Situated along the picturesque coastline of Da Nang, TIA Wellness Resort offers an all-encompassing wellness experience. Tran Thi Ly Du, wellness center manager, oversees that experience, which embraces a total wellness approach encompassing personalized retreat programs and wellness-inclusive stays with spa treatments included. The resort’s 22-treatment room spa is an expansive oasis amid tropical gardens, with an adults-only pool, indoor and outdoor yoga spaces, an ice bath, and relaxation areas. A daily menu of breathwork, yoga, HIIT, and creativity classes are on offer. Here, Tran shares the role wellness plays in her own life.
What does wellness mean to you?
Wellness, to me, is about creating balance between the body, mind, and the way we live each day. It does not have to be complicated. Sometimes it can be as simple as taking a moment to breathe, move, rest, or reconnect with yourself. I believe true wellness is something we experience and practice, rather than something we simply achieve.
What are your favorite things to do to maintain your personal wellbeing?
I enjoy simple practices that help me slow down and reconnect, such as mindful movement, spending time in nature, having quiet moments to myself, and getting enough rest. I also believe that being surrounded by positive people and having meaningful connections are an important part of wellbeing.
Is there a specific fitness activity that you love and why?
Yoga is one of my favorite forms of movement because it brings together physical movement, breathing, and awareness. I like that it is not about competing or pushing yourself to the limit. It gives you an opportunity to listen to your body, be present, and move in a way that feels right for you.
What is your favorite healthy food, and do you have a favorite way of preparing it?
I really enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables, especially when they are in season. I usually prefer simple cooking methods like steaming, grilling, or lightly stir-frying, so the natural flavors and nutrients are still there.
What is your greatest wellness achievement?
My greatest wellness achievement is learning to see wellbeing as an ongoing journey rather than a goal to complete. Working in wellness has taught me to pay more attention to the small choices we make every day, how we move, rest, eat, connect, and create space for ourselves. I am still learning, and I think that is part of the journey.
What is the best piece of wellness advice you have ever received and from whom?
One of the most valuable lessons I have learned through working in wellness is to listen to your body. Our needs are not the same every day. Sometimes we need movement and energy; other times we need rest and stillness. Learning to recognize and respect those signals can make wellness feel much more natural and sustainable.
What do you think is the most exciting wellness innovation you have recently discovered?
What excites me most is the move toward personalized wellness. Rather than offering the same experience to everyone, wellness is becoming more responsive to how each person feels, what they need, and what they want to achieve. I find this particularly meaningful because it allows wellness to become more personal, relevant, and sustainable.
What is your idea of balanced healthy happiness?
For me, balanced healthy happiness is not about doing everything perfectly. It is about having enough space in life for movement, nourishment, rest, meaningful work, connection, and joy. Balance can also change from day to day, and I think being comfortable with that is part of wellbeing.
What is your favorite place for a healthy vacation or escape?
Da Nang is very special to me because it naturally brings together the sea, mountains, fresh air, local culture, and a slower rhythm of life. At TIA Wellness Resort, we try to build on that environment by giving guests the space and experiences to reconnect with themselves while still enjoying their holiday.
What is your favorite self-care routine?
My favorite self-care routine is actually very simple: disconnecting for a while, taking a few conscious breaths, stretching, and allowing myself some quiet time. I believe the most effective self-care practices are often the ones simple enough to become part of everyday life.
What is your go-to for de-stressing?
Breathing and movement. Even a short walk, a few stretches, or several minutes of conscious breathing can completely change how I feel. When possible, I also like spending time outdoors, especially near the sea.
What aspect of your wellbeing do you struggle with the most, or would most like to improve?
Like many people working in hospitality, it can sometimes be challenging to create enough space to truly switch off. I am continually learning that rest should not only happen when we are exhausted. Making time to pause and recharge is something I try to practice more intentionally.
How do you celebrate small victories?
I like to pause and acknowledge them rather than immediately moving on to the next goal. Sometimes that means sharing the moment with the team, enjoying a good meal, or simply taking a moment to appreciate what has been achieved. Small victories are important because they remind us that progress is happening.
What brings you joy?
Connection brings me joy, connection with people, nature, and myself. I also find joy in seeing someone leave a wellness experience feeling lighter, calmer, or simply happier than when they arrived. Those small transformations can be very meaningful.
