Healthy Holidays in Vietnam

November 03, 2020 | 13:55

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Vietnam’s hospitality sector is focusing on the development of high-class wellness offers to cater to those who yearn for some much-needed relaxation and retreat.

The potential of the domestic wellness market has recently become apparent as many leading brand names such as BRG, Vingroup, Sun Group, CEO Group, and MIK Group are all joining this segment and investing in a series of luxury resort projects.

According to Ha Van Sieu, deputy director of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, large international and Vietnamese tourism enterprises are implementing many new products.

“However, wellness tourism is still quite new in the country, so it has not been exploited to match the existing potential. Moreover, the lack of legal and other standards, as well as professionally trained human resources, are challenges that need to be overcome,” Sieu said.

Nguyen Ngoc Bich, general manager of Crystal Holidays Travel shared, “Currently, tourism businesses are focusing on research and implementation of new products that put safety, health, and privacy of customers first, and offer meditation and yoga. They offer mineral onsen baths, among many more services, which promise to bring visitors memorable vacations filled with deep emotions.”

According to Savills Vietnam, the increase in the number of high-end hotels and resorts contributes to bringing the Vietnam hospitality sector on a par with those of developed countries in the region, and is an advantage for developing wellness spaces that fit high-spending tourists.

In addition, the latest survey from Nielsen Vietnam shows that 49 per cent of Vietnamese consumers indicated health as their top concern in the first quarter of 2020, up 4 per cent compared to the last quarter of 2019.

“This is a positive trend for investment in resort tourism, as wellness tourism spending brings in 51 per cent more than typical tours and offers,” said Mauro Gasparotti, director of Savills Hotels Asia Pacific.

Gasparotti also stressed that wellness tourism was growing 50 per cent faster than total global tourism rates. Meanwhile, the average annual growth rate of the wellness tourism arrivals in the last few years in Vietnam was 23 per cent.

However, to build up a perfect health and wellness tourism market, according to Gasparotti, Vietnam needs to focus on developing healthcare services and establish a master plan with incentives and practical policies to diversify tourism products to fit the targeted audience.

Brice Borin-General manager Mövenpick Resort Cam Ranh

Like in other countries all over the world, the pandemic has had a significant negative impact on both physical and mental health. It creates stress, uncertainty, and anxiety. Thus, people need a recovery plan which helps to rebuild mind and body.

Thanks to the government’s proactive strategy, Vietnam has been at the forefront of the battle against the coronavirus and has emerged from the crisis remarkably as one of the safest destinations in Asia.

This stimulates domestic tourism demand and has a positive impact on Vietnam’s economy which has slowly started rising again, especially in hospitality and wellness tourism.

With all those hopes, Vietnam will be a particularly popular destination for wellness tourism and the future is very positive for the whole country. Wellness is a big part of the global and regional economy, highlighting its potential role in post-pandemic recovery efforts. It emphasises the importance of a lifespan approach to wellness to safeguard long-term mental and physical health.

There is a plus for a country like Vietnam that is establishing itself as one of Southeast Asia’s top tourist destinations due to cultural authenticity, overwhelming nature, and convenient accessibility. All of that makes Vietnam as a holiday destination which could be very special and a fantastic experience.

At Mövenpick Resort Cam Ranh, featuring 1,100 square metres of stylishly designed double and single spa villas, Serenity Spa is one of the largest wellness and spa areas along Bai Dai beach.

Guests can be pampered in the private areas of the Himalayan salt sauna, aromatherapy steam room, Swiss shower, vitality pool, and relaxation services. Our talented spa therapists will perform gentle and replenishing therapies carefully designed for spa retreat programmes.

Phan Huu Duc-Sales & Marketing director Hospitality Division, Sovico Group

Wellness tourism aims to promote personal health and improve quality of life. In 2013, wellness tourism was developed in 63 countries, and more than 100 countries joined the segment over the next five years.

With a diverse nature, Vietnam has all the potential for a strong growth of the local wellness tourism industry. According to travel website Wego, Hanoi and Hoi An, which are full of potential for this service, recently entered the top 10 best destinations in Asia.

Recently, Canadian news site Postmedia said that Danang and Nha Trang are the two best healthcare destinations in Vietnam, and these cities on the central coast of Vietnam are poised to become the next major healthcare destinations in Asia.

Therefore, I think with the advantages in landscape, nature, local culture, and the increasing demand for wellness treatments, Vietnam could definitely take these chances for further development and become a top destination not only in Asia but worldwide.

Vietnam is also the perfect example of a friendly healthcare destination as tourists can easily experience affordable and high-end healthcare treatments. Wellness services include yoga and meditation classes in Hoi An, comprehensive detox therapies at mountain retreats in Dalat, and deluxe rejuvenations in Nha Trang.

Personalised wellness programmes for such experiences are top priorities at our hotels and resorts. At Evason Ana Mandara Nha Trang, we provide a layered approach to wellness to every single requirement. Skilled therapists and visiting practitioners guide our guests towards optimal wellbeing in line with their personal wellness goals. Meanwhile, at L’Alya Ninh Van Bay, our private spa area is offering a serene and peaceful environment with a series of detox treatments and healthy food to help one’s body relax and maintain good health.

Timothy Hunt-Assistant director of Rooms Park Hyatt Saigon

Vietnam’s wellness is focused on using the rich biodiversity of the enigmatic natural powers of the Mekong for healing and enhancing beauty. Pure plant extracts, wild lotus, and rice extractions lead to the finest quality oils and healing techniques for treatments. This varies from other surrounding regions, as the traditional Vietnamese techniques have evolved from ancestors of other wellness-rich cultures such as China and Thailand.

At our hotel, Xuan Spa focuses on capturing you in a place where time stands still – our focus is all about you. Allow us to steer your journey and embrace one of the fundamental elements of better wellbeing: solitude and rest. Enhanced by our organic mangrove oils, your inner energy will be replenished by our thoughtfully crafted treatments based on the natural life source of Southern Vietnam – the Mekong Delta. Currently, we have curated several wellness packages focused on driving wellbeing and health. Xuan Spa delivers a full experience for sight, smell, taste, touch, and hearing – all elements drawn form our healing inspiration.

Our fully equipment steam room, sauna, fitness centre, swimming pool, and treatment rooms allow guests to fully submerge themselves into self-healing and relaxation, and detox stations are positioned around the spa so guests can remain hydrated throughout their journey.

By Van Hanh

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