Jiva Hoa Lu Retreat

The scenery here is just breathtaking! Beautiful nature everywhere we look. The sounds of birds chirping, of the water stream trickling down… They also have great local food here (the staff were very friendly and helpful - the recommended goat dish, a local delicacy, was super tasty!) and a really cool fruit garden. We had an amazing time here and would love to come back soon!

I recently took a trip to Ninh Binh with two friends and my two young cousins and I brought them to Jiva Hoa Lu Retreat to stay and let me tell you, this place delivered big time if you are looking for a place that blends nature, culture, and just the right touch of luxury. I only stayed there for one night but I have a lot to say. First off, location. Jiva is tucked away in the magical Thai Vi Temple Valley near Tam Coc, one of Vietnam’s most iconic attractions, just a leisurely walk away. You don’t even need a buggy. Just legs. Trust me—it’s worth the stroll. We booked the Heritage Villa, which comes with two bedrooms, each rocking its own unique vibe. One room felt like Indochine elegance, the other felt like rustic zen meets Pinterest. And speaking of rooms, can we talk about the bathroom? I’ve stayed at many resorts, but this bathroom was the vintage Rolls-Royce of bathrooms. Spacious, stylish, and honestly, if I could move in permanently, I would’ve because I am tired of my bathroom at home now Now the real jaw-dropper here is the setting. Imagine waking up to the sight of limestone mountains all around you, birds chirping like they’ve been rehearsing for your arrival, and the quiet serenity of nature wrapping around you like a cozy (but non-smothering) blanket. Jiva strikes that rare balance of being quiet but alive—like meditation, but with more dragonflies. The resort itself is all wood and has that Indochine charm—think vintage French colonial with a Vietnamese soul. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to put your phone down and just breathe. (And I say that as someone who travels with a phone that runs through 2 charge circles a day) If you’re a family looking to actually bond (instead of scrolling next to each other in silence), this is the spot. My cousins had more fun hanging in the room and exploring the scenery than anything Roblox and Playtogether could offer. The service is world-class. The staffs were all incredibly kind, professional, and attentive. We had a hiccup with the AC when we first arrived, but they handled it like pros—moved us to a new room right a way. Bonus points for their in-house app that lets you order food, drinks, order buggy and you can basically order the world In short, Jiva Hoa Lu Retreat is an absolute must if you’re heading to Ninh Binh. It’s peaceful, gorgeous, and will have you reconnecting with nature, yourself, and maybe even your Wi-Fi-free and TV free relatives. I had an amazing time and definitely will go back here If you still don’t believe what I wrote then you can take a look at the photos I took during my trip and see for yourself

A serene retreat in harmony with nature – with room for small improvements Jiva Retreat is an excellent choice for anyone seeking rest and calm in an authentic natural setting. The rooms are very comfortable, spotlessly clean, with good air conditioning and a privileged location that blends beautifully into the surrounding landscape. The swimming pool is stunning – perfect for unwinding – and the spa is another highlight. There is a good range of treatments available, and the massage therapists are truly exceptional, particularly Nhàn and Huyen, who deserve special mention. The option to move around the resort using bicycles or buggies adds both convenience and charm to the stay. The staff are exceptionally friendly and attentive, always ready to help with a smile. The food is tasty, although the variety is limited, especially for longer stays. That said, a few aspects could be improved: • Breakfast is not always replenished until the end of the service period, which means guests arriving later may find fewer options. • The resort app is a helpful concept but slow to respond, and several services listed there (such as the walking tour or tea ritual) were not yet available during our stay. • At lunch and dinner, attention to detail needs improvement – we experienced several issues with orders being incorrect or incomplete. Still, Jiva Retreat is a special place, offering a peaceful atmosphere and a genuinely dedicated team. With a few small adjustments, it could become a true standout in the region.