By LAWRENCE TAN

There’s a better way to beat the economic crunch, without compromising on luxury resort living. Vietnam’s five-star resort The Nam Hai, nestled along one kilometers of the pristine China Beach, offers an interesting alternative to conventional destinations like Bali, Phuket and Hua Hin.

And for yoga enthusiasts, there’s even greater reason to check in for a mind, soul and body-invigorating weekend. The resort launches the first of its holistic retreat series on the first weekend of July, with classes conducted by Nicky Poole who has her own studio in Ho Chi Minh City, and is known in Vietnam as one of the best yoga instructors around.

Poole will focus on Prana Flow yoga (prana meaning “life force energy”), a derivation of celebrated yoga master Shiva Rea’s Vinyasa yoga. Two 90-minute sessions are scheduled each day for the three-day retreat during sunrise and sunset, taking full advantage of the magnificent China Sea as the perfect backdrop to connect you to your prana.

The Nam Hai