Nothing can prepare you for the terraced rice fields of Mù Cang Chải, Yên Bái province – a reverie so captivating it has been declared Vietnam’s National Heritage Site. It was here, in April, that the Banyan Group opened the doors to Garrya Mù Cang Chải resort to rave reviews. One traveller claimed the experience “took their breath away”, another described their time at the retreat as “phenomenal”. 

The resort, which is deeply rooted in a sense of place, is housed within a bamboo palace merging modern design with local H'Mong cultural motifs that connects guests with the natural surroundings. It is claimed to be the world's largest bamboo-structured property where residents are met by sweeping bamboo arches within the colossal public areas, which includes an eight-metre-high pillarless bamboo ballroom. The material was a natural choice for the site as it is not only locally available but sustainable and holds an important place in Vietnamese culture, representing strength and resilience.

The ethos of the resort is “finding beauty in simplicity” –  it is intended as a place to seek serenity, which is effortlessly obtained when one is encamped in 6.5 hectares of breathtaking landscape. There are 110 rooms, suites and villas that have terraces and large windows with panoramic views, some with private pools. Following the resort's zen mantra, the spa services at its 8lements Spa offer treatments such as a "Deep Bodyworks" massage that aid rest and rejuvenation. Guests can also partake in yoga, meditation, and other mindful activities, with many packages including access to facilities like the gym, outdoor pool, and sauna and steam rooms. Special treatments include the "Hydro Wellbeing" service, which takes place in a sequential space featuring hot and cold pools, a rain mist shower walk, an infrared sauna, and a herbal steam room, designed to enhance circulation and detoxification.

The restaurant, as one would expect, ensures there are nutritious dishes on the menu alongside a selection of international, Asian, local and Vietnamese dishes. There’s also a Charcoal Grill with a live open kitchen that is more of an interactive dining experience. And for those prepared to raise their pulse above “chilled” by way of an excursion, the resort is close to famous sites such as the Mam Xoi and Mong Ngua rice terrace hills, the Mù Cang Chải bamboo forest, the H’Mong ethnic villages, and the Khau Pha pass.

The only stress is how to get there. It's a six hour – albeit scenic – drive from Hanoi and around five hours from Noi Bai International Airport. One daily shuttle is provided by the resort to and from both locations. garrya.com/en/destinations/mu-cang-chai.