Health and Wellbeing

By normalising tiredness as just “being really busy,” we risk overlooking the real impact

The Namia River Retreat opens new ways to explore and connect with the lantern-lit ancient town of Hoi An. Photography: Abe Bee.

Blending ancient wisdom with modern wellness leadership in Vietnam

By Tiffany West

Briefly …

This November, Hoi An’s Namia River Retreat hosts two all-inclusive programs blending Vietnamese herbal traditions, mindful movement, and modern wellbeing, with private villas for solo travellers.

Wellness is not a one-size-fits-all formula. For some, it might mean yoga on a secluded beach or a long walk through a forest, while for others it can be about learning to cook nourishing food, meditating in the powerful presence of a waterfall, or in my case, simply having the time and space to sleep without interruption.

The power of a retreat lies in meeting us where we are, and offering us the tools, time, and setting to nurture body and mind in a way that feels authentic to us. What feels restorative to one person might feel irrelevant to another, and that’s the point – the retreat experience is meant to be tailored, not prescribed … or left to chance. A good retreat doesn’t dictate what wellness should look like – it opens the door to possibilities, leaving us to choose the practices that resonate most, while letting go of the ones that don’t.

Namia River Retreat is Hoi An’s first and only riverfront wellness-inclusive resort nestled on the tranquil Con Ba Xa Islet in Thu Bon River, Vietnam.

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Solo travellers can enjoy their own private Nipa Pool Villa at Namia River Retreat.

This November, Lumina Wellbeing unveils two all-inclusive retreats at Namia River Retreat, Hoi An’s first and only five-star wellness-inclusive resort, where solo travellers can enjoy their own private villa. Curated for travellers seeking depth, transformation, and mindful luxury, both programs are designed to honour Vietnamese culture while offering contemporary pathways to holistic wellbeing.

Both all-inclusive retreats will be held at Namia River Retreat, Hoi An’s first and only riverfront wellness-inclusive resort nestled on the tranquil Con Ba Xa Islet in Thu Bon River. Namia River Retreat is crafted with genuine cultural journeys and wellness-inclusive therapies inspired by Vietnamese herbology. With 60 private pool villas, locally inspired dining experiences, and stunning pools with Thu Bon River views, the resort opens new ways to explore and connect with the lantern-lit ancient town of Hoi An.

Lumina Wellbeing curates an immersive five-day experience rooted in the art of fasting and

Vietnamese Herbal Detox

12–16 November 2025, Namia River Retreat, Hoi An

In collaboration with Vietnam Detox, pioneers of Buchinger therapeutic fasting in Vietnam, Lumina Wellbeing curates an immersive five-day experience rooted in the art of fasting and Vietnamese herbal traditions. Guests will be guided through a holistic cleanse of freshly pressed juices, herbal broths, and teas while engaging in wellness learning, cultural immersions, and mindful movement.

Founded in 2016, Vietnam Detox pioneered professional therapeutic fasting retreats in Vietnam. Combining the Buchinger method with Vietnamese herbal wisdom, they guide guests towards balance, vitality, and sustainable wellbeing. Developed by Dr Otto Buchinger in the early 20th Century, the Buchinger method aims to promote the body’s self-healing powers, support tissue cleansing, and alleviate symptoms of chronic inflammation and illness.

The program includes herbal workshops, reflexology, space-cleansing rituals, guided cycling through Hoi An, meditative river walks, and tailored spa therapies at Lumina Wellbeing Spa. Set within the healing sanctuary of Namia River Retreat’s private pool villas, this retreat harmonises body, mind, and spirit, offering both scientific expertise and soulful connection.

Retreat highlights

Gentle Buchinger fasting: a carefully guided protocol of organic juices, handcrafted herbal broths, and teas to support deep detoxification and vitality.

Vietnamese herbal immersion: hands-on workshops in Namia’s gardens, tea blending sessions, facial reflexology, and space-cleansing rituals (xông nhà), offering practical skills to ‘take Vietnam home’.

Cultural connections: guided river walks, bicycle trails through Hoi An, and authentic encounters with traditional healers.

Wellness therapies: daily spa rituals at Lumina Spa, including herbal hammam, acupressure, and Thuốc Nam–inspired treatments.

Expert guidance: led by Dieter Buchner and Trương Tấn Hoàn, co-founders of Vietnam Detox, who bring international expertise and heartfelt care to every participant’s journey.

Solo travellers can enjoy their own private Nipa Pool Villa for 5 days/4 nights, and you can find more information about the Vietnamese Herbal Detox Retreat here.

Nourish: Earth to Essence is guided by Michelle Ford, Founder of Lumina Wellbeing and General Manager of Namia River Retreat (centre); Marian Dang, a founder of eco-presence and a seasoned holistic wellness facilitator (right); and Oliver Truesdale-Jutras, a renowned chef, a pioneer of sustainable gastronomy and founder of Re:Growth.

Nourish: Earth To Essence

21–24 November 2025, Namia River Retreat, Hoi An

Nourish: Earth to Essence is a four-day journey into conscious living, guided by three visionary facilitators: Michelle Ford, Founder of Lumina Wellbeing and General Manager of Namia River Retreat; Marian Dang, a founder of eco-presence and a seasoned holistic wellness facilitator; and Oliver Truesdale-Jutras, a renowned chef, a pioneer of sustainable gastronomy and founder of Re:Growth. Guests are invited to reconnect with their inner essence through conscious experiences, ecosomatic movement, and inner sustainability practices, interwoven with regenerative farming activities and explorations of Hoi An’s vibrant community.

From interactive cooking classes and mindful movement to systemic constellations and local excursions, the retreat blends ancient wisdom with modern leadership practices. It is designed for visionary leaders and seekers ready to align with purpose, drawing strength from nature while cultivating clarity within.

Retreat highlights

A transformative retreat: designed for leaders seeking clarity, connection, and alignment with nature.

Conscious experiences: an immersive blend of regenerative food, modern and ancient wisdom and cultural immersion.

Inner sustainability: practices to restore balance and lead with impact and authenticity.

Ecosomatic movement: yoga, breath-led practices, and tribal soundscapes designed to restore nervous system balance and cultivate embodied presence.

Local community encounters: regenerative farming activities and guided bicycle trails into Hoi An, offering authentic connections to land and people.

Solo travellers can enjoy their own private Nipa Pool Villa for 3 days/4 nights, and you can find more information about the Earth To Essence Retreat here.

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One of the Nipa Pool Villas at Namia River Retreat.

Namia River Retreat is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of The World (SLH) Considerate Collection and Wellbeing Collection, underscoring Namia River Retreat’s commitment to sustainability, community engagement, and cultural preservation.

Tiffany West is The Solo Traveller’s Editorial and Pictorial Assistant Lead.