Vietnam embraces spa culture
Vietnam has followed the lead of Thailand and begun embracing spa culture with a wide selection of resort and day spas that are the equal of any in the world. Here is a list:
La Maison L'Apothiquaire, Ho Chi Minh City
Located in District 3, it is a quiet oasis in the heart of HCMC. There are more than twenty individual rooms, a yoga studio, poo and more. A half-day package is recommended. (lapothiquaire.com)
Just Massage, Hanoi
This is a unique spa, because it offers no frills massage, but done by visually impaired therapists who provide great service while receiving vocational training, so you get to feel good physically and spiritually by helping out! (justmassage.org.vn)
Fusion Maia, Da Nang
This beachfront luxury spa sits between Hoi An and Danang, and not far from destinations such as the UNESCO Heritage Town of Hue and My Son. Here, ALL spa treatments are included, so need to worry about extra charges. Spa services include massage, beauty and body treatments, plus a pool with waterfall, yoga room, private Jacuzzis, restaurants and a fitness center. Be sure to try the aromatherapy facial, reflexology, salt body. (fusionmaiadanang.com)
Life Wellness Resort, Quy Nhon
Set on the beach at Bai Dai, this award-winning resort offers 63 spacious guest rooms, each featuring a private balcony overlooking the sea and two islands. Its spa offers a wide range of treatments including beauty, massage, steam bath, yoga, Tai Chi and meditation. There is of course a swimming pool, restaurant, business centre, and playground for the kids. Don’t miss the synchronized four-hand massage. (life-resorts.com)
Six Senses Con Dao
Nestled on the island of Con Son, on the South China Sea, is Six Senses Con Dao, the newest resort from the Six Senses group. With a variety of villa layouts, each with its own private infinity pool, everyone will find an option for their tastes. You can go snorkeling, visit a turtle hatchery, indulge in a cruise or just try as many spa services as you can. (sixsenses.com/sixsensescondao)
The Banyan Tree Spa Lang Co.
Banyan Tree Lang Co sits on the powdery white-sand shores of Lang Co Bay, a Vietnamese locale famed for its unspoiled natural beauty. With diverse terrain and landscapes offered by the Truong Son (Annamite) Mountain Range, Lap An Lagoon Banyan Tree Lang Co sits on the powdery white-sand shores of Lang Co Bay, a Vietnamese locale famed for its unspoiled natural beauty. With diverse terrain and landscapes offered by the Truong Son (Annamite) Mountain Range, Lap An Lagoon The 5-star Banyan Tree Lang Co is the height of comfort and convenience, whether you are a businessperson or holidaymaker in Hue. The hotel has everything you need for a comfortable stay, including a business center, salon, 24hr room service, restaurant, concierge are but a sample Spa therapists have been trained at one of the accredited Banyan Tree academies and take a holistic approach to therapy.(banyantree.com)
The Nam Hai, Hoi An
Near Tra Que Vegetable Village and Cua Dai Beach, the hotel is on its own private white sand beach. You can easily visit Hoi An Ancient Town and the Japanese Bridge, get a sun tan, enjoy a meal at one of the hotel's 3 restaurants, and take your pick of spa treatments. Don’t skip the "ila Bio-rhythm Envelopment for jetlag", with Kundalini back massage and mud wrap. (thenamhai.com)
Pilgrimage Village Resort & Spa, Hue
At Pilgrimage Village Boutique Resort & Spa all the furnished bungalows, huts, villas and houses are surrounded by natural green forest, with many having private pools, and gardens. You can take cooking classes, tai chi, or any number of tours. There are two restaurants, serving Vietnamese and international cuisine, plus three bars and lounge include a lounge. Be sure to try Vietnamese body treatment and suction cupping to release toxins. (pilgrimagevillage.com)
Anantara Mui Ne Resort & Spa
Anantara Mui Ne Beach Resort perfectly blends Vietnamese culture with modern, contemporary design. Each guest villas has stone baths made for two, private pool, outdoor dining area, butler service, which you may or may not need for delivery as there are two great restaurants here. The Synchronised Massage package, with floral foot bath and use of the Jacuzzi, is a must do! (mui-ne.anantara.com)
Six Senses Ninh Van Bay
The Six Senses resort, built among cliffs, mountains and beach, will delight both adults and kids. Two-bedroom villas are great for a family looking for a spa getaway. The spa sports and open design, with a waterfall and extensive treatment menu. There are OPI Shrek Nail mini-manicures, yoga. Workshops and more at this high end resort. (sixsenses.com/SixSensesNinhVanBay)
Pham Ha is a CEO and founder of Luxury Travel Ltd (luxurytravel.com.vn), the first luxury tour operator in Indochina. Ha is also a travel guru, tourism speaker, writer, consultant and a leading designer of tourism industry training programs.