Avana Retreat
When the owners saw this stunning piece of nature, with a magnificent waterfall cascading down the hill, nestled amidst lush forest and overlooking a green valley filled with rice terraces, they knew this paradise had to be preserved and not fall prey to mass tourism. With great attention to detail, the small-scale Avana Retreat gradually emerged, built in the style of the houses inhabited by the local ethnic minorities, almost entirely using local materials and blending seamlessly into the surroundings. Almost all staff are local, and their clothing is inspired by the traditional attire of the Hmong people.
Each of the 36 luxury bungalows, suites, and pool villas offers space, tranquility, and privacy. The large windows and spacious terraces provide views of the green mountains, the valley, or the rice terraces. It is the perfect base to enjoy one of the resort’s activities after a good night's sleep. After an active day, you can relax on a lounge chair at the Cloud Pool, where three terraced infinity pools reflect the surrounding rice terraces. Indulge further in the spa, located in the middle of the rainforest, accompanied by tropical scents and the soothing sound of the waterfall. Enjoy local dishes at the restaurant, prepared with fresh seasonal ingredients. End the day with a cocktail at the Cloud Pool Bar, offering panoramic views of the valley, rice terraces, and waterfall.
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What You Can Expect
- Beautiful, luxurious accommodation that blends seamlessly into the surroundings
- Serene environment consisting of rainforest, rice terraces, and a waterfall
- Service at the highest level
- Full focus on the local population and ethnic minorities
- Many activities to enjoy
Impression
Your Stay
The 36 bungalows, suites, and pool villas are scattered throughout the rainforest on the hill. They are built in a local style with rattan ceilings and extensive use of wood, and the decor also reflects many local influences. All types offer plenty of space, with a spacious terrace perfect for lounging and enjoying the serene surroundings.
The resort has been built with sustainability in mind and is filled with love for the stunning, nature-rich environment. Everything is centered around experiencing nature and getting to know the local cultures. To prioritize the here and now, there are no TVs in the resort. Each room is equipped with Wi-Fi and an iPad, which can be used to call the buggy, book activities, and order room service.
Experiences
There are numerous experiences available that will take you through the surrounding hills and valleys. You can book a guided trek that will take you into the mountains, along narrow paths through forests and local villages. Various treks are available, ranging from a few hours to a full day.
Jeep Adventure
Feel the wind in your hair during this tour in an open, vintage military jeep. The ride takes you through a picturesque landscape of rice terraces and along unpaved roads into the mountains. Hold on tight and enjoy. It is possible to book a picnic lunch here at a beautiful natural spot.
Kayak Escape
See the lush, hilly landscape from a completely different perspective as you glide across the water in a kayak. You depart from a tranquil pier and paddle across Ba Khan Lake. Put the paddles aside for a moment, lean back, and enjoy the breathtaking nature surrounding you. The tour concludes with a lunch at a local home, offering a stunning view over the lake.
Hotel Information
There is plenty to do in the resort. Relax in or by the heated infinity pools, beautifully built like a rice terrace. Children can enjoy themselves at the Kids Club. In the heart of nature lies the H’mong Cottage, where you can participate in a free yoga or meditation session. Or visit the resort’s Stilt House Museum, a traditional Thai house on stilts that has been turned into a museum to learn more about three ethnic groups in the area. A local guide offers an afternoon tour with explanations about their beliefs, rituals, and way of life. Hidden in the woods is a natural spring where you can take a dip in the cool water. Or head to the spa, beautifully located near the waterfall, for a relaxing treatment. Nearby, you will also find a small library and a fitness room. In the evening, enjoy a film at the cozy outdoor cinema.
Accommodation
The 36 bungalows, suites, and pool villas are scattered throughout the rainforest on the hill. They are built in a local style with rattan ceilings and extensive use of wood, and the interior also reflects many local influences. All types offer plenty of space, with a spacious terrace to relax and enjoy the serene surroundings. Each type is equipped with air conditioning and heating, Wi-Fi, a minibar, an iPad, a coffee machine, and a safe. Each ensuite bathroom features a bathtub, a separate rain shower, and a separate toilet.
At the bottom of the hill lies the Bauhinia Mountain Suite, the smallest category at 98 m2. From your terrace, you can enjoy a stunning view of the mountain. Thanks to the large window, you can take a bath and enjoy this magnificent view in complete privacy. The Lantana Mountain Bungalow has 2 bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms and measures 124 m2. Enjoy the view of the mountain and the valley from your spacious terrace. The Ferns Grand Mountain Suite has 1 bedroom but is 115 m2 in size, with a generous sitting area and a terrace overlooking the mountain, valley, and rice terraces. Additionally, this type offers exclusive extras, such as a Retreat Host at your service, a free bottle of sparkling wine upon arrival, a 60-minute massage for 2 people, and an afternoon snack in your room.
Higher up the hill is the Senna Hilltop Pool Villa. Perfect for those seeking privacy and romance. This spacious pool villa is 194 m2, and both the separate living room and bedroom provide access to the terrace with a private pool. The infinity pool consists of 2 levels, reminiscent of a rice terrace. The view of the valley with green rice terraces is unparalleled. The 2-Bedroom Senna Hilltop Pool Villa is the largest at 229 m2. Both bedrooms have ensuite bathrooms, and the infinity private pool is heated, offering sweeping views over the rice terraces and the valley.
Restaurants
The Green Chili Restaurant offers a variety of local dishes, made from seasonal products sourced from nearby farmers. There are also international dishes on the menu. Be sure to try the Pho, one of Vietnam's most famous dishes and certainly one of the most popular here. If you wish to enjoy a romantic dinner for two, Avana provides several options. You can book a romantic dinner by the waterfall, at the natural spring, or on the terrace of your own room.
Next to the Cloud Pool, the resort's infinity pools, is the Cloud Pool Bar. Here, you can order a delicious, refreshing drink, colorful cocktails, or tasty lunches. All with a view of the valley, the rice terraces, and the waterfall.
Spa & Wellness
Beautifully situated in the rainforest, next to the waterfall, the atmosphere of the spa immediately offers relaxation. There are many different treatments available, utilizing natural and local herbs and oils. The treatments are designed to restore balance in the body and refresh your mind.
Activities
The Avana Retreat offers a wide range of activities for nature lovers, for couples who want to celebrate their love, and for families with children. Kids will enjoy the bamboo forest, where many different animals live together and can be observed up close. There is a Kid’s Club that organizes many activities, or let them try their hand at cooking with the Little Chef program. An interactive way to learn more about the local cultures is by participating in one of the workshops. Learn to make batik in the Hmong style, weave like the Thai, or braid rattan baskets.
Sustainability
The entire philosophy of this resort revolves around sustainability. Naturally, no single-use plastics are used, and as much as possible, organic materials are utilized, such as starch-based waste bags, packaging, and cups made of bamboo and paper, as well as reusable bottles and cups. There is also a dedicated water purification system that produces drinking water. Of course, they generate as little waste as possible and recycle as much as possible. This philosophy is also actively promoted among the local community, who had not previously been involved in such practices. The surrounding environment of the resort is protected; the walking paths are laid around existing trees, and the resort's lighting is kept as low as possible to minimize disturbance to plants and animals. Every month, a volunteer team from the resort collects waste in the area. Furthermore, food is sourced from local farmers, most of which is organically grown. 90% of the staff come from the region and receive training to continue their personal development.
Accommodation
The 36 bungalows, suites, and pool villas are scattered throughout the rainforest on the hill. They are built in a local style with rattan ceilings and extensive use of wood, and the interior also reflects many local influences. All types offer plenty of space, with a spacious terrace to relax and enjoy the serene surroundings. Each type is equipped with air conditioning and heating, Wi-Fi, a minibar, an iPad, a coffee machine, and a safe. Each ensuite bathroom features a bathtub, a separate rain shower, and a separate toilet.
At the bottom of the hill lies the Bauhinia Mountain Suite, the smallest category at 98 m2. From your terrace, you can enjoy a stunning view of the mountain. Thanks to the large window, you can take a bath and enjoy this magnificent view in complete privacy. The Lantana Mountain Bungalow has 2 bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms and measures 124 m2. Enjoy the view of the mountain and the valley from your spacious terrace. The Ferns Grand Mountain Suite has 1 bedroom but is 115 m2 in size, with a generous sitting area and a terrace overlooking the mountain, valley, and rice terraces. Additionally, this type offers exclusive extras, such as a Retreat Host at your service, a free bottle of sparkling wine upon arrival, a 60-minute massage for 2 people, and an afternoon snack in your room.
Higher up the hill is the Senna Hilltop Pool Villa. Perfect for those seeking privacy and romance. This spacious pool villa is 194 m2, and both the separate living room and bedroom provide access to the terrace with a private pool. The infinity pool consists of 2 levels, reminiscent of a rice terrace. The view of the valley with green rice terraces is unparalleled. The 2-Bedroom Senna Hilltop Pool Villa is the largest at 229 m2. Both bedrooms have ensuite bathrooms, and the infinity private pool is heated, offering sweeping views over the rice terraces and the valley.
Restaurants
The Green Chili Restaurant offers a variety of local dishes, made from seasonal products sourced from nearby farmers. There are also international dishes on the menu. Be sure to try the Pho, one of Vietnam's most famous dishes and certainly one of the most popular here. If you wish to enjoy a romantic dinner for two, Avana provides several options. You can book a romantic dinner by the waterfall, at the natural spring, or on the terrace of your own room.
Next to the Cloud Pool, the resort's infinity pools, is the Cloud Pool Bar. Here, you can order a delicious, refreshing drink, colorful cocktails, or tasty lunches. All with a view of the valley, the rice terraces, and the waterfall.
Spa & Wellness
Beautifully situated in the rainforest, next to the waterfall, the atmosphere of the spa immediately offers relaxation. There are many different treatments available, utilizing natural and local herbs and oils. The treatments are designed to restore balance in the body and refresh your mind.
Activities
The Avana Retreat offers a wide range of activities for nature lovers, for couples who want to celebrate their love, and for families with children. Kids will enjoy the bamboo forest, where many different animals live together and can be observed up close. There is a Kid’s Club that organizes many activities, or let them try their hand at cooking with the Little Chef program. An interactive way to learn more about the local cultures is by participating in one of the workshops. Learn to make batik in the Hmong style, weave like the Thai, or braid rattan baskets.
Sustainability
The entire philosophy of this resort revolves around sustainability. Naturally, no single-use plastics are used, and as much as possible, organic materials are utilized, such as starch-based waste bags, packaging, and cups made of bamboo and paper, as well as reusable bottles and cups. There is also a dedicated water purification system that produces drinking water. Of course, they generate as little waste as possible and recycle as much as possible. This philosophy is also actively promoted among the local community, who had not previously been involved in such practices. The surrounding environment of the resort is protected; the walking paths are laid around existing trees, and the resort's lighting is kept as low as possible to minimize disturbance to plants and animals. Every month, a volunteer team from the resort collects waste in the area. Furthermore, food is sourced from local farmers, most of which is organically grown. 90% of the staff come from the region and receive training to continue their personal development.
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