Bhaya Soul, Bhaya Cruises’ luxury wellness ship in Ha Long Bay, has joined Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH), the internationally recognised portfolio of more than 700 independently owned boutique hotels across more than 100 countries. It marks SLH’s first luxury boat offering in Asia Pacific.
Bhaya Soul carries just 20 suites, each with a private balcony and sun loungers, and is designed as the first wellness-inclusive cruise in Ha Long Bay. The ship follows quieter routes through Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay, with onboard experiences built around slowing down and restoration rather than a standalone spa offering.
Nam Tran, chief executive and founder of Bhaya Cruises, said the recognition reflected the ship’s distinct positioning.
“We wanted to create something different on Ha Long Bay – a place where guests can experience the beauty of the bay while also having the space to slow down, reconnect and restore. SLH recognises independent properties with a strong sense of place and individuality, and we are very proud that Bhaya Soul now belongs to this community,” Tran said.
Mark Wong, senior vice president Asia Pacific for Small Luxury Hotels of the World, said Bhaya Soul joins a small group of water-based properties within the SLH portfolio.
“We’re always looking to enrich the SLH portfolio with soulful, characterful stays and Bhaya Soul is in a class of its own. It marks our very first luxury boat offering in Asia Pacific, joining a select group of four other immersive water experiences within our global portfolio,” Wong said.
Connection to existing SLH property in Hoi An
Bhaya Soul’s membership creates a link with Namia River Retreat in Hoi An, an existing SLH member. Bhaya Cruises has introduced multi-destination wellness journeys connecting the two properties, allowing travellers to combine wellness experiences across Ha Long Bay and the Thu Bon River.
