Recalibrate the mind, body and soul in this Thai paradise

Pioneering cognitive science and ancient healing wisdom unite for the ultimate reset at Thailand’s Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary

When it comes to wellness, there’s a quiet revolution underway. In 2025, the focus of luxury retreats is not only on body and soul but cognitive health. That’s right, the brain is having a red-carpet moment. And Thailand is the new cognitive health frontier.

Increasing awareness of mental health and preventative health care are driving wellness-focused travel.

According to the Global Wellness Institute’s Wellness Economy Monitor, Thailand is ranked number one among the world’s top 25 wellness markets, growing from US$31.6 billion in 2022 to US$40.5 billion in 2023. Some 35 per cent of international visitors to Thailand today have a wellness agenda.

The Thai government has supported this growth with a five-year traditional Thai medicine development plan to boost wellness tourism. Its focus is on promoting and integrating traditional medicine, rigorously certifying wellness centres, developing alternative therapies, and evolving quality standards.

Tapping into this holistic health push is the Kamalaya Koh Samui: Wellness Sanctuary and Holistic Spa, set on the southern coast of Koh Samui, Thailand’s second-largest island. Known for its beaches, clear waters and lush rainforests, Koh Samui is a magnet for travellers seeking relaxation, adventure and new pathways to health.

Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary riffs on reconnection. The idea is you abandon the perpetual “ASAP” cycle and replace it with an ecosystem of nourishment, whether physical, mental or spiritual. To that end, the Kamalaya house style is relaxed, informal and ambient. It’s a vibe that channels the energies of nature, art, and healthy cuisine. A message with lots of “like” hearts!

Why wellness travel is booming

Kamalaya sees cognitive health as the cornerstone of a vibrant and fulfilling life. The sanctuary’s latest drawcard is Cognitive House, a pavilion introducing a revolutionary array of therapies designed to enhance cognitive function and mental wellbeing.

The holistic rollcall

Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary transcends luxury spa pampering, combining holistic medicine traditions from East and West to offer a menu of 70-plus therapies and treatments and 19 personalised Wellness Programs. There are more than 115 certified wellness professionals, including naturopaths, experts in western medicine, practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine, registered nurses, nutritionists, life transformation experts, Ayurvedic and Thai therapists, fitness specialists and yoga, meditation, and pranayama teachers.

Taking healthy living to the next level

Cognitive House treatments blend the latest cognitive science with ancient healing wisdom to sharpen focus, nurture mental performance, and enhance memory. The holy grail: more brain power.

It’s a voyage into the pointy end of wellness, drawing on such treatments as neurofeedback, brain stimulation therapy, neuro-lymphatic therapy, neuro-sync sound therapy, craniosacral therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and cognitive enhancement meditation.

Therapies claim to boost mental acuity and alleviate stress, enhance brain function and mood, balance brainwave activity to foster relaxation and focus, support detoxification and mental clarity, and to promote deep relaxation through various sleep states.

But Cognitive House is not only about treatments. It is a sanctuary designed to inspire top-to-toe wellbeing, to address not just immediate concerns but to create a foundation for long-term cognitive vitality and growth.

Brain health for the long haul

Newly launched is the Brain Enhancement Wellness Program, a comprehensive initiative combining advanced IV infusions, bespoke supplements, fitness and movement practices, cognitive therapies and holistic activities. Call it a juicy three-part harmony that stacks healing therapies, integrative medicine and personalised wellness solutions into a joyous wellness wail!

The Brain Enhancement Wellness Program sets its sights on addressing memory decline, brain fog, and anxiety, promoting sleep quality, and optimising brain function. During their stay, health-seeking guests will be working with a neurofeedback trainer, a wellness consultant, and a life-enhancement mentor.

The insider’s Koh Samui

Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary is this year celebrating its 20th anniversary. Guests return to the multi-award-winning wellness sanctuary and holistic spa for the open-air dining, lush tropical vegetation, waterfalls, 250 metres of private beach and a cave once used by Buddhist monks for meditation.

As well as the offerings at Longevity House (which opened in 2023 and is dedicated to preventive and rejuvenating health) and Cognitive House, expect top-drawer wellness, spa and fitness facilities, healthy magazine-cover cuisine, and a spell-binding location. Keep an eye out for special retreats on offer; coming up this year are Holistic Yoga Escape and Finding Emotional Balance and Freedom.

Food for thought

Food is a highlight at Kamalaya. Created by the sanctuary’s executive chef, Mohan Rawat, the inspired cuisine is a fusion of Eastern and Western cooking, featuring fresh seafood and poultry dishes and many vegetarian options. There are separate menus for guests on Detox or Ideal Weight programs. On call: fresh juices, signature tonics, herbal teas and wine.

Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary has 76 rooms, suites and villas with views overlooking lush jungle or the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Thailand.

Wellbeing, of course, isn’t all about sacrificing fun. There’s plenty to do on Koh Samui between yoga poses.

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 local shops souvenirs. Fill a week with boating trips, temples, hiking, waterfalls, beach clubs, nightlife and dazzling pools.

For more information about Cognitive House, visit kamalaya.com/cognitive-house/ or www.kamalaya.com

STAY: Double rooms cost from $420, excluding breakfast, with a three-night minimum stay. Three-day programs start from $2,064, including full board, 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.)