KERRY'S STAY AT KAMALAYA WELLNESS SANCTUARY, KOH SAMUI

As you settle into the plush leather seats of your transfer vehicle for the 45-minute transfer to Kamalaya from Koh Samui airport, it’s a glimpse of the pampering to come.

Air-conditioned luxury, the beaming smile of the driver as he hands you a cold scented towel and supplies of snacks and water to enjoy on the way.

The entrance driveway leads into a tropical garden. A welcome drink in reception and then a tour of the facilities by golf buggy before being dropped to your room. There are several room categories, some with wonderful views, plunge pools or easy access to the beach. The rooms are spacious and comfortable. Mine had a very large balcony and an indoor/outdoor shower. The retreat is well spread out in lush tropical gardens with streams and waterfalls. Very tranquil. The location on the side of a hill is relatively steep, but buggies are readily available to assist you should you prefer not to walk.

Before you leave home you can have a conversation with a member of the wellness team about the various programmes and what you might like to focus on. Burnout, stress relief, weight loss, a healthy reset to name a few. There are mentors available to talk with. There are over 100 wellness staff and over 70 treatments, so what to do is not an easy decision! There is an initial wellness consultation on arrival. It’s all very flexible. Often as the consultation takes place you may be guided towards a different focus. Everyone staying here is on a wellness program, you cannot simply stay without the wellness focus. As well as the programs there are regular sessions of yoga, meditation, qi gong, walks, various pools, a gym, saunas, and steam rooms etc. You will be so busy relaxing!

To that point I recommend you book a few extra days, so that your program can be spread out and you have more time to enjoy all the other opportunities provided. Stay 7 and book a 5 day package, or stay 10, book 7 days of wellness.

Many of the guests are repeat visitors. Their annual wellness reset. Often guests arrive on their own and most of the 47 rooms are sold as singles. That means the guest numbers are low in comparison to the size of the retreat. It never seemed crowded.

There is a wide variety of guests, some single ‘corporate types’, people of all ages, shapes, and sizes. There were friends, mother and daughters and couples, sometimes struggling to see each other especially if they are on different programmes. One couple I met chose to book a cooking lesson so they could have some time doing an activity together! Another reason to add extra days. You can dine on your own or there is a communal dining table. I joined the communal table, meeting lovely people from around the world. There was much laughter as we recounted our experiences of the day, some of the treatments are quite ‘unusual’!

The menu is substantial and divided into Detox and Regular, but the focus for all is on fresh, healthy, and delicious! I chose the detox program and was a bit worried it might be three days of carrot juice!! I can honestly say I just loved the food. It was varied and delicious served, alongside a huge variety of creative Mocktails and Detox juices.

I do plan to make a return visit and allow for a longer stay. Make some time in your diary for you and wellness. Let us help you book your retreat at Kamalaya.

I was only there for 3 nights. Did it ‘change my life’? Yes actually! One month later I am still eating more healthily, exercise has increased, alcohol consumption is down to ‘occasionally’ and ……. I have bought a juicer.! 😊