PureandCure review: Stella's visit to TIA Wellness Resort in Vietnam

TIA is just as beautiful as it looks in the photos.

Some resorts have amazing photography – serene and beautiful girls meditating and doing yoga on an even more beautiful beach, mouthwatering healthy food, luxurious contemporary suites – you get the picture! A skilled photographer can often make reality seem a bit of a disappointment but I can wholeheartedly say that is not the case here. I was inspired to take so many more photos (though not as professional) to capture the thoughtfulness of the place. 

Attention to details

For me, the main theme was the detail. TIA Wellness Resort’s attention to detail is truly impressive. From the beautifully arranged flower bouquets and the thoughtful welcome package with an inspirational quote in the room to the delicate flower placed beside my tea in the spa and the warm hospitality of the staff—every little touch adds to the experience. My husband barely noticed these details, but to me, they made all the difference! Does that mean this is a retreat designed mainly for women? Not at all. In fact, I saw plenty of men, mostly traveling as couples, and even some solo travelers following a wellness program. The manager assured me that this level of attentiveness is deeply ingrained in the staff training at TIA Wellness Resort. Although I visited with my husband and it’s a fantastic destination for couples, I would happily return on my own. 

Food in TIA Wellness Resort

Vietnamese Food is clean, light and tasty and is readily available at TIA Wellness Resort, presented in the usual appetising way. I tried the plant-based menus for a couple of days which were delicious and even convinced my husband, a confirmed carnivore, to give it a go as they have an 'ease-in' option with only 20% of the ingredients from animal products. They also have a juicing option and a raw food option where you can eat raw until 4.00 pm and have the more easily digestible cooked dishes after that. No matter what I ate, it was beautifully presented and very tasty. 

The Any Time, Anywhere Breakfast concept

I have to say though that I had a real thing going on for the breakfasts. The breakfast buffet was fantastic with a huge colourful array of fresh fruit, juices, smoothies and cooked options. As someone who doesn’t like to eat too much too early, I also love the 'anytime anywhere' concept and one day we were served breakfast by the beach at noon. With this concept you can easily get by with half board only and have a small snack in the afternoon if you get peckish.

The Energy Treatments

Having trained as a Reiki practitioner, I have a personal interest in how energy treatments can help you to rebalance and heal on a subtle level. I also know that these types of treatments are about much more than hands-on training and, therefore, not readily available or delivered well at most spas. The energy treatments at TIA Wellness Resortblew my mind and the therapists were incredible! The Wellness Manager puts this down the purity of the Vietnamese people and I have to say that one of the best energy treatments that I have ever had, was delivered by the resident Reiki Master who used to be a gardener (and very much at one with nature) before he trained as a therapist.

Holistic activities

To keep the energy flowing, the daily yoga and Tai Chi classes are also a must and expertly delivered in the gardens at the spa or on the yoga platform by the beach which I loved. There were lots of other fitness type classes available too and I tried the Circuit class which was fun and challenging. I was so inspired by the quality of these treatments and activities that we put together a Private Retreat programme which focuses on these treatments in addition to other more traditional hands-on treatments.

The Location of TIA Wellness Resort

My Khe beach is absolutely gorgeous and is frequently voted as one of the best in the world. It goes on for miles so it's definitely good for a power walk or run in the morning or a leisurely walk in the afternoon. I also loved the proximity to Hoi Ann which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and easily reachable by shuttle bus from TIA Wellness Resort. I would definitely recommend visiting for an afternoon and evening for the museums, shopping and restaurants and TIA Wellness Resort even has a cafe there that you can visit and use the complimentary bicycles. It really gives you a real Vietnamese flavour. Finally, I would say that if you have the time, do speak to us about adding on a 3 day Junk Boat Cruise in Halong Bay as it really is a fabulous experience and one that I would highly recommend!

Tips for your travel

• A visit to Hoi An, known for its tailor shops, local market, and charming eateries.  
  
• Experience unique wellness excursions! Join a Vietnamese cooking or calligraphy workshop, practice Tai Chi on Marble Mountain, or meditate on the Son Tra Peninsula. One wellness excursion is included free of charge with a minimum stay.
  

Interested in a TIA Wellness Resort's holiday?