On the still untouched shores of Bai Tu Long Bay, Angsana Quan Lan does not manufacture slowness, it simply listens to the island’s own heartbeat. In conversation with Wanderlust Tips, General Manager Kurt Vieren of the Banyan Group property reflects on a philosophy of ease that needs no staging, the balance between five-star comfort and fishing-village soul, and the ambition to make Quan Lan the perfect “step back” from a hurried world.
Mr. Vieren, thank you for taking the time to speak with Wanderlust Tips about Angsana Quan Lạn. We are delighted to have you with us today.
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On an island still as untouched as Quan Lạn, how do you define slow travel differently from more developed destinations like Phu Quoc or Hoi An?
In my view, the biggest difference is that in Quan Lạn, ‘slow travel’ isn’t a concept we need to manufacture or stage; it is already the natural heartbeat of the island. In busier destinations, resorts often have to rely on enclosed gardens or high walls to help guests escape the hustle and bustle outside.
At Angsana Quan Lạn, however, our role isn’t to create isolation. We simply blur the boundaries between our living spaces and the pristine nature outside. By providing absolute comfort alongside thoughtful touchpoints, we help guests connect deeply with the natural landscape and the local rhythm of life, allowing them to realize on their own that once they step foot here, there is simply no reason to rush.
What in the guest experience at Angsana Quan Lạn actually forces people to slow down, rather than just being marketed that way?
We have no intention of ‘forcing’ our guests to slow down, as that would contradict the very essence of slow travel. Instead, we design the experience so that unwinding happens entirely naturally.
Our low-density architecture is purposefully designed to frame sweeping views of the bay. When you wake up, urban noise is replaced by the gentle sound of waves, the morning light, and the fresh sea breeze. This profound quietness, the long stretches of untouched sand, and the vast open spaces inherently strip away any sense of time pressure. Almost unconsciously, guests find themselves walking a little slower and breathing a little deeper.
We seamlessly carry this unhurried rhythm into our service offerings. Guests can completely surrender to relaxation at our world-class Spa & Onsen, reconnect through a couple’s yoga session, craft their own scented candles, or take a leisurely cooking class to explore local flavors. Even parents are granted the luxury of total peace of mind, knowing their little ones are safely engaged at the Kid’s Club.
In my view, a ‘slow’ experience isn’t about doing less or cutting back on activities. It is about having the space and the serenity to fully immerse yourself in every single moment.
Can you share a specific moment, a morning, an activity, when you saw a guest truly switch off from their everyday pace?
I remember one particularly special family: a Belgian husband and his Malaysian wife. They found their way to Angsana Quan Lạn almost by chance, yet ended up staying for four nights.
After a few days of rest and simply enjoying the resort, they decided to join our ‘A Day as a Fisherman’ journey. There was nothing polished or staged about it. The whole family rolled up their trousers and waded the flats alongside our local residents, learning to rake clams, catch snails, harvest oysters, and haul in crab traps. Right there on a floating fishing hut, rocking gently on the water, they sat down together to enjoy the seafood they had just caught, listening intently as the fishermen shared stories of the tides, the rhythm of the sea, and the history and way of life of this land.
What struck me most was their second daughter. She started the day a little shy, but by the end she had joined in every activity and was completely delighted by the true ‘sea to table’ seafood. That afternoon, as soon as they got back, they messaged me just to say thank you. They weren’t only thanking us for the five-star comforts, they were thanking us because they had truly ‘lived’ this place, and connected with each other in the fullest way.
The resort’s remote location, three hours from Hanoi plus a boat or seaplane transfer, is that an obstacle or an advantage for your slow travel strategy?
From a Slow Travel perspective, this geographical distance is absolutely an advantage rather than an obstacle.
In reality, with the seamless expressway stretching from Hanoi to Quang Ninh, the journey has become remarkably convenient. Yet, it is those final 45 minutes on the speedboat from Ao Tien port to the island that act as an invaluable emotional filter. Gliding through the majestic beauty of Bai Tu Long Bay allows guests to gradually leave behind the noise and the rush of more familiar, crowded destinations. So, by the time the boat docks, your mind has fully unwound and is completely prepared for peace.
I don’t view Quan Lạn as ‘isolated’; rather, it is a perfect ‘step back.’ It may not be as bustling as Ha Long or other popular tourist spots, but that very tranquility is our promise of absolute privacy.
Coupled with the convenience of the new transport infrastructure, this pristine island is destined to become the ultimate sanctuary for those yearning for a tranquil haven to truly slow down.
How do you balance slow travel with the five-star comforts international guests expect, two things that can sometimes pull in opposite directions?
Luxury and slow travel are by no means contradictory; rather, they beautifully complement each other. At Angsana, we define luxury as ‘absolute comfort in a pristine environment.’ Five-star standards provide the very foundation of reassurance that allows guests to truly let go and embrace the ‘slow’ pace.
This balance is evident in every touchpoint. It is seen when fresh, rustic local seafood is elevated through exquisite five-star culinary artistry. It is the comforting certainty that after an unhurried day of exploring the island, the plushest bed and world-class spa treatments await to soothe your every sense.
Five-star comforts take care of the body, while the slow travel ethos nourishes the soul. We provide a flawless cocoon of comfort, empowering our guests to freely immerse themselves in the pristine beauty of Quan Lạn without any inconvenience.
How do local cultural elements, the ancient trading port, the craft villages, the Quan Lạn festival, come through in the guest experience without feeling staged?
The key is authenticity and subtlety. Instead of building cultural ‘stages,’ we act as a bridge.
This connection begins with our design language. Familiar fishing tools, like traditional fish traps and woven rattan, are delicately accented throughout our spaces. More than mere decor, they serve as art installations that quietly honor the coastal way of life.
The immersion continues through rustic, fresh local seafood and, most notably, our hands-on excursions. When guests join activities like clam raking, catching peanut worms, or experiencing a day as a fisherman, they are guided by our native staff. Stories of the island’s history, the communal house, and local festivals are shared straight from their childhood memories, never from a memorized script.
Culture in Quan Lạn is a living, breathing thing. We invite guests to step into this rhythm as visiting friends, not as ticket-holding spectators.
What role does your local workforce play in carrying that “slow” spirit through to guests, and how do you train them for it?
Our local associates are the soul of Angsana Quan Lạn. Their rustic charm and innate hospitality make them the most passionate guides, seamlessly connecting guests with the island’s unique culture.
While Banyan Group and Angsana Quan Lạn heavily invest in training and development, our goal goes beyond standardizing service. We equip local residents to deliver international five-star luxury while crucially preserving their authentic, unpretentious warmth. It is a perfect blend of refined professionalism and genuine local hospitality.
As a result, the ‘slow’ spirit radiates effortlessly, whether through a gentle smile or the unhurried way they linger to share stories of their hometown’s tides. It is a purely authentic, unforced connection.
From an operations standpoint, does slow travel raise costs or lower revenue efficiency compared to a conventional resort model?
In the short term, this model demands meticulous investment in spatial design, landscape conservation, and high-quality human capital, rather than maximizing guest volume. However, in luxury hospitality, we focus on long-term value.
Slow travel cultivates deeply personalized experiences, driving profound guest loyalty and an extended Length of Stay (LOS). Guests don’t just visit once; they tend to return whenever they need a sanctuary to recharge.
From an operational standpoint, this is precisely the sustainable and optimally efficient business model we strive to achieve.
How does the slow travel appetite of Vietnamese guests differ from that of the international guests staying at Angsana Quan Lạn?
For Vietnamese guests, slow travel is often a mental ‘detox.’ Seeking an escape from the urban hustle, they focus primarily on physical rest, family bonding, and enjoying our on-site amenities.
Meanwhile, international guests embrace slow travel through deeper exploration. Beyond purely relaxing moments, like spending an entire afternoon reading by the pool or indulging in spa treatments, they dedicate more time to discovering local villages, uncovering the history of the ancient trading port, and unhurriedly immersing themselves in the local way of life.
Looking three to five years ahead, as Van Don develops fast with new infrastructure and an airport, how do you keep that “slow and unspoiled” character from being diluted?
Development and conservation are not necessarily at odds; they simply require a delicate balance. Better infrastructure makes Quan Lạn more accessible and brings a new rhythm to the community, but convenience must never come at the expense of identity.
At Angsana Quan Lạn, guided by Banyan Group’s core philosophy of sustainability, we choose to grow with intention. This means preserving our bond with nature, standing alongside the local community, and seamlessly weaving native culture and cuisine into the guest experience.
We aim to create a space where guests can truly ‘slow down,’ rather than merely consuming a destination. Ultimately, the most meaningful development is moving forward while keeping the cultural essence of the land entirely intact.
Wanderlust Tips thanks Mr. Kurt Vieren for taking the time to speak with us.
About Angsana Quan Lạn
Opened in July 2024 under the renowned Banyan Group, Angsana Quan Lạn is a premier luxury hotel and resort nestled in the pristine Bai Tu Long Bay. Just a three-hour drive from Hanoi followed by a speedboat ride, this secluded oasis invites guests into a world where time unhurries its pace.
Seamlessly blending five-star comfort with authentic local heritage, the resort is the ultimate sanctuary for slow travel. It offers an array of unforgettable bonding experiences: from curated regional dining and the acclaimed Angsana Spa & Onsen, to mini-golf and Vietnam’s first coastal zipline. Truly a destination within a destination, Angsana Quan Lạn is perfectly crafted for discerning travelers.
About Mr. Kurt Vieren
Boasting 30 years of luxury hospitality experience across multiple continents, Mr. Kurt Vieren currently serves as the General Manager of Angsana Quan Lạn. Beginning his career in Europe (the UK and Germany) in 1996, he officially entered the Asian market in 2006. His professional journey spans across Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, and China, alongside a three-year tenure in San Francisco (USA). He has now spent six years deeply connected to Vietnam.
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