A Dream Rooted in Nature
Long before wellness tourism became a global movement, Bethsaida Hermitage was envisioned as something profoundly different—a place where healing would emerge naturally from the land itself.
Founded in 1987 by Dr. Frederick Thomas, Professor of Tourism Management and a visionary in sustainable hospitality, Bethsaida was never intended to be just another resort. It was created as a living example of how tourism could coexist with nature, local communities, and traditional healing practices.
Instead of reshaping the landscape to suit architecture, Dr. Thomas chose the opposite approach. Buildings were carefully designed around existing trees, laterite hills, and natural contours. The land was respected first; construction followed its rhythm.
Today, guests often remark that Bethsaida feels as though it has always belonged here. That is no coincidence—it was designed to grow with nature rather than replace it.