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The Wellness Questionnaire With Six Senses Koh Krabey Island Wellness Expert Sherab Lhundroup

Discover how this former monk keeps wellness front and center in his life.
Heather Mikesell

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Sherab Lhundroup, a wellness expert, Six Senses visiting practitioner, and spa senior supervisor at Six Senses Koh Krabey Island in Cambodia, is part of a long line of masters from Bhutan, where wisdom has been passed down from generation to generation. Although he grew up in France, his search for meaning soon led him far from home. In his 20s, he spent seven years as a monk in Bhutan, studying meditation, Buddhist philosophy, and rituals. Those years shaped him profoundly, teaching him discipline, inner peace, and how to see life with more clarity. Today, he carries that heritage and experience into his work in wellness, creating spaces where people can reconnect with themselves through meditation, mindful practices, and holistic spa experiences. His path has always been about bridging worlds: East and West, tradition and modern life, inner practice and outer expression.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Lhundroup remains a seeker, deeply curious about cultures, languages, and the ways humans find meaning. “My life has shown me that walking into the unknown—whether in a Bhutanese monastery or in a new project—is often where the richest discoveries are found,” he says. Here, he shares more about his wellness philosophy.

What does wellness mean to you?

Wellness is a path. Along the way, we’re presented with many tools that support us, bringing more stable happiness, joy, and balance. It is a path that starts with generosity and an open heart. When we start being generous with ourselves, we can identify what is positive for us and apply it within our life. When we have an open heart, we learn how to accept ourselves and understand what we can transform step by step. Therefore, it becomes easier to adapt a discipline or an ethic to maintain the right lifestyle for us and become more patient and perseverant through a joyful effort. Wellness is, in fact, wisdom and mindfulness. It’s realizing that walking on the path to a healthy body and mind is a non-negligible part of our happiness. It’s a non-materialistic path that can make a difference.

Is there a specific fitness activity that you love and why?

If walking is considered a fitness activity, I would say that this is my favorite. I enjoy hiking and trekking in a forest or in the mountains, as well as simply walking in a park or by a river. Walking alone always grounds me and refreshes my mind. It is mindfulness in movement. Hiking is also a way to reconnect and enjoy a purpose together. It gives satisfaction, joy, and sometimes a lot of sweat.

What is your favorite healthy food, and do you have a favorite way of preparing it?

I am an absolute fan of veggie momo. It is a Bhutanese handmade dumpling garnished with potatoes, cabbage, cheese, garlic, and coriander. It is a very popular dish in Bhutan that we used to make and eat all together with family or friends, often during a gathering or special events.

What person in wellness do you most admire and why?

During the 11th century, there was a great Tibetan yogi named Milarepa. The stories and poems of Milarepa are still alive and passed from generation to generation in Bhutan and in the Himalayan region. When I was a child, my father used to tell me his stories, and I particularly remember the fact that his skin turned green because of eating only nettle soup. Milarepa was a wandering yogi who chose to live for decades in mountain caves. Through his lifestyle and through his words, Milarepa reminds us how simplicity, contentment, and detachment can bring us inner peace. “The mind is everything. What you think, you become. Train the mind well, and you will find freedom.”—Milarepa

What is the best piece of wellness advice you have ever received and from whom?

“Happiness is a path, not a destination you strive for.” My father gave me that advice when I started my monastic life—words that I still carry on today and support me in each and every area of my life.

What do you think is the most overused word or words in wellness?

I do not believe there are overused words in wellness. I understand the question that some wellness trends will bring some new trendy words in the common vocabulary. I think that is actually something very positive, as it shows the impact of wellness on our world. I see this more as a small victory for wellness.

Do you have a secret health or wellness tip you would like to share?

If it is secret, it means I cannot share. But more seriously, I do not think there is a secret. This is all about the sincere dedication we give toward wellness in our life. The more we give importance to this area of our life, the more we will improve, naturally, and it is the same in many aspect of our life.

What aspect of your wellbeing do you struggle with the most, or would most like to improve?

I am a foodie, which makes having a healthy diet a real challenge. Fortunately, I have a yoga routine that helps me maintain physical health, and working at Six Senses, we are lucky to have healthy and natural meals on our plate every day.

What wellness-related books or authors do you recommend, and why?

Mini Habits: The Little Things That Change Everything by Logan Williamson. Embracing wellness and inner transformation can sometimes sound very complicated or unattainable. This book always reminds me through wisdom, unpretentious language, and a good senses of humor that wellness is actually easier than we think to achieve.

About The Author
Heather-Mikesell-author-1

Heather, co-founder of Well Defined and the former editor-in-chief of American Spa, is an award-winning journalist and content strategist, skilled in writing, copyediting, and media relations. She is also a freelance writer and has contributed to Elite Traveler, Islands, Kiwi, Luxury Travel Advisor, Organic Spa, Porthole Cruise, Travel Agent, abcnews.com, jetsetter.com, outside.com, and wellandgood.com, in addition to various custom publications. She is frequently called upon to comment on various spa and wellness trends for various media outlets.