Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An Readies to Reopen with Renewed Energy and Optimism

For many, the restrictions of lockdown have been prohibitive. But the team at Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An has made the most of downtime to come together as a collective, improving facilities and enhancing community spirit in readiness for the Resort’s reopening on July 1, 2020.

From helping to grow new vegetables at the on-site farm to reaching out to vulnerable locals with food packages, it has been a time of growth leading up to a new start with a refreshed sense of purpose.

“Our team’s driving force has always been to connect guests to our unique central coast community,” comments General Manager Blaise Montandon. “The past few months have given us an opportunity to strengthen our ethos through inner and outer work – on the Resort and on ourselves – so that we reopen our doors with an even deeper sense of who we are, what we do, and why we do it. Every action, from extending care to our neighbours to polishing pool decks, has been a team effort.”

While some things have remained consistent during the closed period – like the staff’s heartfelt gratitude rituals in the on-site temple – others have been inspired by this time of reflection, including a comprehensive staff training and learning initiative focused on service, health and safety.

Fresh Paintwork, All-New Menus

Lockdown refurbishment projects include the creation of new decks for the Family and Lap pools and a central sprinkler system as the Resort gears up for summer. Staff from various departments joined forces to repaint walls and roof beams, prune trees and take care of buggies and bicycles among other essential jobs. Keeping spirits high – while raising the healing vibration of the Resort – singing bowl artist Oanh Ngo led a mesmerising staff session on Global Wellness Day on June 13. This time of the year, an abundance of new lotus flowers in the spa lagoon reflect the team’s readiness to welcome guests back with a profusion of passion.

All 4,500 of the Resort’s coconut trees have been lovingly tended to by coconut master Nguyen Dung, while more than 30 gardeners have been taking care of the vast herb and vegetable garden. Thriving plants include Vietnamese basil, rosemary, thyme and curry leaves, alongside new additions of heirloom tomatoes, eggplants, and an abundant mango orchard. Guests returning in July can expect exciting new menus with the freshest seasonal fruits from dragon fruit to avocado, reworked in creative ways.

The quieter period has given new Executive Sous Chef John Oh Jaeyoung (formerly Four Seasons Hotel Seoul) and his team the chance to create a breakfast menu that brings the buffet to the table, while Chef Pham Thi Ly and her pastry aficionados have devised melt-in-the-mouth desserts with local coconut, rambutan and lychee.

A playful children’s menu has also been conceived for families vacationing with youngsters, as well as a revamp of Vietnamese and international favourites. Chef Yamlal Kendel has been stirring up magic with Indian curries; Chef A Lang Phoung and his crew have been refining Western plates; while Chef Nguyen Yen and his team have been imparting ever-more modern twists into their Vietnamese delicacies.

A Heart for the Community, Self and One Another

With 98 percent of the Resort’s staff hailing from the local area, The Nam Hai community spirit was always going to be a key factor in navigating uncertain times. Under the caring guidance of Director for People & Culture Canh Tran and the leadership team, the Resort has delivered 400 essential food packages to families whose livelihoods were affected by COVID-19. Staff also delivered books and food to Quang Chau Pagoda (an orphanage the Resort has been supporting since July 2012); joined local food and clothing donation drives; and held complimentary swimming and water sports classes for the local community.

Shifting the focus to self-improvement, 220 guest-facing staff undertook a Service Foundation program; 160 enjoyed language lessons; and the whole team completed Lead With Care training: an enhanced health and safety program by Four Seasons to better care for guests and one another.

Closed doors haven’t stopped the Resort engaging with friends old and new through social media either. Under the hashtags #FSWellnessAtYourPlace and #FSCookingAtYourPlace, Yogi Praveen Subramanian has taught yogic breathing while Chef Hien Huynh has demonstrated the perfect pho, fruit carving and Vietnamese summer rolls. Further videos are planned to deliver the team’s renowned care direct to guests’ homes. Watch this space for Chef Hien’s new food discovery journeys from The Cooking Academy.

To be one of the first to enjoy the community-minded care and superlative service of the reopened Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An, contact +84 235 394 0000 or book online.