Avana Retreat

The Avana Retreat is found off the beaten track in Vietnam’s Mai Chau Province and provides guests with a glimpse of the country’s authentic rural culture. Surrounded by atmospheric rice fields, waterfalls, bamboo forests, and majestic mountains, the natural splendour of this region cannot be underestimated. Sitting at cloud level, the views of the vapour as it moves through the valley below are mesmerising.

What’s more, this mountain retreat was conceived, designed, and built with holistic sustainability as a guiding light. Engaging and employing the local community, building with local materials, and cooking with local produce, ensures the Avana Retreat feels like part of the landscape.

The sense of peace is compelling, while the faultless service is warm, obliging, and friendly.

The property has been built close to a glorious waterfall and the 36 villas are spread throughout this attractive site. The villas have been built using traditional Hmong and Thai building techniques, with thatched roofs, earth walls, woven rattan ceilings, warm wood interiors and furnished with local arts and crafts, with a mid-century vibe. All feature comfortable King bed, large separate seating area, ensuite bathroom with rain shower and bathtub, as well as a spacious balcony offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The villas vary in size and the largest can sleep up to 8 guests. Book a Senna One- or Two-Bedroom Hilltop Pool Villa to enjoy a private infinity pool.

Amenities include air conditioning, ceiling fan, Wi-Fi, bathrobes and slippers, hairdryer, minibar, in room safe and coffee maker. Please note that the resort is a TV-free zone, although there is an iPad in every villa with an app to load onto a smartphone. This allows guests to order room service, summon a buggy and book activities.

Meals are prepared using produce that is either grown onsite or nearby and the Green Chili Restaurant serves both international favourites, including pasta and pizza, as well as regional specialities such as Mai Chau catfish and grilled duck. The only exception to the eat local policy is Australian Wagyu beef. Breakfast is included in the room rate. For a drink with a view the Cloud Pool Bar is adjacent to the tiered infinity pool, with sweeping views of the valley, rice fields and waterfall, where you can watch the cloud covering as it settles below the property. Private dinners can also be arranged at the Hidden Spring Lagoon, on a platform overlooking the waterfall.

The site is threaded with a lantern-lit network of walkways through the surrounding forest, where you will find an open-air yoga platform and the Orchid Spa, which uses local herbs and oils in its therapeutic treatments. Guests can also enjoy the four infinity pools, which are heated for comfort. The Hidden Spring Lagoon is also available as a private and natural swimming experience. Guests can take the opportunity to explore the local environment on jeep tours, kayak trips, mountain trekking and the chance to meet the locals in the surrounding villages.