Meet the Makers of Hoi An: Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai Debuts Exclusive Artisan‑Led Cultural Experience

Marking a joyful start to 2026, Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai unveils An Insider Journey Through Hoi An’s Craft and Cuisine, a newly curated signature experience offering rare access to people, practices and places that reveal a side of Hoi An seldom found on travel sites or social media.

Conceived as a slow, immersive passage for travellers seeking authentic cultural encounters, the experience traces the rhythms of life beyond Hoi An’s historic centre, showcasing how cuisine and craft continue to evolve through stories lived out in the surrounding countryside. Connecting guests directly with local experts, the tour moves across kitchens, galleries and tasting tables tucked away in quiet villages and lush fields.

“This signature experience grew from the longstanding relationships our Resort has nurtured with local artisans and curators,” says Marcel Oostenbrink, General Manager. “By spending the day alongside those who dedicate their lives to cooking, creating and preserving tradition, guests gain an intimate and unfiltered understanding of Central Vietnam.”

A Morning of Wellbeing

The experience opens at the Heart of the Earth Spa with a traditional Vietnamese Bodywork session. Drawing on time-honoured techniques, the treatment offers a moment of stillness before departure from the Resort, preparing both body and mind for a day of discovery.

Tofu Making in the Fields

A private kitchen set amid verdant rice fields invites a hands-on exploration of tofu making. Guests engage in every step of the process, from soaking and pressing soybeans sourced from northern Vietnam to observing how fresh tofu is adapted into delicate, plant-based cheeses. A home-style vegan meal introduces local favourites, while the host – who was raised in a tofu-making village – shares his personal journey with guests.

Artisanship and Vietnamese Coffee

The afternoon continues at a garden-lined gallery devoted to safeguarding Vietnam’s artisanal heritage. Woven textiles, carved objects and clay works fill the space, each piece carrying the imprint of time-intensive techniques passed down through generations. Guests will find several pieces crafted over weeks and months, with proceeds directly supporting artisans from diverse ethnic communities. The visit closes with a traditional cà phê phin prepared by the gallery’s founder, enjoyed alongside a conversation on cultural legacy and the role of preservation.

The Story of Nước Mắm

A guided tasting of nước mắm, the iconic fish sauce, introduces guests to the heart and soul of Vietnamese cuisine. The staple ingredient takes on unexpected forms, appearing as serums, sprays and mayonnaise – all made with anchovies harvested from Vietnam’s central coast. The inventor behind these creations joins the session to share his inspiration and process. Guests then have the opportunity to design a personalised nước mắm blend, carrying home a unique expression of a timeless ingredient.

Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai

Set near the historic town of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai is an all-villa retreat that unfolds along Vietnam’s pristine central coast. Sweeping ocean views and tropical gardens frame the Resort’s exclusive selection of dining, wellness and cultural experiences, shaped by the true spirit of Central Vietnam.

Most recently, the Resort was awarded two Michelin keys in the inaugural Michelin Guide for Hotels — a prestigious honour that recognises the Resort as one of the country’s most exceptional places to stay, celebrated for its architectural excellence, world‑class wellness offerings and intuitive, heartfelt service.

For more information or to reserve An Insider Journey Through Hoi An’s Craft and Cuisine, visit the official Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai website.