Top private retreats

Fansipan peak amid white clouds Sapa

Lao Cai province (hoteldelacoupole.com)

The US magazine Travel & Leisure featured the terraced fields of Sapa along the seven summits of the most beautiful, terraced fields in the world. The hill town is the ultimate venue to get away from the crowds, spend time with family, and enjoy breathtaking mist-shrouded mountains – and perhaps even see snow.

Sapa is a must-see destination to experience and capture the memories of a lifetime with clouds covering the peak of Fansipan. With the operation of SUN Group’s cable car system to Fansipan’s peak and a system of entertainment facilities on top, travellers have the chance to stand atop the roof of Indochina without making the long trek on foot, as well as enjoy a cup of Italian-style coffee and a French pastry before taking a selfie.

Various adventure tours are available for tougher traveller keen to conquer the mountain on foot. Travellers come to hike the misty trails linking Sapa to the surrounding villages such as Ta Phin and Cat Cat, whose residents sell handmade brocades and silver jewellery.

Especially, the new Hôtel de la Coupole has been attracting many people like world-famous architect and designer Bill Bensley who came to understand the types of artisanal goods that made their way to Paris and ended up influencing Western fashion.

Japanese Onsen Quang Hanh

Cam Pha district, Quang Ninh province (yokoonsenquanghanh.com.vn)

Well designed as a Japanese village situated charmingly in the verdant slope of Quang Hanh’s mountain ranges, Yoko Onsen Quang Hanh is the first hot spring resort in Vietnam created and operated based on the strict standards of Japanese onsen bathhouses. With a precious mineral water source, Yoko Onsen offers a private resort and healthcare space that features many kinds of baths and a variety of saunas to help relax muscles, improve blood circulation, and stimulate the release of endorphins.

Besides a public Onsen for around VND750,000 ($32) per person, Yoko Onsen also has a villa area, including three private room categories – Washitsu Ichi, Washitsu Ni, and Washitsu Kazoku, with private mineral bath, classy spa, and meals to experience the Japanese culinary world.

Hot Spring detox at Alba Wellness valley

Phong Son commune, Phong Dien district, Thua Thien Hue province (albawellnessvalley.com)

Nestled in the foothills of the Truong Son mountain range, just a short drive from Hue ancient citadel, Alba Wellness Valley by Fusion offers a haven of tranquility and the ultimate destination for physical and mental wellbeing.

Home to mineral rich hot springs, Japanese onsen baths, landscaped gardens, and fragrant eucalyptus plantations, this sanctuary of serenity offers luxury accommodation and the perfect environment to relax and recharge in a setting completely at harmony with nature. Inspired by the signature wellbeing ethos, the team at Alba Wellness Valley have crafted a three, five and seven-day Introduction Wellness Detox Retreat to transport you on a life-changing journey back to your true self.

Retreat highlights include detox juicing class, detox turndown services with detoxifying herbal teas, massage treatment toward a state of wellbeing, more options available on the Spa Menu, intermittent fasting methods (adapting to this method, you will only eat once a day apart from breakfast), organic and vegetarian cuisine and cooking class, and wellness activity classes from yoga, meditation, biking, and hiking to revitalise and reinvigorate, reducing stress and resetting inner balance.

Well-being at Banyan Tree Resort Lang Co

Loc Vinh commune, Phu Loc district, Thua Thien Hue province, (banyantree.com)

Located just 60-minutes driving from Danang International Airport, Banyan Tree Lang Co is nestled in a unique crescent bay framed by a three-kilometre beach and is renowned for its pristine coastline and natural scenery.

Designed to offer absolute privacy and exclusivity, the resort features lagoon pool and beach pool villas, each of which is equipped with its own private pool, pavilion deck and king-size bed. For the ultimate, spacious, private retreat for family or friends travelling together, Banyan Tree Lang Co is also home to a range of gorgeous Seaview Hill Pool Villas with one, two and three bedroom options. Ideal for private getaways each of the villas showcase the skills of local artisans. Seaview Hill Pool Villas feature generous living areas, a large private swimming pool, a jet pool, a dining area, a pantry kitchen, and luxurious bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms.

Guests can indulge in spa treatments at award-winning Banyan Tree Spa, turn their hand to a cookery class, take an excursion in a traditional basket boat to explore Lang Co’s beautiful lagoons within the local fishing village, and explore the breathtaking natural beauty that surrounds the resort

Banyan Tree Lang Co can also coordinate a number of unique, private dining experiences – perfect for a socially distanced occasion. Guests can enjoy a vibrant breakfast spread served on a floating tray while relaxing in their own private pool, or reserve a table for two in a secluded corner of beach.

In addition to its luxury villas, gourmet restaurants and Banyan Tree Spa, the resort is also home to Laguna Golf Lang Co. Designed by six-time major winner Sir Nick Faldo, the 18-hole, par-71 championship golf course comes with plenty of water features and an intriguing mix of holes, perfect for all levels of players.

Pampering at Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai

Block Ha My Dong B, Hoi An, Quang Nam province (fourseasons.com/hoian)

As COVID-19 vaccines rollouts are allowing stir-crazy travellers to slowly start planning their next getaway, Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai is helping to inspire those next adventures.

Offering the ultimate retreat for couples, friends, and larger multigenerational groups, the resort’s 40 pool villas all feature a private pool, heated to the perfect temperature during the cooler months, and come with exclusive privileges, which already include private butler service, premium internet, and two-way airport transfers. Pool villa bookings now include daily laundry service and a luxurious minibar, which is replenished every day.

Every escape can be fully personalised to individual needs. From private yoga instruction to a selection of pool toys, indulgent floating breakfasts, fun picnic lunches, and floating sundowners with champagne and elegant canapes. The best resort moments can be delivered directly to each pool villa.

Luxury Villas at Nam Nghi Phu Quoc

Cua Can commune, Phu Quoc, Kien Giang province (namnghiresort.com)

Surrounded by untouched nature, from the dense foliage of the old-grown forest to the clear water of the tranquil ocean and the colourful coral reefs beneath the waves, Nam Nghi resort takes you back to the pure nature and wakes up all senses on Phu Quoc Island.

The design of the rooms and villas ingrates with the forest and ocean in many ways.This adds to the sense of connection to nature and creates a rustic charm while delivering an indulgent experience for all guests.

Extra benefits for travellers in March include complimentary upgrades to luxurious villas, and guests will experience sunrises or sunsets next to the ocean.

Moreover, guests can enjoy the exquisite food beneath the 100-year-old towering trees and discover the Rock Island to admire the infatuated colours of the sunset. Airport transfers, kayaking, snorkelling, yoga, and meditation in the garden will also make the holiday more attractive and unforgettable.