Koh Samui, Thailand, March 15, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary and Holistic Spa has appointed renowned hotelier Bruce Ryde as its new General Manager and Brand Strategist. Ryde has a long career in the hotel industry, having operated hotels and led global brands in the Asia-Pacific region. The Australian native most recently served as Vice President of Luxury Brand Strategy for Marriott International brands, including The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, JW Marriott, The Luxury Collection, and W Hotels. Prior to that, he held the same position at IHG, where he was responsible for the InterContinental brand and the launch of the Hotel Indigo and Kimpton brands in the Asia-Pacific region.

Despite worldwide lockdowns, Kamalaya remained open throughout and even continued to attract new customers with its legendary, luxurious, and holistic wellness experience. Bruce is excited about the future of authentic wellness brands and is thrilled to further develop Kamalaya into one of the world's leading brands for holistic well-being.

After years of working for some of the biggest names in the hotel industry, I am thrilled to be collaborating with this unique and outstanding wellness retreat and its brand, which in just 16 years has become synonymous with well-being and transformation. Kamalaya's stated purpose of helping people reach their full potential is a powerful foundation, especially now as we look to return to global travel. Together with founders John and Karina Stewart, I am excited to write the next chapter of this remarkable story. We have exciting plans, including further expanding our diverse range of treatments on our innovative online platform, Kamalaya Connect, and launching our own retail arm, Kamalaya Essentials.

When Bruce isn't busy with his dual role as CEO and brand strategist, he enjoys early morning runs on the hidden trails around Kamalaya and ends his day with 60 laps in the 25-meter pool on the hill. "The lush nature, the constantly changing views over the Gulf of Thailand, and the warmth and friendliness of our hosts at Kamalaya inspire and delight me anew every day."

Kamalaya Koh Samui is a multi-award-winning wellness resort with a holistic spa, idyllically situated amidst a tropical landscape on the south coast of Koh Samui, Thailand. Since its opening in November 2005, Kamalaya has offered a holistic wellness experience that combines healing therapies from East and West, breathtaking natural scenery, inspired healthy cuisine, and individually tailored wellness programs and retreats.

Kamalaya's essence is expressed in its name: "Lotus (kamal) Kingdom (alaya)", an ancient symbol for the growth and development of the human spirit.

About Kamalaya Koh Samui: The Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary & Holistic Spa is a multi-award-winning wellness retreat located on the south coast of Koh Samui, Thailand. Founded in 2005 by John and Karina Stewart, Kamalaya offers a holistic wellness experience designed to help people reach their full potential and achieve optimal well-being. It combines healing therapies from East and West, a stunning natural setting, inspired, healthy gourmet cuisine, and a variety of results-oriented wellness programs – from detoxification and stress and burnout management to healthy lifestyle practices, yoga, and emotional balance. Kamalaya's newest wellness program, "Beauty & Glow," launched in November 2020, aims to give every skin type a radiant complexion and promote true beauty from within.