Kamalaya is a wellness sanctuary and holistic spa resort located on the southern coast of Koh Samui island in Thailand. It was founded in 2005 by John and Karina Stewart. John Stewart spent sixteen years as a monk in Himalayan monasteries before transitioning to wellness hospitality, while Karina Stewart holds a doctorate in Traditional Chinese Medicine. The couple first met in the Himalayas in 1982 and conceived the idea for Kamalaya eleven years later. The resort is built around the Arjan cave, a natural cavern that Buddhist monks have used as a place of meditation for centuries. The name Kamalaya translates to 'Lotus Realm,' referencing the lotus as a symbol of spiritual growth.
The property occupies a hillside setting overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, with accommodations ranging from hillside rooms to pool villas. Kamalaya offers structured wellness programs in areas including detox, stress and burnout, sleep enhancement, yoga, fitness, emotional balance, and basic to advanced holistic health programs. The resort employs practitioners trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine, naturopathy, Ayurveda, physiotherapy, and various bodywork modalities. An on-site wellness cuisine restaurant emphasizes locally sourced, nutrient-dense meals.
In November 2021, founders John and Karina Stewart sold the sanctuary. Despite the change in ownership, Kamalaya has continued to operate under the same wellness philosophy. The resort has received over 40 international spa and wellness awards, and is frequently cited among the top wellness destinations in Asia. Room rates start at approximately $200 per night, with comprehensive multi-day wellness programs ranging significantly higher depending on duration and inclusions.