What is your full name and age?
Sylvia Marsden, 36
What is your current Job Position?
Director of Spa at THE BARAI Spa and Residential Suites
How long have you lived in Hua Hin or been coming to Hua Hin?
I had not visited Hua Hin in the past. I moved here in March 2016
What did you know about Hua Hin before you moved here?
I was aware of the past and current influence of the Royal family due to their residence in Hua Hin. I knew of some key luxury resort establishments well known within the industry.
What do you like most about your profession?
I have always been interested in health and wellbeing. My profession is very diverse. I am fortunate to be able to work in the growing Wellness industry and there are some really exciting developments happening globally. I always work as part of a team, which I love! I get to meet like-minded people daily and it is so rewarding to play a part in helping others to improve their overall health and happiness. I consider myself extremely lucky, as Confucius said: “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life”.
What do you like least about your profession?
Often people have a misconception that working in a Spa is calm and relaxing due to the ‘zen’ environment. In actual fact it can be challenging ‘behind the scenes’ to constantly ensure a smooth and calm atmosphere in the front of house.
What do you like most about Hua Hin?
I love the fact that it has absolutely incredible beaches. Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park is close by with abundant wildlife and hiking trails. The convenient proximity to Bangkok allows for easy city escapes, but most of all the fact that Hua Hin is such a well-run, clean city makes it a pleasure to live here.
What is your favorite restaurant and why?
I was lucky enough to have found Sakura Japanese restaurant at the top of Soi 94. It is a quaint, family run restaurant with incredibly warm staff and delicious sushi.
What do you like to do in your free time and why?
Believe it or not, I actually really enjoy visiting other Spas and Health Resorts when I’m not working. I also love spending time in Nature and with animals – it’s important for me and brings balance into my life. I’ve always lived near the ocean, and feel the need to be close to water, so inevitably beach activities are part of my daily life. My family are my life-force and I enjoy spending a lot of my free time connecting with them as well as with friends.
What would you recommend to new-comers to do in Hua Hin and why?
If you are not already here for the Kite surfing, it is a brilliant place to learn in optimal weather conditions. A trip out to Hua Hin Hills Vineyards is also a great way to spend the day. There are some fantastic markets in Hua Hin, ranging from the very local and traditional style to trendy and hip, vintage – style markets.
Tell us a surprising fact that the public might not know about you?
I grew up in a small town called ‘Swakopmund’ in Namibia (Southern Africa) where we still speak German.
What is the most outlandish thing you have ever done and why?
Anyone that knows me will confirm I’m not an adrenalin seeker. However, I did abseil (yes without any assistance other than a rope) down the side of the Iguazu Waterfalls in Brazil)…..and I would never do it again!