Luxury in the Mountains

EL'S PATRICEA CHOW finds a hidden retreat in Vietnam, complete with abundant nature spots, spectacular scenery and initiatives that support local villages - and it isn't in Sapa!

- PATRICEA CHOW

After a four-drive from Noi Bai Airport, Hanoi our road ended at Avana Retreat. The route had taken my partner and I up through the Bao La commune in Mai Chau province and high into the mountains, with a pit stop to admire the amazing views along the way.

Stepping out of the car, we knew from the peaceful natural surrounds that we would be able to fully unwind and recharge here; the refreshing air soothed our frazzled nerves after the long trip from Singapore.

The reception was warm, too – and this would set the tone for our stay. We soon discovered that all Avana staff, including the resort founder, are Vietnamese, and 90 percent are from the nearby Panh village. In the same way the resort’s name reflects “a beautiful flower nourished by the elements of nature to bloom in its native land”, one aim of Avana Retreat is to see local culture and heritage thrive with its presence.

Staying in the clouds 

Taking almost six years to be ready, this 15-hectare resort opened to the public during COVID, when Vietnam was still closed. The quiet launch means that while it’s favoured by city-dwelling Vietnamese looking for a convenient weekend getaway, it’s still relatively unknown outside of the country.

We stayed in a Bauhinia Mountain Suite. At 98 square metres, it’s the smallest of 36 villas – the two-bedroom Senna Hilltop Pool Villa is 229 square metres – yet it was still spacious, with a living area containing a day bed that transforms into a bed, an outdoor balcony with sofa, a King bed and a bathroom with separate rain shower, toilet and bathtub.