Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary and Holistic Spa has announced well known hotelier, Bruce Ryde as its new General Manager and Brand Strategist.
Ryde has a long hotel history both operating hotels and leading global brands in Asia Pacific. The native Australian had most recently been managing the luxury brand strategy for Marriott Internationals brands amongst them The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, JW Marriott, The Luxury Collection and W Hotels as Vice President in the Asia Pacific. Prior to that Bruce held the same position with IHG, overseeing the InterContinental brand as well as the launch of the Hotel Indigo and Kimpton brands in Asia Pacific.
Despite global lockdowns Kamalaya has remained open fully operational and has in fact continued to win new customers with its legendary luxury holistic wellness experience. Bruce is excited about the future for authentic wellness brands and is delighted to advance Kamalaya as one of the world’s leading holistic wellness brands.
“After working for many years for the biggest names in the hospitality industry I am looking forward to working with this truly unique and outstanding wellness retreat and brand, which in 16 years has become a synonym for wellbeing and transformation. Kamalaya’s stated aim of helping people to become the best version of themselves is a powerful platform as we negotiate a return to global travel and together with the founders John and Karina Stewart I am happy to lead the next chapter of this amazing story. We have incredible plans, including expanding our diverse range of treatments even more on an innovative online platform, Kamalaya Connect and a retail arm, Kamalaya Essentials.”
When he is not working in his dual role as General Manager and Brand Strategist, Bruce enjoys early morning runs along the hidden trails surrounding Kamalaya and finishes his day with 60 laps at the 25 m pool on top of the hill. ‘The lush nature, the everchanging views over the Gulf of Thailand and the warmth and kindness of our Kamalaya hosts inspire and wow me every day.’
Kamalaya Koh Samui is a multi-award-winning Wellness Sanctuary and Holistic Spa resort ideally located amid a tropical landscape on the southern coastline of Koh Samui, Thailand. Since opening in November 2005, Kamalaya has been offering a holistic wellness experience that integrates healing therapies from East and West, a breathtakingly beautiful natural environment, inspired healthy cuisine and customised wellness programs and retreats.
Kamalaya’s essence is expressed in its name, ‘Lotus (kamal) Realm (alaya)’, an ancient symbol for the growth and unfolding of the human spirit.
