Cambodian retreat incorporates Buddhist practices in spa treatments
By Ian Stalker /  November 13, 2025

Treatments are seen as providing multiple benefits for guests

Cambodia’s Six Sense Krabey Island resort cheerfully predicts that its guests will return home feeling more relaxed and more rejuvenated than they were when they arrived.

The private island resort — part of Thailand’s upscale Six Senses brand and which has 40 pool villas and states that it “blends into the natural vegetation, creating an environment that has become a paradise for birds and butterflies” — is promoting a number of treatments reflecting the region’s Buddhist culture that it says will be soothing for guests looking to unwind.

“The resort is designed as a sanctuary where sustainability and personal well-being are seamlessly intertwined,” says general manager Ateeb Shrestha. “This holistic approach influences every part of a guest’s stay, from sleep quality and nutrition to relaxation, nature immersion, and meaningful interactions with our hosts.

“At its core, wellness at the resort is about balance. The resort offers a space to step away from daily stresses, reconnect with oneself, and leave the island feeling renewed, energized, and inspired by both the natural beauty of the surroundings and the warm, joyful presence of our hosts.”

Among resort offerings are a collection of new experiences crafted to help guests “escape the demands of everyday life and reconnect with themselves, nature, and the richness of Cambodian culture. Highlights include personalized multi-night wellness programs, revitalizing spa treatments, spiritual rituals led by Buddhist masters, and Meditation Like a Monk and other Tibetan-inspired practices designed to cultivate balance, clarity, and inner peace.”

The resort reports that Rangdrol Rinpoche, a spiritual master of Buddhism who was recognized at a young age as a Tulku, the reincarnation of an enlightened master whose spiritual mission is to preserve and transmit the profound wisdom of his past lives, has joined the Six Senses Krabey Island team and is offering new blessing rituals for longevity, health, and success, allowing guests to experience an authentic connection to Buddhist spiritual traditions in a private setting.

The property has introduced a new personalized wellness package, offering three-, five-, or seven-night journeys designed to restore balance, energy, and vitality. Each program combines ancient healing practices, holistic movement, and plant-based nourishment, with inclusions varying by length of stay. Depending on the number of nights chosen, guests will enjoy an Ayurvedic consultation, private wellness sessions such as meditation or yoga, a Signature Massage treatment, an immersive Alchemy Bar workshop, daily breakfast at AHA Restaurant, and nourishing dinners crafted with locally sourced ingredients. 

Cambodia has had a turbulent history but tourism officials note the conflicts that made international news decades ago are long over and the country is now building a tourist trade, which Six Senses — which has an upscale presence in many countries — is now a part of.

“Cambodia continues to charm visitors, and recent improvements in connectivity and infrastructure, including new airports and motorways, have made travel across the country easier,” Shrestha says. “Cambodia continues to charm visitors, and recent improvements in connectivity and infrastructure, including new airports and motorways, have made travel across the country easier. Guests now have more opportunities to explore beyond Siem Reap, with enriching experiences available in other provinces and along the coast. While Cambodia’s tourism remains modest compared with some neighboring countries, it is steadily gaining attention from international travelers. There is an undeniable allure to the country, and those who experience it firsthand are often captivated. Immersed in the culture, meeting the people, and taking in the natural beauty, guests leave with unforgettable stories and a deep appreciation for this remarkable destination.”

Khmer – the name given to an ancient kingdom that later became Cambodia – influences are woven throughout the Six Senses Krabey Island experience. At the Six Sense Spa, guests can explore ancient healing traditions through treatments inspired by local herbs and the wisdom of “Kru Khmer,” traditional Khmer medicine. Culinary experiences also honor Khmer heritage, featuring authentic dishes made with fresh ingredients from the resort’s organic farm and offering immersive Khmer cooking classes.

“Upon arriving on the island, before checking in, guests are invited to join the welcome ritual, or Pitee Sva Kum in Khmer,” Shrestha.reports. “This ceremony involves offering water to the Bodhi tree, believed to release negativity and invite positive energy. Guided by a GEM, guests set an intention or wish for their stay while making the offering. Similarly, as part of the departure ritual, guests can offer rice to the monks at Ream Pagoda, symbolizing abundance, gratitude, and prosperity, while setting intentions for themselves, the island, and Khmer culture. Together, these rituals allow guests to connect deeply with the island, its people, and its traditions throughout their stay.”

Meanwhile, Shrestha.says guests will find treatments from different parts of the world when they use the resort’s spa.

“Wellness at Six Senses Krabey Island is deeply inspired by Cambodian heritage,” Shrestha. continues. “Guests can enjoy locally inspired Khmer treatments, such as the Khmer Massage and the Khmer Kru Thnam Herbal Massage using herbal poultices, or a body scrub featuring Kampot sea salt. The spa experience, however, extends beyond Cambodia, offering Ayurvedic rituals from India, Tibetan-inspired meditation, sound healing, and astrology readings. Modern European and international techniques, including Swedish practices, are also incorporated through integrative wellness screenings, biohacking, and select treatments like deep tissue and detox massages that draw on advanced knowledge of anatomy.

“The spa offers a thoughtfully balanced menu where ancient traditions and modern science meet, allowing each guest to design a wellness journey that is both culturally immersive and personalized for their unique needs.”

Rates begin at US$350. For more details contact r[email protected]





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