A Koh Samui retreat that takes healthy living to the next level

Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary celebrates its 20th anniversary with a high-impact Brain Enhancement Wellness Program

Koh Samui was a temptress long before season three of The White Lotus. Thailand’s second largest island after Phuket, Koh Samui beckons with beaches, thick tropical jungle, rock formations, waterfalls, mystical caves and views to infinity.

The island is home to the award-winning Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary, fronting the Gulf of Thailand on the south-east side, a 45-minute drive from Koh Samui airport. 

In ancient Sanskrit, Kamalaya translates as “lotus realm”, the lotus symbolising purity, spiritual enlightenment, rebirth: an unfolding of the human spirit.

The resort, which celebrates its 20th anniversary later this year, was an early advocate of holistic health and has evolved into one of the world’s leading wellness retreats.

Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary blends Eastern and Western wellness philosophies with science and spirituality, nature and nurture. More than a spa indulgence, it’s where guests come to change their lives. There are 80-plus therapies and treatments to help do that. 

More than 100 certified wellness professionals are on call, including naturopaths, doctors of both traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine, registered nurses, nutritionists, life transformation experts, Ayurvedic and Thai therapists, fitness specialists and yoga, meditation, and pranayama teachers.

The resort offers a range of wellness programs that address detoxification, stress and burnout, gut health, sleep enhancement, movement and mobility, resilience and immunity, mental and emotional wellbeing, and longevity and regeneration.

Igniting the spirit

Wellness tourism is one of the hottest travel trends. The Global Wellness Institute recently valued the worldwide wellness travel market at A$950 billion. Everyone, it seems, wants to make mental health and wellbeing a priority. Kamalaya’s goal is to “help guests live life’s potential.”

Seeking clarity

Optimising brain function is also on the agenda in 2025, with Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary recently opening the Cognitive House and introducing an array of therapies designed to enhance cognitive function and mental wellbeing.

Launching in April is Kamalaya’s Brain Enhancement Wellness Program, which will offer advanced IV infusions, a supplement line, fitness and movement practices, cognitive therapies and holistic activities designed to nurture mental clarity and optimise cognitive function.

Says Gopal Kumar, Group Director of Wellness Development, “Our vision is rooted in the belief that every individual has the potential to achieve profound and lasting transformation. The initiatives we are introducing in 2025 reflect this commitment, offering our guests innovative pathways to elevate their wellbeing.

“Personally, I am inspired by the way Kamalaya harmonises the ancient wisdom of holistic health with the most advanced modalities, and I am excited for the positive impact these will have on lives around the globe.”

With its expansive outdoor space, open-air dining, lush tropical vegetation, cascading streams, the resort’s setting is an integral part of each guest’s experience. 

The best medicine

Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary is lush and layered. Pathways lined with palms, frangipani, and hot pink bougainvillaea thread their way between treatment rooms, yoga pavilions, pools and chic suites. There’s a 250m private beach and a cave once used by Buddhist monks for meditation. Golden dragonflies, vibrant blue butterflies and cheeky squirrels supply a Disney dazzle.

Seek out the meditation cave, Alchemy Tea Lounge, and the hot and cold plunge pools. The Leela steam room, with its lime and turquoise tiles, is very beautiful.

You are what you eat

Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary considers food at its most healing when close to its origins. To that end, chefs source fresh, seasonal and organic produce, and bypass processed foods, additives and preservatives. Cooking methods are gentle, to preserve vitamins, minerals and other nutrients.

The cuisine is a fusion of Eastern and Western preparation, and menus include many vegetarian options as well as fresh seafood and poultry. There are separate menus for those on Detox or Ideal Weight programs. Fresh juices, signature tonics, herbal teas and wines are also served.

Where to eat? Breakfast at Soma is “gut shots”, salads, fermented foods, eggs every which way, seeded breads and sweet potato pancakes, served until late morning. In the evening, Soma offers dishes such as lobster salad with avocado and smoked mango, buckwheat yakisoba noodles and chicken massaman curry with cauliflower rice. There’s an Ideal Weight menu and Keto choices. 

Order lunch at the more informal Amrita Cafe by the pool.

Island nights

Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary is positioned on a lush tropical hillside that slopes down to a private beach. There are 76 rooms, suites and spacious villas – some with private lap pools. Granite boulders, streams and tropical vegetation are part of the ambience.

Textured Asian textiles and artwork combine with modern amenities to create understated interiors. The palette is one of calming creams and neutrals with dark wooden furniture.

There’s an alfresco feel courtesy of semi-open bathrooms, outdoor terraces and balconies, expansive windows and views overlooking gardens or the Gulf.

Wellbeing, of course, doesn’t have to exclude fun. There’s plenty to do on Koh Samui between mouthfuls of yakisoba noodles. Visit the Fisherman’s Village, marine parks, the giant golden Buddha, night markets, an elephant sanctuary. Relax on one of the many beaches, go snorkelling or browse for souvenirs. Just don’t forget to breathe!

STAY: Double rooms from $400, excluding breakfast, with a three-night minimum stay. Three-day programs start from $2064, full board and including all consultations, treatments and access to group activities.  A Wellness Program for 11 nights is $8,562 plus accommodation. (Kamalaya Wellness programs are priced exclusive of accommodation.)

INFORMATION: www.kamalaya.com