27 Aug 2008

Exploring a ’new’ Life Heritage Resort in Hoi An


Located on the edge of Hoi An Ancient Town and on the banks of the scenic Thu Bon River, the Heritage Resort Hoi An is a short stroll from the colorful and bustling ancient town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Though featured by old-time Asian design, the influences of French, Dutch, Chinese and Japanese cultures make up the distinct ambience and atmosphere of the resort.

The Life Heritage Resort spa treatment facilities situated along the romantic Hoai River are a welcoming place for relaxing. New plantings have increased the shade cover around the pool and the spa has moved indoors with three single treatment rooms open to views of the Thu Bon, while a double-room looks onto the resort's gardens.

Renovations at the popular 94-room resort pared the hotel back to its concrete shell and then, with Pisani Designs holding the palette, recast the property with more space in the rooms, more light in the bath-rooms and bespoke furnishings. The second-generation upgrade features a new spa and a new Heritage Bar that celebrates the history of the exquisitely preserved 19th Century trading port and provides an outdoor perch on one of the town's most quaint streets.

Inside the air-conditioned bar is a series of archival prints for visitors to explore the town's past. Upstairs at the Heritage Bar cigar aficionados hold court in segregated space, seasoned by the finest imports and Life's recommitment to a wine list that would do justice to the finest hotels.

At Senses, the resort's signature restaurant, the menu, like the resort itself, has been completely revamped to feature a fusion of Asian and Western cuisines. The open, riverfront exposure remains the same, but custom furnishings have redefined the ambiance.

At Vienna Cafe, the ground-floor pastry and light-meal eatery. Old World aesthetics conjure a remarkably different dining experience. But, like the rest of the resort, its tiling and furnishings are fresh and stylish.

This is a new window on Hoi An that has never been opened before, said Cathy McConkey, the resort's general manager. She added they always traded on their proximity to Hoi An and now visitors can watch the world go by from a prime perch outside the Heritage Bar.

Life Heritage Resort Hoi An reopened on August 1 after a six-month suspension of operations.

Life Resorts also owns and operates the Life Wellness Resort Quy Nhon, inspired by the architecture of the Kingdom of Champa, just as the Life Heritage Resort Hoi An was inspired by the classical design featured in Hoi An ancient town.

1 comment:

  1. Hoi An Ancient is very nice. People is very kindly. I have some photos with my friend here.

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