Ace-Holiday

Yoga Holiday: The Thai Way

Lynne Franks experiences a life-enriching healing holiday at Kamalaya Koh Samui

Lynne Franks experiences a life-enriching healing holiday at Kamalaya Koh Samui

Even now, after several months, I can’t decide whether it was the charm and skill of the practitioners, the extraordinary beauty of the place, the unique tastes of the delicious Thai-based detox meals or the great company of my fellow guests that made my visit to Kamalaya Koh Samui one of the best weeks that I can remember for a long time.

Truly it was the combination of all this plus the welcoming hospitality of founders John and Karina Stewart and their team that made my first visit to their life-enhancing retreat centre one to remember. By now, I know when my body is starting to beg for a chance to relax and recoup from my busy lifestyle, and earlier this year was one of those times. My friend, yoga and meditation teacher Claire Farman, told me about Stella Photi and her Wellbeing Escapes business which custom-makes trips to fit with people’s needs to unwind and be healthy. Stella immediately recommended a trip to Kamalaya, which she said would sort me out.

am a great believer in synchronicity and when my other friend Serena Rees also told me of a recent wonderful visit to Kamalaya, I asked Stella to book my flight and arrange my trip. A hop and a skip flight from Bangkok and I landed on the island of Koh Samui. I was collected at the picturesque airport and taken to my final destination, the treasure that is Kamalaya Koh Samui, Thailand’s award-winning Wellness Sanctuary and Holistic Spa resort. Centred around a cave that once served Buddhist monks as a place of meditation and spiritual retreat, Kamalaya’s essence is expressed in its name: ‘Lotus (kamal) Realm (alaya)’, an ancient symbol for the growth and unfolding of the human spirit.

After being greeted with a refreshing juice I was shown to my gorgeous room with its sea view and an inside-outside bathroom with plants and trees. After a rest, I was taken to the large treatment area of the resort where I was introduced to my naturopath, a helpful Australian woman who quickly worked out the best schedule for me to enjoy.

Healthy holiday

I was told that I would experience a life-enriching healthy holiday. The Kamalaya wellness programme includes detox, yoga, fitness and weight control, plus I could customise my own holistic series of treatments after working out what I most needed with my personal adviser.

I decided that during my seven-day stay I would go for the detox treatments, which would include de-stress and weight loss, while my naturopath arranged for me to have an assortment of herbs and drops to be taken during the day to detox my tired organs.

Like-minded souls

I then arranged a series of different kinds of Eastern and Western massages as well as acupuncture, colonic therapy, hypnotherapy, intuitive healing and wonderful deep-heat sessions in an infra-red sauna. Despite my busy schedule, I somehow found time for three delicious detox meals and quality time on the beach or by the pool.

I think one of the really special aspects of Kamalaya is the way that Karina and John encourage the guests to get to know each other. At each mealtime a large table is kept for guests to sit together and chat. All too often I have found myself at spas where the only people I have spoken to all day are the therapists, whilst my company for dinner every night has been a book. However, at Kamalaya I met the most wonderful men and women from all over the world-like-minded souls, several of whom are still good friends.

Apart from the charming Thai and Indian therapists working at Kamalaya, the resort has become a magnet for some of the best wellbeing specialists touring the East. I had some extraordinary acupuncture with Dr Song and some spot-on intuitive emotional and physical advice from spiritual healer Isabella Wilfing.

I spent a lot of time laughing with my new friends, reflecting on how easy it was to eat less and enjoy the food more and realising that my world would happily go on without me being there for a while. I even stayed for an extra three days, lost more weight and enjoyed some wonderful chats with Karina Stewart, who is a walking example of all that is so perfect about Kamalaya Koh Samui.

Five ways to wellness

Try these tips from Karina Stewart, co-founder of Kamalaya Koh Samui

1. Stop and take 10 deep abdominal breaths every hour throughout the day. No matter where you are or what you are doing, this will allow your nervous system to reset itself out of stress mode, making a big difference to your health.

2. Take time for daily exercise even if it’s just 15 minutes of walking. Circulation of blood and oxygenation throughout the body are vital for vibrant health and longevity.

3. Focus on the positive. We always have a choice in every moment. The negative side co-exists in every aspect of life – actively choose to focus on the positive and experience the impact this has on your health in every way.

4. Eliminate sugar from your diet. This is one of the most beneficial changes you can make to your health and mental/emotional balance. My favourite supplements are omega 3s and powdered greens for their multifaceted health benefits.

5. Take time out every day to do nothing and just be with yourself, resting in silence, peace and serenity. You will find yourself reconnecting to yourself and gratitude and joy will naturally arise within you.

Article by

Lynne Franks

Author, Entrepreneur, Broadcaster and Lifestyle Guru

is an acclaimed author, entrepreneur, broadcaster and lifestyle guru

Discover more

Article by

Lynne Franks

Author, Entrepreneur, Broadcaster and Lifestyle Guru

is an acclaimed author, entrepreneur, broadcaster and lifestyle guru

Discover more