Serving as a wellness pit-stop, spas provide solace from the humdrum of regular life - where aching muscles and ageing skin cells are magically redacted by trained therapists. At The Secret Garden Spa, the spectacular hillside setting cocooned in Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, dense tropical foliage complements the sanctuary-style experience. "The secret of this award-winning spa, featuring inspired wellness rituals with tailored therapies and holistic health programs, is the people who make it all happen," beams Director of Spa Kotchaphan Mekloy.
Magic Hands
Of the team of expert therapists, Spa Supervisor Sakol Chotechuang stands out for his massage therapy as a means of healing. Originally from Songkhla, a coastal province in the far south of Thailand, Sakol explains this local tradition from his hometown: "Perhaps learned from ancient Chinese and Thai practices, my grandmother knew exactly where and how to use acupressure to relieve pain and help soothe our bodies. When any of us grandchildren had an ache, we would go to her and she would find the root cause and make it go away like magic!"
Believing that this innate ability to use hands to heal, Sakol persevered to train in massage therapy and began his career as a therapist at Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui in 2007. With nearly 20 years of experience now, he has honed his craft through constant practice and training in new techniques and skills. "The world of wellness is constantly evolving, and as spa practitioners, it is in our best interests to keep pace with the change," he feels. "Wellbeing is looked at from a more holistic perspective - what we eat, what we do, and how we do things are integral aspects of our overall wellbeing."
Named Employee of the Year in 2021, Sakol also has a competitive edge, having received the Champion Thai Massage for Health award from the World Association of Thai Massage and Spa at Krabi in 2023, and finishing as a runner-up among more than 100 participants in a Thai Massage Championship the same year. However, it is engaging with the guests and helping them on the journey towards wellness is what ultimately makes him the happiest. The practice of Buddhism has given Sakol the ability to look inward, and connect with the self, something he tries to inculcate in the guests who visit the spa. "Wellness is intuitive, and the ability to listen to our bodies is the single most important aspect of healing. Encouraging our guests to start small, with simple corrections, such as sitting posture and dietary discipline make a great difference in the long run," adds Sakol.
Awareness and Balance
An emphasis on this mindful approach to wellness is why the therapies at The Secret Garden Spa resonate so strongly with the guests who come here. "Self-care, and self-reflection are tools of wellbeing that we try to teach our guests through our programs, guiding them to feel in tune with their bodies and become aware of the adjustments they need in order to find balance in their lives," adds Sakol. Where his expertise comes to the fore, is in the personalisation of treatments for guests. "Each individual comes with unique wellness requirements, and we have to gauge what is the best treatment or program for them," he shares. "Using our experience, we are able to curate a special wellness program for the duration of a guest's stay here."
Ocean's Healing
The wellness concept at the resort extends beyond the confines of the premises and includes healing concepts such as the Soulful Awakening program that is designed to help guests sleep better and deeper. From curated diets to yoga and meditation, and even nature walks, connection of the body and mind with the natural, curative energies of this tropical island are foremost. For Sakol, the serene seaside setting has a profound healing - something he believes inspires him to live a more mindful life. "Nature is all around you here - from the sound of the lapping waves, to the smell of fresh sea breeze and the chatter of the birds, nature offers a path to wellness for anyone who opens up their senses to it," he insists.
Collaboration at its Finest
Energising oneself before healing others is a must and Sakol's day begins with a little mindfulness and meditation to help focus on the day ahead. After some stretching or a run on the beach nearby, he looks forward to the collaboration with his colleagues. "All the therapists are empowered to offer their advice on how to improve and enhance the experience for the guests," he shares. "Many of us have worked at other spas and we are encouraged to contribute from our own personal journeys." It is this spirit of collaboration and positive reinforcement that helps Sakol and the team stay aligned and motivated. "We learn and grow together, maintaining high standards for ourselves!" he smiles.