Resorts Magazine

A vana Retreat is a sanc tuar y of serenit y and enchantment nestled in the nor thern mountains of Mai Chau, an area still relatively untouched by tourism, a four- hour drive west from Hanoi I nternational Airpor t. Scattered on hillsides and atop terraced rice fields at over 1,300 meters, the suites, bungalows and three pool villas feature thatched roofs and, inspired by the traditional local stilt houses, have mud walls, and high woven rattan ceilings. They are air y and bright with ar tisan furnishings and sofas, a double or twin bed, a window nook with a desk , and bathrooms with both a bathtub and a shower. All have spacious terraces with views over the valley, while the three Hilltop Pool Villas have private two -tiered heated pools that echo the graceful profiles of the surrounding rice terraces. The Cloud Pool is also heated and is three -tiered, perched over the valley with views of the Pung water fall which is the hear t of the retreat. The estate, where over 10,000 trees have been planted, has an organic garden that supplies the Green Chilli Restaurant. On the menu exquisite Vietnamese specialties, grilled meats, pasta, and pizzas, and guests can choose to dine in their rooms or terraces, nex t to the water fall, or by a hidden spring in the tropical greener y where it is also possible to swim. A winding wooden path through the jungle leads to the Orchid Spa which is lulled by the murmur of the stream flowing around the pavilions. Exciting adventures await guests on a Jeep lef t by the American army in 1975, discovering local mountain- tribe villages, bouncing over dir t roads, mountainous terrain and rice fields, and splashing through mountain streams. Avana Retrait Mai Chau SPRING IN VIETNAM 82 R ESORTS M AGAZINE