TRANQUIL MOUNTAINSIDE RESORT
Three and a half hours west of Hanoi, Avana invites you into a world of forested mountains, rolling rice fields and tiny Thai villages.
Nestled on a verdant mountainside in the picturesque valley of Mai Châu, Avana is a place you come to unwind and rejuvenate. Its 36 gorgeous villas have beautifully woven rattan ceilings, thatched roofs and earthen walls – all inspired by the region’s ethnic stilt houses and Hmong homes. The warm wood interiors are adorned with the creations of local artists and craftsmen, while the Orchid Spa infuses its treatments with local healing herbs and oils.
Built with the desire of preserving the area’s natural charms, Avana offers a glimpse into a landscape and culture untouched by mass tourism. Jeep tours, kayaking excursions and scenic treks to nearby Hmong and Thai villages are designed to encourage local discovery. You can even learn how to make bamboo crafts and weave on traditional looms in workshops with local artisans. The majority of staff hail from neighbouring villages, while a close circle of local farmers supply the resort’s Green Chili restaurant.
AVANA RETREAT, MAI CHÂU
Avana Retreat, at a glance,
- Tranquil mountainside resort overlooking the Vietnamese valley of Mai Châu
- Constructed in keeping with Hmong and Thai building techniques
- Choice of 36 stylish bungalows, suites, and private pool villas
- Thatched roofs inspired by the local stilt houses
- Warm, inviting interiors featuring regional arts and crafts
- Several rooms have their own plunge pools
- Green Chili restaurant serving a wide-ranging menu packed with regional specialities
- Ingredients are grown on site or sourced from nearby farms
- Private dinners can be arranged overlooking a waterfall or a hidden lagoon
For leisure and pleasure
- Enjoy visits to a Hmong village where women are known for their weaving and embroidery
- Go kayaking on Ba Khan Lake
- Scenic treks and jeep rides through the mountains past rice fields and bamboo forests
- Visit the Stilt House Museum which houses small collections from Mai Châu’s ethnic groups
- Make bamboo crafts and learn to weave on traditional looms in hands-on lessons with local artisans
- Infinity pools with stunning views
- Open-air yoga platform and meditation spaces
- Fitness centre with views of the forest
- Eight-room Orchid Spa offering a relaxing menu of treatments
- Treasure hunts, arts and crafts and a Kid’s Club for younger guests
Jonny took the time to discuss all the options with us and tailored every detail to our wishes. He suggested thoughtful add-ons, arranged excellent guides, and created a brilliant itinerary packed with maps, tips, and all the information we needed for exploring the two countries we visited. An absolute trip of a lifetime to Argentina and Brazil.
