The Beach Samui, a luxurious beachfront hotel on Thailand’s Koh Samui Island, has embarked on a groundbreaking partnership with KANHA, a leading US cannabis edibles brand. This collaboration introduces a range of cannabis-infused treatments, aiming to elevate the guest experience and establish a unique niche within the wellness tourism landscape.
“Wellness enthusiasts around the world have been seeking a place where they can enjoy premium cannabis treatments in a resort setting,” stated Cameron Clarke, co-founder and CEO of Sunderstorm, the parent company of KANHA. “The partnership between KANHA and The Beach Samui delivers on this market demand with one-of-a-kind experiences that allow travelers to enjoy cannabis as they relax and recharge in a luxury resort on one of the best islands in Asia.”
KANHA’s cannabis products are now seamlessly integrated into The Beach Samui’s wellness offerings. Guests can choose from 21 colonial-style suites boasting breathtaking ocean views. Each suite, designed by the renowned architects behind resorts like Rosewood Amsterdam and The Peninsula London, provides a tranquil haven for guests to unwind and rejuvenate. Nestled in a serene fishing village, the resort is enveloped by the natural beauty of Koh Samui, offering a serene escape.
To delve deeper into this innovative cannabis retreat and its diverse offerings, Benzinga spoke with Charlotte Rose Melsom, founding partner and creative director of The Beach Samui. “Our rituals encompass a variety of cannabis-infused experiences designed to address both specific medical concerns and general wellness goals,” Melsom shared. “Many guests seek relief from common conditions like stress, insomnia, pain, energy, and diet-related issues, while others come to explore how cannabis can support post-chronic illness recovery. We tailor our rituals based on individual tolerance levels and therapeutic needs, using a balanced mix of Sativa and Indica flower and infused products, such as KANHA gummies, pre-rolls, and devices like Zenco for consumption.”
Insomnia, a prevalent concern among many guests, is a central focus of the retreat’s offerings. “We’re developing a program specifically designed to enhance sleep quality through targeted infused rituals,” Melsom added. “Additionally, we will be expanding the depth of our wellness rituals by integrating a greater level of Thai Traditional Medicine. This will enhance our holistic approach, blending traditional Eastern Asian wisdom with modern wellness practices.”
The partnership with KANHA includes alluring all-inclusive packages featuring beachfront suites, exquisite dining experiences, private transfers, and a variety of infused wellness experiences. To cater to the diverse needs of guests from around the world, The Beach Samui and KANHA have crafted a spectrum of treatments categorized into Indica- and Sativa-infused rituals. Indica rituals embrace experiences like sound healing, sleep rituals, and meditative walks, while Sativa experiences focus on invigorating activities like Muay Thai, yoga, and guided hikes.
“In addition to these cannabis-infused rituals, as part of our upcoming KANHA and The Beach Samui all-inclusive program, we offer complementary treatments such as full-body biometrics assessments, daily massages, IV infusions, temple blessings, island tours, and a monthly Full Moon Ceremony,” Melsom added.
The partnership coincides with a period of uncertainty for cannabis in Thailand, with discussions about potential re-criminalization following a period of decriminalization. Despite this, The Beach Samui remains committed to a regulated approach. “We remain committed to compliance in line with government directives, allowing us to continue offering a responsible and beneficial wellness experience for our guests,” Melsom emphasized. “We embrace the healing potential of plant-based medicine and its ability to complement conventional treatments. As the first licensed hotel in Thailand to offer an onsite cannabis dispensary staffed by qualified herbal pharmacists, our priority is the safe and informed consumption of cannabis for our guests.”
Tourism plays a vital role in Thailand’s economy, and cannabis has emerged as a key factor in the sector’s post-pandemic recovery. Thailand’s allure as a destination for medical tourism and wellness travel has prompted numerous wellness brands to embrace cannabis in their offerings following decriminalization. While official figures are unavailable, Kueakarun Thongwilai, manager of a Bangkok cannabis shop, estimates that 70% to 80% of his customers are foreigners, primarily from Asian countries like Japan, Malaysia, China, and the Philippines, with some originating from Europe.
Meslom acknowledges the role cannabis has played in revitalizing Thailand’s tourism sector. However, she emphasizes that it is merely “one factor in the Kingdom’s wide-ranging appeal.” Thailand’s enduring appeal as a top travel destination is rooted in its vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, rich traditions, and welcoming people. While cannabis may add to this captivating mosaic, Thailand’s inherent strengths will continue to solidify its position as a leading travel destination in the long term.
