KEEMALA Phuket | Unique Luxury Jungle Resort and Spa
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Keemala harnesses the history of fictitious ancient Phuket settlers and incorporates the
story of four different clans within the resort. Keemala’s style blends the indigenous stories
of the clans with the decadence of an upscale resort.The architecture is a stark contrast
to most hotel accommodation. Keemala’s fantastic cottages, tree houses and pool villas are
designed around the unique topographical conditions. Set into the hillside and making use of slopes
offering sea views, streams, waterfalls and indigenous trees.
Let's take a look at some of the amazing details of this luxury resort!
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Let's start with Location Keemala Phuket is located on the west coast
of Phuket Island, 40 minutes from the international airport. Contrary to most other Phuket resorts,
the property is not set on the beach but is hidden in the lush vegetation of the hills
above Keemala town. The resort’s setting inside a tropical forest offers tranquility,
serenity, and wellbeing. There are plenty of (steep) jungle walkways to explore, and
exotic flora and fauna to spot within the resort’s well manicured grounds. Keemala
is a 5 minute drive (via complimentary shuttle service) to Kamala beach and is a 10-minute
drive away from the lively Patong beach, yet far enough removed to enjoy the tranquil surroundings.
Style and Character: The resort’s magnificent architecture is
a stark contrast to most hotels in the area, and submerges its guests in surreal fantasy
wonderland. Resembling an authentic yet imaginary Thai village, Keemala consists of a series
of ultra-stylish ‘tree pods’ and bird’s nest shaped huts, all clinging to the steep
hillside. The higher on the hill, the more stunning the forest and sea views become.
The design also blends the myths of Phuket’s ancient tribe dwellings with the decadence
of an upscale rainforest retreat. For example, the mosaic murals at the welcome pavilion
depict the story of Keemala and were installed by Chiang Mai native artist Surachai Sripaiboon.
Keemala embraces a cultural philosophy and brings it to life through a distinctive design
and wide variety of unique guest experiences. The Keemala concept celebrates the culture
of four fictional ancient Phuket tribes, the ‘Pa-Ta-Tea’ (Earth), the’Khon-Jorn’
(Wanderers), the ‘We-ha’ (Sky), and the ‘Rung-Nok’ (Nest) people. The resort harnesses
their methods of way of life and infuses it into the overall guest experiences. Using
this fictional anthropology, the spa treatments, wellness programs, gastronomic choices, activities
and magical accommodation design all derive from the key attributes of the four fictitious
tribes.
Villas Keemala Phuket has 38 fabulous pool villas
which come in four categories, reflecting the four tribes: entry-level clay villas,
safari-style tents, two-storey tree houses, and bird’s nest villas. I was incredibly
lucky during my stay to be upgraded to the latter, the most luxurious of the lot. A cocoon
of woven wood, the villa featured a master bedroom with an enormous king size bed (swathed
in a mosquito net) and cozy sitting area. An entire glass wall opened to a large outdoor
terrace with infinity pool, offering views of the jungle, Keemala city, and the Andaman
Sea. The spacious bathroom featured mosaic floors, a boulder-sized tub, and a monsoon
shower.
Food Keemala Phuket features only one restaurant,
called Mala, which serves all day dining high in the treetops, either in a colorful dining
room or on an outdoor terrace adjacent to the lobby. Meals can also be taken in the
villa or by the pool for a change of scenery. The menu comes in three parts: Western dishes,
Indian cuisine, and Thai cooking (all accompanied by a fantastic wine list). Keemala believes
in offering a ‘Feast for the Senses’ using sincere and wholesome cooking techniques.
Where possible, all food is cultivated on the property, as the resort has its own herb
garden, mushroom hut, hydroponic vegetable garden, and even its own tropical fruit orchard.
Spa As wellbeing is at the core of the Keemala
experience, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the resort’s Mala Spa is a highlight.
Set next to the welcome pavilion and resembling a miniature village, the Spa has eight treatment
rooms alongside a Thai massage pavilion, steam and sauna rooms, fitness center, and yoga
and meditation spaces. Pampering massages are offered, as well as holistic therapies,
including raindrop healing therapy, integrative Thai bodywork, Reiki energy healing, and seaweed
hot stone massage. Natural, paraben and cruelty free spa products by VOYA, Siam Botanicals,
and Spa Ritual are used for all treatments.
Keemala and its lush grounds are designed as an expansion of the surrounding natural
landscape, creating a green wonderland for guests to enjoy. Natural features such as
indigenous trees & small streams are integrated into the overall design. Throughout the resort
there are plenty of outdoor spaces for guests to pause, breathe and reflect, including waterfalls
and a rope bridge. Keemala provides areas designed for activities including destination
dining, private parties, meditation, and yoga. The social heart of the resort is the delightful
pool area, complete with waterfall, swim-up bar, and a (cold) Jacuzzi.
The Keemala concept is based on respect for the environment and sustainability. For example,
in an effort to reduce plastic waste, only glass-bottled water is provided in the villas,
paper straws are used instead of plastic straws, and packaging for toiletries are made of cloth
materials and recycled paper. Also, the resort has been carefully designed to protect existing
ecosystem; trees and natural water resources are kept either in their original form or
have been utilized with minimal change. Finally, Keemala takes a strong stance against Thailand’s
exploitative animal attractions, by discouraging guests to engage in activities such as elephant
rides and tiger shows.
Keemala Phuket is part of Small Luxury Hotels of the World (“SLH”), which is a collection
of small, independent hotels in more than 80 countries. These hotels pay to be part
of the SLH portfolio and to be marketed as a SLH property. Before they’re welcomed
into SLH collection, the SLH development team visit each one, checking them against a long
list of must-haves. SLH has a strategic alliance with Hyatt, giving World of Hyatt members
the opportunity to earn and redeem points and receive exclusive on-property benefits
at any participating SLH hotel, including Keemala Phuket. This means World of Hyatt
members can stay for free at Keemala on points.
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