On Con Ba Xa islet, nestled in the gentle flow of the Thu Bon River, Namia River Retreat is reimagining dining as a journey of sustainability, heritage, and wellness. Hoi An’s storied past seems to linger in the resort’s gourmet offerings, carrying the essence of the land and the legacy of the people.
At Namia River Retreat, dining is an expression of wellness. Every meal reflects a philosophy of care for guests, the land, and the ecosystem. Fresh seafood arrives daily from the Cham Islands, organic produce is gathered from Tra Que Village, free-range ducks are raised on nearby farms, and fragrant herbs can be picked from Namia’s own gardens. Even mornings echo this philosophy with a sustainably curated breakfast: a buffet of housemade and locally sourced delicacies, tropical fruits, Vietnamese teas, and coffee roasted on site. This vision is brought to life in collaboration with Chef Oliver Truesdale-Jutras, founder of Re:Growth, a consultancy pioneering regenerative gastronomy. His approach is simple: source local, seasonal ingredients, and reduce food waste without heavy investments, proving that sustainability need not come at the expense of creativity or pleasure. As the resort describes it: “Heart-warming. Joyful. Freshly picked. Authentic. Food that pays homage to the homeland Hoi An. Dishes to nourish, and to share.”
Namia’s culinary journey is supported by the retreat’s overall ethos of regenerative design. Once an eroded islet, the property has been restored with mangrove trees, nipa palms, and native vegetation, creating a living shoreline that protects the riverbank and encourages wildlife. Architecture blends into the environment with natural light, bamboo structures, and locally crafted furniture, embodying a philosophy where every detail serves both beauty and purpose.
Menus are thoughtfully crafted to awaken the food memories every Vietnamese holds close: the fragrance of herbs, the richness of slow-braised meats, the warmth of aromatic spices, and the comfort of meals once prepared by mothers and grandmothers. Across Namia’s two distinct restaurants, The Merchant and The Fisherman, these nostalgic flavors are reinterpreted with a contemporary touch, offering a culinary journey that honours Hoi An’s traditions while delighting modern, discerning palates.
The Merchant, perched on the riverfront with sweeping views of the Nipa palm forest, draws inspiration from Hoi An’s history as a trading port. Its menus celebrate Vietnamese culinary traditions, elevated by seasonal produce sourced from local farms and markets. Signature dishes, such as roasted farm duck, reflect this farm-to-table approach, while cocktails infused with organic herbs from Tra Que Village pay homage to the vibrancy of street food culture.
The Fisherman, beside the main pool, captures the spirit of Hoi An’s fishing heritage. Here, the day’s catches from the Cham Islands are paired with foraged herbs, creating menus that shift with the rhythm of the tides. The Fisherman offers an intimate dining experience complemented by a curated selection of biodynamic and organic wines. Cocktails, crafted in collaboration with The Craftsman Bar in Da Nang, subtly reflect Japanese influences woven into Hoi An’s history.
Together, these two restaurants honour the land and the sea, weaving seasonality, heritage, and craft into every plate and glass. Namia’s approach extends beyond food and drink; it’s a philosophy that permeates the retreat. Guests are invited to join wellness rituals — tai chi at sunrise, herbal spa therapies rooted in traditional Vietnamese medicine, and cultural workshops that celebrate local crafts — experiences that all reinforce the retreat’s harmony with nature and community.
This autumn, Namia River Retreat will host a series of culinary and cultural events to celebrate the season of fulfilment. A “Dinner Duet” will see two chefs collaborate in a poetic exchange, creating dishes that balance flavour with nourishment. A seafood barbecue along the Thu Bon River will turn the shoreline into a communal feast, while a candlelit Full Moon Buffet will celebrate Vietnam’s lunar traditions with local delicacies.
In the heart of Hoi An’s historic landscapes, Namia River Retreat invites guests to rediscover the art of slowing down. Here, quiet luxury takes the form of mindful dining, holistic wellbeing, and a return to the rhythms of land and tide. Every detail, from the ingredients on the plate to the architecture of the retreat, is intentional and nourishing. In Namia, indulgence is not hurried but savoured slowly — a season, and a philosophy, to be cherished.