KAMALAYA – Koh Samui, ThailandWhere peace and tranquility reign supreme

[dropcap]I [/dropcap] wonder why it took me so long to find my wings and fly away to an incredible haven of peace nestled beautifully on 9 acres of land, climbing from a pristine reef-protected beach to a 55 meter high hilltop with a 360° view of the beach, on the sunny island of Koh Samui. Driving through the populated Chaweng Beach and Lamai Beach to a more secluded part of the island, Kamalaya has used the natural terrain it lays on to the fullest. 

All the way down to the beach its rooms and villas lie nestled among dense foliage that offers absolute privacy. Disconnect with the outside world and

 the only sound you will hear is the birds chirping and running water. Kamalaya has integrated the surrounding landscape into the natural elegance of its architecture and design. Buildings are nestled amidst ancient granite boulders, streams and tropical vegetation, with existing rocks and trees unmoved. Rain and sunshine play games during the monsoon season, surprisingly both are refreshingly welcome. A power-walk on the beach early morning started with mild sunshine and ended up in an exhilarating rain drenched experience.
Easily accessible from most Indian cities, there is always a purpose for visiting Kamalaya. To just relax and let the body and mind unwind, to detox, for weightloss or for a myriad of programmes on offer that help you step down in tempo. The meticulous care and professional attention that you experience helps you quickly forget where you came from or the problems you face and help you concentrate on just one thing. YOU.[box border=”full”][dropcap]K[/dropcap]amalaya, interpreted as ‘Lotus Realm’ symbolises the unfolding of life’s potential, the opening of one’s mind, the discovering of one’s body, taking you gently down the path of complete wellbeing. This holistic wellness sanctuary provides a synergy of healing therapies from the East and the West, healthy cuisine that energises, holistic fitness practices, group retreats and individual wellness programs. It does more than give back some of what life takes away. It introduces you to a healthy lifestyle experience which will help you understand the way you’ve been living and transform the way you want to live.[/box] 

John & Karina Stewart with Marc-Antoine Cornaz

The story of Kamalaya began in 1982, in the far jungles of the Himalayas, where the founders John and Karina Stewart met. Inspiration was borne from the 16 years that John spent devoted to a life of service and spiritual studies in a Himalayan community, and Karina’s 22 years in the study and practice of diverse Asian healing and spiritual traditions, including her background as a doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Marc-Antoine Cornaz joined them in 2003 and his vast experience in hospitality management provided fullness to the team.

The Kamalaya experience is invisibly woven around three concepts which make the moments complete. Nature, which is abundant, surrounding you everywhere, helping you interact with nature’s elements drawing on universal energies. The human element with silent energy, come from all walks of life from all over the world. Refreshing interaction with diverse personalities including healers. teachers, hosts and guests opens one’s mind so effortlessly. Finally, holistic wellness, that connects body, mind, spirit and heart. All of Kamalaya’s programs are about promoting wellness on multiple levels; wellness of body, mind, spirit and emotions. Individual programs are created after a consultation, to discuss your individual needs, and programs can be specifically designed if you have an objective in mind. Group retreats start and end on particular dates and you share the experience with a group of other guests. Often these programs have workshops and discussions, and this group interaction is a powerful ingredient to the mix of therapies and activities. While these programs focus more on the physical as a solid foundation for a healthy and sustainable lifestyle, they still incorporate holistic benefits. Ideal Weight – helps to identify areas of physical imbalance and related emotional balance. Optimal Balance – is a personalised program to help you achieve your fitness goals and establish a healthier lifestyle balance. Every day of our lives we are exposed to external toxins from the environment and internal toxins produced as a byproduct of our digestive and metabolic processes. Toxic and unwanted inorganic chemicals found in water, foods and air in the form of fertilisers, heavy metals and pesticides expose us to micro-organisms and debris. Paint and carpet fumes, plastic containers, dry cleaned clothes, skin and hair care products bombard our bodies with unwanted pollutants. Our bodies also produce unwanted substances as a normal by product of our digestion and metabolism and the body can accumulate these waste products. If all systems are ago to their fullest detoxifying takes place automatically but when the body takes in more toxins than it can eliminate, a state of toxicity may occur. The process of eliminating these unwanted substances at the cellular level addresses and corrects the imbalance. Kamalaya’s detoxification program, is research based and combines medical science and holistic therapies, and is designed to enhance the body’s innate ability to handle toxins. While it is virtually impossible to eliminate

Herbal steam cavern, the Monk’s Cave which is an inspiring place for reflection and meditation; far infrared saunas

external toxins completely the body can be unburdened and supported in its natural

function of detoxification, so that it is better able to cope with the daily stresses of modern day life and establish a higher level of vitality. True healing comes from acceptance not resistance. With the absence of strict controls and rigid rules, you are able to naturally let go and open up. What you do, and how much or how little you do of it, is entirely up to you. It is your innate desire that drives your experience. Guests come with a purpose or goal in mind, neither are a pre-requisite. You can simply go to Kamalaya to relax and unwind and enjoy the restorative environment and complimentary offerings like daily holistic classes and consultations and as time goes by, you will be self driven to explore more. The team of health professionals and therapists include Traditional Chinese medicine doctors, Naturopaths, Homeopaths, Indian Ayurveda therapists, registered nurses, nutritionists, energy healers, an allopathic doctor, qualified fitness and yoga instructors and a dedicated team of gifted Thai therapists. You also have access to a range of exceptional visiting teachers, healers and practitioners. Kamalaya honours the sacredness of solitude and shares the joy of community. Recognising the merit of both metime and we-time you are never pressured to participate.

Kamalaya offers artful and inspired cuisine that is healing in function yet tantalising in appearance. Merging culinary traditions of East and West using fresh, tropical, and where possible, organic produce, the menus include extensive vegetarian options as well as seafood, poultry and lamb dishes. Customised meals are available for those undertaking a detox program or having special dietary requirements.

Kamalaya was created to provide an innovative answer to the growing needs of people who feel disillusioned, dissatisfied, disconnected, unwell and unhappy. Conceived as a place for healing and transformation. It offers a life changing experience. You can’t explain it…you have to live it.

Make that move in the right direction: log on to www.kamalaya.com

– Lynn Deas