Why Central Vietnam Is the Place to Reset Right Now

A wellness revolution is peacefully taking shape along the central coast of Vietnam. With its tranquil beaches, misty mountains and rich history, this region – home to the vibrant cities of Da Nang, Hoi An and Hue – has always had an abundance of attractions. But in recent years, it’s also emerged as one of Asia’s most talked-about destinations for healing holidays and holistic retreats, offering the perfect blend of relaxation and exploration. 

According to SpaSeekers.com, global searches for spa getaways in Vietnam have surged by 175%, more than any other country globally, with the country also voted Asia’s Best Spa Destination at the 2023 World Spa Awards. Central Vietnam, in particular, is redefining what modern wellness looks like – offering a blend of traditional Eastern healing with modern spa treatments and nature-driven experiences. 

When combined with Vietnam’s fresh, healthy cuisine and exceptional level of service, it’s a compelling formula – and accessible too, offering high-end experiences at a fraction of the usual cost. From herbal steam rituals to beachfront yoga and bespoke spa therapies using native botanicals, the region delivers both authenticity and elegance – without breaking the bank. 

And when you’re ready to roll up the yoga mat and raise your head from its massage table cradle, you’ll find each of Central Vietnam’s key cities providing their own treasure trove of experiences. Da Nang, with its golden coastline and famed My Khe Beach (once listed among Forbes’ most attractive beaches in the world), is also a short distance from the popular attraction of Sun World Ba Na Hills, home to a huge cable car network, the famous ‘giant hands’ Golden Bridge, French village and spiritual gardens and temples. 

Just down the coast, the lantern-lit old town of Hoi An has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site as a well-preserved example of a Southeast Asian trading port of the 15th to 19th centuries, its colourful streets and waterways bustling and vibrant with artefacts, markets of all kinds and delicious street food. 

To the north, the former capital Hue offers a more introspective and historical escape, with imperial architecture, peaceful pagodas and garden houses and picturesque riverside scenery.  

Following in the footsteps of TIA Wellness Resort in Da Nang, which recently earned a place among Condé Nast Traveller's Top 20 Destination Spa Resorts Worldwide – read on to discover three stunning destinations that provide the perfect wellness base for your next Vietnamese getaway. 

Fusion Resort and Villas Da Nang 

Located on the soft white sandy shores of Non Nuoc Beach, the newly opened Fusion Resort & Villas Da Nang evokes a calming blend of luxury and wellness. A stunning property sprawling over 15 hectares of lush land, the resort's 85 private villas and 157-room hotel tower feature a sleek design with natural wood, stone, generous spaces and calming colours that ooze relaxation, as do the Zen-like gardens that fill the air with a magical scent. 

At the heart of the resort is Maia Spa, one of Vietnam’s largest wellness centres. Set within a tranquil landscaped garden, the spa combines ancient Eastern healing traditions with modern Western treatments for a truly transformative experience. Take your pick from tailored wellness programs, detox meals, and a range of spa therapies designed to refresh both body and mind, from an intoxicating Warm Bamboo Treatment to a Green Tea Body Scrub to a Chakra Balancing Treatment. 

The resort’s wellness offerings are extensive. Sink into the 261-square-metre heated pool, unwind in infrared saunas, get your pulse racing at the 24/7 fitness centre or tennis court, or rejuvenate with the many scheduled wellness activities, which range from morning meditations on the beach lawn, kayaking and standup paddle boarding activities, to yoga – both traditional and aerial. Later in the day, enjoy deep relaxation courtesy of sound healing sessions and Qui-Gong and Breathwork classes that will guarantee a restful night’s snooze. 

Culinary offerings are just as thoughtful, with a variety of menus across four different dining precincts. Feast on nutritious and tasty fare – both traditional Vietnamese and Western style – and drinks that support your wellness journey (but if you fancy some more indulgent food and drinks, you’ll be spoilt for choice too). 

Attentive and caring staff are all dedicated to ensuring that your immersive experience at the resort will help you rediscover your best self, whilst also helping you discover the wonders of Vietnam waiting on your doorstep, whether it’s exploring the nearby Marble Mountains, taking a basket boat ride to Coconut Jungle, or releasing a floating lantern on a Hoi An river boat trip by night.  

Kobi Onsen Resort Hue 

You don’t need to visit Japan to enjoy an unforgettable onsen experience – it’s yours for the taking at the calm oasis that is the Kobi Onsen Resort. Overlooking lush green rice paddy fields on the tranquil outskirts of Hue, the resort is an idyllic haven for zen seekers, combining natural beauty with traditional Japanese healing practices. A unique offering in Vietnam, the resort draws its energy from the mineral-rich hot springs of My An, the focal point of the resort's curative offerings. 

Guests can immerse themselves in the therapeutic waters of the resort's onsen, with both indoor and outdoor hot spring baths available for men and women separately – yes, as a traditional onsen, bathing suits aren’t worn. The onsen facilities also boast an array of holistic facilities, such as a steam room, soda bath, jacuzzi and dry sauna. Separate to this, you can enjoy a mud bath with your partner and/or family (clothing is provided for that one!), or experience the unique Ganban-Yoku sauna, which houses heated rock beds and a Himalayan salt sauna, each designed to promote detoxification and relaxation. 

The resort's wellness philosophy extends well beyond the baths, with spa treatments rooted in centuries-old practices from the royal families of Hue and the healing traditions of the Red Yao people. Think herbal baths and therapeutic massages that leave you feeling renewed from head to toe. The tranquil Japanese-style gardens and the expansive koi pond, home to vibrant Japanese carp symbolising good fortune, further add to the resort’s calming ambience. 

For those seeking to stay active, the resort offers an outdoor swimming pool, a well-equipped fitness centre, and even a golf simulator. Dining at Kobi Onsen Resort is equally exceptional, with authentic Japanese dishes, local Vietnamese specialties, and delicious European fare rounding out the menus. 

Whether you choose one of the resort’s spacious rooms or indulge in a luxurious villa with its own private onsen, Kobi Onsen Resort offers the perfect sanctuary for those in search of a wellness retreat that blends tradition with modern comfort.  

Azerai La Residence, Hue 

Idyllically situated on Vietnam's iconic Perfume River, the internationally acclaimed Azerai La Residence, Hue, is a delightful blend of heritage, natural beauty, and rejuvenating wellness, its grandeur evident the moment you gaze upon its glorious facade. The sprawling resort, a former French colonial mansion from the 1930s, offers a luxurious escape from the everyday, combining art deco elegance with tropical tranquillity – and service that is truly exceptional. But it's the resort's inspired wellness offerings that also make it a standout destination for rejuvenation. 

Le Spa at Azerai – winner of several World Luxury Spa Awards for Vietnam’s Best Luxury Boutique Spa – has introduced a series of innovative treatments that blend ancient healing traditions with modern wellness practices. Tibetan singing bowls are now a prominent feature in sound therapy sessions, used to align energy and promote deep relaxation, while traditional Vietnamese practices such as cupping also feature heavily. For those seeking a more interactive approach, a combination of yoga/meditation and massage is available, alongside alternative treatments such as Reiki healing and moxibustion therapy, which uses the therapeutic benefits of heat applied to acupuncture points to stimulate circulation and energy flow throughout the body. 

With 122 rooms and suites, all offering serene views of the river or the resort’s verdant, path-strewn 2.5-hectare grounds, you may be tempted to stay within the resort’s frangipani-dappled grounds, enjoying the vast and deep saltwater swimming pool or state-of-the-art fitness centre, or perhaps admiring the in-house art gallery. You will also definitely want to sample the delights of the resort’s Le Parfum restaurant, its extensive menu offering both traditional and Western fare to cater for every culinary whim.  

That being said, you are also perfectly positioned to explore the many historical and cultural delights of Hue, with the majestic Imperial City just across the river and a plethora of mausoleums and tombs available for exploration via cyclo, bike, dragonboat ride, or private car tour with guide. The nearby bustling Dong Ba Market – the city’s oldest and biggest – is also the perfect way to get an intoxicating slice of local Vietnamese life.