AHMS Collection plans exclusive spa retreat off Sihanoukville

Akaryn Koh Krabeay Retreat & Spa will feature anti-ageing treatments, meditation techniques, yoga for connoisseurs of the practice, the latest thinking on harmonious living in nature, and other advanced therapies as part of its unique offerings. 

This follows the election of Anchalika Kijkanakorn, founder and owner of Akaryn Hospitality Management Services (AHMS), as chairwoman of Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH), making her the first woman and also the first Asian to hold the position. 

Akaryn Koh Krabeay Retreat & Spa will offer an exclusive spa retreat on its own island, with sustainability and environmental preservation its watchwords, according to AHMS. It will feature 40 exquisite and very spacious pool villas on Krabeay, one of a chain of emerald islands accessible from the seaside town of Sihanoukville by luxury speedboat in less than 20 minutes. 

Anchalika said she envisaged the retreat becoming the group’s flagship property and a leading Asian destination for innovative health and wellness escapes. The retreat’s design had been painstakingly crafted so as to allow retention of all the old-growth trees on the island while leaving other native flora and fauna unaffected - the ultimate manifestation of the AHMS design philosophy, Outside Living-In. 

She added that Akaryn Koh Krabeay Retreat & Spa was scheduled to open in 2015 and was taking bookings now. 

“The exciting thing about this project is that it gives us an opportunity to define, refine, innovate and create the ideal destination holistic and medical spa that redefines how we live today and equips the guest with tools they can use upon returning home to incorporate these measures and wisdoms into their daily lives,” she said.

“There will be a featured meditation cave and walking meditation practice, and a venerable guru of meditation will be invited to teach on week-long learning,” she added. “This is in addition to the organic garden that will feature raw and healthy produce that thrives on the island and environs. 

“Guests will be given all the tools in the organic arsenal, the finest technology will be deployed, and we will have the absolute state of the art in terms of weight loss, weight control and reaching your body’s desired equilibrium.” 

All of the AHMS Collection properties are located on “secret beaches”, Anchalika said, requiring guests to take roads less travelled. “Akaryn Koh Krabeay will be the most secret beach yet, a beautiful and intriguing retreat and a true spa destination on its own private island.”‘ 

Founded in 2003, the award-winning hotel group has three fully owned resorts in Koh Samui, Phuket and Hua Hin, as well as the “hip adults only” Akyra Chura Samui, which is operated by the group. 

The AHMS Collection recently added to its own collection of prestigious international hospitality accolades, with key awards for each of its five-star resorts bestowed within less than a month. Through its Pure Blue Foundation, each of the collection’s resorts works in marine conservation to benefit its destination, from saving endangered marine turtles in Phang Nga to aiding regeneration of reefs, beachfront beautification and educating the next generation on the fragility of marine ecosystems and how to help preserve them.