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Questions & Answers
Vinzan:
Thank you for taking the time to sit down with us and tell us more about The Herbalist at wellness hospitality leader The Beach Samui.
Bryan:
My pleasure! I’m always grateful for the chance to talk about what we’re building here at The Beach Samui and how our in-hotel dispensary, The Herbalist, is evolving. We’re truly committed to creating experiences that merge natural wellness and hospitality, bringing guests closer to holistic well-being well beyond their stay with us.
Vinzan:
What was your main inspiration to launch The Herbalist? Were you afraid of the stigma around cannabis (especially in Thailand)?
Bryan:
Like many, the pandemic allowed me, my partners and team to check in with ourselves and collectively we had a strong calling to reconnect people to nature’s original remedies in a meaningful and mindful way. In Thailand, where the natural world is deeply revered, we wanted The Herbalist at The Beach Samui to be a bridge to the therapeutic benefits of herbs and plants, and of course, cannabis, through hospitality. Initially, we had concerns about the stigma, yes – especially as cannabis has a complex legal and cultural history here. But as regulations evolved and more people saw the potential wellness benefits, we felt supported to embrace this in an ethical, conscious and respectful way.
Vinzan:
What was your best-selling product in 2023 vs. 2024? Any changes year-over-year in popular products?
Bryan:
In 2023, our wellness teas and flower were big favorites, along with a simple range of oils. As we developed our range and knowledge, we began expanding, and in 2024, whilst pure flower remains popular, we have seen a shift toward topical and ingestible products such as infused balms and edibles as people discover new ways to consume. This year, we’ve expanded our team to include a Herbalist F&B lead to further develop our dining options and have also seen a growing interest in relaxation-focused products, perhaps reflecting a global desire for stress relief and mindful relaxation, to support this shift we are soon to launch a wonderful Sleep Retreat program focussing on perhaps the number one issue globally – quality rest.
Vinzan:
Where do you see The Beach Samui & The Herbalist in 5 years’ time, especially with the launch of your unique wellbeing investment membership program? We understand this program allows guests to invest in their own wellness journey, with the chance to return annually to reconnect with themselves, their families, and experience the transformative ritual of self-care for years to come.
Bryan:
In five years, The Beach Samui and The Herbalist will have evolved into a destination that extends far beyond our intimate corner on the southern shores of Samui. With a much-expanded range of suites, we aim to continue blending natural well-being with premium hospitality, offering diverse, immersive experiences and integrating holistic wellness practices from Thailand and beyond. Our new well-being investment membership program is a key part of this vision, giving guests the opportunity to make a long-term commitment to their wellness by annually returning to a place that feels like home and with access to the natural and cultural therapies and experiences they love. With the Global Wellness Economy forecasted to reach $9 trillion by 2028, our aspiration is to become a beacon for botanical wellness and sustainable luxury hospitality memberships in Thailand, setting a standard for conscious tourism and local economic empowerment.
Vinzan:
Do guests still go for whole flower, or trend to pre-rolls/edibles?
Bryan:
While many guests still appreciate the ritual of whole flower, there’s a rising interest in topicals and ingestibles for the convenience they offer and the variety of experience. Guests who might be new to cannabis often start with edibles and CBD-infused treats, as it feels more approachable. We’re always adapting to these preferences and making sure our selection supports everyone’s comfort and curiosity – from the canna-curious to the canna-connoisseur.
Vinzan:
Thank you for sitting down with us and sharing your journey. Nice to see your Dispensary continuing to grow and evolve. We look forward to continuing our business with The Herbalist as one of your suppliers.
Bryan:
Thank you – it’s been wonderful to share the journey with you. We’re grateful for partners like Vinzan who understand our ethos and commitment to quality. My partners, team and I are looking forward to what we’ll build together in the years to come!