Our Review of Kamalaya: A Transformational Wellness Retreat in Thailand

If you’re searching for a place to truly recharge - body, mind, and soul - Kamalaya in Koh Samui is a wellness sanctuary I wholeheartedly recommend. Nestled on the quieter southern coast of the island, this award-winning retreat offers a deeply holistic approach to wellbeing. From the moment I arrived, I knew I was in for something special. Everything about Kamalaya feels intentional, from the lush natural setting to the transformative wellness programmes, it’s a space that invites deep rest and reflection.

Getting to Kamalaya

Getting to Koh Samui was smooth and scenic. After a quick connecting flight, the final hour in the air offered gorgeous aerial views of the island. Once I landed at Koh Samui’s charming airport (recently voted the ‘Most Beautiful Airport in Asia’), I was warmly greeted by Kamalaya’s driver and whisked away in a plush, air-conditioned SUV. Cold towels, refreshing water, and a calm, comfortable 45-minute drive set the tone perfectly for the days ahead.

First Impressions of the Retreat

Arriving at Kamalaya felt like entering another world. Built into a jungle hillside that overlooks the turquoise sea, the retreat blends effortlessly into its natural surroundings. At the heart of the property lies the sacred Arjan Cave, once used by Buddhist monks as a meditation space. You can really feel the peaceful energy radiating from that part of the retreat - it's the spiritual anchor of Kamalaya.

The design is earthy and understated, with thatched pavilions, lotus ponds, and stone paths winding through tropical foliage. I loved how disconnected I felt - in the best way. Phones are only allowed in your room or the library, encouraging you to unplug and just be. Wandering the retreat grounds felt like a meditation in itself. I loved getting lost among the lush, green pathways, exploring the thatched-roof buildings, airy pavilions, waterfalls, and lotus ponds. Although some of the hills are steep, the map provided helped me navigate, and buggies are available for anyone with mobility concerns.

The facilities are exceptional: two swimming pools, infrared saunas, a steam cave carved into the rock, plunge pools, a yoga sala, a gym, and a small beach (tidal and not ideal for swimming, but great for paddleboarding and peaceful walks).

What truly stood out for me at Kamalaya was the exceptional hospitality. Many of the staff have been at the retreat for years, and their expertise was clear in the personal care they offered. It was no surprise that I met several repeat guests, some of whom had visited multiple times in just a few years.

My Villa Sea View

I stayed in a Villa Sea View, which offered a serene blend of indoor and outdoor living. The bed was cloud-soft, the bathroom had an outdoor shower, and the terrace was the perfect place to watch the sea change colour throughout the day. It was private, peaceful, and full of thoughtful details - like a pillow menu, herbal teas, a refillable water bottle, and even a journal.

Kamalaya has over 12 different room types, from hillside suites and jungle bungalows to beachside villas. Whether you prefer a room nestled in the trees or one with sea views, there’s something to suit every preference.

Dining at Kamalaya

The food here deserves its own spotlight. Kamalaya’s cuisine is nourishing, vibrant, and absolutely delicious. Breakfast was a superfood buffet with fresh salads, fruit, homemade breads, and a rainbow of healthy milks and shots. Lunch and dinner are à la carte, with menus for regular, detox, and weight management guests.

My favourite dishes included the Thai-style pomelo salad, coconut vegetable curry, and the cacao avocado mousse. Meals are served in open-air restaurants - Amrita Café by the pool and Soma Restaurant on the hillside - with panoramic views and a gentle breeze.

As a solo traveller, I appreciated the communal dining table set up each morning and evening. It created a lovely sense of connection without ever feeling forced.

My Wellness Programme: Embracing Change and Emotional Harmony

Kamalaya is known for blending ancient Eastern wisdom with modern Western practices, and it shows in their wellness offering. With over 18 wellness programmes and more than 70 treatments available, there’s something to support every kind of healing journey - stress, sleep, detox, burnout, emotional healing, and more.

I chose the Embracing Change and Emotional Harmony programme. After some personal and professional ups and downs, I was looking for tools to help manage stress and reconnect with myself. This programme was exactly what I needed.

It began with a consultation with a naturopath who tailored my schedule. I was encouraged to try everything from Chinese medicine and abdominal massage to pranayama breathing and meditation. The flexibility to add or shift sessions made the experience feel truly personal.

My sessions Embracing Change sessions with Raj, my mentor, were eye-opening. We explored emotional patterns, stress triggers, and gentle strategies for self-compassion. Through guided meditation and conversation, I felt seen, supported, and inspired.

Spa & Holistic Therapies

Each treatment built on the emotional work I was doing:

• Chi Nei Tsang (abdominal massage)

• Traditional Thai massage

• Head massage and herbal foot soak

• Acupuncture and cupping therapy

  
  

  All set in airy treatment rooms open to the jungle sounds - so soothing, I often left floating.

The Wellness Facilities at Kamalaya

Kamalaya’s facilities are vast and deeply supportive of personal growth. There’s a three-storey gym overlooking the sea, a Reformer Pilates studio, yoga and meditation halls, and daily group classes, all designed to support your personal growth, from workshops and emotional well-being sessions to mindful living, yoga, meditation, and fitness classes. There are also cooking classes and cultural excursions available, all aimed at empowering you to make lasting lifestyle changes.

I also visited the Longevity House, which offers functional medicine therapies like IV Therapy, Hyperbaric Oxygen, and Ozone Therapy. These are fantastic add-ons if you’re looking to explore the science of longevity and healthy ageing.

My Personal Verdict of Kamalaya

Kamalaya is more than just a beautiful retreat - it’s a place that meets you where you are, then gently nudges you forward. My time here was deeply healing. I left feeling emotionally lighter, physically stronger, and more aligned with what I need to feel balanced.

It’s a space where the natural world, ancient healing, and modern wellness come together in the most elegant, supportive way.

Who’s Kamalaya for

 This retreat is ideal for:

• Anyone seeking emotional healing or stress relief

• Travellers looking for a luxury wellness retreat in Thailand

• Solo guests wanting time to reflect and reconnect

• Guests curious about combining Eastern and Western healing practices

• Those looking to make sustainable lifestyle changes

Whether you're working through burnout or simply craving stillness, Kamalaya offers a truly transformational wellness journey.

Ready to Book Your Wellness Retreat at Kamalaya?

If you're interested in booking your life-enhancing wellness retreat to Kamalaya, enquire here or call to speak to one of our specialists on +44 (0)203 886 0082.