Discover: Keemala (Thailand)

PHUKET, Thailand — Fusing premium wellness facilities with an eco-friendly and ethical ethos, the Keemala resort in Thailand is proving that wellness travellers don’t have to substitute style for consciousness.

Instead, the forest retreat, nestled above the northwest coast of Phuket, is setting itself apart from its competitors in the region (of which there are an increasing amount), with a holistic approach to wellness that connects the dots between the wellbeing of its individual guests and that of the wider world.

The award-winning Thai-owned property, launched in 2015, might look the part with its Bird’s Nest pool villas, thatched spa pods and meditation cave, but beneath its premium aesthetic lies a commitment to the natural features of the landscape — trees, streams and waterfalls have been cleverly integrated into the resort’s design rather than tampering with the existing ecosystem.

the Keemala resort in Thailand is proving that wellness travellers don’t have to substitute style for consciousness.
Image: Keemala

Elsewhere, rescued water buffalo and chicken roam the pathways, while spa and kitchen staff pick fresh ingredients from the organic herb garden to create home-grown offerings. The goal is to immerse guests in a world of tradition, nature and the basics of living.

With health and wellness a central tenet throughout the resort, its Mala spa; comprising of eight treatment pods, are almost village like in stature. As well as offering a vast list of treatments and healing therapies, from massages and scrubs to restorative raindrop treatments and crystal reiki, guests can make use of sauna and steam rooms, with a number of treatment rooms designed to accommodate both individuals and couples.

In addition to curating a programme of guest practitioners, including chiropractors and nutritionists, which guests can book individual sessions with, for those who want more structure, Keemala also offers holistic retreats incorporating spa treatments, private fitness sessions such as yoga and Tai Chi, and daily spa cuisine.

the Keemala resort in Thailand is proving that wellness travellers don’t have to substitute style for consciousness.
Image: Keemala

Beyond its guest experiences, the hotel’s respect for the environment means only glass-bottled water is provided in the villas, paper straws are used instead of plastic, and as much as possible packaging for toiletries is made of cloth materials and recycled paper. The hotel also operates a strict policy against aligning itself with any tours or shows that exploit animals.

the Keemala resort in Thailand is proving that wellness travellers don’t have to substitute style for consciousness.
Image: Keemala

With conscious travel continuing to grow as a trend within the wellness industry, for luxury resorts in particular, in order to resonate with a wider demographic, it’s becoming more important than ever to provide an experience that enables guests to feel good about their presence.

According to a recent study by travel site Booking.com, almost half (49%) of those questioned said they consider social and environmental issues when deciding where they should travel, with 58% opting not to go to a destination if they are likely to leave a negative impact.

Today’s consumer is becoming more values-driven than ever, and with frontrunners like Keemala proving that luxury wellness travel can be responsible, the market is being revolutionised for the better.

Discover more at Keemala at: www.keemala.com

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