Avana Retreat announces the debut of 36 villas atop a terrace of rice fields in Mai Chau, which presents spacious, indigenous design, a spa built on a stream and one of the most majestic dining opportunities to be found in Southeast Asia.
The resort sits on a spectacular 15-hectare of land in Vietnam’s Mai Chai Province, a 3.5-hour drive from Hanoi. With architecture that leverages local Hmong and Thai building techniques and aesthetics, the resort’s 36 villas range in size from 98 sqm to 229 sqm. Some of the villas optimize outdoor opportunities with balconies as large as 35 sqm. One villa perches on top of a terrace of rice fields. Three of the villas boast private pools, and the most exclusive villa features an 89 sqm private heated pool that climbs in tiers like a visual echo of the rice terraces.
The lantern-lined pathways and bridges that wind through the jungle of the property highlight the location, without tampering with it. The private waterfall, which inspired the development when discovered by the founders a decade ago, is the backdrop for private dinners and intimate parties with a terraced deck overlooking the cascade.
Orchid Spa is built along the stream, which courses through the site, and immerses guests in nature through both the therapies on offer and the lush landscape that surrounds. The spa provides eight treatment rooms and its menu ranges from facials and body wraps through to comprehensive pampering packages using local healing herbs and oils.
The resort features four heated infinity pools with views of the sunset or cloud ceiling. The aptly-called Cloud Pool Bar, is named after this phenomenon, where the fluffy cloud cover settles just below the property for an almost other-worldly view. At this dining destination guests can enjoy a tipple, light snacks or lunch with a menu featuring local specialities, like a banana flower salad, and western-style fare like pizza, pasta, and sandwiches.
Avana’s all-day dining restaurant, Green Chili, serves an impressive selection of dishes from pho and Australian Wagyu Beef to a line-up of vegetarian and vegan options. As much as possible the team uses local herbs, spices and vegetables. They source organic eggs from a chicken farm on property. Leveraging what’s local is a priority across the board.
Another facility that has been recently launched is Hidden Spring Lagoon which is a nature’s take on the private plunge pool carved by nature and masked by dense foliage. The rugged rim is 6 x 3.5 meters, filled with natural spring water fed by a small waterfall. The area has two sunbeds, a changing room area, and towels are available post-dip as well as a small bar so guests can order drinks.
For those who prefer to enjoy the backdrop without getting wet, the resort offers private dining experiences where guests have the choice of two menus, The Night Breeze or Lagoon Chill. Both are multi-course meals for a maximum of 12 guests.
For more information visit https://avanaretreat.com
