Avana Retreat

The Avana Retreat in Mai Chau, Vietnam, offers an immersive experience in the country’s authentic rural culture. Surrounded by rice fields, waterfalls, bamboo forests, and mountains, the retreat provides stunning natural scenery and sits at cloud level for mesmerising valley views. Designed with sustainability as a priority, it engages the local community, utilises local materials, and serves locally sourced food.

The property features 36 villas built near a waterfall, have thatched roofs, earth walls, rattan ceilings, wood interiors, and are decorated with local arts and crafts. Each villa includes a comfortable king bed, a large seating area, an ensuite bathroom with a rain shower and bathtub, and a spacious balcony with panoramic countryside views. Villas vary in size, with the largest accommodating up to 8 guests. The resort is TV-free but provides iPads in each villa for room service, buggy requests, and activity bookings.

Meals at the retreat use produce grown onsite or sourced locally, with the Green Chili Restaurant offering international dishes and regional specialities like Mai Chau catfish and grilled duck. The Cloud Pool Bar offers sweeping views of the valley, rice fields, and waterfall, perfect for a drink while watching the clouds settle below. Private dinners can be arranged at the Hidden Spring Lagoon on a platform overlooking the waterfall.

The retreat features lantern-lit walkways through the forest, an open-air yoga platform, and the Orchid Spa, which uses local herbs and oils for therapeutic treatments. Guests can enjoy four heated infinity pools and the Hidden Spring Lagoon for a private swimming experience. Activities include jeep tours, kayaking, mountain trekking, and visits to local villages, providing opportunities to explore the local environment and meet the community.