The science of medicine is simple. It begins with an investment at the cellular level with and to everything we know in our hearts to be good. I felt this investment in me from the moment I began to plan my visit to Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary and Holistic Spa in Thailand for a detox retreat Koh Samui style. Kamal meaning “lotus,” and alaya meaning “realm,” I learned once I arrived that the name embodies the essence expressed at Kamalaya; it is one of encouraging growth and discovery of self and spirit, of “feeling life’s potential,” and of learning about the vitality of your body and all of the beautiful ways you can feed it – heart, body and spirit, with natural and loving medicine.
Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary and Holistic Spa resort is located on the island’s beautiful south-east. Image © Pat Bailey
The land that Kamalaya is built on is sacred land, land loved for a long, long time by monks and other indigenous people who gave more than they took and you can feel this from the moment you step through the front gates of the property. The Monk’s Cave, found near the holistic spa and treatment centre, has been lovingly kept in-tact, and serves as a beautiful reminder of ancient times. It is the heart of the place, both literally and symbolically because of the energy felt in the cave. It is the perfect place to wander into and sit quietly and meditate or just listen. Candles, offerings, pillows and incense are available as well as many spiritual relics and alters to show your devotion. The Thai culture is a gentle one, one of grace and humility, and gratitude. Everyone I met during my stay at Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary is in service, fully and unconditionally, in service with love and devotion.
The land that is home to Kamalaya is considered to be sacred and the grounds are lovingly tended to. Image © Pat Bailey
Nestled into a lush green hillside Kamalaya promotes rest, relaxation and healing on Koh Samui island. Image © Pat Bailey
There are so many beautiful hidden pockets for guests visiting Kamalaya to seek out moments of peace and privacy. Image © Pat Bailey
Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary is located on Koh Samui’s South Eastern coast. Image © Pat Bailey
Low tide at the beach at Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary. Image © Pat Bailey
I arrived to receive my very first of many fresh chilled lemongrass cloths and a tropical welcome drink. This combination, and others with various scents and herbs, became a cherished part of my stay and I will always associate the smell of lemongrass with the healing that I experienced at Kamalaya.
Because Kamalaya is devoted to wellness, every guest that arrives is given a personalised program based on their needs and intentions if they desire this type of experience. The sanctuary and the team are composed of various disciplines and practitioners of holistic medicine with treatments ranging from Ancient Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, and many other global schools, to Reiki and Thai Massage. The mind, body and spirit healing approach takes place at the “cellular level” with an initial Body Bioelectric Impedance Analysis which measures vitality. From there, guests meet with a naturopath who consults with them one-on-one regarding their stay, program and intentions.
Pat enjoying the infinity pool and stunning views during her detox retreat at Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary, Thailand. Image © Pat Bailey
My visit to Kamalaya came on the heels of a 7-day detox retreat in Phuket, and my hope was to follow the detox with additional mind, body, spirit healing and guidance on how to continue the healthy lifestyle on my own in the future. My consultation with the naturopath was personal and gave me an overall plan for the week of my stay which included diet, exercise and various treatments provided by the team at Kamalaya. I left this initial consultation feeling incredibly happy to be there and in loving hands for my planned stay ahead.
Gorgeous open air living space at Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary. Image © Pat Bailey
The beautifully calm and inviting pool looking out to the ocean at Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary. Image © Pat Bailey
Pool Villa
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My Pool Villa was centrally located on the property within walking distance to the spa, the monk’s cave, yoga platform, beach and pools and all of the restaurants on property. It also had an incredible view of the beach from the private jungle deck with plenty of room to enjoy a nap or journalling and sunset tea gazing in the afternoons.
My favourite part about this suite, and what makes it unique to any other room at Kamalaya, is the inner, private courtyard with an outdoor bathing pool and waterfall. This courtyard connects the separate living room space, the outdoor bathroom space and the separate sleeping space, and it provides the perfect private respite with the sound of water which you can hear from the bedroom.
Every bit of my stay was catered to the holistic plan set in place on the day I arrived. Because I was transitioning from my detox, caution was given to go slow, eat intentionally and enjoy the spa treatments. A schedule of treatments per day was waiting for me in my villa when I arrived, along with a plate of fresh, organic fruit.
The luxurious living space provided plenty of room to do just that, live. I enjoyed the open-air shower and melted into the king-size bed each night with the glow of the courtyard and pool and the sound of the water lulling me to sleep.