We review TIA Wellness Resort in Vietnam where guests can prioritise relaxation, nourishment, and rejuvenation
And... breathe.
In Asia, Thailand, Bali, and even the Philippines have become the go-to 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 adventuring. 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
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.
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 are 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.
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 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 (the frittata hits the spot).
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 mis 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.
Final thoughts
Many wellness resorts can get a little preachy and can make guests feel somewhat deprived—not so TIA. At this well-thought-out Vietnamese retreat, guests can choose exactly how much they want to focus on their wellbeing. If they want to enjoy seven days of raw food and active pursuits, they can do so. But, if they want to indulge in spa treatments, pool time, and a cheeky lunchtime burger, that’s more than okay, too. TIA Wellness Resort is all about giving guests the tools to make mindful choices that work for them. And we’re here for it.
Learn more about TIA Wellness Resort
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