![\"Misool](\"http:\/\/www.secret-retreats.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/Misool-Eco-5.jpg\")
Misool Eco-Resort, Raja Ampat, Indonesia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There\u2019s something about the word \u2018secret\u2019. It\u2019s one of those irresistible words when combined with others such as \u2018insights\u2019, \u2018photos\u2019 or a number of others, that captures your attention. You have to know what the secret is, right? It reminds me a little of a sign above a big red button that says, \u2018don\u2019t press this\u2019. It becomes your mission to find out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Add \u2018retreats\u2019 to the word secret and you have me wanting to know more immediately! I spoke to the Managing Director and founder of Secret Retreats, Stephane Junca, (also a Postcard & Tag Local) to discover what makes this accommodation group so different, and how we can uncover more of Asia\u2019s best kept secrets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His passion for the journey of local accommodation operators and appreciation of their place within their destination really shines through. It is, as they say, not always about the destination, but really, the people you meet along the way that are the real story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Misool Eco-Resort, Raja Ampat, Indonesia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Secret Retreats is an enticing name for a travel company. What makes it different from other accommodation businesses?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stephane: Secret Retreats is a community of small independent boutique hotels, villas, cruises peppered all around Asia, but they have a couple of things in common. They\u2019re small, have a rich Asian character and are owned by independent proprietors who have created these places not just as \u201caccommodation for sleeping\u201d, but as places to share their passions. For their land, their culture, traditions, history, cuisine\u2026 the natural bond between these owners is their passion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They may not be professional hoteliers, and this is the reason why being united through a community like Secret Retreats is a way for them to share their issues, their ideas, exchange staff, recipes\u2026 and be connected with like-minded people\u2026 while at the same time putting resources together to be able to afford a professional marketing, sales, PR and reservation teams, working for the whole community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So it\u2019s far more than a company \u2013 we\u2019d rather use the word community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Muang](\"http:\/\/www.secret-retreats.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/Muang-La-57.jpg\")
Muang La, North Laos<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. What have you learned about Asia while developing Secret Retreats that you didn\u2019t know before?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stephane: I have been in Asia for over 18 years, in a variety of roles. But when my partners and I decided to set up Secret Retreats, the goal was to curate small unique properties and give them a space where united under a same umbrella, they would have access to services, systems that alone they would not be able to afford.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So I spent time seeking out these places and each time I would meet an owner, with his one particular story, background, passion and I would integrate that story to our own story, to relate each property to the other. Personally I met owners who are great sources of inspiration for their vision, their dedication and each time I would absorb their story\u2026 and become more Asian myself! I keep learning every day, and I doubt I would learn all I wish to know within this lifetime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Rachamankha-138-1024x682\"](\"http:\/\/www.secret-retreats.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/Rachamankha-138-1024x682.jpg\")
Rachamankha, Chiang Mai, Thailand<\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. Most surprising destination you\u2019ve encountered?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stephane: Hard to say\u2026 I have visited all the properties we have hand-picked. Each of them is unique and they all have something that has surprised me. I guess it also depends on the season, the person I am with, my own mood at the moment of the stay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A couple of surprises I\u2019ve encountered include the discovery of a live Guqin concert in a courtyard of a 250 year old house in Pingyao, Shanxi-China; to see sharks and giant manta rays swimming around the reefs near my villa at Misool in Raja Ampat, or simply the genuine and humble sense of hospitality of villagers I have met in Tibet, or in Isan, or some remote part of Laos\u2026 I could list many more\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Si-Datu-Bua-23-1-1024x682\"](\"http:\/\/www.secret-retreats.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/Si-Datu-Bua-23-1-1024x682.jpg\")
Si Datu Bua, Silolona Sojourns, Bali<\/p>\n\n\n\n
5. How important is it to be a traveller and not a tourist, and do you feel people are looking to be more inspired by their travels than they were ten years ago? In what ways?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stephane: A traveller is by definition experienced and eager to discover the insights at each destination: culture, tradition, local habits, connecting with local people\u2026 and understanding. People are much better travelled than in the past, having been to many places\u2026 they are now looking at deeper experiences, away from tourist areas (or traps) and merge with the local environment. Living an experience is not only having a good time, it is also learning, and enriching oneself with other\u2019s lifestyle and philosophy of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
6. Have you noticed any shifts in the way hoteliers in Asia are delivering their properties to guests \u2013 any new trends arising?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Obviously new destinations, still quite untouched are appearing, hoteliers are building nice boutique hotels in places a long time before the big 5 star properties arrive. The boutique hotels are often pioneers, opening new areas and opportunities for travellers, who don\u2019t want to backpack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
See for instance Dale Lake in Kashmir, the Cardamom Mountains in Cambodia, Raja Ampat or Belitung in Indonesia, Muang La in Laos\u2026 just to name a few. It\u2019s a new trend in a way that it is now possible to travel in comfort in many remote areas\u2026 without being a backpacker or falling into a big 5 star hotel chain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Jing's](\"http:\/\/www.secret-retreats.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/Andrew-Lim-Jing-Residence-32-1024x683.jpg\")
Jing\u2019s Residence, Pingyao County, China<\/p>\n\n\n\n
7. What\u2019s the best travel advice you\u2019ve ever received and from whom?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I guess like every son I had a strong influence from the words my father once said. He encouraged me to dare, to go and see before it\u2019s too late, and to not be afraid of what I don\u2019t know, but learn every moment that I can. I think this advice has guided my life and career so far.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
8. Beach or mountain holiday?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Well\u2026 funnily enough, I don\u2019t take many holidays. If you want to know where I go to recharge my batteries, I go meditate in a temple\u2026 secretly hidden!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Sukoon](\"http:\/\/www.secret-retreats.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/Sukoon-13-672x800.jpg\")
Sukoon luxury houseboat, Kashmir<\/p>\n\n\n\n
9. Can you share a secret travel destination that\u2019s your favourite right now?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I don\u2019t have just one favourite, but many places I like to go regularly. If I have to name one \u2013 I like to drive along the Mekong River in Isan province in Thailand. Beautiful views over the Mekong, and Laos across the river, nice temples, villages, market\u2026 simple local life, amazing food\u2026. and very few people to visit the area, since it is not a tourist destination. I find peace, fresh air, simplicity, authenticity, kindness\u2026. All you need when you stay in a big city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
10. What new destinations should travellers be considering and why?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wow\u2026 I cannot tell people where they should go\u2026 but I think from September onward, with the end of the monsoon, people who have never been to Nepal (or the ones who would like to return) should go. It\u2019s the best support one can give to such a beautiful country, that has been affected by such tragedy. So my advice would be go and be inspired by Nepali sceneries and culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n