TOPAS ECO LODGE, VIETNAM | 2019

May 17

I woke up in a cloud. We are situated on top of the highest peaks of all of Indo-Chine, a stone’s throw away from the border of China.

We were picked up at 7am in a luxury van, equipped with reclining seats and wifi. The drive was 5 hours from Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi, a winding drive up the international highway and through the escalating mountain roads.

We arrived at Topas Eco Lodge by noon, and I was immediately stunned by the sprawling views of this epic eco lodge. I thought Hoi An was a quiet escape from the city, until I was immersed in the peaceful and nurturing orchestra of nature. Residing, even temporarily, in this serenity was deeply healing on a soul level.

Greeted with tea and caramelized ginger, we eagerly (& hungrily) made our way to the restaurant to eat lunch and check in. The staff provided us with a beautiful wooden reusable water bottle, to reduce their impact on the environment. (click HERE to see how Topas has made social and environmental responsibility the backbone of their resort) The toiletries that are usually left in hotels rooms, only to be tossed away, were in a basket at the front desk, to take only if needed, again reducing their impact on the lush environment this hotel is nestled in.

As the morning fog dissipated, the warmth of the sun illuminated the depth and expansiveness of this place. There is a vibrance, an aliveness, everywhere I look. Butterflies of every color and size dance across the flowers, twirling around dragonflies and blue bumblebees. There are goats that roam the property, and yes, friendly enough for me to pet them and sit with them, because goats. Chickens also wander freely, clucking happily.

Every dish we ate at Topas was fresh, herbaceous, colorful, flavorful and packed with ingredients grown in their very own garden. Every meal was such a delight!

The infinity pool was liquid heaven, a mirror of the ever changing sky. The tranquil waters are surrounded by rice terraces high in the mountains with never ending views, making it the most divine place to reconnect with yourself and nature.

The 2 days we spent there went by far too quickly, but the peace I experienced stayed with me long after checking out.

I can’t speak highly enough of the service, the staff, the understated beauty of the rooms, the awe-inspiring views, the warm pool that felt like one was swimming in the clouds, and the delicious food.