Another amazing stay at this fabulous resort- the staff, spa and cuisine are all amazing and make it a truly relaxing experience particularly as a solo traveller. I can thoroughly recommend their new Structural Revival programme and left feeling more mobile in my lower back than I have in years. Put your phone away, breath and relax.
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The property is laid out on both sides of a hillside, so it is quite a climb up and down to get to the restaurants and the beach, and the fitness center on the other side. It seems that the expectation is to walk up and down as buggies are not very prevalent. And even if they come for you, it might be a bit of wait and they may also leave to go elsewhere. So expect to walk up and down a fair bit on steep inclines in this resort.
For the rooms, they are rustic. There is no central air-conditioning so you have one air-conditioning unit service the entire "villa suite" which is not a suite but an entry way, one big open room with a living area, desk and then a few steps up, a bed. The bathroom is outside, without air-conditioning, and has only a large open area with a shower. So it is not possible to take a relaxing bath.
I had a sea view villa suite but the sea view was limited between the trees and the rooftop of other villas in front. On the plus side, there was a nice balcony outside. For the darkout shades in the room, these let in light from all sides and plus did not cover the peaked part of the roof. So if you require complete dark out like myself, you are out of luck here. There is light starting at the crack of dawn.
Regarding the property and the programs, the a-la-carte food was surprisingly excellent but the property including the restaurants all have a "digital detox" policy which means no use of cell phones or tablets, even to read. This seemed a bit draconian to me as I did not sign up for a digital detox and do enjoy catching up on the day's news on my phone. In line with their policy, they only give you one hour of free wifi for the entire stay. While I can appreciate that some may want to get away from technology, why impose it on everyone? Can't there be separate areas for those who wish to consult their technology? And while I can understand about being mindful, what about all the noise from the guests talking, partying and babies crying?
As for the shared classes, some of them were really great BUT they were very crowded (some between 20 - 30 people). It would have been better if they offered more and smaller classes. I also took a tour of Koh Samui island but the tour guide offered little information and didn't find it necessary to introduce herself. So it may not be the best activity to do.
The spa, on the other hand, had some interesting offerings. I had great Chi Nei Tsang massages but the Ayurvedic seemed run-of-the-mill treatments. The various steam, plunge pools are spread-out, up and down and in different locations and the changing rooms are small and functional.
Dear VoyageurW,
Thank you for sharing your descriptive review of Kamalaya and for complimenting our healthy cuisine and authentic spa treatments. We also appreciate your constructive feedback as this helps us to identify areas for development opportunities.
At Kamalaya, our intention is to provide a safe and relaxing wellness sanctuary where guests can disconnect from the outside world and focus on achieving their personal health goals. Our findings show that guests achieve more substantial results when they take time to breathe, grant themselves some ‘me-time’ and appreciate the present moment; basically when they switch off.
Rather than impose a rigid digital detox policy throughout Kamalaya, we strongly request that guests don’t distract others by using mobile phones and other devices in public areas. This requirement supports the effectiveness of our wellness programmes, helps others who may have digital dependency concerns, and creates the opportunity for greater interaction with fellow guests. It also promotes a sense of community sometimes lacking in our everyday lives which the majority of our guests do welcome. Those wishing to spend time online or remain digitally connected still have the opportunity to do so in the privacy of their rooms.
Thank you once again for your understanding and for being our guest at Kamalaya.
General Manager
Kamalaya is elegantly designed over a beautiful cliff and offers a large range of programs. I was on the relax and renew package with my partner. It was such a great environment to disengage from the stimuli of overdoing in city life. As a vegan, the meals were perfect for me. They also have non-vegan options and allow flexibility in designing how you eat.
I can safely say that I don’t need anymore massages for a few weeks. I had so many varying treatments that came with the package. I would highly recommend Puh, the male Thai massage therapist if you’re wanting deep acupressure work (ideal for athletic body types).
The service is impeccable. The staff are all warm smiles and so full of humility. My partner accidentally burned himself making tea, and kept it quiet. Somehow, someone found out about it, and they sent a nurse to us in the restaurant during dinner and she came back with freshly cut aloe vera from the garden.
There are a variety of movement classes to try. As a mover, I appreciated all of them. Breathing and meditation start at 7:30 am and yoga starts at 8:30 am. I would suggest they put the two together and do breathing and meditation for 20-30 min after yoga, and make it a 90 min experience versus two 2 hour classes. And to start it earlier at 7 am. So that I can eat breakfast before 10 am.
If you’re looking for an urban escape and to connect deeply into yourself with plenty of quiet time for self-reflection and contemplation, this is the peaceful haven for you.
Pros:
- Great food;
- Great spa and massages; and
- Exceptionally nice and friendly dinner and spa staff (10 stars for them). Let me stress this again - they were absolutely superb, no complaints.
Cons:
- Daft "digital detox" where they give you one hour of wi fi for your entire stay (unless you choose to buy extra) and put little signs everywhere in the hotel telling you not to use mobile phones;
- No bars whatsoever anywhere in the hotel;
- Despite the booking agent advertising that local alcohol (not imported alcohol) is included in the price, this is not true as you in fact have to pay extra for all alcohol, and you do not even get given a drinks menu with alcohol on it unless you ask for it;
- No evening entertainment;
- Limited communal areas (the only way to meet other people is at the communal table or one of the activities, as there are no bars and basically no communal areas); and
- Beach not great and limited watersports.
Summary:
If you like reading your book in the evenings, come here.
If you would like to go to a health spa, but not at the cost of having fun on your holiday, go to Bodyholiday in St Lucia in the Caribbean (I went there two years ago and hoped this would be similar, but it is not).
Dear Grant C,
Thank you for your positive feedback about our spa treatments, healthy cuisine and friendly hosts. As you mention in your review, Kamalaya is a wellness sanctuary and holistic spa dedicated to helping people achieve their personal health goals. The majority of our guests come specifically to disconnect from the busy world around them and reconnect with themselves in a peaceful and beautiful natural environment. To help support this, Kamalaya encourages ‘digital detox’ throughout the resort to avoid guests feeling disturbed by mobile phones or other devices that can disrupt their experience.
We would also like to clear up any potential misunderstanding about the inclusion of alcohol at Kamalaya. None of our wellness programs include alcohol of any kind so this is not something that we mention in advertising or other communications to our guests.
Whilst your stay at Kamalaya may not have provided the entertaining holiday that you were looking for, we do hope the overall experience left you feeling healthier and re-energised.
I travel often and rarely write a review. Kamalaya is not only magical because of its beautiful peaceful grounds, it's the people here who make it a memorable passage in time. Thank you Kamalaya team.
Dear Farid Sukhon,
What a pleasure it was to welcome you as our guest. I enjoyed our discussions and am delighted to hear that your stay at Kamalaya had such a positive outcome. Thank you for your kind attention to the team.
Overall a beautiful resort with gentle local staff but unfortunately poorly maintained and not well managed. If we had paid 30 to 50 % less of what was charged, it would have been acceptable ! Definitely not worth the money ! The Wellness center is the weak point of this resort and the rooms are dated. The best was the food, it was truly amazing ! Breakfast was incredible and lunch & dinner were also very pleasant. The chef is really talented.
First, it is important to explain that when you book this resort, they ask you to pay 100 % in advance which was a bit surprising.
We booked 2 Detox courses for 7 days and 9 nights to be more relaxed (2 additional nights paid for on top of the package)
Arriving at the resort, we found the site incredible. The staff was welcoming but not very precise on the program we were to follow.
The rooms were dated, too many maintenance works took place and the wellness center was not properly managed even though the facilities were amazing. What a pity !
Rules within the resort were not observed at all times. For example, couples of times guests were on the phone in the reception of the wellness center and no staff told that a man talking very loud to stop using his mobile even though there are signs telling people to refrain from using mobile phones in restaurants and other lounges. Also 2 people were using their phone for over an hour during dinner time , taking photos and posting on social media with all the notifications sounds on. Maybe they were social influencers invited by the hotel as the staff didn’t seem to care ?
Do not expect to go for a swim in the sea, the water is very shallow and the sea floor is muddy. Also there are tides so sometimes there is no water at all unless you walk all the way to the reef.
Too many maintenance works were taking place at the same time at the resort. We wondered why we were not informed when we booked and also when we checked in ? Why no compensation was offered to the guests, not even a gesture ? Various Sala roofs near the swimming pool & beach restaurant were being renovated all week (drilling and knocking sounds during meal times).
There were also maintenance works by the lap pool on Monday that week.
One thing we found most annoying was the great number of golf carts driving around the resort at all times. we were constantly stepping aside of the main walking path at least twice on each way to the restaurant or reception.
About the Wellness Center :
The main disappointment came from the Wellness center, it was not running smooth and made us very stressful during our stay.
Vegan Protein drinks are available but we only found out on 4 th day by chance after doing the colon therapy. When we checked for the Detox program or saw the doctor they should have asked us what type of Protein Drink we should be served.
During our time there, 2 steam rooms were out of order for almost 5 days.
One day after coming out of infra red sauna, I took a shower as usual and once out of the shower my pyjamas were gone. had to come out wrapped in a towel . Unpleasant.
On one day we went for separate treatments my wife & I only to find out when we arrived in the infra red sauna that they booked us together in the same tiny room. while they asked us if we would like to have massage in the same room or separate room they do not ask couples about infra red sauna if they like to be together or separate.
Once the infrared sauna had a strong smell of cleaning product, they put me directly in the room amd immediately came out with skin burning sensation , what is the point to take a detox course if we get intoxicated with cleaning products? they need to allow enough time between the guests session to clean and ventilate properly. Not professional.
Also the showers were not cleaned after infra red sauna. There was a horrible shower booth full of fungus on the walls, how can it be possible ?
We ended up really doubting the hygiene.
Some treatments are not up to the standard. A disappointing acupuncture session lasted only 30 mns while 75 mns were charged. The rest of the time was spent by the practitioner to talk bla bla even though we had filled in a form the night before and told him we had already experienced acupuncture.
Would like to say that I did a Reiki treatment which was excellent. The woman called “Sheena" was really professional.
But overall the Practitioners/Doctors working at the Wellness center are not professional enough, they need to improve their knowledge since nowadays all over the world many practitioners are qualified to offer detox courses and they permanently improve their knowledge. There are many resorts now offering this kind of course , so maybe it is time to step up if they really want people to keep coming.
Also the schedule set by the center seems too tight for the staff to be able to offer a pleasant experience to customers. They do not seem to have enough time to clean the treatment tables and the red sauna cabins & showers
The manager of the wellness center seems to be driven by performance than interested by the customers. We noticed him at several times walking to the office but never stopping to talk with clients in the reception of the Wellness center.
The Wellness center should be better managed , it is the weak point this resort.
Room :
Superior suite sold for 60 m2 but apparently the terrace seems to be included since the room/bathroom is about 45 m2 / check info
The room was dated , there were gaps in the sliding doors (insect crawl in from there).
Very noisy rooms and we could not have a good sleep during the whole time.We could hear all the rooms around us (guests closing closet doors, pulling chairs and closing toilet doors and walking around) from top to right and left. Bad noise proof isolation all over.
What is the point to spend so much money to do a wellness program if you can not sleep well .
Also the Air con was noisy even when on low speed. They should change it or maintain it better.
Mosquitos spraying around the resort happened 3 times during the week . It is very noisy and unpleasant.
On important detail : The fruits offered daily in the room don't take into consideration the fact we are on detox program (pear & kiwis served) . not professional enough
Room cleaning service was uneven : The room was not done even though the service sign was on door from 8 am onwards , back to the room at 1 PM on after lots of treatments to witness this was very unpleasant. It happened twice in a week, even we mentioned it to the reception.
The manager was new (arrived 1 month we were told) but seemed to care about client remarks and comments.
Something that I still do not get : They sell a 7 days / 7 nights package for detox course but how can one complete a full 7 days detox course with only 7 nights ?
I would suggest to offer 8 nights so guests can complete the course
Sorry for the long review, I hope it is useful to others
Dear Fabrice Vitali,
Thank you for sharing this detailed review which features numerous constructive points that we will take on board to help improve our services, and other comments that we politely acknowledge.
We truly regret that your personal expectations were not met on this particular occasion.
