Incredible Wellness Destinations: Christine Tin Sew Of Beachcomber Reosrts & Hotels On Why & How Traveling Can Help Us Heal
An Interview With Wanda Malhotra
Healthy Eating
Prioritize nourishing your body with nutritious foods while traveling, opting for fresh, local ingredients and balanced meals whenever possible. Mindful eating can enhance energy levels, support digestion, and promote overall wellness, allowing you to fully enjoy your travel experiences.
The pandemic has shaped the way we travel and live, with a growing trend leaning towards health, wellness, and a holistic lifestyle. More than ever, individuals are seeking not just getaways, but immersive wellness retreats that help rejuvenate the body, mind, and soul. Destinations that provide a serene environment, unique wellness offerings, and an unparalleled experience are in great demand. In this interview series, we are talking to property owners and hospitality companies who are at the helm of these wellness havens. As a part of this series, I had the pleasure of interviewing Christine Tin Sew, Corporate Spa Manager, Beachcomber Resorts & Hotels.
Passionate about the spa industry, with over a decade of experience in holistic wellness, Christine oversees multiple spas and excels in optimising operations, enhancing guest satisfaction, and driving profitability. She ensures that every aspect of the spa operation reflects the highest standards of quality and professionalism.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we dive into the main focus of our interview, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your childhood backstory?
I am the third daughter in a bustling family of five children. Born to hard working immigrant parents from China, I grew up in a vibrant household filled with love, laughter, and very good home-cooked meals. I learned the value of perseverance and determination from my parents who worked tirelessly in the commerce sector to provide for our family’s needs.
What or who inspired you to pursue your career? We’d love to hear the story.
Ever since I was a little girl I found joy in the simple pleasures of self-care and relaxation. It wasn’t until my good friend introduced me to the world of spa treatments after college that I realised the profound impact a treatment could have on both the body and the spirit. Through this great experience, I found my passion for holistic wellness.
None of us can achieve success without some help along the way. Was there a particular person who you feel gave you the most help or encouragement to be who you are today? Can you share a story about that?
Early in my career as a spa therapist, I had a mentor who not only taught me technical skills but also instilled in me a deep sense of dedication to the profession. Her guidance and encouragement inspired me to continuously strive for excellence and to pursue opportunities for growth and advancement in the wellness industry.
It has been said that sometimes our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share the funniest or most interesting mistake that occurred to you in the course of your career? What lesson or takeaway did you learn from that?
As an ambitious spa manager in my early career of management, I was determined to boost efficiency at the spa. One day, in an attempt to double the spa revenue, we requested therapists extend their work shift to do more treatments. Without the therapists’ confirmations, the spa reception team started to take extra bookings. It turned out that one therapist had not been able to stay back, and we had three bookings already confirmed. Luckily our freelance therapist was available and was able to pop in and save the day.
My takeaway from that situation was to have better communication within the team. Sometimes in our quest for more, we may stumble upon unexpected challenges. However, by maintaining a positive attitude, we can turn even the most challenging situations into valuable learning experiences.
Can you share your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Why does that resonate with you so much?
One of my favourite’s is the Abraham Lincoln quote: “In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years”.. It reminds me to focus on living fully, and the importance of making the most of every moment.
What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now? How do you think that might help people?
Our approach at Beachcomber Hotels is holistic. I have been working with a team developing our Art of Wellness concept which elevates our guests’ spa experiences beyond their usual expectations. Creating the ultimate spa experience has been exciting, interesting, and allowed me to stretch and challenge myself and the rest of the team.
OK, thank you for all of that. Let’s now shift to the core focus of our interview about wellness destinations. Let’s dive deeper into these together. Based on your research or personal experience, why do you think travel can lead to better wellness? Can you share a story?
Travel offers a unique opportunity to escape the stresses of everyday life, engage in new experiences and cultivate a sense of well-being that extends far beyond the duration of the trip.
What are a few things which distinguish your property from thousands of wellness properties around the world?
Each of the spas at Beachcomber hotels are peaceful havens of incredible beauty, offering a unique wellness experience to our guests. What really sets our spas apart is the development of our Art of Wellness concept, A made-to-measure philosophy, to share with you. A holistic and authentic approach that gives guests a wellness experience that extends far beyond their stay with us. The unique features of this concept include traditional massage techniques from all over the world, holistic mindfulness activities such as Makko ho, Five Tibetans and Qigong, and bespoke treatment programmes tailored to individual needs.
Beachcomber Spas have created ethical products for an environmentally friendly approach and use.
Cosmetics sourced from organic raw materials — without pesticides — as part of the development of environmentally friendly products. Eco-certified Cosmos Natural products, comprising unique local ingredients, which you can take home with you as a beautiful souvenir of your holiday.
What type of experience do you want your visitors to have when they visit?
To discover a unique concept of well-being, tailor-made for them in every way, concentrating on the essentials for a lasting impact on their body and inner self. They will take back home an enhanced sense of well-being from our island and beaches. For those travelling with their family, our wellness offerings extend to children, with a special selection of massages and body scrubs for six to fifteen-year-olds. This gives our guests the chance not only to connect with themselves, but also to connect as a family through a unique experience in a completely different environment.
What makes your property a beautiful escape for a body and mind recharge?
Our Spas are surrounded by tranquil and welcoming atmospheres and our caring team invite our guests to experience a deep relaxation in beautiful settings. The bespoke nature of our Art of Wellness concept means that each guest has a genuinely unique experience. We use outdoor cabins as our treatment rooms, which allows guests to continue to feel connected with the beautiful island of Mauritius. And we have developed our own range of products, from bathroom amenities, hair and skin care products, scents and candles, all developed using local produce, with quality and sustainability at its core.
Can you share any transformative stories or testimonials from guests that visited your property?
After experiencing our global massage experience, our guests understand that having only one massage is not enough and end up booking a full package experience with us.
Why do you think the experience you offer is so needed nowadays?
In today’s fast-paced and interconnected world, the need for well-being has become increasingly vital.
With rising levels of stress, anxiety, and burnout, people are recognizing the importance of prioritizing their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Do you think travel enhances our mindfulness, optimism, or sense of gratitude? How? Can you please explain with an example or story?
Traveling often requires us to be fully present in the moment, whether it’s savouring a local dish, admiring a breathtaking landscape, or interacting with new people. The practice of mindfulness can reduce anxiety, improve mental clarity, and enhance overall emotional wellness.
What are your “5 Habits You Should Develop In Order Make Travel Into An Opportunity For Wellness & Personal Growth?”
1 . Mindful exploration
Practice mindfulness while traveling by fully immersing yourself in the present moment. Take time to savor each experience, whether it’s admiring a sunset while doing a yoga session, trying a new massage, or engaging with local. At the Spa The Art of Wellness, we propose The Arts of Global Wellness — Mindfulness Experience.
You are looking for a wellness journey, with bespoke service from your own Body Wellness coach.
We work with you to set up a fully personalised programme based on the analysis of the results from your Must to B(e) wellness goals assessment. Specific goals to suit your needs and expectations such as Energy & Sleep, Harmony & Reconnection, Balance & Body Shape and Vitality & Youth.
2 . Physical Activity
Incorporate physical activity into your travel itinerary by trying new outdoor activities. Regular exercise boosts mood, reduces stress, and promotes overall well-being, making it an essential habit for wellness while traveling. Our Spas propose The Mindfulness Arts which is the Body therapy practices such as Santa Yoga, Makko ho, Five Tibetans and Qi Gong
3 . Cultural Immersion
Embrace opportunities for cultural immersion by engaging with locals, learning about their customs, and trying authentic experiences. Open yourself to new perspectives and ways of life, fostering empathy, understanding, and personal growth through cultural exchange.
4 . Healthy Eating
Prioritize nourishing your body with nutritious foods while traveling, opting for fresh, local ingredients and balanced meals whenever possible. Mindful eating can enhance energy levels, support digestion, and promote overall wellness, allowing you to fully enjoy your travel experiences.
5 . Reflecting Journaling
Dedicate time each day to reflect on your travel experiences through journaling. Write about memorable moments, insights gained, and personal reflections on your journey. Reflective journaling promotes self-discovery, mindfulness, and personal growth, allowing you to gain deeper insights into yourself and your travels.
By incorporating these habits into your travel routine, you can transform your journeys into opportunities for wellness and personal growth.
Based on your experience, where do you see the future of wellness travel heading in the next 5–10 years?
The future of wellness travel holds promise for transformative and meaningful experiences that prioritize individualized well-being, sustainability, and holistic wellness integration.
Thank you for these really excellent insights, and we greatly appreciate the time you spent on this. We wish you continued success.
About the Interviewer: Wanda Malhotra is a wellness entrepreneur, lifestyle journalist, and the CEO of Crunchy Mama Box, a mission-driven platform promoting conscious living. CMB empowers individuals with educational resources and vetted products to help them make informed choices. Passionate about social causes like environmental preservation and animal welfare, Wanda writes about clean beauty, wellness, nutrition, social impact and sustainability, simplifying wellness with curated resources. Join Wanda and the Crunchy Mama Box community in embracing a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle at CrunchyMamaBox.com.
Incredible Wellness Destinations: Christine Tin Sew Of Beachcomber Reosrts & Hotels On Why & How… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.