Xoan Retreat – An emotional experience on Hoa Binh Lake

The wooden houses which are also the rooms of Xoan Retreat are named after the hamlets in the area.

The first impression is 9 wooden houses, also 9 rooms, named after 9 different hamlets of Hien Luong commune (old), now Da Bac commune - a meaningful way to honor this land. You can choose Nha Vay, Nha Tra, Nha Mo or Nha Ngu rooms with an area of 25 - 75m2... Each house is a private, cozy space where visitors can relax. The highlight that cannot be missed is the infinity pool, where the clear blue water stretches out before your eyes, blending with the turquoise color of the lake, creating a majestic scene to watch the sunset.

What makes up the soul of Xoan Retreat is the philosophy of respecting nature. The designer has cleverly used almost all local materials: bamboo, wood, palm leaves, stone... to create an airy, intimate space. From the smallest items such as toothpick jars, room nameplates, to tables and chairs, all carry the breath of the mountains and forests.

The roads and foundations of the construction are arranged according to the available terrain, retaining as much as possible the old tree roots and natural green areas. The two floating houses on the lake are both places for raising fish in cages and a place for visitors to experience rafting fish, kayaking or quietly fishing in the middle of the immense river.

Xoan Retreat – An emotional experience on Hoa Binh Lake

Tourists experience boating on Hoa Binh Lake.

Coming to Xoan Retreat for the first time, Ms. Nguyen Minh Hang, a tourist from Hanoi , shared that she did not think that Da Bac had such a simple yet sophisticated resort. “I have been to many places but rarely have I stopped at a place that retains its natural beauty like here. From the small wooden room, I can look out at the lake sparkling in the sunlight, hear the wind rustling through the palm trees, and just want to leave behind the hustle and bustle of the city.”

For her, Xoan Retreat is not only a place to relax but also a journey to find balance. “Here, you learn to live slowly – listening to your own voice and the voice of nature. When I leave, I feel lighter, as if I have recharged my batteries after busy days,” Ms. Hang shared with a smile.

Visitors to Xoan are also very diverse. From couples who want to enjoy a romantic vacation, groups of young people who like to "check-in and chill" by the infinity pool, to small families who want their children to learn more about nature - Xoan Retreat brings a unique, emotional experience. The cuisine here is also an attractive part, with grilled river fish, bamboo shoots with Cham Cheo sauce, and Can wine - all contributing to completing a complete journey to explore Hoa Binh .

Xoan Retreat – An emotional experience on Hoa Binh Lake

Xoan Retreat is well invested to attract tourists.

However, the success of a tourism model lies not only in the number of visitors, but also in the value it brings to the community. At Xoan Retreat, we met Mr. Pham Trong Khiet - the technical manager. He is a native of Mo hamlet, Da Bac commune. After nearly 20 years of studying and working from Hanoi, Viet Tri to Thailand, he decided to return to his homeland.

Mr. Khiet shared: "At the end of 2021, the epidemic broke out while I was working in Thanh Hoa. I went back to my hometown to rest and celebrate Tet. At that time, Xoan Retreat was under construction, so I immediately applied for a job. Working right on the land where I was born, close to my wife and children, close to my family, everything was extremely convenient."

Mr. Khiet’s story is not unique. Projects like Xoan Retreat are opening up opportunities for people living far away from home to return, contribute and build a stable life right at home. They do not have to go far but still have jobs and income, contributing to reversing the flow of “leaving home” in difficult rural areas.

Currently, Xoan Retreat provides jobs for 25 local workers, in addition to many seasonal construction workers. In addition to focusing on business activities, Xoan Retreat is interested in social security activities in the area. The unit has contributed tens of millions of VND to support various Funds in the area; given Tet gifts to poor households; supported people affected by floods; one of the sponsors of the program "Spring colors warm the highlands 2024"...

Talking to us, Mr. Luu Anh Tu, Director of Xoan Retreat, confided his vision: "We did not come here with the ambition to build a giant resort. We want to create a true "oasis" - an oasis of peace for tourists and an oasis of opportunity for local people. Our philosophy is very simple: Respect nature, honor local culture and share benefits in harmony. We see ourselves not only as businessmen, but also as people who contribute a small part to beautify this land, in the most sustainable way."

Models like Xoan Retreat are the necessary “highlights”, vivid proof that tourism can still develop strongly and humanely without the need for billion-dollar projects. This is a sustainable direction, when the beauty of nature, indigenous cultural values and people’s lives are placed at the center, creating a strong momentum for the local socio-economic development.

Huong Lan

Source: https://baophutho.vn/xoan-retreat--noi-trai-nghiem-day-cam-xuc-tren-ho-hoa-binh-240932.htm