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.
This story is from the November 2023 edition of Expat Living Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November 2023 edition of Expat Living Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Perfect Pearly Whites!
Knowing you have white, sparkling teeth beneath your lips is a sure-fire way to make you smile with confidence. If you've noticed your teeth looking more yellow than \"hello\" lately, perhaps it's time for a visit to a dental clinic for a teeth-whitening session.
Save your Spine at Work!
Sitting in an air-conditioned office has its benefits in steamy Singapore. But, long, sedentary days can play havoc on our necks and backs. Here, orthopaedic surgeon DR YILUN HUANG talks about spinal issues faced by office workers, and how to treat and prevent them.
Festive Fashion Show!
As the year draws to a close, now's a good time to stock up on festive fashion. White Ginger has released a fab new line just in time for party season. Plus, it's hosting a fun multilabel fashion soiree so you can view the looks with tasty bites and a glass of vino in hand!
Finding Eco-Luxury in Fiji
Here's a destination that's often a little bit off the travel radar for people in our region - but definitely shouldn't be!
48 Hours in Patong
CHERRY LAI checks into the sparkling new M Social Hotel Phuket for a weekender full of food, fun and relaxation.
Ticket to Thailand
Are you physically here but mentally on a beach in Thailand? We've found destinations for two types of holiday-goers: one for someone looking for a place to chill, and another where you can also let loose!
Laying Out Memories Through Food
YASMIN, JESSICA and PEARL are the local co-founders of The Plattering Co. They share their favourite parts of doing business with each other and a few of their hobbies outside work hours.
Curry, Spice & Everything Nice
Craving a curry? Whether you're dreaming of a creamy korma or a biryani, the EL team went all in, indulging in everything from buttery parathas to tangy papdi chaat. We explored the best of Singapore's Indian dining scene, and trust us-these spots will spice up your life!
Is It Really Backed Up in the Cloud?
SARAH and BO PINEL of Tekkie Help break it to us that cloud storage is not a data backup. Here's why that's the case and how we can rectify the problem.
A Musical Community
The new Pops Chorus and Orchestra at Marlborough College Malaysia (MCM) has students, parents, staff and even the Master involved. SIMON BURBURY tells us more - including where you can catch their performances.