Avana Retreat is a hidden gem nestled in the lush, green mountains of the Mai Chau Valley in Northwest Vietnam.
After spending a year in Germany as part of her degree and a stint in Italy teaching English, Chione knew one thing for sure: she wanted travel to stay at the centre of her life.
Ready to go further, she set her sights on Asia, starting with India. Over five months, she journeyed from top to toe (and back again): from the high-altitude of Ladakh to the lush backwaters of Kerala. Along the way, she took a 32-hour(!) sleeper train ride from Delhi to Chennai to volunteer at a children’s orphanage just outside of the city, and revelled in the country’s vast contrasts.
Chione continued east to explore Thailand, before settling in Vietnam for nine months. Living in Hanoi, she taught English teacher and fell hard for the capital’s energy, street food, and the pockets of calm in the chaos. Her favourites? The serene Hoan Kiem Lake and the Botanical Gardens. She also got out into the countryside: cruising through Ninh Binh, trekking in Mai Chau, and riding a motorbike through the jaw-dropping landscapes of Ha Giang near the Chinese border: four days of winding roads, misty mountains, and rice terraces carved into the cliffs.
Chione’s travels sparked a deep love for Asia and since joining Experience Travel Group, she’s expanded her expertise even further to Sri Lanka, Borneo and even Oman.
But Vietnam still holds a special place in her heart. If you want insider insights, she’s your person.
She’s looking forward to heading back to India to explore the south in true ETG style soon (with slightly shorter train journeys this time around…).
Today, Chione designs culturally curious and luxurious holidays across Vietnam, Thailand, Borneo, Oman, India and Sri Lanka.
“Wherever you go becomes a part of you somehow.” – Anita Desai
Chione’s Destinations
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Ninh Binh, Vietnam
Tam Coc Garden
Tam Coc Garden is an intimate retreat in Ninh Binh’s rice fields, with bikes, local experiences and views of Vietnam’s most dramatic landscapes.
Highlights
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Soul-stirring scenery,
Secluded oasis,
Best for
Couples
Gallery
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Cultural Triangle, Sri Lanka
Ulagalla Resort
Contemporary style amid a huge forest landscape – Ulagalla is one of the few truly boutique hotels in the ‘Cultural Triangle’
Highlights
Highlights
Best for
Couples
Families
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Mai Chau Valley, Vietnam
Avana Retreat
Highlights
Highlights
Serene mountain setting,
Cool ‘Cloud’ pool
Best for
Couples,
Families,
Solos
Gallery
Feedback from Chione’s Travellers
Sri Lanka – Paradise Found!
We booked a 2 week trip to Sri Lanka with ETG who were so incredibly efficient and helpful every step of the way. The country is absolutely beautiful! We stayed in fabulous hotels (recommended by ETG), ate delicious food and swam in crystal clear and comfortably warm waters with huge waves; it’s so lovely to be in a sea that isn’t freezing!!
Everything we had hoped for and more
ETG really listened and discovered not just exactly the type of holiday we wanted, but also what our particular interests and preferences were, so the holiday was completely bespoke. Our brilliant guide took us to meet Vietnamese people where we saw and heard firsthand how they lived and worked. Too many high points to mention.
Borneo Wildlife Adventure
Two weeks exploring areas of Sarawak & Sabah. Orangutans building nests, elephants swimming, hornbills flapping, insects galore and much more. Good food too. ETG listen to you and tailor a trip to your needs. Their on the ground support provided great communication and were so good when things don't quite go to plan.
