All photos from Topas Ecolodge
Tucked peacefully away into the remote, mountainous region of Sapa, Vietnam, sits a stunning, extraordinary oasis. Surrounded by mountains and otherworldly scenery, the area offers some of the most spectacular views in the world. The Topas Ecolodge is the ultimate off-grid getaway.
The Topas Ecolodge was created as a wellness retreat. In addition to the scenic and relaxing atmosphere, guests can spend their time hiking or biking through the mountainside. There is also a spa, which specializes in the traditional Red Dao herbal bath, and an infinity pool with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
The ecolodge, which is made up of 33 one-bedroom bungalows and is constructed from locally-sourced granite, sits deep in the Sapa Valley overlooking the Hoang Lien Son mountain range.
To make your visit even more relaxing, the bungalows do not have TV or Internet, allowing you to completely unplug from the stresses and anxiety of busy modern life.
The entire lodge is run using sustainable practices, which ensure that the lodge has a minimum impact on the beautiful environment that surrounds it. The lodge also benefits the local community by employing local people to work at the lodge, supporting the local school, and buying and using local products. During rice planting season the ecolodge shares water from its reservoir with local farmers. To avoid pollution of the area, a special wastewater facility is used.
The ecolodge is situated 18 km outside Sapa, or roughly a 45-minute bus ride. Along journey you’ll see rugged terrain, meet the ethnic minorities of the area, and even see a few buffalos roaming.
Sapa is also home to 5 different hill tribes, each one possessing their own language and unique, colourful cultural traditions and beliefs. Many of the villages are largely untouched by the spoils of modern life.
The aim of the retreat is to get people to experience Vietnam in a different way than they traditionally would, and also to allow guests the opportunity to escape busy city life in exchange for uninterrupted serenity.
