In celebration of World Wellness Weekend, Kep West unveiled its newly constructed Wellness Center. I had the privilege of joining a group of like-minded individuals for a two-day retreat that emphasised positive thinking, meditation, relaxation, and serenity.
The World Wellness Weekend, a global initiative spearheaded by French entrepreneur Jean-Guy de Gabriac, witnessed over 2,800 cities across 155 countries unite in support of the United Nations’s goal of promoting ‘Good Health and Wellbeing for ALL.’ The date was not chosen randomly; it marks the September Equinox, a time to balance and reflect.
Upon arrival at Kep West, we were warmly welcomed by Mr. Jeff Moons, the founder and CEO, along with the dedicated wellness centre instructors: Ms Lana Yang, the wellness manager from Vietnam, Ms Aimee Stewart Ortagus, a renowned yoga therapist and retreat leader from the US and Ms Amanda Oig, a distinguished spa and wellness specialist from Singapore.
A 2-days deep dive into wellness
The retreat commenced with an insightful overview of wellness and regeneration by Jeff Moons, followed by a detailed explanation of the newly launched wellness center by Lana Yang. She explained to us the Kep West’s wellness philosophy, grounded in four fundamental pillars:
Mindfulness: Cultivating present-moment awareness
Vitality: Promoting physical and mental energy
Connection: Fostering relationships with people, nature, and the community
Soul Purpose: Discovering and aligning with one’s personal mission
Our weekend included a delightful culinary journey at the STRAND restaurant, where we indulged in their new vegetarian menu. I savoured the delicious, puffed peppers with corn and the flavourful spicy curry with chickpeas, corn, vegetables, and rice. Both were tasty and recomforting.
After lunch, we embarked on a guided tour of the Kep West resort, led by the friendly resident manager, Mr Pheakdey. We explored the sailing club, offering a variety of water sports, including kayaking, paddle, jet ski, hobbit, catamaran, wind surfing, even mountain bike!
We also learned about the unparallel resort’s commitment to sustainable practices, including waste management and upcycling of glass bottles.
In the afternoon, Ms Lana guided us in creating our own homemade spa products using natural, local ingredients like coconut oil, ginger, Kep salt, leaves, and kaffir lime. We finished the day with a relaxing Hatha yoga class led by Aimee Stewart Ortagus, followed by a chanting and meditation session that was utterly resourceful.
The next day, the early birds among us dove into a revitalising 90-minute morning yoga session led by Aimee. Afterward, we feasted on a well-deserved, all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet. The spread featured a delightful array of fresh fruits, yogurt, cereals, bread with butter and ham, pastries, fresh juices, salads, and a delectable à la carte menu with options like eggs Benedict, waffles, and muesli.
To wrap up the weekend, we participated in a one-hour breathing workshop with Lana, designed to alleviate stress and promote a sense of joy and well-being.
Photos below: Moments of deep introspection and reflection for the participants…
What I loved most about the wellness weekend at Kep West
Learning new things: I tried yoga for the first time and loved it! Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, their classes will leave you feeling centred and refreshed. I also learned how to make my own spa products.
Connecting with nature: Spending time in the beautiful gardens and by the ocean was so relaxing, as the resort is in a stunning setting.
Meeting new people: I met a great group of people from diverse horizons who shared the same passion for wellness.
Delicious Food: The food at Kep West is amazing! I especially loved their vegetarian options at Strand restaurant.
Friendly Staff: Everyone at Kep West, from the wellness instructors to the waiters, was so welcoming and helpful. Even though the weather was cloudy and rainy, the atmosphere was full of joy, positivity, and peacefulness.
If you’re looking for a weekend getaway that will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, I highly recommend the Kep West wellness center.
About Kep West Wellness center
In their Spa center, they offer:
Traditional Khmer Massages, Aromatherapy massages
Herbal Compress Massage: Uses eight healing herbs to soothe inflammation and ease stiffness
Kep Body Wrap and Fruity Vitamin Facial: Hydrates and nourishes with freshly prepared local ingredients
Body Scrub: Detoxifies with local Kep salt or organic rice powder
In their Yoga and Mindfulness Classes, they offer:
Private and public yoga classes, walking meditation, somatic movements, Tibetan bowl sound healing, Pranayama & meditation, Kirtan, Cacao Circle.
Kep West Yoga & Spa Daycation: Includes morning yoga, 3-course vegetarian lunch, yoga philosophy with journaling and in the evening for the quality of your restful end of the day, a choice of spa treatment or sound healing.
A line-up of soulful retreats, which includes international retreats with experienced teachers from Singapore, their 2025 signature retreats ‘Yoga, Meditation & Beyond’, ‘New Beginnings Yoga Retreat’ to kickstart your New Year and in March, they have ‘Women’s Day Retreat’ to celebrate this meaningful day.
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