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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 Himalayas. 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 wellbeing.  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.

 

Spa Facts: 

Feel Life’s Potential. Kamalaya offers a synergistic wellness experience to help reconnect to life’s potential and achieve optimal wellbeing. 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

Kamalaya rests on a lush tropical hillside, sloping down to a tranquil private beach.  The 76 rooms and villas are situated amidst ancient, granite boulders, streams and tropical vegetation with existing rocks and trees as defining elements for many of the structures.  Asian textiles and carefully selected art pieces combine with modern amenities to create comfortable, serene and elegant interiors.  Nature's restorative presence is felt through semi-open bathrooms, outdoor terraces and balconies, expansive windows and captivating views.

The 76 unique accommodation options range from cozy Hillside Rooms to ocean view Suites and spacious Villas, including some with private pools:

  • 8 Hillside rooms / 10 Hillside Garden View rooms / 6 Hillside Sea View rooms
  • 10 Suites Sea View
  • 20 Villas Sea View 
  • 13 Superior Suites Sea View
  • 1 Garden Pool Suite
  • 1 Pool Villa - 1 bedroom
  • 1 Beachfront Pool Villa - 1 bedroom
  • 1 Beachfront Pool Villa - 2 bedroom
  • 2  Penthouse Pool Suite Sea View (2 x 1 Bedroom Penthouse Pool Suites can convert to 2 x Two Bedroom Penthouse Pool Suites)
  • 1 Rock Top Pool Villa (can be combined with Rock Top Pool Suite to become 2 Bedroom option)
  • 1 Penthouse Pool Suite - 2 bedroom

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

Hillside Rooms
Nestled amidst magnificent boulders and trees, these cosy retreats are simply designed and accented with natural furnishing. 35 sqm floor plan

Suites Sea View
Situated at the top of the resort allows for stunning sea views from all balconies, some of which contain outdoor bathtubs.  The views, combined with the comfortable and spacious living accommodation make the suites one of the most popular room categories. 65 sqm floor plan.

Villas Sea View
Secluded villas, nestled amongst the greenery of Kamalaya with lovely sea, jungle, beach and valley views. Each extremely spacious villa offers a unique design and setting. 75-100 sqm floor plan.

Beachfront Pool Villa
Perfect for those looking for extra privacy, this spacious villa sits atop granite boulders directly above Kamalaya's beach. Step down from the living area to enjoy the expansive beachfront decking and private pool or walk down the stone pathway onto the beach. 172 sqm floor plan. 

Pool Villa
The sound of flowing water fills this unique and secluded villa.  The intriguing layout reveals a spacious sea facing living area with an adjoining courtyard containing a private outdoor bathing pool. 126 sqm

Beachfront Pool Villas - 1 or 2 bedroom
This secluded and extremely spacious private villa is nestled amid the trees, overlooking the Kamalaya Beach.  With two private bedrooms, both with en-suites and a private pool that overlooks the ocean, it is an ideal choice for those travelling with family and friends. 215 sqm floor plan - 2 bedroom / 172 sqm floor plan  - 1 bedroom

Rock Top Suite 
Tucked away at the top of the resort this suite offers a secluded patio area, a spacious high ceilinged bedroom and cosy living area. 56 sqm floor plan.

Rock Top Pool Villa
A very spacious two floor villa with airy lounge space, a private pool overlooking the resort and a large, sea facing outdoor yoga sala. 250 sqm floor plan.

Superior Suites Sea View
Designed to incorporate the exceptional sea and coastal views, the new Superior Suites Sea View offer a tranquil and stylish space with comfortable furnishings. 65 sqm.

Garden Pool Suite
This unique Garden Suite is situated on the ground floor of the new Superior Suites building. With a large spacious interior, the Garden Pool Suite also boasts its own private pool within a serene garden featuring a pond and water features, whilst also overlooking stunning views of the Gulf of Thailand and its outlaying islands. 112 sqm

Penthouse Pool Suite Sea View
Perched high above the surrounding nature the Penthouse Pool Suites are located at the highest point of the resort and offer breathtaking views of Koh Samui's coastline. With ample space and a large outdoor living area including a rim-flow infinity pool, the Penthouse Pool Suites provide exceptional privacy in a stunningly beautiful and serenely peaceful setting. 142sqm

 

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 2017 & 2015 – “Spa of the Year – Southeast Asia & the Pacific”; 2016 - " Spa Cuisine of the Year"; 2014 - "Destination Retreat of the Year"; 2012 - "Spa Retreat of the Year"; 2011 - "Spa Retreat of the Year" & "Spa Cuisine of the Year"
  • SpaFinder Wellness Travel Awards 2016 - Crystal Award "Best in Asia & Country Award “Best in Thailand”
  • Thailand Tourism Awards 2010, 2013 & 2015 – “Award of Outstanding Performance for Health Tourism”
  • Luxury Travel Magazine’s Gold List Awards 2017, 2016 & 2014 – “Best Overseas Health & Wellness Property”
  • SpaStar Awards 2014 – “An Inspiration to others”
  • World Spa Awards - 2017 & 2018 - "Worldwide Health & Wellness Destination of the Year"; 2014 & 2012 – “Destination Spa of the Year: Asia & Australasia”
  • SpaFinder Readers’ Choice Awards 2013 – “Best Eco Spa”; 2012 – “Favourite Spa in Thailand”
  • Crystal Awards Asia Pacific 2011 - "Best Conscious Cuisine"; 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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