There are wellness resorts, and then there is Keemala. The boutique property on Phuket’s west coast fuses history and myth in a narrative told through the most Insta-worthy architecture and lavish tree house accommodation. More than just a pretty face, Keemala offers a range of ‘Holistic Living Retreats’ for those wanting to purify, energise, unwind or rejuvenate in an uplifting environment—which is exactly why Compare Retreats is checking into this luxe property for a proper look around.
Location
Located in the rainforest on the west coast of Phuket island, Keemala is nestled into the hills of an evergreen wood. Approximately 45 minutes from Phuket International Airport, the resort is ideally situated between Patong Beach and Surin Beach, and overlooks the Andaman Sea.
Accommodation
Shaded by a canopy of trees and connected by a network of jungle walkways, the 38 villas at Keemala are one of the retreat’s most memorable signatures. There are four accommodation options: Clay Pool Cottages (126 square metres), Tent Pool Villas (140 square metres), Tree Pool Houses (169 square metres) and Bird’s Nest Pool Villas (185 square metres). Inspired by the ficitonal ‘four clans’ of ancient Phuket, each villa takes on a unique character in this mythical interpretation of Phuket’s history.
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Rustic yet lavish, each space has a private pool and flaunts innovative architecture, distinctive design elements and modern furnishings. All villas have king-size beds, plush ensuites with bathtubs and outdoor terraces with rainforest views. The Clay Pool Cottages can also be configured as a two-bedroom duplex for families.
Food Programme
Serving a ‘feast for the senses’, the kitchen at Keemala prepares flavoursome food using wholesome cooking techniques (minus any processed ingredients). Brimming with raw, macrobiotic, and slow-cooked foods, the resort’s ‘Healthy Living Cuisine’ menu incorporates an abundance of superfoods and caters to vegetarian and pescetarian diets.
Fresh fruits, veggies and herbs are sourced from local suppliers which are transformed into organic salads, light ‘spa cuisine’ and nutrient-dense juices. Gluten, wheat, dairy or sugar-free options are available.
Treatment Programme
Encouraging guests to ‘balance from within’ the wellness experiences at Keemala are based on four wellbeing themes: ‘Purify’ (detoxification focus), ‘Energise’ (fitness focus), ‘Unwind’ (stress-management focus), ‘Rejuvenate’ (anti-ageing focus).
Spanning three to six nights, all packages include mind and body therapies and spa treatments, holistic fitness instruction in yoga, meditation, Tai Chi, and healthy food.
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Keemala hosts various holistic practitioners on a rotating schedule, so traditional healing modalities such as Mayan massage, TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), Maori healing, aromatherapy, shiatsu and sound therapy are also on offer. Overseen by a wellness consultant who custom-curates inclusions to match specific needs, programmes are tailored to the individual.
Results
Expect to feel like you’ve stumbled upon Robinson Crusoe’s modern Thai hideaway. When booking your accommodation keep in mind that the Bird’s Nest Pool Villas are the biggest, but the Tree Pool Villas are more quirky: they’re spread over two floors and give you a true tree house experience. And of course—don’t forget your camera.
