The power of flow

November 12, 2024 - When you immerse in what you are doing, not focused on the past or future, you are in flow. There’s no magic recipe but there is magical Six Senses Krabey Island, with talking trees and mythical buffalos.  

Catching the first glimpse of Six Senses Krabey Island will have you catching your breath as it emerges on the horizon like a jewel in a haze of blue. The 10-minute crossing from the boat dock on Cambodia’s east coast near Sihanoukville is just the breather you need to disconnect from all the distractions you want to leave firmly in the past.

First-name terms with the trees

The warmth of a genuine welcome on the jetty brings your attention to the present and the embrace of an island that has its own unique energetic flow. Many spiritual people, shamans and Buddhists among them, understand that there is a direct relationship between the energetic imprint of the land and how people feel when they’re on it. We have probably all felt awe or been moved in some way by the feeling of a sacred space. We are energetic beings after all.

When an island is occupied by 20 varieties of birds, 35 species of butterflies, four female monkeys, and somewhat inexplicably, a mythical water buffalo (more about that later), there’s no need to build a labyrinth to harness the healing powers of nature: the island is the labyrinth.

The 40 villas offer serious eco credentials and seriously high design, from the sustainable materials and unimpeded landscape to the ingenious tech and modernist vibe. This attention to detail starts with the palm-fringed boardwalk that links the coves along the shore and continues upwards right to the sensational spa which crowns the lush canopy.

Forget forest bathing, here, it doesn’t take long to be on first-name terms with the trees. Bong Sok is a giant 150-year-old strangler fig with twisting, spider-like limbs. Many hosts and guests stop to say hello. It feels like the leaves whisper back. There’s also a restaurant called Tree, a seductively classy treehouse serving authentic and locally sourced Khmer cuisine. The fish amok is baked in a banana leaf and flavored with coconut milk and Cambodia’s famous “kroeung”, a turmeric-spiced curry paste. The papaya salad is full of fresh herbs grown in the resort’s organic vegetable garden.

Flow state

Imagine you are feeling at ease in your own skin and mind. What you are doing takes no energy or effort – indeed it is giving you energy. You don’t notice the passage of time. This body-mind connection means you are in flow. Or, in this case, in the beautiful Meditation Cave five minutes into a sound healing meditation with Bong Sherab, a Buddhist teacher from Bhutan.

Born into a lineage of Buddhist masters in France, Bong Sherab journeyed to the Himalayan valleys of Bhutan on a six-year spiritual sojourn. An encounter with Ateeb Shrestha when Ateeb was General Manager at Gangtey Goenpa Lodge in 2014 turned into many cups of tea and philosophical discussions over the years. When Ateeb followed his path to Six Senses Krabey Island, he realized how Bong Sherab could inspire and help guests, so he invited him to the island as a resident practitioner.

“Spirituality and life are linked in Bhutan, in agriculture, architecture, and astrology,” says Bong Sherab, “I have been brought here to teach, but I have been learning a lot and learning about myself, gaining new skills to grow. I have everything to be happy.”

Opportunity matters

Skills training and personal development are very dear to Ateeb’s heart. Most of the hosts working at the resort are from Cambodia and also have a growth mindset in common. Ateeb feels the attention given to employee opportunities (no glass ceiling on this island) and the internal Mission Wellness well-being program, along with the nation’s kind and open nature, are the reasons behind their genuine interest and empathetic hospitality.

“Ask any host about their home or family and they are so happy and proud to share stories that go much deeper than any travel book,” says Ateeb, “This gives lesser-known insights into Cambodia’s cultural, culinary, and historic richness. You’ll learn the history behind Siem Reap or grandmother’s amok spice recipe. You’ll discover the spiritual and cultural meaning of the sacred Kbal Spean River near Angkor, which is the inspiration for the bubble and ripple design in our spa. This hospitality is something that’s hard to define but definitely felt. Our departure jetty gets quite emotional.”

In terms of the spa, it is the high point in every sense, equipped with everything from an aerial yoga pavilion (and studio) to a big gym, doubled-up hot and cold therapy areas, Alchemy Bar, nail bar, and Consultation Room. This is where you’ll meet Dr Abhijith for your Wellness Screening and Ayurvedic consultation, a specialist from India’s Ayurveda capital of Kerala. He’ll help you integrate modern results-driven wellness strategies with traditional Ayurveda such as Shirodhara (warm oil treatment) and Abhyanga (body massage) as well as time-honored “Kru Khmer” (local wisdom) remedies, such as the Kru Thnam Herbal Massage (with herbal poultices) and nutritious Eat With Six Senses cuisine.

Mythical buffalo: a mnemonic for life

Krabey means buffalo in Khmer. Water buffalos are vital companions to farmers in Cambodia. Legend has it that a free-spirited buffalo wandered from his field on the mainland and made his way to the island, so what was lost was ultimately found.  

Six Senses Krabey Island embraces this story of lost and found, with a hope that everyone who visits can get lost from the busyness and distractions back home and find themselves reconnecting with the things that matter in life through the beautiful natural landscape and the emotional, helpful service, and wellness experiences offered by hosts.

Cambodia Island Retreat

Enjoy your very own private island jungle experience in Cambodia. Stay a minimum of five nights to enjoy a 25 percent saving on the Best Flexible Rate with breakfast and added amenities included. Book before December 20, 2024.