Reu Hoi An offerings whisper tales of ancient identity and sustainability

What advantages and challenges has a new Vietnamese-owned and managed hotel like Reu faced when offering a new concept here?

Founder of Reu Boutique Hotel Hoi An Le Quoc Viet

Hoi An, with its timeless charm and unique cultural heritage, has always been a captivating destination for both domestic and international travellers. The presence of major international brands further solidifies Hoi An’s position on the global map of luxury travel and leisure. However, this also means local hotels like Reu Boutique Hotel face significant challenges due to fierce competition from these established brands.

Despite these challenges, there are also opportunities. As a Vietnamese-owned and managed hotel, Reu Boutique Hotel (Reu means “moss” in Vietnamese) has a profound understanding of local culture and customs. This allows us to offer guests authentic, intimate experiences that truly represent Hoi An, including the simple pleasures of daily life – something that international brands often struggle to replicate.

Which special and unique services and products have you offered to compete with the giants?

We believe the key to standing out lies in providing authentic experiences and fostering a deep connection with local culture. We aim to offer more than just accommodation; we provide a space for travellers to connect with nature, culture, and themselves.

For example, Reu Boutique Hotel’s design, crafted by A21 Studio, seamlessly weaves the stories of Hoi An into every detail, blending traditional and modern aesthetics. Each room offers panoramic views of the rice fields, providing a sense of tranquillity and closeness to nature. We also offer local cultural discovery tours, traditional Hoi An cooking classes, and spa services using local herbs.

Our focus extends to the quality of service and the dedication of our staff, who are not merely employees but cultural ambassadors. By prioritising listening to and understanding each guest’s needs, we create highly personalised services that meet their expectations for a perfect and fulfilling holiday.

Quang Nam province has issued various campaigns to raise awareness about sustainable tourism. What practical and effective solutions have you implemented?

Reu Boutique Hotel places sustainable development at the core of its growth strategy. We have implemented several initiatives, such as reducing single-use items, minimising plastic waste, and optimising natural ventilation to reduce reliance on air conditioning in public areas. Additionally, the flowers and vegetables in our hotel are grown using organic compost from Reu Collective’s organic waste.

We also organise environmental awareness programmes for both staff and guests, promoting the message of green living.

These efforts protect the environment and raise community awareness about the importance of sustainable tourism, promoting Hoi An’s simple and traditional beauty to visitors.

The healthy and clean eating trend is very popular in Vietnam. What do you offer to tourists, and how do you ensure the quality of fresh ingredients?

We prioritise healthy cuisine and celebrate traditional values. Our Sowing Restaurant offers a diverse menu that harmoniously blends local and international dishes.

Aligned with the growing trend of healthy eating in Vietnam and globally, our menu focuses on traditional Vietnamese and Hoi An cuisine. We have reimagined these dishes to create Reu’s signature offerings, which are bursting with local flavours and prepared with a modern touch.

What plans does your business have for developing and expanding the Reu model?

We have a long-term vision for Reu Boutique Hotel that extends beyond providing exceptional guest experiences. We aim to make a positive impact on both the community and the environment. Our goal is to become a symbol of sustainability and community responsibility in Hoi An. We plan to continue promoting green initiatives, from using recycled materials in construction to creating eco-friendly experiential programmes for guests.

We believe that with passion and relentless effort, Reu Boutique Hotel will continue to grow and establish its position in the market while contributing to the sustainable development of the tourism industry in Vietnam.

Hoi An among world’s top Honeymoon Destinations of 2024 The ancient city of Hoi An in the central province of Quang Nam has been named among the world’s top 25 Honeymoon Destinations of 2024 on Tripadvisor 2023 Travelers' Choice Best of the Best Awards.

Hoi An regarded as one of the top spots in Asia and the world Hoi An has been ranked fourth globally and third in Asia among the top 25 favourite cities, as revealed by Travel+Leisure magazine’s 2024 World's Best Awards.