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In the summer of 2026, while much of Nha Trang’s resort market continued to chase guest volume and occupancy rates, Ibala Hotel & Spa launched with a contrasting direction: a dedicated Wellness Retreat. This is not merely a new accommodation, but the strategic piece completing an integrated ecosystem that I-Resort Hot Mineral Springs has nurtured for over a decade.
Heritage Magazine sat down with Ms. Truong Hoang Thanh Thao—Founder and CEO of the project—to discuss this pioneering venture.
Vertical integration strategy
Heritage: Having anchored its identity with hot mineral springs for over a decade, why is I-Resort introducing Ibala Hotel & Spa only now, and why choose hospitality accommodation?
Ms. Truong Hoang Thanh Thao: I-Resort established a solid foundation with its hot mineral soaking services. However, over the years, I noticed a recurring gap: after deeply relaxing in the mineral pools, guests would return to conventional hotels—where harsh lighting and heavy culinary options unintentionally disrupted their recovery process.
Accommodation is where guests spend the majority of their time during a getaway. By mastering this private space—from lighting and acoustics to sleep quality and nutrition—we create a truly seamless recovery cycle. Ibala serves as the final touchpoint in an uninterrupted journey of physical and mental renewal.
Heritage: From a business perspective, what advantages does this vertical integration offer over standalone luxury resorts?
Ms. Truong Hoang Thanh Thao: The greatest advantage is consistency. Every detail—from mineral soaking schedules and wholesome dining to the color temperature of bedroom lighting—is synchronized toward holistic health restoration.
Economically, guests have a compelling reason to extend their stay as all their wellness needs are fulfilled within one ecosystem. Return rates are naturally higher because travelers seek us out not from fleeting curiosity, but for genuine health renewal—a fundamental need that recurs year after year.
The courage to curate
Heritage: Why did you opt for a boutique scale rather than developing a massive wellness complex?
Ms. Truong Hoang Thanh Thao: Deep wellness services are exceptionally difficult to replicate at scale. Managing personalized care for hundreds of rooms simultaneously presents immense operational complexity. We deliberately chose an intimate scale to maintain absolute quality control, ensuring every guest receives refined, tailored care.
Heritage: Ibala intentionally omits gym facilities, children’s play areas, and large lobby screens. What does this say about your philosophy?
Ms. Truong Hoang Thanh Thao: Every additional facility introduces sensory stimulation, and stimulation is the enemy of true recovery. This simple principle guides every decision I make.
In high-end hospitality, knowing who to decline is as crucial as knowing who to attract. Ibala was created for a specific niche: individuals experiencing functional burnout from professional pressure who require a genuine sanctuary to restore their energy, rather than passive entertainment.
Anchoring the inner self
Heritage: As a dynamic female executive, how do you manage a massive operational workload without losing your personal balance?
Ms. Truong Hoang Thanh Thao: I don’t believe in “balance” as a rigid 50/50 time division. Instead, I focus on being fully present and maximizing quality in every moment.
Family and personal pursuits are not burdens to be scheduled; they are my emotional anchors amid business pressure. Nurturing my private world provides the inner peace and vitality that empower me to stay sharp and decisive when leading the enterprise.
Vision for Nha Trang
Heritage: Where do you envision concepts like Ibala positioning themselves on Vietnam’s tourism map over the next five years?
Ms. Truong Hoang Thanh Thao: To compete with established wellness havens like Phuket or Bali, Vietnamese destinations must build a clear, profound health proposition.
Nha Trang possesses an irreplaceable natural gift: renowned natural hot mineral springs. By designing deeply immersive experiences around this geothermal resource, Nha Trang can transcend its image as a conventional coastal city to become an international destination for health restoration. That is the long-term vision our ecosystem is committed to building.
Heritage: Thank you for this inspiring conversation!
