Inside world of Nigel Farage’s ‘helpful money machine’ and crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne

The Mirror visits Reform UK’s donor Christopher Harborne’s Thai island ‘transformation sanctuary’, boasting a monk’s cave – and where guests can even enjoy a 75-minute fire ceremony, costing £172

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This is the paradise island enjoyed by Nigel Farage’s ­billionaire donor pal – including a wellness retreat he owns.

Crypto tycoon Christopher Harborne – described by Sunday Times Rich List compiler Robert Watts as “Farage’s really useful cash machine” – owns the Kamalaya resort on Koh Samui, Thailand.

The retreat, which features a monk’s cave, describes itself as a “sanctuary for transformation and holistic healing with the dream of supporting you to truly flourish”. According to Kamalaya’s website, Mr Harborne, 63, runs the resort as a “philanthropic investment”.

Accommodation includes the £941-a-night penthouse pool suite, which has its own plunge pool, as well as several plush villas.

Mr Harborne himself has stayed in a villa there, close to where he was pictured with Mr Farage in 2022. The Reform UK leader was visiting for his friend’s birthday. The billionaire – sixth in this year’s Rich List, with an ­estimated worth of £18billion – has owned the sanctuary since 2021. In an online talk unearthed by this paper, he had been studying “healthy ageing and longevity” for “quite a few years”.

The website of the retreat, which discourages the use of mobile phones, says: “Kamalaya entered a new chapter in November 2021, when the founders sold the sanctuary.

“Having spent months here as a guest, the new custodian experienced the impact of Kamalaya’s philosophy first-hand and was inspired to ensure its preservation.

“Today, as the owner, he regards Kamalaya as a philanthropic investment – a heartfelt commitment to safeguarding its founding principles and supporting its mission to be a place of healing, connection, and growth for all who visit.”

Kamalaya’s founders left the business due to “incompatibility” with Mr Harborne, it was reported in November 2024. John and Karina Stewart’s exit was characterised by Spa Business as a “bust-up”.

The publication reported: “The Stewarts began to divest the business in 2021, firstly going into partnership with Harborne and then selling out completely and working as advisors.”

John said: “After three years – during which time we’ve honoured our duties and responsibilities under the new ownership – we’ve come to the conclusion that our business and wellness philosophies vis a vis those of the controlling shareholders are simply divergent and incompatible.”

Sarah Ferguson, ex-wife of shamed former royal Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, was among former guests at Kamalaya, once praising the “magical” hillside retreat. The 66-year-old recalled a meditation session in her autobiography, writing: “We sat cross-legged on mats around the fire, with everyone chanting ‘Ohm’. The wind abruptly changed and all the smoke blew in my eyes.

“I took it as a sign from the universe that I should close my eyes and stay ­focused during this solemn ritual.”

Kamalaya has a 75-minute personal fire ceremony costing £172.39, with a guest booklet detailing: “Those seeking emotional upliftment, embarking on a new beginning in life or seeking parasympathetic rest and reset will benefit from this private ceremony.”

Meanwhile, holidaymakers can also get 60-minute spiritual guidance for a price of £131.56, said to help “support those weaving through life’s challenges, periods of stagnation, grief, or crises”.

The retreat says: “Delivered in a one-on-one personal session it allows individuals to explore beliefs, patterns, find meaning and foster personal growth.”

Other activities offered include 30-minute £63.51 private mantra chanting, which can “profoundly transform the human experience”.

Mr Farage is being probed by the Parliamentary Standards Commissioner over whether he broke Commons rules by not declaring a £5million gift from Mr Harborne.

Reform UK has claimed the cash was “a personal, unconditional gift” with no rules broken. Mr Farage said the money was to pay for his own personal security needs, later describing it as a “reward” for Brexit campaigning.

Mr Harborne and Kamalaya were contacted for comment.