Sometimes, we just need a break from life. And what better place to do exactly that than the southern islands of Thailand? I found serenity in idyllic Koh Samui. I chose to  stay at Kamalaya to rejuvenate my mind, body and spirit.

I was welcomed by my own personal chauffer upon arrival at the charming native hut-inspired KohSamui airport. We drove 45 minutes to the northern part of the island. Tucked away in the mountains is Kamalaya, an award winning luxury spa resort that was once a hideaway for no less than the Duchess of York.

The sanctuary offers a holistic wellness experience that integrates healing therapies from East and West, a breathtakingly beautiful natural environment, inspired healthy cuisine and customized wellness programs and retreats. Kamalaya’s vibe is serene, beautifully rustic and lavish at the same time.

I was warmly greeted by the General Manager and the reception team with their refreshing signature elixir. They prepared their best villa, a 2 bedroom, ocean view villa with its own pool for Lois and I. So they were really sad to hear that Lois couldn't fly out to Thailand. I would have loved to share this experience with my Sole Sister! I was glad to see that the schedule of activities was filled every hour from sunset meditation, yoga classes, aquaerobics, talk with healers, musical events and after dinner socials seven days a week.

Seeing the map of the eight hectare property made me realize this wasn’t just another tourist resort, but a complete haven for tired bodies and souls. Kamalaya, which was conceived and founded by John and Karina Stewart, was originally intended for a site in the Himalaya. However, when John visited KohSamui in 2000, he discovered a piece of land that immediately captivated him with its special energy. He was especially drawn by a cave that once served as a place of meditation and spiritual retreat by Buddhist monks, and with this discovery he knew that he had found the ideal home for Kamalaya.

On my first afternoon, I hurried to the Spa Pavilion where I had an appointment with a resident naturopath from Australia. A nurse had me lay down and relax for some tests that would determine a few things going on inside my body. She said that I was generally healthy with no signs of any major illness. However according to the tests, my diet needs more omega 3 acids which is found in fish plus healthy oils found in nuts. She also said that I needed more sodium in my diet.

I chose the Relax and Renew 3 day retreat, and my spa prescription read:

• 60 minute Vital Essence Oil Massage

• 30 minute Traditional Asian Hand Massage

• 60 minute Traditional Asian Foot Massage

• 90 minute Traditional Thai Massage

• 60 minute Indian Head Massage

• 1 x 60 minute Lotus Scrub & Wrap

• 1 x 30 minute Chi Nei Tsang

I was in spa bliss!

The next few days that followed was nothing short of heaven! In between heavenly massages, I was treated to scrumptious meals at the restaurant all day.


The breakfast buffet had everything from all the grains and nuts that I badly needed in my diet, fresh raw honey, gluten free breads, fruits and healthy blended smoothies and freshly squeezed juices. I couldn’t decide whether the highlight of my trip was the spa treatments or the delicious nourishing food at the Soma restaurant.

I also had the privilege to join the Thai cooking class and learned to make a mouth-watering three course meal: Papaya Salad, Tom Yam Gung and Green Curry Chicken. I will be sharing the recipes in a separate blog so do watch for it!

Some of the guests come here to do absolutely nothing and leave completely refreshed. While some choose to complete a wellness program such as detox, weight loss, stress & burnout, optimal fitness, yoga, sleep enhancement, or the relax and renew program like I did. I was glad to find myself quite busy rushing from one appointment to the other, and satisfied my appetite without feeling guilty at all.

Never have I been pampered like this before! If you are due for a much needed break, a vacation from your vacation, or just want to feel how it is to be queen for a few days, book a retreat with Kamalaya Koh Samui.

How to Make This Trip Happen:

-Fastest way: Fly from Manila to Bangkok (Round trip ticket about $300) Bangkok to Koh Samui with Silk Air (Round trip ticket about $100)

-Cheapest way: Fly from Manila to Bangkok (Roundtrip ticket about $300) From Bangkok, take a Lomprayah fastboat to Koh Samui (about THB 1,400 one way)

Namaste and special thanks to all the staff at Kamalaya Koh Samui! Dreaming of the day I can come back to your sanctuary.

Pampered in Paradise,