Nghia is best known for his intricate bamboo leisure buildings
Architect Vo Trong Nghia is creating a floating bamboo spa on the Vietnamese island Phu Quoc.
The island, which is famous for its dense expanses of jungle, is a fitting location for Nghia who believes humans have become too disconnected from nature.
He says: “People think of human beings and nature as two separate things, but humans are just a small part of nature...
“In the very near future we have to become more green [in our design] – using things like green walls and roofs and environmental materials. Otherwise, we’ll all die very soon because of climate change, conflict and the misuse of technology.”
His latest project – Signature Spa – is part of a five-star hotel backed by the BIM Group, which is one of Vietnam’s leading private investment companies.
The main part of the spa comprises 12 arched bamboo podiums hovering above a small lake surrounded by mangrove trees, with glass walls providing views across the water. The podiums, which provide space for relaxation and consultation services, resemble hands clasped together and interwoven fingers. Where the frames meet, a skylight diffuses changing light into the space.
Two separate buildings house the treatment rooms and back of house facilities and are reached via a floating bridge
The combination of stone, glass and bamboo is designed to evoke “a reserved simplicity” and to reconnect visitors with nature.
The aim of the design is to provide a place of solace, where guests can immerse themselves in the lush mangrove reservoir while nestled inside the bamboo podiums.
Nghia adds: “With all our projects we look at the surrounding nature and see how we can harmonise with that. Spa buildings don’t have to be concrete, especially in tropical climates.”
A completion date for the project has not yet been released.
Nghia is best known for his intricate bamboo buildings. His work includes the Naman Retreat and Roc Von restaurant in Vietnam and a contribution to the 2016 Venice Architecture Biennale – a meditation zone surrounded by plants.
He arrived at this nature-conscious mindset after taking up meditation. He and his staff meditate twice a day, and he’s attended five vipanassa courses, where you spend 10 days in silence and devote your time to meditation.
He says: “I think everyone – not only creative people – should refresh themselves in this way. It changes your way of observing the world and also changes your perspective.
Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine
Promotional feature: Phytomer
As a pioneer of marine skincare, Phytomer represents a story of three impassioned generations and a dedication to cultivating the purest spa ingredients from the northern French coast
In the fast-paced world of fitness and wellness, where high-intensity workouts push us to
our limits and the sweat pours, the importance of efficient recovery cannot be overstated. [more...]
Nghia is best known for his intricate bamboo leisure buildings
Architect Vo Trong Nghia is creating a floating bamboo spa on the Vietnamese island Phu Quoc.
The island, which is famous for its dense expanses of jungle, is a fitting location for Nghia who believes humans have become too disconnected from nature.
He says: “People think of human beings and nature as two separate things, but humans are just a small part of nature...
“In the very near future we have to become more green [in our design] – using things like green walls and roofs and environmental materials. Otherwise, we’ll all die very soon because of climate change, conflict and the misuse of technology.”
His latest project – Signature Spa – is part of a five-star hotel backed by the BIM Group, which is one of Vietnam’s leading private investment companies.
The main part of the spa comprises 12 arched bamboo podiums hovering above a small lake surrounded by mangrove trees, with glass walls providing views across the water. The podiums, which provide space for relaxation and consultation services, resemble hands clasped together and interwoven fingers. Where the frames meet, a skylight diffuses changing light into the space.
Two separate buildings house the treatment rooms and back of house facilities and are reached via a floating bridge
The combination of stone, glass and bamboo is designed to evoke “a reserved simplicity” and to reconnect visitors with nature.
The aim of the design is to provide a place of solace, where guests can immerse themselves in the lush mangrove reservoir while nestled inside the bamboo podiums.
Nghia adds: “With all our projects we look at the surrounding nature and see how we can harmonise with that. Spa buildings don’t have to be concrete, especially in tropical climates.”
A completion date for the project has not yet been released.
Nghia is best known for his intricate bamboo buildings. His work includes the Naman Retreat and Roc Von restaurant in Vietnam and a contribution to the 2016 Venice Architecture Biennale – a meditation zone surrounded by plants.
He arrived at this nature-conscious mindset after taking up meditation. He and his staff meditate twice a day, and he’s attended five vipanassa courses, where you spend 10 days in silence and devote your time to meditation.
He says: “I think everyone – not only creative people – should refresh themselves in this way. It changes your way of observing the world and also changes your perspective.
Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine
Promotional feature: Phytomer
As a pioneer of marine skincare, Phytomer represents a story of three impassioned generations and a dedication to cultivating the purest spa ingredients from the northern French coast
Global Wellness Day (GWD) will mark its 15th anniversary on Saturday 13 June 2026, with the
theme: #JoyMagenta – a celebration of the healing qualities of simple gestures and activities
that spark joy.
Global luxury hospitality brand, Six Senses, has partnered with longevity healthcare provider,
HUM2N, to launch a clinic at Six Senses London, at The Whiteley.
As part of its first hotel partnership, Mayrlife – the medical health resort company known for its
site in Altaussee, Austria – has launched a day clinic at the Rosewood Vienna.
Premium London health club, KX Chelsea, will imminently unveil its most significant
redevelopment since its launch in 2002 to create an integrated wellness model combining
training, recovery and relaxation.
Rosewood Le Guanahani St Barth, on the northeast coast of Saint Barthélemy in the French
West Indies, is offering a programme of ocean-inspired yoga classes between 8-14 June to
celebrate Global Wellness Day (GWD).
Hotel de France, located on the British Isle of Jersey, has created a wellness retreat package
that includes a hot yoga session that will take place in Jersey Zoo’s butterfly sanctuary.
The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi, in Malaysia, has revealed a schedule for Global Wellness Day
(GWD) that includes guided rainforest walks, mindful movement and guided coastal meditation
experiences.
Longevitix, a clinical platform for preventive and longevity medicine, has launched its AI-
powered intelligence system to help physicians deliver continuous, personalised longevity-
focused care at scale.
Atmantan Wellness Centre, an integrative wellness destination in Mulshi, near Pune in India, is
expanding its portfolio by adding a new centre in Hyderabad that will launch between 2028 and
2029.
A recent survey by the UK Spa Association (UKSA) into the industry’s approach to cancer care
has revealed that almost half of participating respondents (46 per cent) are unaware that
cancer is a disability and guests with a cancer diagnosis must be given
In the fast-paced world of fitness and wellness, where high-intensity workouts push us to
our limits and the sweat pours, the importance of efficient recovery cannot be overstated. [more...]
