Founded by John and Karina Stewart, Kamalaya is one of Thailand’s finest wellness resorts that offers a nurturing, immersive and enchanting environment where ancient wellness and spiritual practices are combined with latest innovations in alternative healthcare for the healing and rejuvenation of mind, body, and soul.
Before founding Kamalaya, John spent 16 years in the Himalaya in North India with a yogi learning all about Yoga, meditation and the life of service and spiritual development, and Karina’s background spanning over two decades was deeply rooted in studying and practicing various Asian healing and spiritual traditions, including practicing as a qualified doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Their combined passion for service and spirituality led to the creation of Kamalaya – a sanctuary where growth and transformation are nurtured, guided, and supported without being too regimented or restrictive.
Kamalaya is located on the tropical island of Koh Samui in Thailand in Southeast Asia. Besides Bangkok and Phuket, Koh Samui is also well-connected with Singapore, Hong Kong, and Kuala Lumpur. The transfer between Koh Samui Airport and Kamalaya takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.
This multi-award-winning wellness sanctuary is built into a steep lush hillside with expansive views of the sea. The property is tucked away in the southeast of Koh Samui, hidden from the masses and leads to a secluded sandy beach. There are seventy-six rooms, suites, and villas in total with jungle or sea views. It has been carefully designed and constructed to blend in with the surrounding environment and to make maximum use of the nature’s healing properties.
Although children of all ages are allowed at Kamalaya, its facilities and programmes are designed for adults, so young children might not find the retreat suitable to their tastes and interests. Families travelling with children are only permitted to stay in the stand-alone Villa accommodations including the pool villas and beachfront villas.
Baby cots for infants can be arranged upon prior request. Children below the age of 16 are not allowed to participate in any wellness activities or treatments and are therefore not permitted to use the facilities of the Wellness Centre, including the Fitness Centre and Lap Pool.
Based on the principles of healthy eating, the cuisine at Kamalaya is fresh, organic, and non-restrictive. There are two restaurants – Soma and Amrita Café – offering naturally nurturing foods that are low in sugar, salt, fat, and dairy. There is enhanced focus on vegetarian dishes that do not contain any unhealthy trans-fats and saturated fats.
At the same time, in order to allow utmost flexibility and choice, the menus also include fine wines, sweet treats and carefully selected fish and meat options. Kamalaya’s signature Detox Cuisine features vegan, low inflammatory, low allergenic and low glycaemic dishes that aid the natural detox process and enhance cellular metabolism to boost body’s own healing and regeneration process.
Kamalaya’s wellness programmes focus on physical, emotional as well as spiritual wellbeing. From weight loss, detox, and stress management to sleep enhancement, Yoga, immunity enhancement and strength building, there are plenty of options that are masterfully designed under Karina’s guidance.
Group retreats and workshops led by well-known visiting experts are also organised throughout the year. Furthermore, individual consultations are also offered incorporating Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, homeopathy, naturopathy, nutritional evaluation, and bio-impedance analysis in order to create bespoke programmes based on individual goals and requirements.
The retreat boasts extensive facilities including the herbal steam cavern, ambient plunge pools, far infrared sauna, a world-class fitness centre, two swimming pools and a Yoga pavilion. At the heart of the retreat lies a centuries-old cave that was once used by renowned Buddhist monks as a place for meditation and spiritual retreat. Aptly called The Monks’ Cave, it is always open, and guests are encouraged to make use of this sacred space for quiet contemplation and meditation.
Kamalaya’s expert teachers, healers and practitioners run exquisite holistic activities that are suitable for all ages, fitness levels and experience. Most of them are complimentary and are available throughout the week. These are specifically designed to support the wellness programmes and offer guests a chance to reconnect with others through a shared experience. These include:
December to April is the best time to visit Koh Samui. The weather is mostly dry and warm with gorgeously sunny days. May to September is also popular, especially the months of July and August, but you could get some rain and the weather is typically hot and humid. October and November are usually the rainiest months.
For further information, please do feel free to contact Nicola directly or at The Explorations Company for further inspiration and unforgettable safaris and holidays to Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
Or, if you would like to just dream some more for now then you can by visiting our Video Library.
Images by kind courtesy of Kamalaya in Thailand
By Marcela Kunova - 20th April 2017
Nicola Shepherd, founder and CEO of The Exploration Company, organises unusual trips for HNW and UHNW clients ranging from birthday parties at an Indian Maharajah's palace to reliving Sir Vivian Fuchs's 1950s expedition to the South Pole. Citywealth caught ...
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