Are you looking for a wellness weekend away to relieve stress and revive body, soul and mind? Consider Yoko Onsen Quang Ninh. The Japanese-style spa and resort, which is built around natural hot springs, is about 10 km from Halong Bay and 34 km from Van Don International Airport. 

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The resort is nicely secluded and tucked between beautiful limestone karsts covered in jungle.  While Cam Pha locals have long known about this precious natural spring, it’s only since the Yoko Onsen opened that people have been travelling from further away to restore their physical and mental health by bathing in the warm water that’s full of micro-minerals. 

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Mineral-rich waters

Water analysis has shown that the spring water here is rich in beneficial metasilicic acid, a natural moisturising agent, and boric acid, known for its antiseptic and antifungal properties. It also has a high amount of bromine, which is a sanitiser. Then there’s the sodium, calcium, magnesium and zinc. The pH level is 7.14, known as ‘bijin no yu’ in Japanese – ‘hot spring for beauty’. Some baths include CO2 aeration, which increases the amount of oxygen in your body − great for reducing blood pressure. In other words, the springs are good for flushing out toxins, reducing fatigue, improving circulation and immunity, easing aches and pains, and making your skin feel refreshed and renewed. 

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While this resort is, therefore, perfect for some solo ‘me time’ and self-care, it’s also ideal for a girls’ trip, a couples’ retreat, or a fun and healthy family day out. (Provided your children are over 1.4 metres in height or over 12 years old – it’s not suitable for smaller children).

A Zen-like experience

As the name suggests, the Yoko Onsen is based on the onsens of Japan (inns and bathing houses built by hot springs). So the resort is designed in a Japanese style, complete with clean lines and meditative gardens. You can expect impeccable service and immaculate cleanliness. Staff will guide you on protocol, and there are signs up with health guidelines. When you arrive, you’ll be directed to your locker and given a fresh bathrobe and slippers. Shower and clean your hair before using the facilities. It’s recommended that you spend about 5-10 minutes at a time in each sauna or bath; then take a short break before the next bath or sauna. 

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There are both public and private facilities, located both inside and outside. Don’t rush your experience, as there are many pools and baths of varying temperatures to explore. Specifically, there are 25 types of onsen baths as well as 18 unique pot baths. Many are built into the rocks or out in the open, for an earthy, sensual, relaxing experience. The public hot spring area is mixed genders, so wear your swimsuit. The women’s section includes a cave-like hot bath, which is super peaceful. 

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Outside in the outdoor public area, the jet bath is a blissful experience. As you lie down with soothing water jets massaging your back, you can admire the lush green scenery surrounding the site. You feel out in nature, weightless in the water, and cocooned in healing mineral warmth.

In addition to the hot pools, Jacuzzis and pots, there are different saunas to hop in and out of. There’s a steam room; a cold sauna (about 5 degrees); a salt-rock sauna; and a Finnish-style ‘loyly’ sauna. With its pink glow from the salt-rock crystals in the walls, the Himalayan-rock sauna is a good resting spot, which helps warm up stiff, sore muscles, leaving you feeling relaxed and supple.

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In addition to nap rooms where you can rest in peace, there are also 25 spa treatment rooms. Here you can book a treatment, Thai massage, Shiatsu reflexology, and so on. But even if you solely make use of the facilities, without any spa sessions, you’ll leave the Yoko Onsen feeling so refreshed, you’ll feel reborn − and ready for whatever life throws at you. 

And the food? 

Book for a day and you’ll be treated to a lavish lunch. It’s a buffet, but not the kind you might imagine. This is a healthy buffet, which feels perfectly matched to the clean, healthy surroundings. The cuisine is a fusion of Japanese, Chinese and Vietnamese, so you can expect everything from miso soup and sushi to dumplings and rice dishes. Got a big appetite? Don’t fear: the food is plentiful, and the staff keep bringing out freshly prepared dishes. There are also food stations outside of the main restaurant. 

_{Source: Facebook - Yoko Onsen Quang Hanh}

 

Stay overnight

For something more indulgent than a one-day spa pass, overnight in one of the spacious private rooms (Washitsu). They’re decorated in a sophisticated, calming Japanese style, and some come with their own secluded onsens. Rooms include the option of an indulgent afternoon tea. 

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Yoko Onsen often offers special deals and seasonal packages. Some of these even include transportation to and from Hanoi or Halong Bay. Keep an eye on their Facebook page and website.