Samanea Unveils Visionary Leadership for Cambodia’s First Luxury Wellness Resort

Tristan de La Porte du Theil

Set deep within the untouched wilderness of Cambodia’s Cardamom Mountains, a new era of luxury wellness travel is taking shape. Samanea Co. LDT, the renowned luxury hospitality group, has announced the appointment of two globally respected industry leaders ahead of the highly anticipated opening of Samanea Wellness Resort in January 2026. Poised to become Cambodia’s first dedicated luxury wellness resort, the property promises to redefine holistic travel experiences in Southeast Asia.

A New Benchmark for Luxury Wellness in the Cardamom Mountains

Nestled in Osoam, Pursat Province, Samanea Wellness Resort is designed to harmonise luxury, sustainability and wellbeing. Surrounded by rainforest, rivers and mountain air, the resort’s remote setting offers an immersive escape for travellers seeking restoration through nature, nutrition and mindful living. With wellness tourism rapidly growing across Asia, Samanea’s location in the Cardamom Mountains positions it as a future icon for luxury wellness travel in Cambodia.

Tristan de La Porte du Theil Appointed Chief Resort Officer

Leading the resort’s vision is Tristan de La Porte du Theil, who has been appointed Chief Resort Officer. This marks his third professional chapter in Cambodia, following earlier roles including Director of Food and Beverage at Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh and CEO of The Blue Pumpkin.

Tristan joins Samanea from Maradiva Villas Resort and Spa in Mauritius, where he served as General Manager. His extensive global portfolio also includes leadership roles with Himalaya Hospitality International in Greater China, DUKES Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, and Tonino Lamborghini Hotels and Resorts across Asia. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in International Hotel Management and Tourism, his career reflects a deep commitment to service excellence and destination-led luxury.

His connection to the Cardamom Mountains is deeply personal. Having first visited the Osoam region more than a decade ago, Tristan engaged with local communities, explored traditional cuisine and experienced the area’s restorative energy firsthand. That early experience now comes full circle as he leads the development of a resort shaped by place, culture and wellbeing. His philosophy centres on creating meaningful guest experiences driven by authenticity, vision and the soul of the property.

A Destination Defined by Purpose and Experience

Under Tristan’s leadership, Samanea Wellness Resort aims to deliver an experience that prioritises nutrition, immersive activities and a profound sense of place. The resort’s approach to wellness goes beyond spa rituals, integrating mindful living, nature-based experiences and personalised journeys designed to restore both body and mind. His appointment signals Samanea’s commitment to global standards while remaining deeply rooted in Cambodia’s natural and cultural heritage.

Chef Dawa Lepcha Named Director of Nutrition and Culinary

Chef Dawa Lepcha

Strengthening the resort’s holistic vision is the appointment of Chef Dawa Lepcha as Director of Nutrition and Culinary. With more than 19 years of international experience, Chef Lepcha brings a refined yet grounded approach to wellness cuisine. His career spans some of the world’s most prestigious hospitality brands, including Fregate Island Private, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Soneva Wellness and Six Senses.

Raised in the Lesser Himalayas, Chef Lepcha’s early life surrounded by organic farming and pristine landscapes shaped his lifelong commitment to sustainable, nutrient-rich cuisine. He holds formal qualifications in Hotel Management, Food and Nutrition, and his culinary philosophy blends science, artistry and environmental responsibility.

At Samanea, he will oversee a soil-to-table dining concept that transforms every meal into an opportunity for nourishment and healing. Seasonal menus will feature locally sourced, organic ingredients, guided by zero-waste principles and a deep respect for nature. His belief that wellness-focused cooking is a way of life rather than a trend aligns seamlessly with the resort’s long-term vision.

Positioning Cambodia on the Global Wellness Travel Map

With these strategic appointments, Samanea Wellness Resort is set to elevate Cambodia’s profile in the global luxury wellness market. Combining visionary leadership, sustainable culinary practices and one of Southeast Asia’s most pristine natural settings, the resort is expected to attract discerning travellers seeking transformative wellness experiences beyond traditional luxury escapes.

As the January 2026 opening approaches, Samanea’s commitment to excellence, authenticity and holistic wellbeing places it firmly among the most anticipated new luxury resorts in Asia.

For more information visit https://www.samanea.com

For more travel inspiration read the daily online "The Holiday and Travel Magazine" https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/