We talk wellness and travel with concierge and wellness manager Tran Ly Du of TIA Wellness Resort.
From leading meditations on Marble Mountain to transforming guests’ eating habits, concierge and wellness manager at TIA Wellness Resort Tran Ly Du specialising in curating transformational experiences for guests. She tells us about some of the more unique experiences the resort offers, and the transformative journeys she has led guests on.
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How long have you been working as a concierge and what aspects of the role are most enjoyable?
What I find most fulfilling is the opportunity to curate transformative experiences for our guests and myself, encompassing physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
My journey began in 2014 as a spa receptionist with little knowledge of wellness. However, my curiosity led me to embark on a 200-hour yoga teacher training course. Over time, I expanded my expertise to include meditation, tai chi, creative workshops, nutrition, and wellness tours.
What does your day look like?
My workday commences with leading our guest group yoga class in the early mornings, a serene start devoid of emails or office-related tasks. Throughout the day, I attend to retreat guests, customising programmes based on their objectives. This involves recommending suitable treatments, therapies, dietary plans, and additional activities within the resort.
Part of this personalised service includes leading private sessions, be it in yoga, breathwork, or creative workshops. Beyond that, I customise guests’ private pool villas, from pre-arrival consultations to coordinating special arrangements with our chef in alignment with their retreat meal plans.
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What are some of the most challenging requests you have received from guests?
Recently, we had a mother and daughter staying with us, and the mother entrusted me with a sensitive request: she wanted to transform her daughter’s eating habits without directly involving her. To address her emotional well-being, I recommended our Master Reiki Therapy.
Initially, her body showed no immediate response, but the next morning, she woke up with an unexplained sense of change in her body and mind. In the subsequent days, she participated in our daily guided breathwork and creative workshops, designed to foster balance, inner connection, and authentic expression. Simultaneously, I offered nutritional advice to brighten her mood and energy levels. As her stay progressed, she started embracing a more varied diet and by the end of her retreat, her dietary choices had transformed.
What are people looking for in a concierge these days?
Guests today expect concierges to offer personalised recommendations tailored to their unique preferences. The pandemic has accelerated a shift in focus towards health and wellbeing, reshaping the way people approach holidays. Gone are the days of seeking a traditional luxury lazy holiday characterised by indulgent food and drink by the pool. Instead, there’s a pronounced move towards a more holistic approach, viewing holidays as an opportunity to nurture both mind and body.
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As part of your new wellness package, you offer Tai Chi on Marble Mountain. Tell us about that.
The Marble Mountain Climb & Tai Chi, personally guided by me, is a distinctive experience rooted in the principle of FLOW, one of our four key wellness pillars. It harmonises the rhythmic movements of Tai Chi with the exploration of Marble Mountain, a spiritually significant site along the Central Vietnam coast.
As you ascend the 200 steps leading up Marble Mountain, we embark on an adventure together, where each step not only deepens our connection with this natural wonder but also invigorates our circulation and oxygen flow. We then explore the temples, caves, and pagoda nestled within Marble Mountain.
Another activity is meditation at the Lady Buddha. What can guests expect from that?
The Lady Buddha Meditation is a harmonious embodiment of the BREATHE pillar, and invites guests to engage in transformative meditation amid the awe-inspiring presence of the tallest Buddha statue in Vietnam, which is equivalent to a 30-storey building.
During the Lady Buddha Son Tra Meditation, we delve into the art of mindful breathing, creating a sacred space for guests to experience a profound sense of peace. Many have shared feeling the high vibration and pure energy from Lady Buddha during meditation, creating a connection with nature and a revitalising energy that transcends the ordinary.
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Tell us about some of the changes guests have requested help with during check-in at TIA Wellness
Our guests arrive with diverse aspirations, from shedding weight and detoxifying their bodies to reconnecting with their inner selves, fostering acceptance, and cultivating open-mindedness. Some seek to live in the present moment, while others aim to cultivate a profound sense of gratitude.
What do you like doing in Da Nang when you’re not working?
I find solace in meditating amid the mountains, whether it’s the serene Son Tra or the famous Hai Van pass. My friends playfully call me ‘Mother Nature,’ reflecting my love of grounding myself and appreciating the simple joys of life.
