Tucked away in central Vietnam, Hoi An is a city that effortlessly blends history, culture, and natural beauty. Known globally for its beautifully preserved 17th and 18th-century architecture, it has also become a growing hub for wellness tourism. Amidst this charming backdrop, Namia River Retreat stands out as a rare gem a luxury wellness resort that feels deeply rooted in local traditions while offering modern comfort and serenity.

An idyllic swimming pool at Namia River Retreat, where nature meets luxury in a tranquil setting

A Unique Location Between Past and Present

Set on a quiet islet just a short boat ride from Hoi An’s UNESCO listed Ancient Town, Namia River Retreat offers the perfect balance between accessibility and escape. While you’re only minutes away from one of Vietnam’s most visited historic sites, the retreat itself feels like a peaceful world apart surrounded by waterways, rural scenery, and the gentle rhythm of life along the Thu Bon River.

Key Features	Details
Location	Private islet near Hoi An Ancient Town
Distance to Old Town	Approx. 10 minutes by boat
Surrounding Environment	Tranquil, rural, close to nature

A stunning view of Namia River Retreat in Hoi An during sunset, showcasing the main building with a lit balcony surrounded by lush greenery and outdoor tables under umbrellas. — As the day fades, Namia River Retreat glows with serene beauty, blending nature and luxury in perfect harmony.

A private hot tub with a thatched roof, surrounded by natural wooden posts, offering a serene view of lush palm trees in the background — A luxurious relaxation experience in a private hot tub that blends nature and comfort, featuring a simple yet elegant design for ultimate tranquility.

Architecture Inspired by Nature and Tradition

Rather than copying the ornate styles of Hoi An’s old town, the design team behind Namia River Retreat led by T3 Architects (Vietnam) and Kanopea Architecture Studio (France) drew inspiration from traditional rural Vietnamese villages. The focus was on sustainability, using locally sourced wood, stone, and bamboo, with minimal use of concrete.

The buildings are elevated on stilts, and natural materials like mangroves and bamboo sticks were used to stabilize the riverbanks. Even the lighting was thoughtfully designed to make the most of natural daylight, complemented by subtle biomimicry elements at night.

Design Elements	Details
Materials Used	Locally sourced timber, stone, bamboo
Architectural Inspiration	Rural Vietnamese homes
Sustainability Focus	Low environmental impact – natural cooling and lighting

A person wearing a traditional Vietnamese conical hat sits in a small wooden boat, gliding through a calm river surrounded by dense palm leaves, with a long bamboo bridge in the background — The serene beauty of Vietnam is captured in this tranquil scene, blending traditional boats, lush foliage, and bamboo bridges that evoke a sense of rural charm.

A luxurious living room with warm tones and modern design, featuring a black sofa adorned with red and dark red cushions, a small round table holding flowers and tea sets, and a large plant adding a touch of nature. — A serene interior view showcasing elegance in design, where warm red accents and contemporary furniture blend seamlessly for a luxurious relaxation experience.

Accommodation Designed for Privacy and Peace

The retreat features 60 private villas, each offering views of either the Thu Bon River , where fishermen still cast their nets daily, or a smaller canal lined with nipa palm trees.

River-facing villas have blue-toned interiors inspired by water.
Forest-facing villas offer earthy tones and a more grounded feel.

All villas come equipped with a kidney-shaped private pool, an outdoor shower, and a sunken bathtub blending comfort with a deep connection to nature.

Villa Type	View	Features
River Villas	Thu Bon River	Water-inspired decor – blue accents
Nipa Forest Villas	Small waterway with nipa palms	Earth tones – natural textures
Honeymoon Pool Villa	Furthest end of the resort	200 sqm outdoor space – private spa – jacuzzi

A restaurant interior featuring a vibrant wall mural of colorful fish, a white sofa with blue cushions, and round wooden tables that create a cozy atmosphere. — Innovative interior design in a restaurant that blends marine-inspired art with bold colors, creating a lively and inviting ambiance.

A luxurious living room blending traditional and modern styles, featuring a white sofa with red cushions, small round tables with intricate designs, and wooden furniture that adds warmth to the space. — An elegant interior design that seamlessly combines sophistication with contemporary comfort, highlighting traditional craftsmanship and warm wooden accents.

Taste of Vietnam in Every Bite

Dining at Namia River Retreat isn’t just about gourmet meals it’s a journey into the flavors of Central Vietnam. Two all-day dining venues offer guests a variety of culinary experiences:

The Merchant : Ideal for breakfast, offering fresh fruits, salads, and local specialties like duck pho and Cao Lau noodles alongside Western classics.
The Fisherman : Located by the pool, this seafood-focused restaurant serves freshly caught fish prepared to your liking.

All ingredients are locally sourced, supporting nearby farmers and fishermen.

Restaurant	Specialty	Atmosphere
The Merchant	Breakfast & Vietnamese fusion dishes	Indoor & outdoor seating
The Fisherman	Fresh seafood grilled or steamed	Poolside – casual vibe

A luxurious bedroom featuring a large canopy bed with white drapes, accented by dark red cushions for warmth, and wooden furniture that adds a cozy and relaxing atmosphere. — Elegant bedroom design that seamlessly blends sophistication with comfort, highlighting warm colors and wooden accents for a serene experience.

A spacious yoga room with natural lighting, featuring wooden flooring, red cushions for relaxation, and large glass windows overlooking lush greenery, complemented by a serene ceiling design. — A tranquil and inviting yoga space that combines minimalist design with calming elements, offering a serene view of the outdoors.

Wellness Rooted in Tradition

As a wellness-inclusive resort, every guest receives a complimentary 90-minute spa treatment per night . Treatments are based on traditional Vietnamese medicine and take place in a uniquely shaped standalone spa center. A resident herbalist prepares body wraps and scrubs daily using fresh, local herbs.

Popular treatments include:

Herbal steam baths
Vichy showers
Acupuncture and acupressure
Reflexology

Free wellness activities include yoga, tai chi, and meditation sessions. Guests also have access to saunas and cold plunge pools.

Service	Details
Daily Spa Treatment	90 minutes included per stay
Herbal Treatments	Freshly made daily
Free Activities	Yoga – Tai Chi – Meditation

A luxurious spa treatment room featuring comfortable reclining beds with white covers and wooden accents, overlooking a serene natural view of a lake or river, complemented by wooden wall art for a calming atmosphere. — A tranquil spa experience in an elegant treatment room that combines simplicity with relaxation, enhanced by a stunning natural view.

A wooden table on a deck set with an array of beautifully presented dishes, including a healthy breakfast featuring scrambled eggs, salad, tea, and small pastries, all arranged in an appealing and thoughtful manner — A delightful and colorful breakfast spread served on a wooden deck, showcasing fresh and wholesome meals presented with care and attention to detail.

Why Choose Namia River Retreat?

If you’re looking for a place that combines luxury with cultural depth, and tranquility with thoughtful design, Namia River Retreat is a standout choice. It’s more than just a hotel it’s an experience that connects you to the land, the people, and the traditions of Vietnam in a meaningful way.

Aerial view of a luxurious resort situated along a scenic river, featuring wooden walkways connecting buildings and shaded seating areas around a circular swimming pool, surrounded by lush greenery — A harmonious resort design that blends unique architecture with natural surroundings, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere.

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