vietnamese food inspired by the ancient trading port, such as farm-to-table Namia River Duck, Spatchcock Lemongrass Chicken and Claypot Braised Pork Belly. Don’t get us wrong, alcoholic options such as wine, beer and cocktails are also on the menu at Namia River Retreat should you choose to imbibe.
Spa & Wellness: All Namia River Retreat guests are entitled to a 90-min wellness journey per day at the Lumina Spa, which can include 30 minutes of hammam (scrub, wrap or facial exfoliation). With four signature treatments ranging from Vietnamese Massage to Cupping, Facial Reflexology and Acupressure Massage, each are an absolute treat performed by highly trained therapists with just the right amount of pressure.


Hammam scrubs are custom blended from fresh herbs and plants in the spa’s own apothecary, and the resting room with floor-to-ceiling windows facing the Thu Bon River is the perfect place to cool off before you move onto your next treatment. There’s even a sauna and outdoor cold plunge pool in the works, we’re told.
When you aren’t being pampered at the spa, daily scheduled activities include sunrise cycling tours, silent mindful walks, tai chi, yoga and breathwork, which can be booked with your host via Whatsapp or through reception. There is also a small but functional gym onsite for those who would like to get a more active workout.

Verdict: Whether you’re there for a silent, mindful retreat or using it as a tranquil base to explore the more bustling, lantern-filled streets of ancient Hoi An (or both!), Namia River Retreat is an ideal option where you can get the best of both worlds.
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