On Koh Samui, between coconut palms and white sand, lies the Kamalaya Wellness Resort. Truth, simplicity & love are the founding principles of this spirit-filled place. A true sanctuary for physical, mental and emotional balance, and an absolute favorite of Luxe Wellness Club.
A place to care for body and mind
The resort was founded in 2005 by former Buddhist monk and gallery owner John Stewart and his wife Karina. Visiting the island of Koh Samui, the “Pearl of the China Sea”, John is struck by the discovery, just a few yards from a white sandy beach, of a cave that has always been used as a sanctuary by local monks .
Having lived in a cave himself, in the company of his yogi master, he immediately sensed the obvious: this is where they would build their life’s work, a place entirely dedicated to inner fulfillment. And so Kamalaya was born.
After years of living a spiritual life in Kathmandu, Nepal, the couple seized the opportunity to put their shared knowledge of spirituality and traditional Asian medicines into practice.
Rooms and villas with irresistible charm
Kamalaya Wellness Retreat is scattered on a hillside directly overlooking the beach, and some villas are just a few meters from the crystal-clear water. A path winds between the various buildings, restaurant, health center, outdoor relaxation areas, infinity pool… The whole complex exudes a tranquil charm, blending perfectly into the superb natural surroundings.
You can stay in charming rooms soberly decorated in a traditional Thai spirit, or if you can afford it, invest in a suite with an outdoor bathroom. The ultimate in chic is one of the superb private villas with infinity pool, yoga room and ocean view.
The aesthetic of the place is halfway between a traditional habitat dominated by red wood and coconut palms, and a Buddhist monastery. Statues and ornaments are a reminder of the island’s strong spiritual influence, not to mention the sacred grotto at the center of the complex, carefully tended by the staff.
A week to get together
Wellness programs are the resort’s raison d’être. They are based on a holistic approach to medicine. In 3, 5, 7 days (or more), they promise to put body and mind back on the right track, thanks to the synergy of different means implemented according to needs: health check-up, wellness consultation, Chinese or Ayurvedic medicine, naturopathy, therapeutic massage, yoga, meditation, martial arts…
According to Karina Stewart, who initiated the programs, their impact is significant and rapid because they also target very specific issues. Kamalaya’s wellness programs fall into five categories: Healthy living, detox, stress& burn out, emotional balance, and yoga.
Healthy living programs
No fewer than 6 programs are offered in this category:
-Optimal Fitness (Basic)
-Optimal fitness (Intense)
-Ideal weight
-Around the belly
-Structural renaissance
-Improved sleep
Detox programs
Three physical and mental detoxification programs are offered according to the client’s abilities and wishes:
-Introduction to detox
-Basic detox
-Intensive detox.
Programs Stress&burn out
Three programs specifically designed for overworked professionals:
-Relax and recharge
-Asian bliss
-Rebalance and revitalize (Basic or Intensive)
Emotional Balance Program
A program dubbed “Embracing Change” for those facing upheaval (bereavement, break-up) or radical life change.
Yoga program
Suitable for beginners and experienced yogis alike, this program is entirely dedicated to improving well-being through daily yoga sessions and Ayurvedic treatments.
Taking a sabbatical from the world
In addition to its wellness programs and superb hotel services, the Kamalaya Wellness Resort offers the possibility of taking a “wellness sabbatical”: 21 days punctuated by consultations, check-ups and a variety of treatments in a heavenly setting. A schedule that still leaves free time for those who want to stay connected to their work, or who want to take advantage of this time away from the world to do some introspective or creative work.
At the Kamalaya table, between pleasure and detox
For Karina Stewart, co-creator of Kamalaya Wellness resort, nutrition is the basis of overall well-being, and food is the best medicine.
That’s why, in association with chef Kai Mueller, she designed a kitchen entirely tailored to the requirements of her wellness sanctuary. Menus are influenced as much by the need to rebalance and detoxify cells, as by Kai’s passion for using local ingredients and innovative, healthy cooking methods.
Customers who have opted for a detox program must comply with the dietary requirements of their program by following a mainly vegan diet, while others have the opportunity to enjoy the entire menu, made up solely of fresh produce and unprocessed foods.
Kamalaya Wellness Retreat’s communal dining concept also allows you to share your experience with other guests from all over the world.
Kamalaya Wellness Resort videos
Book Kamalaya Wellness Retreat
Rates: From around 3,000 euros per week per person. Enjoy exclusive Luxe Wellness Club benefits: a free treatment and a half-day boat trip.
Call us for France: + 33 1 85 73 22 14 or for Switzerland: +41 22 501 75 16 to discuss your holiday plans.
