Asia Wellness News: A New Benchmark for Wellness Living in Northern Vietnam
A major milestone in Vietnam’s wellness and lifestyle landscape was marked on January 24th with the official opening of the Ikigai Wellness Center at Vinhomes Royal Island in Thuy Nguyen District, Haiphong. Developed and operated to Japanese medical and wellness standards, the center represents the first Japanese-style wellness and health complex in the city and has already begun reshaping how residents and investors view integrated healthcare living. Its launch has also accelerated move-ins at the Komorebi and Miyabi residences ahead of the Lunar New Year, as buyers increasingly prioritize daily access to structured wellness services over conventional luxury amenities.
Image Credit: Ikigai Wellness Center
From the early hours of opening day, guests were already arriving to experience the facility, well before the formal ceremony at 9 a.m. Interest came not only from residents within the Vinhomes Royal Island development but also from Hanoi and surrounding provinces, where demand is rising for properties that position healthcare as a core lifestyle pillar rather than a secondary feature. This Asia Wellness News report underscores how closely the project is being watched across the regional wellness sector. The Japanense operators of the wellness project initially planned to open in Thailand but due the vast red-tapes and undue ‘paperworks’ by various government agencies there, the group shifted to Vietnam.
A Thoughtfully Designed Japanese Wellness Experience
The Ikigai Wellness Center has been carefully planned around Japanese healthcare philosophies that emphasize balance, prevention, and mindful living. Inside the serene complex, visitors find a full spectrum of facilities including seasonal onsen-style hot springs, Himalayan salt stone saunas, electrotherapy saltwater pools, yoga and meditation spaces, tea ceremony rooms, and areas dedicated to community wellness activities. Every element is intended to encourage residents to slow down, reconnect with themselves, and maintain physical and mental harmony as part of daily life.
Image Credit: Ikigai Wellness Center
The opening ceremony reflected this philosophy with understated elegance. Soft lighting, herbal aromas, and tranquil music set the tone as guests participated in a guided yoga workshop aimed at easing stress and restoring energy. Nearby, tea masters conducted a traditional Chanoyu ceremony, while a carefully curated soundscape blended classical Japanese melodies with modern arrangements. Outdoors, children played near the lake as adults relaxed in shaded salt saunas, reinforcing the center’s appeal across generations.
Authentic Onsen Therapy Without Leaving Vietnam
Among the most talked-about features of the Ikigai Wellness Center are its Japanese-style hot spring baths. The waters are sourced from renowned onsen regions in Japan and rotated seasonally to align with Vietnam’s climate and the wellness needs of local residents. Gero hot spring water is associated with supporting bones and muscles, Nyuto waters are prized for skin health, Kusatsu waters are known for promoting circulation, and Hakone Shiji waters provide deep warmth and relaxation during cooler months.
Image Credit: Ikigai Wellness Center
For many residents of the Komorebi and Miyabi residences, the value lies not only in the perceived therapeutic benefits but also in the ritual of setting aside time each day for self-care. Nguyen Thanh Vinh, a Miyabi resident, shared that after following staff recommendations for mineral bathing and salt stone sauna sessions, his chronic neck and shoulder discomfort noticeably improved, leaving him feeling lighter and more energized.
Creating a Complete Wellness Ecosystem
The Ikigai Wellness Center is one component of a broader Japanese-inspired living ecosystem integrated into Vinhomes Royal Island. Central to this concept is Ikigai Park, a nearly two-hectare riverside green space along the Cam River. Preserved in a largely natural state, the park encourages gentle daily activities such as walking, breathing exercises, and quiet reflection. Carp ponds, camping lawns, playgrounds, and multi-purpose sports areas are distributed throughout the grounds, supporting both relaxation and light physical activity.
Complementing this is the Youth Park, an 8,000-square-meter landscape designed to promote movement and long-term healthy habits. With cobblestone paths, rolling grassy slopes, outdoor yoga decks, meditation gardens, and waterfront walkways, the park offers a softer alternative to traditional fitness facilities. Its design philosophy has earned it preliminary certification under the international SITEs standard, making it the first landscape project in Vietnam to achieve this recognition for sustainable, health-oriented spatial design.
Image Credit: Ikigai Wellness Center
Strong Market Response Ahead of the Lunar New Year
Villas at Komorebi and Miyabi have now been completed and are ready for residents to move in before the Lunar New Year, a timing that has further boosted buyer interest. Attractive sales incentives have played a role, including interest-free financing for up to 24 months, prepayment discounts of up to 11 percent, and complimentary Ikigai Wellness Center services ranging from three to five years for on-time handovers. Seasonal promotions such as the “Welcome to the Year of the Horse” program, offering discounts of up to 13 percent, have also encouraged buyers to commit early to the island lifestyle.
A Long-Term Vision for Health-Centered Living
With the official opening of the Ikigai Wellness Center, the Japanese-inspired living model at Vinhomes Royal Island has moved from concept to daily reality. Healthcare, mindfulness, and gentle movement are no longer occasional pursuits but integrated parts of everyday routines for residents. This approach reflects a growing recognition that sustainable happiness and longevity are built on consistent, accessible wellness practices rather than sporadic treatments.
The development demonstrates how thoughtfully designed environments can guide healthier behaviors over time, blending cultural authenticity with local adaptation. As more residents settle into Komorebi and Miyabi, the Ikigai philosophy of purposeful, balanced living is expected to shape community life for years to come, positioning Haiphong as an emerging destination for integrated wellness living in Southeast Asia.
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