Every morning at Avana Retreat, the first signs of care come from the people who tend the land. Our 11-member Landscaping Team, the local residents who know these mountains intimately, is the quiet force behind every shaded path, thriving tree, and steady slope you see today. Long before guests arrive, their hands are already at work.

When they began, the land was far from green. The Northwest mountains of Vietnam are dramatic but fragile. Steep slopes, heavy rainfall, acidic soil, and poor organic matter make reforestation a slow and demanding process. Growing a forest here is a long-term commitment that requires patience, knowledge, and daily presence.

The hillside where Avana now stands was once largely uninhabited. What made it worth restoring were the natural elements already there: a waterfall, streams, pockets of primary forest, valleys, and terraced rice fields below. From the start, the team worked with a clear principle: protect what already exists, and carefully rebuild what has been lost.

Their work is continuous and hands-on. They safeguard untouched forest areas, monitor mature trees, prune and clear pathways, water young plants, and stabilize slopes before erosion becomes visible. Their understanding of seasonal changes and terrain guides every decision. 

In 2018, when construction began, only 2 hectares of the 15-hectare site were forested. Restoration started alongside development. Between 2019 and 2021, more than 9,000 native and suitable trees were planted, restoring greenery to approximately 80% of the land. By Avana’s opening in 2021, green coverage had reached 95%, with around 10,500 trees growing across the retreat. By 2025, reforestation was completed, with nearly 12,000 trees now covering the entire site. 

In 2023, the Organic Garden added another layer to their work, one that connects land care directly to daily life. Herbs and vegetables grown here are harvested for the Cooking with the Chef experience, allowing guests to taste the results of careful cultivation.

Avana’s landscape is not the result of a single project or moment. It is the outcome of people who show up every day, working patiently with the land and respecting the pace at which nature heals and grows.

In May 2025, Avana Retreat had the honor of welcoming a survey team from the Guardians of Earth (GOE) organization, a prestigious network dedicated to assessing the ecological and cultural health of destinations worldwide. The latest report, published in July 2025, confirmed Avana Retreat's position not just as a resort but as a successful model for fostering harmony between human communities and the rainforest ecosystem.

Avana Retreat is proud to be ranked among the top 1% of "Eco-Resorts" and in the top 4% of the entire Guardians of Earth network. These precious positions demonstrate our continuous efforts and sustainable commitment to nature conservation and responsible tourism development.

Vietnamese Mountain Crab, a rare freshwater species

Impressive Achievements Over the Past Year

The GOE report highlighted the remarkable progress Avana Retreat achieved in the past year, as evidenced by impressive biological indicators:

• BioScore Increase: Avana Retreat's bio-score saw an astonishing increase from 4972.12 to 6793.94, a 24.6% rise in just one year.

• Strengthened Biocultural Units (BCUs): The resort now boasts 6.4 BCUs, an increase from 5.4 BCUs the previous year.

• Rich Biodiversity: The report recorded 151 unique species at Avana Retreat, accounting for 74% of all known species in the broader Mai Chau area. Data shows insects are predominant, and the presence of important indicator species like the Scale-bellied Tree Lizard, Yellow-backed Sunbird, and Great Mormon butterfly is a clear sign that the habitat here thrives. 

Yellow-backed Sunbird, a nectar-feeding specialist

To the furtherance of ecotourism

These achievements are not only a source of pride for Avana Retreat but also a motivation for us to continue our ecotourism journey. Avana Retreat sincerely thanks our guests, partners, and the entire community for your companionship and support.

Let's continue to work with Avana Retreat to record stories of harmony between humans and nature, spreading the message of conservation and further enhancing biocultural health. We believe that every story, every small action we take, will inspire and drive similar efforts globally, contributing to building a more sustainable future for Earth.

Avana got its start from a deep desire: to create a real green tourism model where the environment and the local community always come first. 

Our mission is to restore the area around Avana to its original, untouched beauty from decades ago. We want to make sure the kids running around barefoot today will have a safer, cleaner environment to grow up in tomorrow. We're also working hard to help the communities nearby understand how vital it is to live green, keep things clean, and see how precious their long-standing culture truly is. That's basically everything Avana Retreat is striving for.

You might think a big dream requires a big foundation. But on the journey to make those precious goals a reality and sustainability, we'd say: Greatness comes from the simplest things

#1: Daily conversations with the locals

Recently, James Thai, CEO of Avana Retreat, together with the top leaders in the hospitality and tourism industry, had a meeting at the Asia Sustainable Travel (AST) Forum in Hanoi to tackle key industry challenges. During the forum, Mr. James shared: "Engaging in collaborative dialogue and repurposing local natural materials helped us achieve the resort's unique standards."

With 90% of our workforce being local, Avana has truly become an integral part of the community, embracing the unique language, sounds, and culture of the region. Many of our Thai, Hmong, and Muong team members, who once relied solely on two rice harvests a year, are starting to learn everyday English phrases, how to fold napkins, set forks and knives, and even bake. They come to Avana really wanting to improve themselves, and we're just as passionate about helping this area grow. As long as they're eager to grow, we provide free training, career guidance, and employment opportunities. We're giving them the chance to work right here in their homeland, and in return, they're giving us the opportunity to have them as cherished members of the Avana family.

#2: The everyday work that sustains local communities

Being welcomed into this land has opened up so many doors for us to their culture and traditional crafts. That's brought us a treasure trove of sustainable materials to build our resort with! The local artisans in this region have been amazing teachers, showing us how to plaster mud walls, pick the best palm leaves for roofing, and share their unique Thái and H'mong house-building secrets that keep rooms so toasty in winter and wonderfully breezy in summer. When stepping into any corner of Avana Retreat – from the chill-out lounges to the private villas and restaurants – you'll find it adorned with stunning handmade items such as comfy pillows with vibrant brocade patterns, or gorgeous lamps woven from rattan and bamboo. Crafted from all-natural materials, Avana Retreat's decorations are more than just beautiful – they're also earth-friendly.

#3: Honoring cultures through global sharing

Beyond the culture of the Northwest, Avana Retreat also wants to share the idea of respecting cultures from all over the world through how we run our sustainable resort. During the Asia Sustainable Travel (AST) Forum, our COO, James Thai, shared some smart, budget-friendly ideas that any business could start using right away. A prime example he gave was Avana’s old-school mechanical keys. This simple swap doesn't just cut down on plastic key cards, it also beautifully shows our respect for Jewish guests who observe Shabbat without electronic devices.

Summer always gives Avana a little preview with golden sunlight spilling over the rice fields. Only until the Yellow Flamboyan Tree at the Green Chili Restaurant’s entrance also slowly shifts into that same brilliant hue, we know it has officially begun.

If trees at Avana Retreat had a “low-maintenance, high-reward” category, the Yellow Flamboyan Tree would win it hands down. 

This resilient beauty doesn’t mind heat, drought, or less-than-perfect soil. Once it sets down roots, it pretty much takes care of itself. Thanks to protective leaf hairs and termite-resistant wood, the Flamboyan rarely suffers from pests or disease. But even if something bad happened, it easily finds its way to return, growing back from seeds or shoots with quiet determination.

The magic of the Yellow Flamboyan Tree doesn’t stop there. While growing in the Northwest’s ferralitic or red basaltic soils, where nutrients are scarce and erosion is common, this humble tree lends a quiet helping hand. Its secondary root system forms nodules that house symbiotic Rhizobium bacteria, which fix nitrogen from the atmosphere and enrich the soil. This not only helps this special plant thrive but also benefits nearby ones, improving the health of the entire ecosystem. If the Yellow Flamboyan Tree were a person, it would be like one of the devoted children of the Northwest who are always there, working quietly behind the scenes to support their families no matter the circumstances.

As a humble plant, the Yellow Flamboyan Tree shines brightest only in summer. So if you want to witness this rare seasonal glow, make sure to visit Avana Retreat while the season lasts!

As you walk across the wooden bridge leading to Orchid Spa, take a moment to admire the graceful clusters of golden orange adorning the green bushes called the Ashoka Tree.

You might be surprised to learn that this tree grows naturally, without any human intervention. It's also one of the oldest tree species at Avana Retreat, having been here for 50-60 years.

Despite its natural growth, this tree has a meaningful name, the Ashoka Tree. Many sources suggest that this tree originated in India, hence its name. In Sanskrit, 'Ashok' means 'without sorrow' or 'sorrowless.' True to its name, the beauty of this flower makes those who witness it feel at ease. It’s a treat for the eye and the soul. And perhaps it's fate, or a destined arrangement, that it blooms profusely along the path leading to the Orchid Spa at Avana Retreat, where you can come and find your inner peace.

The 'Ashoka tree' blooms vibrantly in the mountainous region of Northwest Vietnam from March to May. This has inadvertently created a connection between it and the local people here. The blooming of the flowers signifies the end of spring and the transition to summer, or in other words, the upcoming busy agricultural season. So, if you visit during this time, you will not only be soothed by the sight of the golden Ashoka flowers but also witness the reality of a busy season for the local community.

Coming to Avana Retreat is stepping into the pure symphony of life in the mountains. Let’s explore the sounds that infuse a luxurious retreat like us with a very humble, intimate, and down-to-earth vibe.

Calling of the ducks
The waddling ducks are an integral part of rural Vietnam's landscape. They love roaming around and welcoming their guests with their ‘quack quack’.

Melody of the cascades
Water is the source of life, and when cascading, it becomes a musician. From the gorgeous Pung waterfall to the gentle streams, let these natural musicians at Avana Retreat guide you to peace of mind.

Singing of the birds
Vietnamese have a saying ‘Where there is a good land, the birds will come and settle”. Every winter, flocks of birds choose Avana Retreat as their sanctuary, bringing with them their singing as a gift to this abundant land.

Chatter in the fields
The terraced rice fields at Avana Retreat maintain their beauty thanks to the surrounding ethnic minority communities. The fields are quiet most of the time, but when the rice sowing season arrives, they come bustling with chatter and hope for a bountiful harvest.

The pure symphony at Avana Retreat goes on captivating dreamy souls longing for a life in the mountains.

The Bauhinia flower has long been seen as the symbol of the Northwestern mountains and holds a special place among locals' hearts, especially the Thai. As the season of the Bauhinia begins, let Avana Retreat share with you some timeless tales of this beautiful flora, whose beauty and spirit led us to name our villas after it!

The legend of an immortal love
Long ago, on the Northwest mountain, there lived a beautiful Thai maiden named Ban, who was known for her exquisite weaving and enchanting voice. Ban’s heart belonged to Khum, a young and talented man, but her father insisted she marry a rich, though lazy, man. Heartbroken, Ban ran to find her beloved Khum for protection, but he had gone far away on a hunting trip. She searched high and low for him, calling his name until her voice gave out. Exhausted and worn, Ban finally collapsed to the ground.

Where she fell, a tree began to grow, bearing long, slender white flowers blooming like a maiden's delicate fingers. They called it the Ban tree, or the Bauhinia tree. Every spring, the Bauhinia flowers would bloom across the hills and valleys, as if the wind sought to tell the story of Ban’s love once again.

A symbol of Thai life and culture
The Thai people, an ethnic minority group in the Northwest, share a deep connection with the Bauhinia. To them, this flower is not just a beautiful bloom; it symbolizes the spirit of their daily life and ancient culture passed down through generations.
As a resilient flower, the Bauhinia bloom thrives in the harshest terrains and weather, carrying the responsibility of bringing vibrancy to this remote region. Each year, the locals journey into the forests when the season turns, gathering the first blooms to take home or offer during traditional festivals. Through these flowers, they express gratitude to their ancestors and the spirits of the mountains and rivers, while praying for good weather, bountiful harvests, and prosperity to bless their lands.

A flower amidst the Avana “village"
Inspired by the whispered tales of old, Avana Retreat has named some of our villas after the Bauhinia flower. Much like the blossoms that grace the wild mountains of the Northwest, our Bauhinia Mountain Suite combines rustic charm with luxury, offering a peaceful escape where you can enjoy the comfort of premium interiors, modern amenities, and natural light throughout the day.
Bauhinia flowers are expected to bloom this March. There will be a blanket of pure white along the winding roads of the Northwestern provinces at that time, weaving a scene of breathtaking beauty. A sight not to be missed!

Our journey to the dream of bringing nature and humans closer was recently recognized by Guardians Of Earth when our BioScore reached the top 1 on their The Realms ranking. The Guardians Of Earth is a community for nature lovers who have the same desire to preserve nature and biodiversity. Getting the highest BioScore on this platform's chart is truly a great honor for us.

We would like to thank our guests for capturing the precious moments of nature and sharing them on The Realms. Your genuine photos and stories of biodiversity have helped us reach the top of the places with the highest BioScore scores.

From the empty lands to a new ecosystem that now is a home for many animals to live together in harmony is a whole process of love, nurturing, and care.

With the motto of always appreciating what we have, we protect and keep the gifts that nature gives to us in their original state by all means.

Avana Retreat promises to continue nurturing our love and passion for nature and strive for a friendly living environment, where biodiversity is diverse and nature is preserved

We are the Guardians of Earth, and so you can be. Let’s help us level up Avana’s nature - verse by sharing the moments at Avana here!

Restore the forest, relive the land

Back in the day, the land where Avana lies was just a vacant, empty hill with little care, little notice, and barely any footsteps reaching. And yet, the potential it conceals is hard to overlook. The moment we decided that Avana will bloom here, we just know that it was up to us to relive the hill back to life. 

From a desolate hill, it is now a verdant land thriving in the life of lush evergreens. There were hardships, and there were disappointments, but these challenges only push us further to have the achievements today: 

More than 10,000 trees have set their roots here, with 10++ hectares were restored

Trees are not the fastest growers, so it's not every day that you see the changes, but it is definitely worthwhile to witness the impact in the long run. Coating on Mai Chau a green look is not simply planting a seed and letting it grow, it is a long-lasting effect that nurtures the land inside out. It’s the fresh air we breathe in, it’s the woods that kept the rains from flooding in, and it’s the abundant resource that invites the animals here, to create a new life in this beautiful land and make it their home.   

Every year after the Tet festival, Avana’s staff will gather at the retreat, planting new trees to keep the traditions going. But we are not doing this alone, with the help of local government, we are all in this together, and join hands to build a better, greener future. 

Avana’s journey still has a long way to go, but we believe that, once you set your heart and mind to something, good causes will happen and come back to you. As a saying goes: “To plant trees is to give body and life to one’s dream of a better world”

Visiting Mai Chau, apart from the pristine forests and natural cascades, you will be impressed by the poetic terraced fields, cultivated by the indigenous people here - the Hmong ethnic group.

With agriculture experience accumulated from thousands of generations, the Hmong people are unique field engineers. They are like the artisans of farming, they sculpt majestic terraced fields into nature, they master the crops, and they are out in the fields regardless of sun and rain. For them, it is not only a job but also a long-standing tradition, a cultural charm that has continued from time to time. 

You can catch that idyllic farming scene right inside Avana Retreat. Giving land to them to cultivate, cultivate and let them enjoy the fruits of the harvest, which are just simple and rustic joys that Avana wishes to cherish.

Terraced rice fields during the ripe season are a sight not to be missed. Admire the golden hue that dyed the whole land, sense the earthy, ripen scent that lingers in the air, and watch locals joyfully harvesting their fruits with stilt houses scattered between the fields, the experience just arouses a sense of tranquility that is beyond words.

There is a Vietnamese idiom: “Where there is a good land, the birds will come and settle”, and rightly so, fertile lands are where life thrives. At Avana, life here is always abundant and fresh all year round, and it is thanks to the animals residing here, all contribute to a rich and diverse ecosystem.

There are hard-working chickens laying eggs at the chicken farm.

There are ducks sunbathing under the trees, and rambling by the lake without a worry in the world.

There are schools of Koi fish swimming under the translucent stream.

There are vibrant butterflies and bees that collect nectar every day.

There are shy snails hiding in the wet, fertile ground.

After every winter, we often see flocks of birds migrating to the land, choosing the trees that Avana planted to nest, making it their home for many more springs.

With many animals living in harmony here, we are proud to be their forever home. Therefore, it is also our responsibility to protect their land with all of our might:

The primeval forest, where there are abundant streams and waterfalls all year round, the birthplace of many herbs and flowers, is preserved as it is.

We do not construct to destroy nature, we construct to respect it, as the curves of nature are beautiful. Wooden bridges leading to the spa are designed in winding shapes to avoid cutting trees.

The light is also at low power so as not to affect the life of plants and creatures

Avana is blessed with nature's best gifts, and that we never cease to cherish. Preserving the land’s ecosystem is also securing a sustainable, ever-lasting future.