Michelle Ford

Founding Partner & CEO of Lumina Wellbeing & General Manager of Namia River Retreat

Michelle Ford wears two harmonious hats in the world of wellness hospitality. As the Founding Partner and CEO of Lumina Wellbeing, she leads a consultancy dedicated to shaping meaningful, integrated wellness experiences across Asia. Simultaneously, she serves as General Manager of Namia River Retreat Wellness-Inclusive Resort in Hoi An (Viet Nam) under Lumina Wellbeing’s management, a riverfront destination that embodies mindful luxury, genuine connections, and Vietnamese healing traditions.

Michelle Ford blends business acumen with a deep-rooted passion for wellbeing. As Founding Partner & CEO of Lumina Wellbeing, she guides hospitality brands in creating soulful, sustainable experiences. Her experience entails bringing 6 wellness lifestyle hotels with bespoke spa journeys to the marketplace in Vietnam alone, as well as leading the operations of 15 spas in Thailand and the Maldives. Michelle’s impressive track record includes leading Fusion Maia, Asia’s first Spa-Inclusive Resort, as General Manager, which gained global recognition, significant financial returns, and numerous accolades and awards under her forward-thinking leadership. Michelle leads the team with a vision for building an embodied wellness ecosystem. With her passion for wellness as a way of life, Michelle is relentless in connecting people on a purpose to implement cohesive concepts and tenacity to bring them to life. 

Michelle became General Manager of Namia River Retreat (Hoi An, Vietnam) in December 2024, leading its vision for wellbeing and sustainability. Under her leadership, Namia is redefining mindful luxury by harmonizing wellness, sustainability, and cultural authenticity.

Michelle is a qualified Systemic Constellations Practitioner and has done professional development in innovation and design thinking. Her mindfulness practices include contemplative art and dance for movement.