Indigo Wellness Spa & Eatery: A Fusion of Wellness and Fine “Eating” in Phnom Penh
Located in the heart of Phnom Penh, Indigo Wellness Spa & Eatery is a testament to passion, creativity, and love for the community. The spa, founded by Helen Duffey, has been a sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation for eight years. Now, with the addition of the eatery, co-owned and spearheaded by her husband, Executive Chef Michael Pataran, Indigo is redefining the city’s dining landscape.
“The eatery has only been open for two months,” Michael explains. “The original idea and concept was to create a great and inviting space that had not fine dining but fine eating in terms of presentation, product, and atmosphere.” Michael’s return to Cambodia last May, after three years working abroad in the Maldives and Indonesia, marked the beginning of this exciting project. The once underutilized ground floor of the spa now houses an inviting culinary haven, designed to complement the spa’s wellness ethos.
Alongside its diverse menu, the eatery also features a retail section, offering artisan Greek yogurt, ricotta, fresh-baked bread, and gourmet condiments and sauces. Plans are already underway to expand their services. “Even though the eatery is in its infancy stage, we will continue to build and develop new business ideas including healthy home delivery meal plans. Over the next few months, we plan to open at least one night a week for dinner service, which many of our guests have requested.”
Crafting a Culinary Dream
Using “top-notch products,” Michael ensures everything at the eatery is made in-house, from curry pastes and sauces to pasta and bread. “We focus on healthy provisions using many organic and local suppliers,” he says. The menu caters to a wide variety of tastes, from health-conscious dishes marked with Indigo’s wellness icon to indulgent creations bursting with flavor.
Michael emphasizes the balance: “We did this in conjunction with the spa, as many of Helen’s clients request and require some healthy meal options during their visit. Along with these healthy options, we also have many other menu items that are more indulgent. This gives multiple options to multiple diners, which can sometimes be a problem in many restaurants.”
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Indigo also hosts exclusive culinary events twice a month, often pairing multi-course tasting menus with fine wine or sake. “These are very special dinners that we presell tickets for, offering a complete experience in terms of what’s offered throughout the evening,” Michael shares. The next event, “Big Night,” inspired by the 1996 movie, will feature a six-course Italian wine and food pairing dinner. “This dinner has been sold out now for some time,” he adds.
Building a Legacy
For Michael and Helen, Indigo Wellness Spa & Eatery is a deeply personal endeavor. “The best thing about our business is also the worst thing about our business… the fact that we are our own bosses and don’t serve any master,” Michael says with a laugh. Together, the couple has decades of entrepreneurial experience, running businesses in Toronto, the Bahamas, and Cambodia. “Helen has owned her own businesses for the last 20 years. I’ve had a few businesses in the past, including restaurants in Phnom Penh and an oyster house in Toronto.”
Their shared vision extends beyond their own success. With a loyal team of seven staff members, many of whom have been with them for over seven years, Indigo fosters a sense of family and community. “We are currently trying to put together something to build a type of BIA [Business Improvement Area] on our street so that we can have better interaction and communication with other businesses,” Michael says.
A Home Away from Home
Michael first came to Cambodia in 2015 to work as the executive chef and F&B director at Song Saa Private Island. “In a very short time, I fell in love with both the land and the people,” he recalls. “I found their disposition and kindness so foreign, coming from a big city like Toronto.” Now, he and Helen call Phnom Penh home. “We love Cambodia and the people here. We love the culture and now consider this our home.”
Looking ahead, the couple envisions running the eatery and spa for a few more years before passing it on to their trusted team. They even dream of opening a retreat along Cambodia’s coastline, combining their love for hospitality and wellness.
Experience Indigo
Whether you’re seeking rejuvenation at the spa or a memorable dining experience, Indigo Wellness Spa & Eatery offers a sanctuary like no other. From its health-focused treatments to its finely crafted menu, Indigo embodies the spirit of care, quality, and community.
Visit Indigo Wellness Spa & Eatery
📍 Street 240, Phnom Penh
🕚 Spa: Open daily | Eatery: Lunch from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Tuesday – Saturday) and 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Sunday), with dinner service coming soon.
For inquiries or to book a spot at one of their exclusive events, contact Indigo by phone or on Telegram at 085 228 128. Discover where wellness meets fine eating in Phnom Penh.
 | Cambodia |
 | https://www.cambodialifestyle.com |
 | +855 967 801 791 |
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Author: Tom Starkey
Tom Starkey is an International Development graduate from Sussex University with 12-years of experience across 4 continents, Tom's goal is that he wants to showcase his love for Cambodia, where he lives, works and now happily calls home.
