Newsmakers

If your office is a luxury island resort surrounded by swaying palm trees and crystal clear waters, you’ll probably be smiling every day like Sabine Lamberts.

After over two decades of luxury hospitality experience in locations all over Europe and Asia, she is now soaking up vitamin sea at the stunning Santiburi Koh Samui where she has been General Manager for the last two years. We discovered where her passions lie, her ultimate comfort food and much more.

Favourite travel destination?

The world is my playground…

Favourite way to relax?

Switch off the phone!

What is your secret indulgence?

My indulgence is my personal space – being centred on my inner self that gives me strength, harmony and radiance to play my way.

Are you a morning or night person?

Rather a night person, yet I deeply enjoy very early mornings as they offer peace, tranquillity and the value of time.

First thing you do in the morning?

Drink a glass of fresh water and greet the day with a happy smile.

Your ultimate comfort food to eat?

A refined plate of antipasti.

Favourite drink?

I love to enjoy a glass of delicious wine.

You can invite five guests to Santiburi. Who would they be ?

I had two strong mentors during my career and would be pleased to welcome them. I would have loved to welcome my charismatic grandpa Karland his wife and personally meet with Bill Gates.

The one thing you need to take with you if you were stranded on a deserted island?

My endless positivity.

What would you spend the most money and least money on?

The most on my kids, the least on myself.

Best gift you have ever received?

My children.

Best advice someone has given you?

Always remain authentic to yourself.

What’s your most overused phrase?

…as well…

What is a pet peeve of yours?

I do speak fast.

What are people’s biggest misconception about you?

My age.

Three words to describe you?

Cheerful, honest, energetic.

Your best travel tip?

Travel light.

What makes you happy?

Being understood.

Word Association

Thailand – enriching culture

Beach – relaxation

Holiday – Discovery

Luxury – Time for myself

Comfort – Easiness

Play – Having fun

Tropical – Paradise

Love – Family

Happiness – Be centred, be yourself

UNRESERVED – Trendy, cultured, revealing

Related: Portraits: Rebecca Ferguson