Sabine G Lamberts, General Manager – Santiburi Koh Samui

Santiburi Koh Samui, the luxurious retreat on Koh Samui’s stunning north shore, is transforming the concept of wellbeing with the launch of “Lèn”, a holistic new concept that allows every guest to discover their own personal happiness.

In Thai, Lèn means “play”, which is an integral part of the local culture. Thai people love to smile, have fun and be happy. Of course, every person achieves happiness in a different way, so Lèn offers a choice of programmes to suit the needs of all types of guest, from thrill-seekers to culture vultures.

Santiburi believes that wellness doesn’t come solely from the spa or gym – it comes from within. The overall aim of Lèn is to allow every guest to follow their own personal path to wellbeing. So be yourself, satisfy your senses and play your own way!

Lèn comprises five distinct programmes – Adventure, Relax, Romance, Culture and Family – which guests can select depending on their own unique needs. Each journey features three distinct elements: Spa Treatments, Activities and Gourmet. Depending on the guest’s mood, Santiburi’s “Wellbeing Ambassadors” can help guide their daily schedule, suggesting elements designed to enhance the guest’s happiness, which of course is the ultimate goal.

For example, the Adventure programme allows guests to combine exhilarating activities such as scuba diving and windsurfing with a choice of spa treatments, including sports massages, and healthy cuisine such as “Buddha Bowls” and smoothies, ensuring that guests are kept fit, healthy and active.

Under Lèn’s Relax programme, yoga sessions and slower-paced water sports are blended with soothing spa treatments and organic breakfasts to help guests achieve a deep sense of inner peace, while the Romance programme lets partners play together in paradise, with private dinners, sunset cruises and couples’ massages – pure bliss!

The Family programme helps parents and kids connect with each other through a range of immersive multi-generational activities, such as jungle treks, boat trips, cooking classes and family spa sessions. Santiburi also provides its own take on the time-honoured tradition of the family meal, allowing children to serve themselves and eat as equals.

Finally, Lèn’s Culture programme showcases the rich heritage of Thailand, with rejuvenating massages, authentic excursions, Muay Thai boxing classes and more, complemented by healthy and delicious Thai cuisine.

Lèn is all about laid-back wellness; guests can enjoy each activity on their own terms and as part of a relaxing beach holiday, rather than as a strict detox routine or fitness retreat. It is hoped that by following their own bespoke journey, guests will feel healthy and happy in the exquisite tropical surroundings of Koh Samui.

“At Santiburi, we understand that wellness is about more than just physical fitness – it is also a state of mind. It is no coincidence that Thailand is nicknamed the ‘Land of Smiles’; Thai people believe in enjoying life, having fun and staying happy. The country also has a strong spa culture, a rich culinary heritage and wonderful tropical climate. Lèn combines all these elements to create a series of 360-degree wellness programmes. We look forward to helping guests stay, play and achieve their own personal sense of wellbeing here in Koh Samui,” says Sabine G Lamberts, General Manager of Santiburi Koh Samui.

Each of Lèn’s elements showcases a different part of Santiburi. Nestled in 23 acres of landscaped tropical gardens with a 300-metre-long stretch of private beach, this elegant luxury resort offers a complete collection of experiences and activities, including water sports, team games, golf, wellness, cultural activities and children’s programs.

Lèn was developed by Jennifer Linder, Santiburi’s dedicated Well-Being Manager who personally oversees the roll-out and successful integration in close cooperation with all other resort services. The former Director of Spa for St Regis in Hawaii and a qualified massage therapist, Jennifer has spent her entire career trying to improve guests’ wellbeing.

Seen in leading photo: From left to right: Jennifer Linder (Well-Being Manager) and Sabine G Lamberts (General Manager of Santiburi Koh Samui)