KAMALAYA ENTERS THIRD DECADE AS A WELLNESS HAVEN
editor MAREK BARTEK
As Kamalaya celebrated its 20th anniversary in November, the award-winning wellness retreat on Koh Samui is entering a new phase, building up on its core philosophy of holistic healing while expanding into areas reflecting the pace of modern life. What began two decades ago as a sanctuary for physical, emotional, and spiritual restoration has now grown into a place that considers the full spectrum of human wellbeing: how we think, how we age, and how we care for ourselves in a world that rarely slows down.
This evolution is most evident in the launch of the Kamalaya Cognitive House, introduced in early 2025. It marks the retreat’s first dedicated focus on cognitive performance — memory, focus, mental clarity — emphasising the role of cognition in long-term vitality. A few months later came the Brain Enhancement Program, designed as a practical pathway for those whose brain hasn’t felt fully “online” in a while. It’s not about becoming more productive, rather about clearing the fog. Think of it as support for focus, memory, and mental stamina through nutrition, targeted therapies, nervous-system regulation and proper rest.
At the same time, Kamalaya has leaned deeper into the emotional and interpersonal side of wellness. The Wellness Guardians connect with Kamalaya’s guests to guide and mentor them through in-person sessions. It’s a continuation of the retreat’s long-standing belief that inner stability is just as essential as physical health.
Not every guest arrives with the same needs, of course, which is why personalised pathways remain central. The Radiant Bliss for Women’s Health at Every Stage of Life program, introduced in late 2023, is designed for those seeking hormonal balance — a complex issue that affects energy, weight, sleep, and overall quality of life. Rather than offering quick solutions, it integrates nutrition, naturopathy, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and movement to create a realistic, supportive structure.
Still, Kamalaya’s identity hasn’t changed at its core. Much of the experience is shaped by its environment and by the food philosophy that has been part of Kamalaya since the beginning. Cuisine is treated as medicine, with menus built around seasonal produce, clean preparation, and dishes designed to nourish.
As Kamalaya enters its third decade, it makes it clear for everyone that wellbeing is not a trend but an ongoing relationship with yourself. And whether you come for recovery, recalibration, or curiosity, the retreat continues to offer a place where all of it can peacefully unfold.
