Topas Ecolodge is a group of thirty-three chalet-style bungalows overlooking the terraced hills and Sapa Valleys below.
Nestled deep within the mountains of Hoang Lien National Park, an oasis of biodiversity in Sapa, National Geographic Traveler recently named the spectacular facility one among the world’s best sustainable lodges, wrote Forbes’ Jordan Bishop.
The lodge does its part to provide back to the area people – it is rather conscious of its ecological footprint and employs minority tribesmen from the local villages of Ban Ho, Thanh Kim and Thanh Phu – although guests come here for a totally different reason. They come for the famous infinity pool.
An infinity pool was added to Topas Ecolodge in 2017, putting it on the map seemingly overnight. The pool, positioned halfway up the hill, overlooks the fundamental lodge and the stunning Muong Hoa Valley below. Rice terraces rise from beneath him like layers of green fabric; field employees are like ants tending crops.
The surrounding valleys fill with ethereal mist and mysterious fog, mixing reality with a pervasive sense of mysticism. Am I on earth? In clouds? The only right answer lies somewhere in the center.
Of course, Topas Ecolodge has more to supply than simply an amazing swimming pool. Once you’ve got had your bath, walk a couple of more steps and step into the lodge’s spa for a massage or herbal bath inspired by local produce.
Many guests enjoy spending time on site absorbing the views of the valley, although there are many mountaineering and cycling opportunities nearby. Topas offers several free transfers to and from Sapa daily. The journey takes 45 minutes in windy conditions.
The hotel restaurant, run by Danish-born chef Sune Jørgensen, serves Vietnamese cuisine with European influences. Breakfast consisting of Vietnamese and Western dishes is included in the value of the stay.
Adjacent to the restaurant is a comfortable lounge, the one place in the ability with WiFi, where you will discover a good selection of board games and books. In winter, a crackling fireplace makes the room pleasantly warm.
It is vital to notice that Topas Ecolodge is a distant resort and never a five star resort. As such, its bungalows are relatively austere – think smooth ceramic tile floors and rough stone partitions – with no TV or Wi-Fi, although each boasts a powerful veranda.
After heavy rains, the bottom becomes muddy, and sometimes there are power and water cuts. If such modern amenities are most vital to you, Topas Ecolodge might not be a superb selection, although for a lot of it’s all a part of the journey. What’s the fun in going to this point off the beaten path in case you’re going to loosen up in luxury?
Topas Ecolodge is positioned twelve miles from stunning Sapa, which, together with Ha Long Bay, is one among the 2 fundamental reasons tourists travel to this point north to Vietnam.
The lodge is a 5-hour drive from Hanoi and has several every day transfers to and from Hanoi to select up and drop off guests. Direct flights to Hanoi can be found from most Asian cities, in addition to from Paris, London, Frankfurt, Istanbul and Dubai.
Source : Forbes
