BEAUTY ESCAPE: KAMALAYA

THE WORLD OF WELLNESS AT KAMALAYA

With the wellness sector booming across the globe more and more people are looking for an escape that offers science back health results in a healing environment. Enter award-winning Kamalaya which offers an onsite training academy for its beauty therapists and some of the world’s best therapies. By Anita Quade.

Ever since Kamalaya founders John and Karina Stewart stumbled across this spiritual slice of paradise on the southern coast of Koh Samui in Thailand back in 2000, shortly after they wed –they have created one of the world’s most lauded wellness retreats and in testimony to its success next year it will celebrate its 20th anniversary.

The couple’s dedication to offering healing therapies that merge both East and Western philosophies began in November 2005 when they opened the gates to this glorious getaway that utilises the healing power of nature to nurture guests looking to boost their health.

Kamalaya translates as Lotus (Kamal) Realm (alaya) in the ancient language of Sanskrit, symbolising the unfolding of the human spirit. Since opening it has won over 60 wellness awards – in a nod to its top notch ever evolving wellness agenda that now includes 18 different programs and an onsite training academy for beauty and wellness therapists.

The inspiring wellness story came to life in 2000 when John was recuperating on Koh Samui and came across an ancient cave perched on densely forested beachfront land – which was used by Buddhist monks for hundreds of years as a quiet space to meditate – today, the Arjan monks cave is the heartbeat of Kamalaya where guests are welcomed to enter the cave and give their blessings and contemplation.

It’s easy to see why the founders fell in love with the tranquil space.

The 45-minute journey to the property from the Koh Samui airport is a feast for the senses – lush tropical landscapes, bustling street vendors and motorcycles weaving in and out of traffic in some kind of organised chaos.

It’s such a juxtapose to arrive at the serene property and enter the gates featuring Buddhas and fresh colourful garlands dangling on sacred statues.

The wellness philosophy here is no strict control or rigid rules, which is a sigh of relief to travellers embarking on a longevity journey. There is plenty of support and advice but it’s up to the guests to choose their journey either by booking a program or simply enjoying a smorgasbord of offerings ranging from wellness consultations, world class treatments to an array of classes including Tai Chi, meditation, yoga and sound healing.

Guests are greeted with a wellness cocktail in the airy foyer, complete with trickling water fountains and ponds filled with bright lotus flowers and rainbow coloured fish.

The fresh air, lush vegetation, beach vista and kindness of staff – set the scene and vibe for wellness travellers.

THE ROAD TO LONGEVITY

Programs here at the holistic bolthole are vast ranging from detoxification, gut health and resilience and immunity to its latest offerings of Radiant Bliss and Longevity and Regeneration to infuse guests with optimal lifelong wellbeing.

The longevity house is hugely popular and is perched on a hilltop with its offering slated to be expanded next year. It offers combined functional medicine and treatments including IV Therapy, Ozone Therapy and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and is leading the way in the health revolution.

MAY WE ALL SHINE ON

One of the newest programs is the first ever womenfocused wellness program, Radiant Bliss, entirely dedicated to women’s health and wellbeing. The new program caters for women aged 18 and over and deals with specific symptoms and imbalances for female guests dependent on their health condition and life stage – which span from a fertility focus to perimenopause and beyond. It aims to address all phases of women’s health through personalised treatments and therapies.

“Women’s health is unique and distinct from men’s health; Radiant Bliss aims to address these specific needs in a highly personalised way. What is special about this program is that it enables women the freedom to co-create an enriching experience for themselves that organically reconnects them to their innate healing wisdom and visionary version of themselves. Our highly skilled and talented experts place emphasis on the full spectrum of health including wellbeing and inner health, so our female guests can truly look to address their physical, emotional, mental and spiritual needs in one space,” says Founder and Chief Wellness Officer of Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary, Karina Stewart, Msc. TCM.

The Radiant Bliss program draws on ancient Asian healing traditions such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda, alongside holistic Western approaches such as naturopathy and functional medicine. There is also the life enhancing mentoring sessions that address individual needs.

The journey begins with a wellness consultation and body bio-impedance analysis on arrival. While it can sound daunting the staff on hand guide guests through the results and liase to tailor make a program suited to individual needs – the agenda includes a daily holistic schedule of activities and use of the herbal steam caverns, swimming pools, thermal pools and the state of art Shakti Fitness Centre. Guests are also prescribed Kamalaya’s own blend of nutraceutical-grade supplementation and remedies as part of the program to optimise their health goals.

The highlight of the program is the constant support with appointments with a naturopath, tailor made treatments with acupuncture and mentoring sessions.

WATER THERAPY

Nature is in abundance here at the property which teeters on a hilltop. Dense jungle and huge ancient boulders give way to a stunning 250-metre natural beach with a seafloor carpeted by coral and shells.

The 25-metre lap pool offers stunning panoramic views of surrounding islands and there is also a leisure pool with marble steps which is an ideal space for soaking up the atmosphere and late afternoon sunshine.

HOLISTIC HEALTH MEETS HOSPITALITY

The Kamalaya experience is a 360-approach with the founders believing that what people ingest is equally as important to wellbeing as physical activity. One of the highlights of this retreat is the incredible menu, which is incredibly extensive ranging from the freshest of ingredients with options catering for guests who are on particular programs or have food intolerances. Dishes range from freshly caught fish, traditional Thai delicacies and crunchy salads – the only dilemma is what to choose. Daily juices are blended freshly with liquid goodness from kale and wheatgrass to ginger tonics.

SERENE ACCOMMODATION

The accommodation options on the island are extensive and cater to any budget from hilltop rooms to suites and villas. The spacious rustic villas are tucked away in lush green foliage offering plenty of privacy with twin rooms featuring a large private balcony complete with daybeds ideal for relaxing and an outdoor rain shower to soak up the atmosphere. Daily seasonal fruits are offered along with complimentary amenities.

The retreat is ever evolving and the latest wellness treatments adapting to the growing market is top priority for the future. Owner Chakrit Sakunrit who landed on the island for a short stay that extended to a two and a half month sabbatical and finally an opportunity to purchase the property in 2021 says while the programs will be ever evolving he wants to ensure returning guests get the familiar experience Kamalaya is renowned for: “I am committed that this property will never change,” he smiles.

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Kamalaya also offers a training program with incentives for wellness and beauty therapists – to help with their future learning and also to make sure guests experience incredible treatments can you share with us some details about this program?

“Kamalaya offers an extensive training program with incentives designed to foster continuous learning and ensure our guests receive exceptional treatments. Our massage therapists and practitioners undergo rigorous training before engaging with guests, beginning with formal education and certification, followed by a two-year modulebased training in Kamalaya’s Wellness for Life Academy.”

What are some of the learnings for the therapists?

“These training programs immerse them in our unique philosophy of holistic therapy, including its spiritual elements. The curriculum encompasses hands-on training, theoretical study of anatomy and physiology, and Reiki attunement, enriching the therapeutic experience. Therapists must complete case studies assessed by our academy and wellness management team, ensuring proficiency and readiness. Annual refresher courses maintain treatment consistency and therapeutic focus. This rigorous training program not only supports professional development but also guarantees unparalleled treatments for Kamalaya’s guests.”

How many wellness staff do you have on the property and how do you recruit these amazing staff?

“Kamalaya boasts a team of over 100 multi-disciplinary wellness experts, each dedicated to supporting our guests’ journey to health and wellbeing. Our team comprises Thai therapists, registered nurses, TCM and functional medicine doctors, Ayurvedic specialists, naturopaths, meditation and lifestyle coaches, yoga teachers, nutritionists, energy healers, qualified fitness instructors, and spiritual life-enhancement mentors.”

How do you recruit this incredible team of wellness practioners?

“Our recruitment process is as meticulous as our wellness programs. We seek individuals who possess exceptional skills and credentials, and who embody our holistic wellness philosophy. This multistep evaluation assesses both technical expertise and alignment with our core values of empathy, mindfulness, and holistic care. Additionally, we host year-round retreats and workshops led by visiting teachers, healers, and practitioners, enriching our wellness offerings with diverse perspectives on health and healing. Through this rigorous recruitment and training process, Kamalaya ensures guests receive exceptional care from the finest wellness professionals.”

How many treatments would be performed per day?

“Kamalaya’s core concept focuses on wellness through resultoriented programs, tailored precisely to each individual. During the high season, our wellness sanctuary performs over 300 treatments daily, ensuring each guest receives the highest level of care and attention. Even in the off-peak season, we administer around 200 treatments per day, maintaining our commitment to providing exceptional wellness programs year-round.”

Where are the oils for the treatments from are they founded on the island or nearby?

“At Kamalaya, our bespoke range of essential oils, part of the Kamalaya Essentials brand, is developed right here in Thailand. We source our oils locally and organically whenever possible, collaborating with artisan farmers and suppliers who share our vision of holistic wellbeing. Each scent is meticulously crafted for specific therapeutic purposes - be it relaxation, rejuvenation or energising effects - enhancing the efficacy of our treatments and enriching the overall guest experience.”

Are there any other expansion plans for Kamalaya for 2025?

“As we approach our 20th anniversary in November 2025, we are excited to share key developments about our expansion plans. We envision further enhancing our offerings and facilities to continue evolving as a destination for holistic wellness. More details about these exciting plans will be shared progressively, keeping our partners and guests informed about our journey towards even greater heights in wellness and health.”