This festive season, Namia River Retreat celebrates the spirit of togetherness through culinary and cultural experiences inspired by Hoi An’s rich trading heritage.
Along the tranquil Thu Bon River, Namia River Retreat presents “From Spice Trade to Silk Roads”, a festive celebration of meaningful gatherings, mindful relaxation and Hoi An’s legacy as a vibrant trading port.
Centuries ago, merchants arrived carrying silk, ceramics, spices, and stories from distant lands, shaping Hoi An into a melting pot of cultures and traditions. The arrival of merchant ships filled Hoi An with markets, music and lantern-lit gatherings along the river. This season, Namia River Retreat revives that spirit through festive dining, cultural rituals and shared experiences, with menus created by Executive Sous Chef Viet Pham. Special festive dining experiences celebrate Vietnamese ingredients through flavours inspired by the world’s ancient trading routes.
24 December – Christmas Eve: Spice Trade sharing dinner on land or water
Inspired by merchant vessels arriving along Hoi An’s waterways, Christmas Eve celebrates coastal flavours, fragrant herbs and the warmth of Vietnamese hospitality.
The evening begins with a lantern-lighting ceremony, accompanied by festive choir performances, welcome cocktails and canapés, creating a heartwarming atmosphere for families and loved ones.
At The Merchant Restaurant, an intimate five-course sharing menu celebrates coastal ingredients and Vietnamese flavours, featuring Faifo Roast Duck smoked over cinnamon bark, Saffron Lobster Custard and a final golden kumquat, alongside vegetarian options and selected wine pairings.
Alternatively, The Merchant River Cruise offers a three-hour festive journey along the Thu Bon River, featuring sundowner cocktails, a five-course Spice Route-inspired dinner, cultural storytelling and a choice of free-flow beverage packages.
Christmas Eve Dining:
• The Merchant Restaurant: VND 3,830,000++ per guest, open for in-house guests.
• The Merchant River Cruise: From VND 3,000,000++ per guest, open to both in-house and outside guests.
31 December – New Year’s Eve: Silk & Spice Buffet with free flow of wines
As the year draws to a close, the festive journey moves from the waterways to Hoi An’s historic trading streets, where merchants and artisans once exchanged goods, craftsmanship and traditions.
At The Merchant Restaurant, an abundant New Year’s Eve buffet brings the Spice Trade and Silk Road together through food, fire and flavour. Fresh seafood, live cooking stations, aromatic roasts and plant-based creations showcase culinary influences from East to West, complemented by festive desserts.
The celebration opens with a lantern-lighting ceremony, followed by cocktails and canapés. Special live music performances set the mood throughout the evening, accompanied by free-flow sparkling, red, white and rosé wines.
Guests may also join an escorted excursion to Hoi An Ancient Town for the New Year countdown, welcoming 2027 amid its lantern-lit historic streets.
New Year’s Eve Dinner: VND 4,850,000++ per guest, open for in-house guests.
The Joy of Slowing Down, Together
Beyond the festivities, Namia offers a peaceful sanctuary to reconnect with loved ones while embracing the luxury of time and personal wellbeing.
Set on a tranquil islet, the wellness-inclusive resort’s 60 private pool villas offer an intimate escape surrounded by nipa palms or river views. Every stay includes a complimentary 90-minute Wellness Journey per person, per night at Lumina Wellbeing & Spa, combining Vietnamese herbal hydrotherapy and restorative traditional treatments.
Throughout the festive season, guests can enjoy morning yoga, sunset river journeys, family friendly workshops, traditional crafts and rich culture activities such as guided bicycle trails and basket boat ride.
At Namia, the festive season is as much about the moments between celebrations: unhurried mornings, quiet moments by a private pool and meaningful discoveries shared with loved ones. It’s a gentle reminder that the most treasured gift of the season is time together.
ABOUT NAMIA RIVER RETREAT – It’s more than a stay, it’s a meaningful experience
Nestled on the Con Ba Xa Islet in Hoi An, Namia River Retreat is thoughtfully crafted with genuine cultural journeys and wellness-inclusive therapies inspired by Vietnamese herbology. With 60 private pool villas, locally inspired dining experiences, and stunning pools with Thu Bon River views, the resort opens new ways to explore and connect with the lantern-lit ancient town of Hoi An.
Namia River Retreat Wellness-Inclusive Resort is a proud member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH), a Virtuoso Preferred Partner, and a recipient of One MICHELIN Key 2026 — recognitions that reflect its commitment to heartfelt hospitality, sustainability, cultural preservation, and meaningful travel experiences.
For more information and festive reservations: www.namiariverretreat.com
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