If you’re looking for a place to unwind near Hoi An, Vietnam, head straight to The Heart of the Earth Spa. Set on a lagoon filled with lotus flowers and koi, the sanctuary is shrouded in coconut palms and immediately soothes you upon entering.
Inspired by Vietnamese monk Thich Nhat Hanh’s book Love Letter to the Earth, the spa’s concept focuses on stability, creativity and non-judgment. A spotlight is also placed on the belief that we are connected to the earth and that by aligning ourselves to its rhythm, we achieve a sort of harmony that can help heal the mind and body.
The eight floating suites are idyllic retreats that help you recalibrate. Incredibly spacious, they consist of two rooms: the first is where you’ll enjoy the service of your choosing (there’s a variety of massages, facials, scrubs and wraps) and the second is where you can relax pre- and post-treatment while gazing at the lagoon.
- The indoor-outdoor design of the sumptuous spa lets Vietnam’s
natural beauty take center stage, providing a gorgeous backdrop for a peaceful
service.
- Opening up to the serene koi-filled lagoon, the spa reception
area makes for a dramatic first impression.
- Each treatment suite has an incredible relaxation deck where
you’ll find a bathtub and cushioned daybed for two.
- All treatments start with a foot bath featuring a sea salt scrub infused
with lemongrass, ginger and lime. This is followed by the sounds of crystal
singing bowls tuned to 432 hertz — believed to be the harmonic intonation of
nature — and breathing techniques to help you sync with the earth’s heartbeat.
- A 1,400-square-foot yoga pavilion was added in early 2018 and is
the first in Vietnam to offer AntiGravity Yoga.
Of course, you can also stretch it out with more traditional flow and
meditation classes.
- Schedule your treatment to begin or end around sunset and you may
catch a glimpse of the sky’s stunning colors between the soaring palm trees.
- Daily at 5:30 pm, the spa reception holds a ritual called “A Goodnight Kiss to the Earth,” when you can write down a wish and send it off on
a candlelit float to the tune of crystal singing bowls.
- The fitness center is next to the Hoi An property’s cooking academy
rather than at the spa. There you’ll find state-of-the-art equipment as well as a designated stretching room, padel, pickleball, badminton, basketball and four tennis courts, a steam room and a sauna.
- If you’re feeling really strained, go double duty on muscle
tension relief with a four-hand massage.
- The two-hour Core Connection Rituals provide a full-body
treatment by combining a massage, scrub and wrap all in one session. To really
find your Zen, opt for the Deep Peace, which attempts to alleviate anxiety with
a precious-gem-infused scrub and body wrap followed by a healing crystal sound
and Inner Peace massage.
- Those who prefer the healing power of stones should try the
Crystal Harmony facial, which uses a garnet scrub, rose quartz, salt poultices
and a jade mask to leave your skin glowing.
- The supremely relaxing Bathing Ceremonies can be enjoyed on your
treatment suite’s deck and can help with relaxation, balance or revitalization,
depending on your choice of scents.
- The showers in the treatment suites also double as steam rooms — your
therapist will pad it with towels to make it more comfortable.
- The floor-to-ceiling glass doors on the relaxation deck fold
back, putting the lagoon on full display.
- The massage rooms are set up for couples, but are so spacious
that you won’t feel cramped.
Meals
Outdoor pool
Spa shop
