Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary & Holistic Spa is a multi-award-winning wellness sanctuary located on the southern coast of Koh Samui, Thailand, a 1-hour flight from Bangkok. Founded by John and Karina Stewart in 2005, Kamalaya offers multi-day guided programs to help those looking to discover their life’s potential and achieve optimal wellbeing. The resort brings together diverse healing traditions from East and West, a vital connection to nature and inspired healthy cuisine in a nurturing environment.
Point of Distinction
The seed of Kamalaya was nurtured and inspired by John Stewart’s background of 16 years devoted to a life of service and spiritual studies in a Himalayan contemplative community, plus Karina Stewart’s 30+ years in the study and practice of diverse Asian healing and spiritual traditions, including a background in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Staying true to their vision, their combined wellness philosophy is at the very core of Kamalaya and is integrated into every aspect of the resort. One unique feature is the Monks’ Cave. At the heart of Kamalaya, this cave temple was once used by Buddhist monks as a place of meditative retreat. The tradition of these monks continues at Kamalaya and gives the resort an aura of tranquil serenity akin to sacred sites.
Types of Programs Offered—Duration and Cost
Kamalaya offers 14 results-oriented wellness programs ranging from Detoxification to Stress & Burnout, as well as Healthy Lifestyle, Yoga Synergy and Emotional Balance. The newest wellness program—Structural Revival, launched in November 2018—is designed to re-align the body for optimum function and vitality. Prices start at 8,500 Thai Baht (around $250 U.S.) per room, per night dbl, with a minimum 3-night stay. The price includes daily holistic activities such as yoga, Pilates and meditation sessions.
The 3-night Relax & Renew program is priced from 54,049 Thai Baht (approx. $1,725) per person sharing a double room for three nights and includes healthy full board, all treatments as mentioned in the program description, holistic activities and airport transfers.
What types of clients does the property typically cater to? Guests from all walks of life and from countries across the globe go to Kamalaya looking to enhance their life experience, whether that is physically, spiritually, emotionally, mentally, or any combination of the four. Many guests work in the corporate sector in top management and lead high-pressured and busy lifestyles. They appreciate the need to invest in their health. Another sector of guests are creative professionals, who have excelled in their artistic pursuits and endeavors and find in Kamalaya a place to re-inspire themselves in body, mind and spirit. Most guests at Kamalaya tend to be well-traveled, and experienced and informed about health and wellness.
What client goals/intentions might be achieved by selecting this property? The vast majority of guests choose Kamalaya with a health goal in mind, whether it’s clearly defined (e.g. detox or fitness) or less defined such as a need to reset internally. For instance, to address difficult life changes, emotional imbalance due to loss of a loved one, relationship breakup or change of job. Some guests want to re-establish better lifestyle habits or eliminate some unhealthy habits. Kamalaya is also a good choice for those looking to renew mental clarity, boost energy levels or reach personal fitness and weight loss goals. According to Mrs. Stewart, “most guests see time spent here as a time to ‘clean out their closets,’ which means taking a good look at themselves, reviewing and evaluating what needs to be changed, including dietary habits and other daily rituals, and how to incorporate healthy new lifestyle habits.”
Best time to travel? Koh Samui weather is pleasant and sunny and the temperature around the mid-80sF year-round. The best time to travel is from December to March, but also June to August for those who prefer to travel outside of the island’s high-season months. The hottest time of the year is from April to May. The monsoon season is from October to November.
For more information, visit kamalaya.com.
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