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Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary and Holistic Spa

Koh Samui, Thailand

Kamalaya Koh Samui is a multi-award winning Wellness Sanctuary and Holistic Spa ideally located amid a tropical landscape on the southern coastline of Koh Samui, Thailand. Since opening in November 2005, Kamalaya has been offering a holistic wellness experience that integrates healing therapies from East and West, a breathtakingly beautiful natural environment, inspired healthy cuisine and customised wellness programs and retreats. Taking a unique approach to complete well-being and personal fulfilment, Kamalaya transcends the usual spa experience to offer opportunities for self discovery and life enhancement through diverse traditions of healing and holistic lifestyle concepts. 

Spa Property Facts: 

Kamalaya rests on a lush tropical hillside, sloping down to a tranquil private beach. The resort is a collection of individual structures that integrates the surrounding landscape into the simple elegance of its architecture.

Kamalaya, which was conceived and founded by John and Karina Stewart, was originally intended for a site in the Himalaya. However, when John visited Koh Samui in 2000, he discovered a piece of land that immediately captivated him with its special energy. He was especially drawn by a cave that once served as a place of meditation and spiritual retreat by Buddhist monks, and with this discovery he knew that he had found the ideal home for Kamalaya.

The Stewarts commissioned Australian architectural artist Robert Powell to translate their vision into a reality with a brief to maintain the integrity of the land. The overall architectural concept of Kamalaya is a reflection of its wellness concept; that a connection to nature is a vital, nurturing element integral to one’s overall health and well-being.  The beauty of the surrounding nature, with ancient boulders, lush vegetation and a pristine coastline, is integrated into the simple elegance of Kamalaya’s architecture and design.

PDF icon KamalayaAwards2014.pdf

Spa Facts: 

Feel Life’s Potential. Kamalaya offers a synergistic wellness experience to help reconnect to life’s potential and achieve optimal well-being. The foundation of the Kamalaya experience rests on three intertwining pillars – the place, the people, the holistic wellness – creating a platform from which guests can reconnect with life’s potential. Kamalaya translates as ‘Lotus Realm’, an ancient symbol for the unfolding of the human spirit.

Kamalaya’s focus is not on individual services, but on how the different treatments, therapies, activities, environmental aspects, cuisine and people come together to create a synergistic wellness experience. The principle of synergy is an essential part of the Kamalaya concept and is at the heart of the alchemistic Kamalaya experience.

Kamalaya’s flexible and humanistic approach is aimed at accommodating each guest’s personal goals, whether that is to simply find a tranquil healing hideaway with contemporary comforts or participate in a structured wellness program or inspiring retreat.

The services and facilities at Kamalaya are bound together by a welcoming community spirit and supported by the invigorating energies of nature, art and healthy cuisine. In this inspiring environment, guests are introduced to a powerful holistic blend through which they can explore life’s potential.

Property Information:
Spa Facilities

Integrating the beauty of the surrounding environment in to its design, the Wellness Sanctuary features open air treatment spaces as well as deluxe air-conditioned suites.

  • 7 BIA and general consultation rooms
  • 7 TCM rooms (consultations and treatments)
  • 2 Ayurvedic rooms for Shirodhara
  • 1 Thyroid assessment room
  • 4 foot massage stations (manicure and pedicures)
  • 25 General treatment rooms: 16 single rooms and 9 double rooms for consultations and treatments (3 of which have a private steam room)
  • 3 Colonic rooms
  • 4 Plunge pools, 2 steam caverns
  • 3 Far infrared saunas
  • 1 Prana Sala: 10 person capacity
  • 1 Yoga Pavilion: 30 person capacity
  • Padma Fitness Studio, Shakti Fitness Centre and 25m Lap Pool

 

Location and Access

Kamalaya overlooks the pristine south-eastern coastline of Koh Samui, Thailand. The resort is 45 minutes by car from Koh Samui International Airport.

 

Accommodation

Accommodation is designed to integrate into the surrounding natural landscape. Accommodation options are nestled amidst ancient granite boulders, streams, and tropical vegetation, with existing rocks and trees as defining elements for many of the structures. Nature’s restorative presence is felt through semi-open bathrooms, outdoor terraces and balconies, expansive windows and some captivating views. Asian textiles and carefully selected art pieces combine with modern amenities to create comfortable, elegant interiors.

The 75 unique accommodation options range from cozy Hillside Rooms to ocean view Suites and spacious Villas, including some with private pools:

  • 24 Hillside rooms
  • 10 Suites Sea View
  • 20 Villas (with Sea View or Garden View)
  • 1 Beachfront Villa
  • 1 Beachfront 2 bedroom pool villa
  • 1 Beachfront 1 bedroom pool villa
  • 1 Rock top 2 bedroom multi-floor villa

NEW early 2015

  • 13 Superior Suites (with Sea View or Garden View)
  • 1 Garden Pool Suite
  • 2 1-Bedroom Penthouse Suite Sea View
  • 2 2-Bedroom Penthouse Suite Sea View

All accommodations include air-conditioning, CD & Stereo system, refrigerator, beverage and snack center, personal safe, hair dryer, yoga mat, telephone and wireless internet.

Hillside Rooms
Available with twin or king bed. Nestled amidst magnificent boulders and trees, these cosy treats are simply designed and accented with natural furnishings. Located next to the yoga pavilion, Shakti Fitness Centre and Yantra Hall and near to Soma Restaurant. 35 sqm floor plan.Hillside Garden View Rooms have balconies overlooking quiet and tranquil gardens, whilst Hillside Sea View Rooms have balconies with sea views.

Suites Sea View
Situated at the top of the resort, close to the Soma Restaurant and Alchemy Tea Lounge, allows for stunning sea views from the balconies, some feature outdoor bathtub. Combined with comfortable and spacious living, make the suites one of the most popular room categories. 65 sqm floor plan.

Villas Sea View
Combing comfort and simplicity each villa offers a unique design and setting. All feature a spacious living area, a private indoor/outdoor bathroom and large balcony with day bed. 75-100 sqm floor plan.

Beach Front Villa
Built on Kamalaya's secluded beach, these villas put you in close proximity to the sea. Once villa is nestled atop granite boulders and the other Villa is well positioned ont eh beachfront lawns.

Pool Villa
An intimately designed 87 sqm villa overlooking the sea with private courtyard relaxation pool. The private pool is situated in a courtyard that adjoins the living area, private indoor/outdoor bathroom, spacious sea facing living area.

Beach Front Pool Villas - 1 or 2 bedroom
Step down from the living area to enjoy the expansive beachfront decking and private pool. Private beach-view pool, spacious living area, sun decks and balcony, private indoor/outdoor bathroom.

Rock Top Villa
This split-level villa features a natural rock wall and lofty ceiling, twin double rooms and open living space, a welcome foyer, 2 private indoor/outdoor en-suite bathrooms, living room with daybeds, outdoor living space with daybeds. 215 sqm floor plan.

Superior Suites Sea View
Located on three levels on a hillside location, Kamalaya's newest Superior Suites feature spacious interiors with sea views and large, open balconies overlooking the azure gulf of Thailand. Ground floor Superior Suites have indoor ensuite bathrooms with garden / partial sea view, those on the 2nd and 3rd floors have indoor bathrooms with outdoor showers and panoramic sea views. The suites are in an ideal location with a short walk to the fitness center, lap pool, yoga pavillion and wellness sanctuary. All room will have a semi-open ensuite with shower and / or bathtub. 65sqm.

Garden Pool Suite
Located on the 1st floor, situated at the top of the retreat, close to the Yantra Hall. The suite is in an ideal location with a short walk to the fitness center, yoga pavillion, wellness sanctuary and dining facilities. Being on the ground floor of the Superior Suites building, it boasts spacious interior and its own private pool, whilst overlooking garden and the Gulf of Thailand. 112sqm. Features an ensuite bathroom with shower.

1 & 2 Bedroom Penthouse Suite Sea View
Located on the 3rd floor approx 142sqm. Comprising a large living area, private swimming pool and sensational views. An elevator will provide guests with easy access to the second and third floors.

 

Spa Treatments

Integrating the beauty of the surrounding environment into its design, the Wellness Sanctuary features open air treatment spaces as well as deluxe air-conditioned suites. There are over 70 certified wellness professionals at Kamalaya, including naturopaths, doctors of Chinese medicine, western medical doctors, registered nurses, nutritionists, life transformation experts, Ayurvedic and Thai therapists, fitness specialists and yoga, meditation and pranayama teachers.

Kamalaya’s regular wellness programs include medically-based detoxification programs and others to address issues from stress relief and burnout to weight management. For those who are uncertain about what they need, a Kamalaya wellness practitioner will craft a personalised program.

Kamalaya’s Shakti Fitness Centre, herbal steam cavern, relaxation and swimming pools offer additional facilities for nurturing body, mind and spirit and a variety of daily holistic fitness classes are offered, including Pilates, yoga, Qi gong, Tai chi, meditation and fitness, with personal one-on-one sessions also available.

To service the demand for flexibility and customisation, the Kamalaya Wellness programs are priced exclusive of accommodation, making it easy for guests to extend their stay beyond the duration of the program. The core programs include:

  • DETOX - Introduction to Detox
  • HEALTHY LIFESTYLE - Ideal Weight, Optimal Fitness
  • STRESS & BURNOUT - Asian Bliss, Relax & Renew
  • YOGA - Personal Yoga Synergy therapy

Kamalaya is not recommended for children and there are no child concessions available.

 

Spa Product

Sodashi
Sodashi skincare products are luxurious, effective and 100 percent chemical-free. Made using the highest quality ethically-sourced natural ingredients, the products dramatically regenerate the skin, and impart a deep sense of well-being to spirit and mind. Sodashi products are not tested on animals and are free from all synthetic chemicals, preservatives and mineral oils.

SpaRitual
SpaRitual has developed a collection of sophisticated and eco-friendly Nail Elixirs to nourish cuticles, build strong nails and establish a flawless environment for color. SpaRitual is also the first to offer DBP, Formaldehyde and Toluene-free Nail Elixirs in the professional nail care industry.

 

Spa Cuisine

Food is not just about maintaining health; a change in diet can bring about a change in health. Founded on principles of time-tested holistic healing traditions, Kamalaya offers artful and inspired cuisine that is healing in function and tantalising in form. Merging culinary traditions of East and West and using fresh, tropical and, as much as possible, organic produce, the menus include extensive vegetarian options as well as seafood, poultry and lamb dishes. The food changes with the seasons, as it should, and different months bring different delights. Fresh juices, signature tonics and herbal teas are bursting with nutrients, medicinal properties and taste-bud tempting goodness, and the delicious Detox Cuisine dispels the myth that ridding your body of toxins means depriving yourself of sensory pleasure. 

Inspired by Karina Stewart, Kamalaya's Co-founder and a doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kamalaya Cuisine is an integral component of this wellness sanctuary’s holistic health concept. Kamalaya's healthy, inspired cuisine is influenced by Karina's wealth of knowledge in functional medicine and cellular detoxification, and brought to vibrant life using local ingredients and cooking methods in healthy and innovative ways.

The menus reflect Kamalaya’s philosophy of healthy living and the celebration of different cultures, featuring fresh and healthy dishes with enough sumptuous twist to satisfy the most discerning gourmet palates. Kamalaya Cuisine is based on principles of Asian healing traditions as well as the latest nutritional research, and created with flavour in mind and health at heart.

 

Dining

Soma Restaurant – Breakfast and dinner
Sanskrit for 'food of the gods', Soma Restaurant is close to the main facilities and overlooks Kamalaya valley, offering spectacular views of the coast and outlying islands. Intimate tables are arranged throughout the spacious room, in addition to a ‘community table' where guests may unite for dining. The seating capacity of Soma Restaurant is 90 persons.

Amrita Café – Lunch, Snacks and Beverages
Amrita Café translates from Sanskrit as ‘divine nectar’, and is located by the swimming pools at the edge of flowering lotus ponds, overlooking the sea.

Alchemy Tea Lounge – Teas, signature tonics, juices and wines; light snacks
The Alchemy Tea Lounge located above Soma Restaurant offers light snacks and a diverse range of elixirs, juices and medicinal herbal teas and infusions. With comfortable couches and breathtaking views, it is a great venue for guests to gather throughout the day and into the evening.  

 

Awards
  • Conde Nast Traveller Spa Awards 2016 – “Best Destination Spa”
  • Asiaspa Awards 2015 – “Spa of the Year – Southeast Asia & the Pacific”
  • SpaFinder Wellness 365TM Travel Awards 2015 – Country Award “Best in Thailand”
  • Thailand Tourism Awards 2010, 2013 & 2015 – “Award of Outstanding Performance for Health Tourism”
  • AsiaSpa Awards 2014 – “Destination Retreat of The Year”
  • Luxury Travel Magazine’s Gold List Awards 2014 – “Best Overseas Health & Wellness Property”
  • SpaStar Awards 2014 – “An Inspiration to others”
  • World Spa Awards 2014 – “Destination Spa of the Year: Asia & Australia”
  • SpaFinder Readers’ Choice Awards 2013 – “Best Eco Spa”
  • AsiaSpa Awards 2012 – “Spa Retreat of the Year”
  • SpaFinders Readers’ Choice Awards 2012 – “Favourite Spa in Thailand”
  • World Spa Awards 2012 – “Destination Spa of the Year: Asia & Australasia”
  • AsiaSpa Awards 2011 – “Spa Retreat of the Year” & “Spa Cuisine of the Year”
  • Crystal Awards Asia Pacifi 2010 & 2009 – “Best Complementary & Alternative Medicine Wellness Centre
  • TATLER Spa Awards 2010 – “Award for Enduring Excellence”

 

Facilities & Activities

Like a self-contained village, Kamalaya has a range of facilities to engage guests during their stay.

The dining areas: Soma Restaurant, Amrita Cafe and the Alchemy Tea lounge all offer refreshments in an open-style interior setting with views that make a sumptuous addition to any meal.

The extensive Wellness facilities include:

  • Shakti Fitness Centre
  • Herbal Steam Cavern
  • Plunge Pools
  • Elixir Bar
  • Yoga Pavilion
  • Yoga Sala
  • 2 Swimming pools: a 25m lap pool and a leisure pool
  • The Art Gallery
  • Library and TV Lounge
  • Monk's Cave - an inspiring place for reflection and meditation

Holistic Activity Schedule

Each week there is a different schedule of group holistic activities at Kamalaya. Daily activities include yoga, tai chi, Qi gong, pranayama, meditation, Pilates, fitball and beach power walk. Most activities are complimentary for all guests, whether on a program or not. However, there is a supplement for some activities such as the cooking class and the temple tour.

 

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