Eating and sleeping is also meditation

Slow down to reconnect with yourself

Only about an hour's drive from Hanoi, Senna Wellness Retreat is located on Ong Tu hill (Bac Ninh), opening up a quiet place for slow living and seemingly simple things like eating, sleeping or breathing... are actually a journey back to oneself.

Senna Wellness Retreat is not a luxury resort, but a space of meditation and feeling, where every experience is directed towards awareness. Even meals become an intentional act. From the way the table is set, the taste of medicinal food, to the rhythm of each meal... everything brings us back to reality. Eating is not just to be full, but to feel, to nourish the body and mind and to feel at peace.

Sleep has another meaning. It is not only a time for the body to rest, but also a time for the mind to let go, in a quiet space: soft light, moderate sound, and no urging.

Senna uses lotus and Senna herb as symbols of purification, from which it develops a philosophy of life: nurturing the mind, calming the mind, and regenerating energy. This philosophy is clearly expressed through a multi-sensory therapeutic ecosystem, personalized treatments, mindful movements, and a delicately designed space - where natural wood materials, soft lighting, and soothing meditation music blend together, bringing a sense of deep peace.

There is no elaborate philosophy. Everything at Senna is rooted in a profound simplicity: listen, breathe, relax, and connect. This is not a place to “escape stress,” but a place to gently meet yourself. Beneath the stillness lies a subtle and steady flow of healing, natural and uncontrolled.

A special highlight of the resort is the 350 m2 Zen House.²– a place where meditation, yoga, healing breathing and inner sharing sessions are held. Whether you are a beginner or already on your own journey, everyone can sit down, listen to the wind chimes, touch the old wood and feel the tranquility spread in the space.

Senna space is built according to the philosophy of the five elements: Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, Earth - creating a natural balance between humans and the earth. Every day, activities such as yoga, bell meditation, sound therapy, aromatherapy... take place simply and without fanfare. Visitors can choose for themselves a porch, a small stone path or simply a wooden chair in the middle of the herb garden to sit down and breathe with nature.

Meals here take place in a quiet space, with a light herbal scent, and the food is presented simply and without fuss. The pace of eating is slow, each movement like a small ritual, helping the presence become more complete and profound. The cuisine at Senna has that spirit: vegan, traditional but refined, keeping the rustic features. Each meal not only nourishes the body but is also an opportunity to listen and connect with oneself.

This year, Senna is the meeting point for Global Wellness Day with the spirit of reconnecting with oneself, loved ones, nature and the community. Meditation activities, workshops, and talks about mental health are not aimed at treatment but opening up a space for transformation to happen naturally, at each person's own pace.

In addition to these special events, Senna also maintains daily health and mental care treatments through a private spa system, intensive therapies, massages and physical activities such as Indoor Cycling, Body Combat, Yoga, Qigong... organized regularly, helping to improve health and support the spirit comprehensively.

Bac Ninh is not only the cradle of Quan Ho

In a world that is constantly moving and connected, it is easy to forget what truly nourishes health, not only of the body, but also of the emotions and spirit. When the pace of life is too fast, eating becomes rushed, sleep becomes erratic, breathing becomes shallow. At Senna, everything returns to a primitive and slow state. Eating – sleeping – breathing… all become conscious actions and meditation is the simplest way of living here.

It is no coincidence that this place is located in the heart of Bac Ninh - the land of Quan Ho, where the moss-covered pagoda roofs still ring the evening bells, where the craft villages still keep the traditional fire burning through generations. Choose a land with deep culture as a place to stop to enjoy the tranquility of nature, live with the steady and enduring breath of the land.

There, the experience is not framed or bound by any pattern. Everything happens in its own way – slowly, delicately and deeply penetrating each layer of feeling. It is the culture, the indigenous spirit and the connection with this land that has helped this place go beyond the beaten path of pre-established wellness models, to become a healing space imbued with the Vietnamese soul.

And at Senna Wellness Retreat, just living fully in every moment, eating - sleeping - breathing is also meditation.

Phuong Thao is the Editor of Travellive Magazine. She is passionate about traveling and loves to capture moments with her camera in every land she visits. Travel, art, and lifestyle are her favorite writing topics.

Phuong Thao