TOURISM NEWS: NEW WAFAIFO RESORT HOI AN IN VIETNAM REVEALS UNIQUE DINING AND ENTERTAINMENT OPTIONS
Cooking with relish in central Vietnam: Executive Chef Minh Nguyen, the new Xua & Nay signature bistro, and (bottom row), the Korean bento, and Pastry Chef Thinh Ngo.
The Wafaifo Resort Hoi An, which opens 11 October, has unveiled a range of remarkable food, drink, branding and entertainment options to transform the dining scene in the UNESCO heritage city in central Vietnam.
The independent, boutique resort is set to be known for its illuminated ‘dancing’ water fountain in front of the lobby. The fountain will be lit up and visible to passersby and guests in the evening in the resort’s Bang Huu coffee outlet, outdoor terrace, and the Xua and Nay (Before & Now) bistro.
Many culinary creations at Xua and Nay will be created on the resort’s Josper Grill, the only one in central Vietnam. The grill is renowned for giving a unique charcoal-infused flavour to freshly cooked meats, seafood and vegetables.
Own branding
On branding, the resort will have its own “TASTE by Wafaifo’’ brand which will act as a mark of quality for Pedro Luis wines from Spain, Pilsner and IPA beers, fruit juices, Savall chocolates from Danang, pastries, and light bites such as dried mangoes, nuts and more. Locally-sourced food and drinks with the “TASTE” branding will be available as takeaway options and for delivery, as well as for in-house diners.
“We aim to pleasantly surprise both international tourists and local residents with our unique mix of quality food and drink sensations and community happenings in our resort,” says Wafaifo’s Executive Chef Minh Nguyen.
Swim City
Much of the social activity at the resort will take place at the resort’s Swim City ‘entertain you’ activities zone. Guests and local residents can expect informal dining around the pool, DJ sounds, the Ra Khoi bar (with six draft beers, four of them craft), an eight-seat private cinema (pictured), televised sporting events and occasions, and a kids’ club with indoor and outdoor areas.
The covered alfresco terrace in front of the hotel is also expected to attract visitors from lunch to late night to enjoy Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese, Western and vegetarian bento platters while watching the water fountain show, which will be illuminated in the evenings.
The community Bang Huu coffee zone in the lobby has also been designed as an informal social hub and community meeting place. There will be specialty coffees, teas and cakes by Pastry Chef Thinh, as well as the bento option and views of the water fountain.
The XUA & NAY urban bistro with menus without borders will be the lifestyle resort’s main dining outlet. It will feature dry aged meats, fermentation techniques, mixology bar, DJ booth, a terrace view of the water fountain show, and a private dining table for personal meals arranged by Chef Minh.
The dining options at the new resort reflect Hoi An’s heritage, says Mikkel Krantz, Commercial Director at Wafaifo.
“The diverse food and beverage choices at Wafaifo Resort are inspired by Hoi An’s historical role as a melting pot of influences from across Vietnam, Asia, Europe and Arabia. We are proud to continue that tradition, but with a modern twist,” he says.
Find out more at wafaifo.com.
The deluxe eight-seater cinema at Wafaifo Resort Hoi An, and Mikkel Krantz
ABOUT WAFAIFO RESORT HOI AN
Privately owned Wafaifo Resort Hoi An is a new boutique hotel in Hoi An UNESCO-listed heritage city of Hoi An, Quang Nam province, central Vietnam. [The name combines “Faifo”, the ancient name of Hoi An, with “wa”, symbolising water – a tribute to the parent company’s origins in water management]. The resort opened in December 2024 with a variety of rooms, the all-day Xua & Nay bistro (with Josper Grill), a 25 x 6-metre pool, a pool bar, coffee shop, 24 hour room service, eight-seat private cinema, kids’ club, wellness and spa centre, sauna, fitness centre, retail lobby shop, and free WiFi. Visit wafaifo.com.