As a wellness travel advisor, I often seek out destinations that support both physical health and spiritual renewal. Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary on Koh Samui is one of those rare places.
When you need a luxury retreat filled with healthy eating, exercise, spirituality, and warm tropical weather, head to Kamalaya.
I had dreamed of visiting Thailand, and at one point I even thought about moving to the island of Samui. Time passed, and I ended up staying in North America. However, while traveling throughout Europe and the UAE, I was under the weather and wanted — and needed — extra health support, so I decided to travel to Kamalaya, a luxury health and wellness resort on Koh Samui.
I did not have any expectations other than to feel better by the end of my stay. Before departure, I was contacted by a naturopath about my intention and the support I would need. I chose the Comprehensive Balance & Revitalize Program.
The Arrival
Koh Samui is a short one-hour flight from Bangkok. You will arrive at one of the cutest little airports.
Your wellness program will likely include a transfer from the airport, so you will be whisked away as soon as you land in an air-conditioned and comfortable car. The resort is about a 45-minute drive to the south of the island.
Accommodations
As is customary for me, I stayed in three different locations — two suites and one villa.
The first was a Suite with Sea View located near the welcome reception and restaurant. It was lovely. My only gripe was that it was a bit dark and not as private since the restaurant was within earshot. Still, it offered a beautiful sea view.
The second location was a Garden View Villa with a tiny sea view. However, the villa itself was incredible. I felt like I was sleeping in a tree house.
The third location was one of their Superior Suites with Sea View, and that was my favorite.
The Schedule
I arrived and had a Wellness Consultation with a naturopath who sat and listened to my pain points and what I hoped to accomplish while staying at Kamalaya. I was given an intensely packed schedule filled with a variety of treatments, along with daily herbal supplements and dietary suggestions for meals.
Following the consultation, I met with a nurse who recorded my stats: weight, blood pressure, temperature, and other basic health measurements.
The schedule was carefully curated and intuitively arranged for what would hold the best outcome for my wellness program. If I wanted, I was able to add sessions à la carte or move sessions to a different time.
(By the way, there are a variety of Wellness Programs, which can be viewed on their website.)
A sample daily schedule included:
• Traditional Asian Foot Massage for 60 minutes
• Chi Nei Tsang for 30 minutes
• Acupuncture for 60 minutes
• Meeting with a Life Enhancement Mentor
I was blown away by the variety of treatments and the quality of practitioners and service.
Free Time
There was also time to lounge by the pool or beach, take fitness classes, schedule a day excursion, or simply read a book in your room or in one of the many places to relax.
Make sure you check out the Art Studio and Gift Shop, too. There is quite a lot to tempt you, and you might be perfectly okay with that once you see the beautiful goods they have on site.
Cuisine and Dining
You will not go hungry here. The wide and varied traditional Thai menu will delight your taste buds.
There is something for everyone. No matter your dietary restrictions, they have you covered. Every night I tasted something different, and if you need a particular order, they will accommodate. There is also a Detox Menu available.
You can order according to your meal plan or à la carte. Either way, it is a tasty and satisfying experience!
Community Table
Every morning for breakfast and every night for dinner, a Community Table was set for solo travelers, friends, or couples who would like to meet other guests.
It is a wonderful option and offers the opportunity to meet new friends, perhaps even a new love interest, and travelers from all over the world!
No-Phone Zone
As a suggestion, the team at Kamalaya encourages you to leave your phone and laptop in your room and off for most of your stay.
Your restful retreat is meant to be unencumbered by digital stimulation and interference. I found it quite rejuvenating to be fully present with my surroundings.
You may as well!
Staff
All the practitioners, nurses, therapists, mentors, and visiting specialists, were excellent.
Some of the most skilled people in their fields work at Kamalaya. The entire staff was exceptional, friendly, and even humorous at times!
Land
The resort is located on a steep hill, so be prepared to strengthen your legs and improve your cardio. 🙂
Don’t worry though, there are golf carts available to take you around when you need a rest.
With the hills come beautiful views, and you won’t want to miss those.
One note of advice: if you are looking for a true beach resort experience, the month of May may not be the best time to visit, as the tide was low during my stay and made swimming difficult most of the time.
Also, since this is a tropical island, there were quite a lot of mosquitoes when I visited. The resort sprayed the grounds frequently, and it is still helpful to be prepared.
You might even see a millipede in your room from time to time. They will not bite.
For travelers seeking a structured wellness retreat with professional practitioners and personalized programs, Kamalaya offers a deeply supportive environment.
Summary
At the end of my stay, which included extending my visit, I felt restored and supported for the next leg of my journey.
This is an authentic luxury holistic health and wellness resort, and I would not hesitate to return.
Although it is listed as a four-star property on many travel sites, I would easily classify Kamalaya as a five-star experience.
Do yourself a favor and go!
Update 2026
This review was originally written after my stay at Kamalaya in 2018 and first published on LiveLightandTravel.com, which now continues within The Happy Channel®. In 2026, I updated the article to reflect my continued work as a wellness travel advisor and to share this experience with travelers seeking restorative retreats in Thailand.
Plan Your Stay
Would you like to experience a retreat at this beautiful and luxurious wellness sanctuary?
Contact me today to learn more about planning your stay at Kamalaya.
