Koh Samui, Thailand, March 19, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary and Holistic Spa, the multi-award-winning wellness retreat on the south coast of Koh Samui, has long been a popular destination for discerning international guests seeking to revitalize their bodies and minds. After a turbulent year with border closures and increasing uncertainty, this idyllic island paradise has also become very popular with the local population.

The multi-award-winning wellness retreat on Koh Samui supports companies in adapting to the “new normal” with personalized programs and online courses, enabling teams to reduce stress and cope with the upheavals of the global pandemic.

Since Kamalaya opened in 2005, guests from all walks of life have traveled to Koh Samui to take advantage of its diverse wellness programs, ranging from detox and weight management to stress reduction and burnout prevention. The unprecedented challenges of 2020 and 2021 have rekindled interest in this holistic health resort, not only in the traditional leisure sector but also in the corporate and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) industries. As a result, Kamalaya now anticipates that corporate demand – both from Thailand and abroad – will account for nearly a third of its revenue in 2022.

“Companies worldwide are suffering from the effects of ongoing lockdowns and work-from-home arrangements, which has led to a sense of alienation within their teams. As a result, HR professionals are increasingly focusing on holistic well-being as a key management tool. Stress reduction, team dynamics, and the acceptance of change are recurring themes that companies have mentioned to us over the past twelve months. Kamalaya currently offers 17 carefully selected programs for individuals, teams, and groups – either at our retreat on Koh Samui or via our innovative online platform, ‘Kamalaya Connect’,” said Bruce Ryde, CEO and Brand Strategist at Kamalaya.

“When we started Kamalaya over 15 years ago, our vision was to enable positive change in the world – for everyone. That hasn’t changed. The ability to embrace change has never been more important. I’m proud and thrilled that, as one of the world’s leading and most awarded wellness brands, we can offer tools that help reduce stress and guide our guests toward a healthier and more balanced life. True to Kamalaya’s motto, we want to help everyone reach their full potential,” said John Stewart, Founder and Chairman of Kamalaya.

Over the years, global business leaders, politicians, and even royalty have chosen Kamalaya to find respite from their hectic lives. Kamalaya is now experiencing this trend in Thailand, where executives seek to escape the hustle and bustle and polluted air of Thailand's major cities. Nestled within 33 rai of lush, tropical gardens with natural rocks, babbling brooks, nature trails, and ample open space, Kamalaya provides the perfect setting to rejuvenate body, mind, and spirit. In this enchanting environment, Kamalaya's intuitive wellness culture creates a deeply relaxing, revitalizing, and enriching atmosphere for executives and their teams.

“We are seeing increased interest from corporate, embassy, ​​and NGO leaders seeking our support with professional team building and personal mentoring. Inquiries about our wellness incentive programs have also risen significantly. Due to our close collaboration with corporate leaders, we expect this business segment to account for over 30% of our business volume in 2022, compared to around 20% before the pandemic,” added Bruce Ryde.

The Thai government, through the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), is focused on ensuring that Thailand continues to play a leading role in the regional wellness tourism sector in the coming years, and Kamalaya is ideally positioned to make a significant contribution to this mission.

“People and businesses worldwide are recovering from the impact of the pandemic. At Kamalaya, our guests are taking time to analyze their situation and acquire new skills. It has been proven that new resources and habits strengthen our adaptability and make us more flexible, resilient, and health-conscious. Our 17 programs allow for a highly individualized approach to each stay, tailored to specific needs. We are currently running ‘Embracing Change’ programs for several large organizations through Kamalaya Connect, some with up to 200 participants,” says Karina Stewart, founder and Chief Wellness Director of Kamalaya.

Throughout the pandemic, Kamalaya remained open and continued to care for its guests in the house in a safe and quiet environment.

Further information can be found at www.kamalaya.com and connect.kamalaya.com

About Kamalaya Koh Samui: The Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary & Holistic Spa is a multi-award-winning wellness retreat located on the south coast of Koh Samui, Thailand. Founded in 2005 by John and Karina Stewart, Kamalaya offers a holistic wellness experience designed to help people reach their full potential and achieve optimal well-being. It combines healing therapies from East and West, a stunning natural setting, inspired, healthy gourmet cuisine, and a variety of results-oriented wellness programs – from detoxification and stress and burnout management to healthy lifestyle practices, yoga, and emotional balance. Kamalaya's newest wellness program, "Beauty & Glow," launched in November 2020, aims to give every skin type a radiant complexion and promote true beauty from within.