Ruth Kong, Reservation Manager at One&Only Desaru Coast: My secret spot is the pathway heading towards the yoga pavilion. As it is amidst the rainforest and close to the beach, the earthy smell of nature, the feel of the cool sea breeze and the sound of the lapping waves have a calming effect that help me to relax and destress.

Alex Ortiz, Director of Wellness & Guest Experience at One&Only Mandarina: My secret place at One&Only Mandarina is La Abuela, an Higuera Blanca Tree which is at least 450 years old. Although most people know about it, very few have seen it but with my role at One&Only Mandarina, I am working on creating some wellness activities for our guests to experience La Abuela themselves and experience the free, endless space of the rainforest that we were given by nature to holistically heal ourselves.

Burwing Caetan, Manager, Club One at One&Only Le Saint Géran: By taking a kayak you can find my secret place in the mangroves at One&Only Le Saint Géran. When I need peace of mind, this is my place to go after work.

Herchell Cabrera, Director of Spa & Fitness at One&Only Reethi Rah: Whenever I get overwhelmed, my secret spot is just a few steps away from the office at our Yoga Pavilion jetty. A few minutes of being there charges my body and my spirit, particularly with the bonus of cotton candy skies at sunset.

Jacques Le Roux, Resort Manager, One&Only Nyungwe House: There is a small forest ten minutes from One&Only Nyungwe House, it’s my secret.

Gakwaya Emmanuel, Front of House, One&Only Nyungwe House: Little Switzerland is my secret spot, it’s serene and perfect for soul searching.

Gadi Habumugish, Experiences Supervisor at One&Only Gorilla’s Nest: The eucalyptus forest by Virunga Suite 1. It feels so humbling to be in the middle of those tall eucalyptus trees, it’s where I connect with nature.

Honore Munyakazi, Experience Host at One&Only Gorilla’s Nest: Behind Nest restaurant, there is a beautiful scenic view, overlooking the eucalyptus trees and the rose garden.

Sandro Falbo, Executive Chef at One&Only Palmilla: The herb garden at One&Only Palmilla. It is quite special and unique, and not too many guests know about it unless it’s pointed out or they get lost exploring the resort. It’s very private and quiet, and we host intimate dinners, special wine dinners and cooking demonstrations for our guests there throughout the year.

Kirra Tammjarv, Field Guide at Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley: The north-easterly part of Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley, out near the horse paddocks is so peaceful and quiet, and is right now teeming with regrowth following the bushfires. The contrast of red sandstone is amazing, recently I have been heading out of an afternoon to relax and take it all in.

Secrets & Sounds