An Interview With Wanda Malhotra
Practicing yoga: we have morning Yoga sessions based on request, we recommend our guests to participate in every session. It is very unique experience and you won’t regret waking up early for it!
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 Florence Li, Director of International Sales & Marketing, Songtam
Florence Li is the Songtsam Director of International Sales & Marketing. Songstam is an award-winning luxury boutique hotel collection and destination management company based in Tibet and the Yunnan Provinces in China. At Songstam, Ms. Li is pioneering preservation and advocacy endeavors for the rich culture and natural beauty of the Yunnan Province and the Tibetan plateau of China.
Ms. Li’s current role is to oversee Songtsam’s international marketing and business development. She has been with Songtsam since 2011 and represents the group at prestigious travel industry organizations including the luxury consortium Virtuoso, where Songtsam Linka Retreat Lhasa (Tibet) is a Preferred Partner; ILTM Cannes; and PURE Life Experiences Travel Show.
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. What or who inspired you to pursue your career? We’d love to hear the story.
My father’s passion and desire to celebrate Tibetan culture through hospitality is what drove me to where I am today. He started his career as a photographer and camera assistant for a British cinematic director who was filming a documentary on China. While attending the Cannes TV festival in France, he was introduced to the boutique hotel concept and became inspired to build his own hospitality group in his native Tibet. In 2000, he returned home and converted his old ancestral home into the first Songtsam boutique hotel, Songtsam Lodge Shangri-La.
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?
My father’s passion and dedication to honoring Tibetan culture through our hotels and the unique programming that’s offered for our guests has given me the most encouragement. He’s ensured his company would hold a strong commitment to sustainability and preserving the essence of Tibetan culture by supporting the economic development of the local communities and the environmental conservation within Tibet and Yunnan Provinces.
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?
Over time, I’ve learned the importance of sharing general information about the destination and culture. I always share our philosophy with guests from all over the world however, I used to forget to explain some general information because I assumed most people had previous knowledge about it. There was one time I gave a very in-depth introduction about the philosophy of Tibetan life and the unique experience we could offer to a group of travel advisers. At the end of my introduction, the travel adviser simply wanted to know what a Yak was. This reminded me I should focus on more general information, due to the niche nature that Tibet and Yunnan hold for international travelers.
Can you share your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Why does that resonate with you so much?
I believe travel is a force for good, this is my life lesson quote. I gained a lot of insight through traveling around the world about the incredible bio and cultural diversity of the world. Through travel, we strive to achieve the SDG goals by contributing to local development in difference destinations. Travel experience is something we should keep with us always. This empowers me a lot, and we want to provide transformative and life changing experience for our guests.
What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now? How do you think that might help people?
Later this month, Songtsam will be proud to launch its newest property: Songtsam Lodge Bingzhongluo. Located in Dongfeng Village in Yunnan Province, this 45-room lodge is Songtsam’s third property near Yunnan’s Three Parallel Rivers, a notable UNESCO World Heritage Site made up of the Salween River, Mekong River, and the Yangtze River in the Hengduan Mountains, making it easier for travelers to explore the unique landform landscape. This new property completes the circuit of Songtsam’s three hotels along the Three Parallel Rivers.
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 this together. Based on your research or personal experience, why do you think travel can lead to better wellness? Can you share a story?
Travel as a concept is designed to improve a person’s wellness, both mentally and physically. By taking time to escape your daily life and routine to visit a foreign place, you allow yourself to leave all your worries behind and focus on the adventure in front of you. Taking the time to fully immerse yourself in another culture will only improve your health, both physically and mentally.
What are a few things that distinguish your property from thousands of wellness properties around the world?
Songtsam’s mission is to inspire their guests with the diverse ethnic groups and cultures of the region and to understand how the local people pursue and understand happiness. With that said, Songtsam curates the guest experience pending their specific requests or needs during their stay, as well as by providing culturally immersive programs to follow each guest’s interests i.e. experience the local culture, cuisine, markets, nature, arts. In the wellness category specifically, Songtsam’s offerings are centered around ancient Tibetan tradition and methods, bringing guests closer to discovering their own Shangri-La.
What type of experience do you want your visitors to have when they visit?
Songtsam believes that the greatest importance when traveling is to awaken the inner power and inspire its potential by connecting with nature, local cultures, and communities. To engage with all of our guests, Songtsam offers a range of activities such as traditional Tibetan meditation, mindful yoga and physiotherapy, spirited mountain hikes, and Tibetan medicated-baths and spa therapies to transform one’s lifestyle to a healthier lifestyle and a Spiritually Uplifting experience. There’s a unique and memorable experience available for everyone.
What makes your property a beautiful escape for a body and mind recharge?
Aside from the personally curated wellness programming, Songtsam offers to guests and groups alike the beautiful Tibetan terrain in which our properties reside, creating an environment for a complete mental reset. From the rolling hills and deep valleys to the soaring mountains and native wildlife, a stay with Songtsam will deepen each guest’s connection to nature.
Can you share any transformative stories or testimonials from guests who visited your property?
Even at the age of 91, one can bravely conquer the plateau!
- In May 2024, Songtsam welcomed a special family member: Mr. Zhang Yingyao from Shanxi, who is 91 years old this year. Grandpa Zhang is a scholar. He has read poems and books, yearned for the magnificent rivers and mountains of the motherland and came to Tibet to feel the mystery and splendor of the snow covered plateau, which is his lifelong dream. Grandpa Zhang’s family contacted Songtsam and we embarked on a “dream fulfilling journey” together with Grandpa Zhang.
- Raba Tsiring, the travel guide who received him, was born in 1999, and the age difference between the two was over 60 years. The collision between age and time injected new vitality into this journey.
- Raba Tsiring’s hometown is in Shigatse. Along the way, he tells the story of Songtsam to Grandpa Zhang and shares the knowledge of the land where he grew up. Raba Tsiring also likes to hear Grandpa Zhang tell the stories of his generation; grandpa Zhang’s rich life experience is an endless book to read. He carries a heart of admiration and cherishes such rare communication.
- During the trip, Raba Tsiring took care of Grandpa Zhang as if he were his own grandfather, constantly taking care of his physical condition from airport pick-up. The three hotels that Grandpa Zhang stayed in, all have a dispersed oxygen supply system or are equipped with oxygen concentrators. The car he is riding in was also specially equipped with the latest in car oxygen system, so there are no worries about oxygen supply.
- Raba Tsiring said, “I am most worried about grandfather’s heath condition, but grandfather is physically strong. He only used a little portable oxygen while dining at the Lodge and there was no discomfort along the way. He also proudly completed his pilgrimage to the Potala Palace.”
- “Very good” and “very beautiful” are the most frequently used words by Grandpa Zhang. He is accustomed to remembering the appearance of the snowy plateau through a telescope. Every snow-capped mountain and every village is clearly visible. One day during the trip, he accidentally lost the lens of the telescope. Raba Tsiring searched up and down, finally finding the telescope that accompanied Grandpa Zhang for decades, his “eyes” for seeing the world.
- Grandpa’s family and hotel staff celebrated his 91st birthday together. Unlike white Hada, yellow symbolizes the earth. In Tibet, yellow hadas are generally used to offer to people with high prestige such as living Buddhas, and are the most prestigious gifts. “I admire Grandpa’s courage. As long as there is a dream, 91 years old can be as brave as 19 years old,” said Raba Tsiring.
Why do you think the experience you offer is so needed nowadays?
In a time where one’s mental health state has become increasingly important, now more than ever is the perfect time to let travel improve one’s mental wellbeing. Songtsam’s wellness programming is catered specifically to our guests’ preferences and desires, allowing them to receive the specific relief they crave and need.
Do you think travel enhances our mindfulness, optimism, or sense of gratitude? How? Can you please explain with an example or story?
Traveling with Songtsam will always help guests reconnect with the local culture, beauty of the natural landscape and ourself within.
Our local guides will share vivid stories about how they grow up, how local people view their life, how they celebrate festivals, weddings and host funerals, these stories will naturally inspire guests. Songtsam will also take guests to visit local Tibetan families in small remote villages, naturally inspiring guests about the way of life.
Nowadays the pace in big cities is too fast and people have too much tension and pressure due to work. People don’t have time to relax and reconnect with themselves. We once had a guest who is an artist from a big city in China and she was suffering from depression and anxiety. During her trip with us, she hiked in nature, and learned about exotic culture while spending time with local artists who live in the mountains. When she got back home, she felt more relaxed than ever before and shared with us that she gained new inspirations for her art work. We are so happy to hear stories like this.
What are your “5 Habits You Should Develop In Order Make Travel Into An Opportunity For Wellness & Personal Growth?”
For wellness & personal growth, I think it is important to develop the habits of reading books, watching films, practicing yoga, experiencing outdoor and cultural activities.
1 . Reading: we could provide suggestive book list for guest, they could do some reading before departure to warm up and get ready for the trip.
2 . Watching films: there are movies and documentaries of Yunnan and Tibet online. It’s nice to watch in advance and we could curate special experience for our guest based on their interest.
3 . Practicing yoga: we have morning Yoga sessions based on request, we recommend our guests to participate in every session. It is very unique experience and you won’t regret waking up early for it!
4 . Experiencing outdoor and culture activities: we have a lot of immersive activities available and we encourage our guest to participate in everything!
5 . Practicing techniques guests back home: there are some unique breathing techniques and yoga postures that requires long term practice to see the results, so don’t forget to practice when you get back home. Keep it up!
Based on your experience, where do you see the future of wellness travel heading in the next 5–10 years?
I see wellness travel continuing to become a global trend, especially in the high-end travel sector. There are many wellness-focused resorts becoming more and more popular and people seek 2–3 week stays at a resort to rebalance their wellbeing.
The concept of holistic living style should also become trendy. The philosophy of traditional Chinese medicine, ancient Ayurvedic medicine were implemented into our wellness program. I see the combination of advanced technology, like AI technique, and ancient philosophy shaping the future of the wellness travel and the consumption pattern will become more frequent in the next 5 -10 years. Particularly for the luxury travel sector, people may choose a wellness focused holiday in the future.
We are very blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US, whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we both tag them 🙂
My idol is Sir. Richard Branson. He is very inspirational to me and I greatly respect his career and see him as a visionary figure in the travel industry.
He is very adventurous and I would love to hear his stories about his adventures if I ever get a chance to have a private breakfast or lunch with him. In 1991, Branson piloted a hot air balloon from Japan over the Pacific to northern Canada, I would love to hear about this experience from him. It is so exciting!
How can our readers further follow your work online?
Readers can learn more about Songtsam and express interest booking at our website: https://m.songtsam.com/en
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: Florence Li Of Songtsam On Why & How Traveling Can Help Us Heal was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.