Feb 18, 20192 min read

We’ve Signed!

Dear Friends,

Finally, the news we have been bursting to share!

A photograph of Hannah and Naomi after signing a land contract for the retreat venue Gratitude Vietnam.

On Saturday 17th November, the day after arriving in Hoi An and the primary reason for such a swift departure from Phu Quoc, we viewed the most stunning villa. Still in the full swing of construction, we instantly fell in love with the antiquated architecture, location and feel of this beautiful building.

A poolside bedroom at Gratitude Vietnam in the early stages of construction!

Located in a quiet residential area on Cam Nam island, and only a 10 minute bike ride from the UNESCO Ancient Town, the villa has been designed and lovingly constructed by renowned Vietnamese architects, and our new landlords Phuong and Cong Nguyen. With eight ensuite bedrooms, phenomenal meditation space, pool and room for a snug, it was the perfect retreat setting, but there was a catch… there was no outdoor space!

A photograph of a bedroom at Gratitude Vietnam retreat venue and private villa during the early stages of construction. The room has beautiful exposed brickwork and an arched entrance.

The past three months have been spent in complex negotiations for two adjacent pieces of land, and today we have finally signed for ‘Plan A’ – a verdant 896m2 garden with a small out-house. This will provide the essential secluded space for the yoga sala, massage room/therapy room and meditation labyrinth – not to mention coconut trees and lounge area for the pool. So much gratitude to our amazing accountant, Phuong Tran who inadvertently fell into leading the negotiations and has been the most incredible support throughout.

A photograph of a traditional Vietnamese tiled roof, taken from a bedroom at Gratitude Vietnam

The villa itself is a fabulous mix of traditional and modern architecture. Built around an ancient wooden structure preserved through dismantlement, the wooden columns and frame have been transported over 120km from Hue, before being incorporated into the second floor of the build. It promises to provide a Vietnamese experience with all the western comforts in a serene oasis with a stunning space perfect for meditation retreats.

The internal structure of the meditation space at Gratitude Vietnam retreat venue. The wooden structure contains an inlaid mother of pearl poem and dates back to the Ngyuen Dynasty. The photograph was taken before restorative work was completed.

We will be visiting the property again at the weekend and look forward to sharing updated photographs with you as the building work nears completion.

A photograph of Dotty the kitten, asleep on the sofa.

In other news, we have adopted a kitten! Dotty is a little bundle of joy with a huge personality! Her mad bursts of energy around the house, contrasted with sleepy purring and cuddles since arriving home yesterday have already won our hearts. If we hadn’t already invested our life savings, started a business and signed a contract in Vietnam, bringing this gentle soul into our home has cemented our commitment to life in this wonderful country.