While the Nam Hai may not advertise itself as a holistic resort, that’s not necessarily the case. The Hội An-based resort uses beach cruisers as the main mode of transportation to cross the cobbled lanes, which connect each chamber of the resort like veins. Regardless of where I ride, I keep finding myself at the same place—the Heart of the Earth Spa, though wellness extends into every space of the resort. In my room, I find aromatic oils and a copper singing bowl that, try as I might (and I did) I cannot not make sing.
Oanh Ngo, the spa manager at this Four Season resort, can play the singing bowls. Each treatment begins with a crystal singing bowl session meant to play up the open-air layout, helping guests to open up and better absorb the physical, mental, and emotional benefits of the healing.
“What I love about the Nam Hai, is they have a very clearly defined concept: it’s inspired but Vietnamese monk Thich Nhat Hanh,” says Ngo of the resort’s spa menu. Ngo grew up in the Dak Lak province of Central Vietnam with those teachings, though she notes that people around the world have been similarly inspired by the monk’s wisdom. “He guides us to connect with ourselves and with nature through stability, creativity, and non-judgement.”
The spa menu is divided into those aforementioned pillars. According to Ngo, treatments in the “stability” category aim to nourish the physical body; “creativity” is designed to release blocks, increase mental and physical flexibility, and release tension; and “non-judgement” approaches allow you to connect back to yourself and to nature, promoting inner peace. Mindfulness is the link, total attention to the present moment, wherever it may find you.
The resort is located 15 minutes from the town of Hoi An, a small but bustling city positioned on the north bank of the Thu Bon River. Hoi An is known for its lanterns, which hang in colorful strands over the streets of ancient town, a traffic-free section of the city. Paper lanterns also glow from the boats that float along the river, inviting visitors to become part of the whimsical, semi-surreal scene. The area’s signature dumplings are shaped like, and named for, blossoming white roses. An hour from the Nam Hai, the My Son Sanctuary showcases Hindu ruins built between the 4th and 13th century, some partially re-bricked, others left in their timeworn state.