Fusion Maia has become a top destination for anyone in search of a luxurious and relaxing getaway. Integrating both tradition and modernity, the Fusion Maia is at its core an innovative hotel. As the Chief Visionary Officer for Serenity Holdings, Louk Lennaerts gives us an insight into what he values in a hotel, and what makes the Fusion Maia so incredibly unique!
An Eye for Innovation
What inspired you to create the Fusion Maia Resort?
Creating a 5 star resort has been an opportunity to bring new ideas to the hotel segment, which in my view needs fresh ideas. 5 star resorts aren’t very innovative aside from providing more luxury or more access to nature. Many guests dream of going to these paradisiacal 5 star resorts, but the prices are very high. However an international 5 star resort allows you to have a unique experience with a high standard for architecture and services, should not by definition be so expensive. That was the starting point to create the Fusion Resort concept: to make a fairly-priced product that at the same time is also highly personalized and caters to the guest's desires.
Now we realize that our guests are looking for new experiences, personalized service, a particular atmosphere, and surprises that are new and fresh and closely connected with the culture of that place.The price is highly important as well, but it has to conform to the promises of the resort.
What was the inspiration behind Fusion Maia’s all inclusive spa concept?
Being in Asia, one may imagine that you live and breathe spa & wellness as this is linked to this culture. Currently it is more Bali and Thailand that express this feeling; however Vietnam is still a green field in tourism and open to innovation. In saying that, it would be great for guests to have access to spa treatments for free, and being that it is an unlimited service you can consume when you like, instead of paying high prices as now is mostly the case.
That means having an idea isn’t enough; we also had the opportunity to create the service in line with practical needs and requirements. It is most important to know that the “all inclusive” spa is part of our philosophy and not just a free added service. The spa environment starts at the reception desk and is also incorporated into the management style, where the search for the wellness of our guests is the main focus.
What is Fusion Maia’s philosophy?
The Fusion philosophy looks to satisfy the guest's wants, while also anticipating their needs and interests. It is this combination of services and aesthetics that makes this product different without talking merely of free spa treatments.
Anticipating and nurturing guests' feelings is going to be the most important aspect of future tourism, though many hotel groups fail to realize this. Guests today are more and more informed and can more precisely articulate what they are looking for. Fusion is the answer to this new genre of guest and the trendsetter to go new directions and open the minds of many guests in their search for new innovation.
Why was it important to mix Vietnamese tradition and modernity in the resort’s design?
First of all, any project needs its own story before starting and isn’t or shouldn’t be just an architectural creation with management. Fusion Maia has been coupled with the idea of the forbidden city where privacy and special inspiration is a major character. We have followed this principle, where the main restaurant area is like the temple for the stomach and the 2000 m2 spa is like the temple for the mind and the place of freedom.
The single-level villas are interconnected via small walkways, where the rooms with their L shape open up once you enter. The private pool and small garden makes these rooms cozy and private. All this style possesses a Vietnamese cultural connection, where Hue styled roofs and a more contemporary interior. Finally this is the mix that makes guest feel at home, a mix of functions like open bathrooms, private pools and outdoor sitting areas, living rooms, and bedrooms with appropriate colors to create a special and unique atmosphere.
It's no surprise that many guests comment that they feel different here compared to many other known resorts!
If you had to describe Fusion Maia in three words, what would they be?
The best offer on the Asian market |
Well-being redefined | Innovative concepts, products, and services
Have you tried the spa? What is your favorite treatment?
Being a part of the creation of this concept, means every element is important, and in that respect, I am even involved in redefining new treatments for our guests!
It is the combination... again a fusion... of Ayurveda and Reiki together with aroma therapy that is now one focus. It is important to combine energy work with touching the body and finding relaxation for the guest in different levels.
What is a typical day like at the resort for you?
We work as a team and I visit the Fusion Maia about once a week to rethink development. Besides the many meetings on staff matters, finance and marketing & sales, I also have a lot of contact and interaction with the guests. We talk about their impressions, feelings and way of life as well as about the experiences of Vietnam, where I have been already for nearly 17 years now.
What is your favorite thing about Fusion Maia? And about Da Nang?
I believe the staff is one of our best assets and one of the best aspects of my work, as we feel like a big family. I appreciate that you can eat breakfast anytime anywhere, which is a great freedom when you are on vacation. However, personally I tend to take advantage of the buffet early in the morning: The pools are another part I would like to use much more.
That being said, I know what I would like to enjoy: the spa! However, I don’t have much free time!
In neighboring Danang, you can find magnificant beaches and scenery. The city is close to Hoi An, renowned for its gastronomy, where you can find our restaurant, Fusion Lounge. I use our shuttle to save money on transfer costs. Yes, I am Dutch and finding a good deal is in our blood !
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