From its earliest planning stages, Namia River Retreat, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, was envisioned as a sustainable resort deeply rooted in local culture and heritage. Nestled on a private islet just beyond Hoi An, Vietnam, the property has been purposefully designed to reflect both sustainable luxury and social responsibility. Although it has yet to obtain an official sustainability certification—having only opened in December 2024—it already distinguishes itself through impressive initiatives that prioritize environmentally conscious operations.
The resort’s bioclimatic design embraces the rhythms of nature, working with natural ventilation and climate to create comfortable, breezy spaces that feel seamlessly connected to the outdoors. Handcrafted furnishings, sourced from artisans within a 50-kilometer radius, bring authenticity and local artistry into every corner, while indigenous plants around the property nurture biodiversity and support local wildlife.
Behind the scenes, innovative practices quietly reduce the resort’s footprint. Solar power partially fuels back-of-house operations, circular waste management ensures materials are reused or recycled, and water-saving technologies are woven throughout the property. Guests won’t find single-use plastics here—banana-leaf packaging, rice-flour straws, and other eco-friendly alternatives take their place. Moving around the islet is equally green, with electric buggies and bamboo bicycles offering sustainable ways to explore. Even the lighting is carefully considered: energy-efficient LEDs preserve the night sky, while circadian lighting systems align with natural rhythms for wellbeing.
The commitment to community is just as strong. Local staff and partnerships with initiatives like Reform and Glassia celebrate and support regional creators, while menus are thoughtfully crafted with seasonal ingredients sourced from nearby farmers and producers. The retreat also fosters a healthy workplace, prioritizing staff wellness, fair hiring, and sustainable infrastructure.
For guests seeking deeper immersion, Namia offers pathways into the cultural and natural heritage of Vietnam. Experiences include visits to nearby historical sites, traditional spa therapies rooted in ancient healing, and hands-on workshops in sustainable gardening, beekeeping, and herbology—some still in their early stages but brimming with promise. Through these opportunities, guests are invited not only to relax but to reconnect with the land, its people, and time-honored traditions.
At every turn, Namia River Retreat embodies a vision of sustainable luxury—one where comfort, culture, and responsibility flow together as naturally as the river that surrounds it.
