Is Avana Retreat in Mai Chau the eco-conscious getaway you’ve been dreaming of?

As the demand for eco-conscious tourism grows, travelers are increasingly prioritizing ethical, nature-focused experiences that genuinely protect the environment and honor local cultures. Avana Retreat, nestled in Vietnam’s Mai Chau Valley, exemplifies this with its thoughtful integration into the landscape. Surrounded by pristine waterfalls, rice fields, and lush mountains, the resort is committed to preserving the region’s natural beauty while respecting its cultural heritage.

The resort’s 36 expansive villas blend seamlessly with the terraced rice fields, offering uninterrupted views of the mountains and valleys. Avana Retreat also features a spa built over a stream and offers one of the most majestic dining experiences in Southeast Asia.

But it’s the centerpiece of the resort—a stunning waterfall that cascades down into a natural swimming hole—that is truly breathtaking.

Mai Chau: A hidden eco-tourism gem

Just a four-hour drive from Hanoi, Mai Chau Valley deserves to be on every eco-conscious traveler’s map. The valley unites wild, virgin landscapes and serene rice terraces in a tableau of natural beauty.

Mai Chau is also a cultural treasure, home to ethnic minority groups that uphold their traditional lifestyles. Visiting the hill tribe villages offers an opportunity to learn about local cultures and traditions, fostering respect for these communities.

Your eco-conscious mountain escape in Mai Chau

In the midst of this natural and cultural wealth, Avana Retreat has carved out a 15-hectare space that respects the environment while providing a luxurious escape from urban life.

The architecture of this eco-resort draws inspiration from local Hmong and Thai building techniques, respecting traditional aesthetics while minimizing the environmental footprint.

The villas, ranging from 98 to 229 square meters, are constructed with earth walls and thatched roofs, as in traditional Hmong homes, and feature rattan ceilings woven in a Thai style.

Locally crafted arts adorn the interiors, demonstrating the resort’s commitment to supporting local artisans.

One villa is situated on top of a terrace of rice fields, with three boasting private pools. The most luxurious, exclusive option features an 89-square-meter private heated pool that climbs in tiers like a visual echo of the rice terraces.

Appreciate the resort’s harmony with nature as you wander along lantern-lit paths and bridges, enjoying the lush surroundings without impacting them.

“It’s one thing to build a resort near the wonders of nature, but to build in the midst of all this natural splendor, with a footprint as light and retractable as ours, makes for an immersive experience that can be overwhelming,” said Mr. Vu Huy, founder of Avana Retreat.

Unwind in Avana’s eco-friendly oasis

The Avana Retreat offers guests more than just eco-friendly accommodation; it provides a distinctive wellness experience that stands out in Vietnam.

Immerse yourself in nature by attending yoga classes at the open-air studio pavilion, which juts over the stream, or book a treatment at Orchid Spa.

Situated along the stream that courses through the property, Orchid Spa offers eight therapy rooms where you can relax and rejuvenate surrounded by lush greenery, with treatments that draw from traditional Vietnamese practices.

Orchid Spa’s therapies are designed with sustainability in mind, utilizing local, natural herbs and oils that support the local economy and limit environmental impact.

Their signature package, Wild Reconnection, offers a transformative experience, including a body exfoliation with local products, a toning and firming wrap, a relaxing facial, and a tension-relieving body massage—all in keeping with Avana’s commitment to sustainability.

Indulge in a dining experience inspired by nature

The Avana Retreat’s waterfall dining experience takes the concept of farm-to-table dining to new heights, quite literally.

The Green Chili Restaurant, perched beside a stunning waterfall, offers a terraced deck from which diners can savor the sight and sound of cascading waters.

Green Chilli’s menu celebrates local and fusion cuisine, emphasizing locally sourced ingredients. At this all-day dining restaurant, you can savor a delicious array of dishes, from pho (noodle soup) and Australian Wagyu Beef to vegetarian and vegan fare.

The team tries to use local herbs, spices, and veggies as much as possible. They source organic eggs from the property’s chicken farm.

This luxury resort in Mai Chau features a three-level infinity pool with views of the sunset or cloud ceiling. The aptly named Cloud Pool Bar is named after this phenomenon, where fluffy cloud cover settles just below the property for an almost otherworldly view.

At this charming bar restaurant, you can enjoy a tipple, light snacks, or lunch with a menu featuring local specialties such as banana flower salad and western-style fare like pizza, pasta, and burgers.

Leveraging what’s local is a priority across the board. More than 90% of the staff are from the surrounding area. 

“We want as much of the experience of accommodation here to be as singular to this part of Mai Chau as possible, from the sights you see to the food you eat, to the people you meet,” said Huy. 

Mountain adventures and activities at Avana Retreat

Whether you’re seeking to immerse yourself in a new culture or unwind amidst nature, Avana offers endless opportunities for unforgettable adventures and unique experiences.

Start your day with a rejuvenating yoga session at the Yoga House (7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.), and later, indulge in a tranquil morning at the library, nestled within the serene Orchid Spa (open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.).

You can enjoy fishing at the Fish Pond, open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For a glimpse into local culture, visit the Stilt House Museum, a traditional Thai stilt house from the 1970s that has been transformed into a museum showcasing artifacts from three ethnic groups native to the area.

The museum is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with guided tours available every afternoon from 2:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. During the tour, a local guide will walk you through the museum’s collections, offering insights into the beliefs, rituals, and daily lives of the three communities that call this region home.

At Hidden Spring Lagoon, you can unwind with a swim in the infinity pool or refresh yourself in the crystal-clear waters of a natural spring.

Stroll along the serene nature trails that meander through the property, or venture further with a guided trek through picturesque rice terraces and charming villages.

For those seeking a thrill, embark on an exhilarating jeep adventure or paddle across the stunning Ba Khan Lake in a kayak, immersing yourself in its breathtaking beauty.

End your day by relaxing under the stars at the outdoor cinema on the grass field, available from 10:00 p.m., or gather around a cozy bonfire for stargazing every Sunday evening during winter. For a lively evening, head to the Green Chili Restaurant every Saturday at 10:00 p.m. to enjoy captivating live performances featuring traditional local dances.

Immerse yourself in Thai culture with hands-on activities hosted by the resort. Join a Thai weaving demonstration every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, or try your hand at rattan basket weaving on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Both workshops run from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., offering a unique opportunity to connect with Thailand’s rich artisanal heritage.

If you are traveling with kids, Avana Resort has a Kid Club designed for children aged 3 to 12, featuring a variety of engaging, supervised activities. The kids can unleash their creativity with Postcard Painting, while Clay Art allows them to explore their imagination through sculpting. In Toilet Roll Craft, children learn about recycling in a fun and interactive way. For a dose of adventure, the Treasure Hunt Game promises excitement, specially crafted for the resort’s young guests.

Avana’s commitment to minimize its environmental impact

The resort has eliminated plastic water bottles and all single-use plastics across the property. To ensure access to sustainable drinking water, Avana operates its own on-site bottling plant, providing guests with clean water in reusable glass bottles.

Avana uses biodegradable corn starch trash bags and an active composting system for organic waste. For transportation within the resort, only electric buggies are used, significantly reducing emissions.

Avana Resort also invests in the region’s biodiversity through its tree-planting program which focuses on planting native species that directly benefit the local ecosystem. These efforts are regularly monitored to ensure long-term ecological impact and alignment with local conservation goals.