Victoria Hotels & Resorts to Open New Spa at Sapa in Vietnam's Northern Highlands

Indochina's Victoria Hotels & Resorts is to open a new 'refuge of well being' at the re-branded Victoria Sapa Resort & Spa, a mountain chalet-style resort in the remote north-west highlands of Vietnam.

The new Victoria Spa Sapa, opening in February 2008, features eight single and four double massage rooms, an exclusive private room, two Hammams and an area dedicated to high-pressure water massage.

A highlight of the new spa is the spectacular view of Vietnam's highest peak, the 3,143-metre Mount Fansipan, which can be seen from the Victoria Sapa Resort in the Hoang Lien Mountains close to the Chinese border.

Natural stone walls, local artefacts and traditional wooden bathtubs, and relaxation rooms are inspired by the local culture and traditions of more than 50 colourful hill tribes in the cool, pristine region - where treks and tours to minority villages and markets, as well as overnight home stays, are highlights of any visit.

The spa also incorporates a heated swimming pool, dietetic bar and Fitness Centre, as well as manicuring and chiropody. Traditional pampering and treatment is complemented by innovative baths with local essential oils and plants, as well as facial and capillary massages.

"Our vision is to create a refuge of well being integrated with the authentic spirit of the resort and its environment in this beautiful mountain setting," said Victoria Sapa Resort & Spa General Manager, Ronan Bianchi.

The spa is headed by Indonesian Ms Novi Era Larasati, whose extensive training has included experience at the Mira Wellness Spa in Turkey.

Guests travel to the Victoria Sapa Resort & Spa on a romantic overnight journey aboard the elegant Victoria Express Train, a unique travel experience in its own right, which the group operates along a 380km railway journey from Hanoi to Sapa.

A highlight of visits to the highlands is meeting ethnic minorities such as Ha Nhi, Giay, Red H'mong, Flower H'mong and Red Dao tribes at their villages and weekly markets.

Packages to Victoria Sapa Resort & Spa even include overnight stays in a minority village to "live like a local" with comfortable Victoria set up in the hill-tribe home.

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