Khim Neang, spa director of Woodstock Inn & Resort in Woodstock, Vermont, is a spa management pro and proponent of the power of touch. Through her passion for self-care and human connection, Neang works to build services and a staff culture that facilitates genuine and meaningful moments during a guest’s stay. She sat down with WellSpa 360 to discuss emerging trends, self-care and more.
Khim Neang, spa director of Woodstock Inn & Resort in Woodstock, Vermont, is a spa management pro and proponent of the power of touch. Through her passion for self-care and human connection, Neang works to build services and a staff culture that facilitates genuine and meaningful moments during a guest’s stay. She sat down with WellSpa 360 to discuss emerging trends, self-care and more.
What was your first job in spa and wellness?
My first job was at the Mayflower Inn and Spa in Washington Depot, Connecticut, where I was a part-time LMT and certified yoga instructor. I had been working in human resources at the time and never intended to work solely in wellness. My roles at the Mayflower evolved quickly and I moved into management shortly after. I aspired to be a spa director one day.
What is your favorite memory of your time in this industry?
I made a profound impact on a guest with my gift of touch and intention during a private yoga session, where my guest experienced a cathartic moment. I felt so honored to be part of the experience and that the guest trusted me enough to be so vulnerable.
What wellness trends do you find most exciting?
It is exciting that we are giving ourselves permission to slow down and get closer to earth. I love the emphasis on connecting to nature. While it’s not a “new” trend, it never gets old. This can be as simple as a walk or hike in woods, forest bathing or just heading outside to breathe fresh air and get a dose of vitamin D.
What’s the first thing you do after a long day at work?
I typically find myself in the kitchen cooking; I find it therapeutic. I am forever grateful for both my grandparents who taught me how to cook traditional Cambodian and Chinese food at an early age.
What’s your favorite treatment to receive?
I have a weakness for therapeutic deep tissue massage. We tend to love what we enjoy giving. Nothing is more satisfying than helping someone through a therapeutic touch. Another one of my favorite wellness treatments is Watsu. There is magic when water is combined with movements. A Watsu session is a deeply relaxing and nurturing experience. The water gently offers support and relief on your joints and promotes range of motion. I find it deeply detoxifying.
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What’s your guilty pleasure?
I have a weakness for good love stories; I have always been a romantic!
How do you practice self-care?
Movement is my No. 1 form of self-care. I work out six to seven days a week, mostly weightlifting, functional movements and foam rolling. I also eat whole foods. It wasn’t until I was in my 40s that I started taking care of my skin. I have a morning and evening skin care routine and always leave the house with sunscreen. This is new for me!
What is on your bucket list?
I want to travel to Cambodia with my parents and siblings. I have not been back since I left at the age of nine.
What do you love about spa and wellness?
I love the connection, emphasis on self-care and taking care of our bodies physically, emotionally and spiritually. I love being able to help guests and my team navigate in the moment as life happens.
