We review TIA Wellness Resort in Da Nang, Vietnam where guests can prioritise relaxation, nourishment, and rejuvenation

In Asia, Thailand, Bali, and even the Philippines have become the go-to destinations for wellness escapes. But a breezy resort on Vietnam’s central coast invites guests to enjoy a new destination by combining the quest for wellness with a little cultural immersion and adventure. Situated between the hub of Da Nang and the atmospheric quarter of Hoi An, TIA Wellness Resort is a relaxing property where guests can work on their wellbeing without falling down the rabbit hole of bland diets and overzealous therapies. We checked in to discover a balanced approach to finding your zen.

While this stay was complimentary, all thoughts and opinions are our own.

Review of TIA Wellness Resort

Hotel snapshot

Hotel: TIA Wellness Resort
Address: 109 Vo Nguyen Giap Street, Ngu Hanh Son Ward, Da Nang, Vietnam
Neighbourhood: My Khe Beach / Ngu Hanh Son
Accommodation: Private-pool villas
Brand: Independent wellness resort
Style: Contemporary tropical minimalism, with private gardens, natural materials and understated luxury
Family-friendly: Yes. Private-pool villas, babysitting services and family-friendly accommodation options; check age suitability for individual wellness programmes.
Wellness: TIA Wellness Centre, personalised spa treatments, breathwork, yoga, meditation, fitness sessions, creative workshops, private swimming pools in villas, plus a pool overlooking the ocean and a pool at the wellness centre
Beach: Beachfront setting on the coast of central Vietnam
Best for: Wellness holidays, spa breaks, couples, solo travellers, digital detoxes and restorative luxury escapes
Prices starting from: USD $350 per night, depending on room and season.

Location and arrival

This property was once the award-winning Fusion Maia Da Nang, but as the refreshed and rebranded TIA Wellness Resort, it offers a new, holistic approach to rejuvenating retreats by enveloping guests in understated, tropical elegance while encouraging them to embark on a journey of self-discovery. A weight falls away immediately upon arrival, and by the time the welcoming tea ritual is complete, we are ready to leave our cares behind and focus solely on our mental and physical renewal.

The location makes this all too easy. Perched along a pristine beach and within easy reach of the Marble Mountain, Thu Bon River, Cham Island, and three World Heritage sites, there’s plenty of nature to enjoy and explore. But even onsite, everything is geared towards relaxation. The property itself is garden-like—there’s lush vegetation everywhere and miles of beachfront—and plenty of cosy places to kick back.

The villa

While here, guests stay in one of 87 one-, two-, or three-bedroom villas. Each is spacious and well-appointed, and our L-shaped one-bedroom iteration offers plenty of space for two girlfriends travelling together but would make an equally romantic bolthole for a couple. Indeed, one couple that we met at the resort had checked into another one-bedder for a two-week honeymoon.

White, black, and neutral tones dominate the space, creating a sense of calm enhanced by minimalist décor. One wall of the villa is all glass with windows and doors that give onto the private courtyard. It’s all too easy to while away afternoons reading on loungers by the private pool or relaxing on the day beds while contemplating the foliage.

On entry, there’s a large console hiding a full coffee and tea setup and a minibar stocked with the resort’s homemade healthy snacks and detox water—you’ll want to bring the moreish cookies and crackers home. The cosy seating area dominated by a plush sofa and low-slung, oversized coffee table is the perfect spot for several frantic afternoons of work (wellbeing might be the resort’s raison d’étre, but deadlines won’t wait!) or a lazy evening of in-room dining, while the bedroom area features two sumptuous twin beds under a canopy and plenty of wardrobe space. Even the bathroom is appointed for comfort with a massive double vanity, black terrazzo deep-soak tub, and rainforest shower.

Moments of Zen

You could easily spend your stay ensconced in your villa with the occasional foray to the spa, and some guests certainly do this. But with so much on offer, it would be foolish. TIA has designed several inclusive packages so that guests can just sit back and enjoy everything the resort has to offer.

The Wellness Inclusive is designed to offer a quick hit of relaxation and features 80 minutes of spa treatments for each guest per night, along with various activities such as creative workshops and active pursuits.

Naturally, the spa is the heart of TIA’s wellness offerings. Mornings here start in the airy studio with yoga, tai chi, or breathwork classes, and guests are free to do as much or as little as they want. While the breathwork class was cleansing, the yoga flow class was designed as a series of static poses and not quite suited to all levels.

The included 80 minutes of spa treatments each day ensures that all guests enjoy a little pampering—and what pampering it is. The main events are the 80-minute rituals of massages and body treatments; the unique Bamboo Roll-Out employs traditional Vietnamese rolling techniques to improve blood circulation and activate lymphatic drainage, and works out every knot in sore muscles. I highly recommend it.

But guests can also combine a selection of 50- and 30-minute treatments. A full complement of manicures, pedicures, head massages, back massages, and facials is available, though the Crystal Wand Foot Reflexology leaves guests walking on air while the Recover Touch Facial infuses hydration and glow into travel-tired skin. Be sure to finish with a visit to the spa’s waterfall pool, hidden amidst a hidden-garden setting; this was one of the highlights of my wellness experience.

Of course, the centre of the hotel is the idyllic, lounger-fringed pool with picturesque views of the beach and ocean. It’s perfect for enjoying the sun (or escaping it, as need be).

Just behind the pool is the resort’s gym. At first glance, the two-room space seems unusually sparse. The bright, light-filled cardio room has just one treadmill and bike, among a handful of other machines, while the darker weights room is suspiciously free of any dumbbells or pin-loaded machines. Turns out, TIA has gone high-tech with virtual training monitors and cleverly concealed weights and resistance bands.

Wellness cuisine

TIA places great emphasis on good nutrition and nourishment, and the food here is best described as wellness light. It’s mostly healthy and packed with nutrients, of course, but there are a few indulgent options available so that guests never feel constrained.

Despite some initial wariness, it’s a delight to find that the cuisine here is incredibly delicious—and even my nutritionist approves of what’s on offer. In fact, TIA actively chooses healthy ingredients to ensure all dishes are well-balanced—for example, if sugar must be used, natural sweeteners are substituted.

TIA’s breakfast offering can be enjoyed as a sumptuous buffet in The Dining Room, as a multi-course meal at The Ocean Bistro, or as a private beach setup. The first is bursting with fresh tropical fruits and salads, and made-to-order eggs and hot dishes (the salmon dish is divine), though there are cheeky treats such as pastries and pancakes, too; the last is a lavish affair that includes pastries to start and then a choice of made-to-order hot dishes. I can confirm that the freshly-made frittata hits the spot and fuels me for the day.

Other meals here are mostly taken at the poolside Ocean Bistro, or by the pool itself. As with breakfast, guests can choose to indulge in grilled seafood platters and even a burger. But to promote mindful eating, the menu here is filled with healthy alternatives—think vegan banh mi and wild rice. Everything tastes fresh and is thoroughly satisfying, though the protein shakes become a favourite and a daily indulgence. The hotel also has a robust list of international organic and biodynamic wines available.

Getting there and around

TIA Wellness Resort is around 15 minutes by car from Da Nang International Airport. The resort can arrange private airport transfers for an additional fee, or a taxi or ride-hailing service is another straightforward option, particularly if you’re travelling with luggage. 

The resort is around 10 minutes by car from central Da Nang and approximately 20 minutes from Hoi An Ancient Town, although traffic can affect journey times. TIA operates a scheduled shuttle to Hoi An, subject to its daily timetable; check departure times and reservation requirements with the resort. Taxis and ride-hailing services are useful for trips into Da Nang, visits to Marble Mountains and exploring nearby restaurants. For longer excursions, the team can arrange guided tours, cycling trips and boat trips on the Thu Bon River or to Cham Island.

You don’t need to hire a car if you’re planning to spend most of your stay at the resort, enjoying the spa, beach and included wellness programme. However, a private driver can be worthwhile if you want to explore central Vietnam independently or visit attractions further afield, such as My Son Sanctuary or Ba Na Hills.

Frequently asked questions: TIA Wellness Resort