Bhaya Soul is putting a luxury wellness spin on cruising Vietnam’s Halong Bay after joining Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH), giving the new 20-suite vessel a place in the global luxury hospitality collection.
The recognition adds Bhaya Soul to SLH’s portfolio of more than 700 independently owned boutique properties across more than 100 countries.
Bhaya Cruises says the vessel is the first wellness-inclusive cruise in Halong Bay, combining boutique accommodation, Vietnamese hospitality, wellness programming and quieter journeys through Halong and Lan Ha bays.
The cruise has just 20 suites, each with a private balcony and sun loungers. Rather than following the busiest routes, Bhaya Soul is designed to explore less crowded areas of the two bays, positioning the ship as a floating retreat for travelers seeking a slower pace.
Wellness is built into the overall experience rather than confined to a spa. The program combines restorative activities, time in nature, a tranquil onboard setting and meals based on fresh local ingredients.
“We wanted to create something different on Halong Bay, a place where guests can experience the beauty of the bay while also having the space to slow down, reconnect and restore,” said Nam Tran, CEO and founder of Bhaya Cruises.
SLH said the addition also marks its first luxury boat offering in the Asia-Pacific region.
“Bhaya Soul is in a class of its own,” said Mark Wong, senior vice president Asia Pacific SLH. “It marks our very first luxury boat offering in Asia Pacific.”
The new membership also creates a link with Namia River Retreat in Hoi An, another SLH property. Bhaya Cruises is promoting combined wellness itineraries connecting the two properties, allowing travelers to pair time on Halong Bay with a river-based retreat along the Thu Bon River.
The move reflects SLH’s growing interest in intimate, destination-focused luxury experiences beyond conventional hotels, including a small but expanding collection of luxury boat properties.
For Bhaya Cruises, the SLH membership provides another way to position Halong Bay as a destination for travelers looking beyond conventional sightseeing cruises and toward wellness-focused, immersive stays.
Bookings for Bhaya Soul are already available through the SLH website.