From Art Dealing in London to Mindful Living in Siem Reap: Meet the Soul Behind Navutu
Before Siem Reap’s wellness scene began to bloom, one trailblazer had already started planting the seeds. An art dealer by profession, she once navigated the whirlwind of London’s high-stakes market. Over time, a growing desire for reconnection and conscious living led her away from the gallery floors and into the heart of nature.
“I was an art dealer living in the fast-paced world of London when I felt a deep pull to reconnect with nature and live more consciously,” she explains. That journey first took her to Fiji, where a personal retreat of a few beachfront bungalows grew into Navutu Stars Fiji, a boutique, plastic-free resort praised for its sustainability and soulful atmosphere.
Eventually, that path led to Cambodia. Captivated by the country’s spiritual energy and vibrant culture, she and her team launched Navutu Dreams, the first dedicated wellness resort in Cambodia. Since opening in 2012, Navutu has become a tropical haven with 28 spacious rooms, three pools, and a wellness center surrounded by manicured jungle gardens. The resort has stayed true to its mission of promoting inner transformation through yoga, healing, meditation, and cultural connection.
In this Q&A, we explore her personal story, the evolution of Navutu, and why Cambodia continues to be one of the most exciting destinations for those seeking mindful travel.
Q: What first inspired you to create Navutu, and how has the vision evolved over time?
I was an art dealer living in the fast-paced world of London when I felt a deep pull to reconnect with nature and live more consciously. That led me to Fiji, where I originally set out to live a remote, simple life that felt raw and authentic. What began as a small personal project with just a few bungalows eventually became Navutu Stars Fiji, a boutique, plastic-free, conscious resort that earned international recognition for its commitment to sustainability and soulful hospitality.
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After several fulfilling years in Fiji, we came to Cambodia and were immediately moved by the spiritual depth and vibrant culture of Siem Reap. That was the beginning of Navutu Dreams, Cambodia’s very first wellness resort. Our goal has always been to create soulful spaces where people can slow down, breathe more deeply, and grow from within.
Q: When did Navutu Dreams open, and how has it developed over the years?
Navutu Dreams opened in 2012 and has been growing ever since. What started as a vision for a tranquil retreat has become a wellness sanctuary that combines Cambodian culture, spiritual practice, and holistic wellbeing within a peaceful setting.
Our dream was never just to build a place to stay. We wanted to create a space where people could truly disconnect, recharge, and reconnect with themselves on all levels—mental, physical, and spiritual.
One of our most distinctive features is the ability to book retreats on a one-on-one basis. This was introduced in response to changes in both wellness and hospitality, allowing guests to enjoy highly personalized programs throughout the year.
Looking to the future, we are continuing to expand our offerings with new wellness programs, guest practitioners, and meaningful collaborations with the wider community.
Q: What do you love most about what you do?
The most rewarding part of this work is the connection to the local community and the chance to support Cambodian talent, culture, and traditions. Our presence here is not just about hospitality. It is about giving back to something truly meaningful.
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We are proud ambassadors of World Wellness Weekend, a global movement that promotes holistic wellbeing and encourages accessible wellness experiences for everyone. We see our role as helping to put Cambodia on the global wellness map.
In the coming years, we are planning to expand our wellness programs and create new transformative experiences. We are also building a new wellness center with an organic restaurant that combines nutrition, sustainability, and soul.
Q: Why should people choose Navutu? What makes it special?
The pandemic reminded people how important wellness really is. Our belief is simple. If you do not make time for wellness, you will eventually need to make time for illness. That principle guides everything we do.
We offer high-quality wellness experiences, including retreats, workshops, and personalized healing programs that help people restore balance in mind, body, and spirit. Whether someone is feeling stressed, disconnected, or just needs a break, we offer a peaceful space for reflection and renewal.
What makes us stand out is how accessible we are. Our programs are enjoyed by international travelers, expats, and Cambodians alike. Many guests come from Phnom Penh to unwind in our tranquil setting. We also offer special local rates to make wellness more inclusive for the Khmer community.
Navutu is more than a resort. It is a place where you can come home to yourself.
Q: How does Navutu support the local community and add value to Cambodian tourism?
We believe in growing alongside the local community. We support small businesses, source ingredients from nearby farmers, and look for new ways to contribute to the wellbeing of the people around us.
We proudly promote World Wellness Weekend in Cambodia and aim to highlight the country as a rising destination for holistic health and mindful living. As part of that commitment, we offer free weekly yoga classes for Khmer citizens because we believe wellness should be for everyone.
Our goal is to offer a unique and enriching experience for travelers while creating long-term value for the community. By combining wellness, culture, and connection, we are helping to diversify what Cambodia offers to the world.
Q: What keeps you in Cambodia and inspires you to continue this journey here?
Cambodia, the Kingdom of Wonder, is a truly special place to live and grow. There is a soulful energy here that is difficult to describe but easy to feel. The Khmer people are among the kindest, most spiritually grounded individuals I have ever met. Their resilience and warmth inspire me every single day.
I feel incredibly fortunate to run a business in this country. Cambodia has given me so much. Being able to give back through a space that supports wellbeing, culture, and community is a real privilege.
 | Cambodia |
 | https://www.cambodialifestyle.com |
 | +855 9 678 01791 |
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Author: Tom Starkey
Tom Starkey is an International Development graduate from Sussex University with 12-years of experience across 4 continents, Tom's goal is that he wants to showcase his love for Cambodia, where he lives, works and now happily calls home.
