Amidst the lush green hills and overlooking the Andaman Sea’s pristine waters, the Keemala Resort villas in Phuket are nothing short of a revelation. Meticulously designed, these abodes seem to sprout organically from the verdant landscape, capturing the essence of a luxury retreat in symbiotic communion with nature.

Keemala in Phuket, Thailand

Conceived from a tapestry of local legends, the villas at Keemala are categorized into four distinct classes, each paying homage to the mythical clans believed to have once roamed the age-old forests of Phuket. Owned by the Somnam siblings—stalwarts of Phuket’s burgeoning hospitality scene—Keemala exudes an ethos centred on environmental stewardship and cultural conservation. It is a utopian vision where devotion to sustainability doesn’t compromise an iota of luxury, a rare accomplishment in the global luxury tourism market valued at approximately $213 billion in 2019.

Tarn and Note Somnam, whose family lineage in Phuket’s hotel industry is as long as it is storied, are not just business proprietors but also zealous custodians of local culture and environment. With 38 private villas that amalgamate elements of traditional Thai architecture with modern design, they offer an escape that extends beyond the physical world into a realm of mindful relaxation.

Keemala Executive Director Samornpun Sonnam

Upon waking up to the wafting aroma of freshly baked French croissants—a recipe adhered to with artisanal perfection—guests can opt for breakfast served in their villas on multi-tiered pintos or sit at the Mala Restaurant. The environment exudes an atmosphere where time slows down, enabling an indulgence in the sensory feast of the surrounding jungle from the privacy of one’s own terrace.

However, the indulgences are not just gastronomical but also spiritual and physical. The resort’s focal point remains its unswerving commitment to mindfulness and wellness, substantiated by an array of personalized fitness classes and traditional Thai martial art, Muay Thai. As of 2021, wellness tourism was a $639 billion global market and Keemala’s unique offering places it at the pinnacle of this lucrative segment.

Serving as the resort’s crowning glory is the “Enchanted Forest,” a labyrinthine jungle teeming with secluded retreats that offer pockets of serene solitude or romantic togetherness. For the incurably romantic, the forest is a sublime backdrop for weddings, curated to the minutest detail by Keemala’s seasoned wedding planners.

Beyond the forest’s enigmatic allure is a flourishing garden that caters to the resort’s Farm-to-Table philosophy. Remarkably, around 60% of the ingredients in the hotel’s culinary creations are sourced directly from this verdant plot. The culinary experience is rounded off with an exclusive afternoon tea that reflects the traditional flavours of Phuket, customized to meet various dietary preferences.

Keemala Executive Director Tanapong Sonnam

No luxury resort worth its salt can bypass the allure of a world-class spa, and Keemala’s Mala Spa is a sanctuary of holistic wellness. Many treatments incorporate traditional Thai healing arts and modern wellness practices.

Newly introduced in 2023, the Forest Bathing Retreat encapsulates a three-day program centred around meditation and guided forest bathing—scientifically proven to bolster mental and physical well-being.

As the sun sets over the Andaman Sea, the day at Keemala culminates with a gourmet dinner experience that can be tailored to various epicurean desires. From dining atop the resort’s rooftop overlooking the ocean to a private, candle-lit meal at the base of the Tree Towers, each experience is designed to be a treasured memory.

In essence, Keemala is more than a resort; it’s an experience—a multi-sensory journey that transcends traditional notions of hospitality to encapsulate an ethos of mindful luxury.

Written by: Kanda Limw

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