Hotel Review: Keemala is one Phuket design hotel doing things differently

We’ve already found the best eco-friendly hotels in Thailand and the best boutique hotels in Hua Hin. And if you’ve read our guide to the best design hotels in Phuket, you’ll know we think it’s pretty much the quintessential holiday destination. With its pristine blue waters, amazing local produce, and copious amounts of sunshine, we find it hard to resist a trip to Thailand’s famed azure isle. So if you’re looking for a luxury hotel where you can get back to nature and totally zen out, then Keemala should be on your hit-list. 

While this stay was complimentary, all thoughts and opinions are our own.

Fall in love: Keemala hotel review

Nestled away in the middle of a rainforest in the northern part of Phuket (just 45 minutes or so from Phuket International Airport), the design for Keemala was completed by Space Architects with Pisud Design Company charged with the interiors. To make Keemala as sustainable as possible, it has been designed around the existing landscape, with mature trees, streams and waterfalls incorporated into the hotel.

The enchanted garden at the property functions as a working garden, growing fruits, vegetables, and herbs for the dining establishments and spa onsite. Plus a rescued water buffalo makes his home at Keemala alongside a range of birds and goats who have also been saved.

The resort is based on four fictional tribes – created by the founders of the property, that embody the spirit of the real ancient settlers of the area. For guests, this means the choice of what type of accommodations they want to enjoy during their stay at Keemala. We went for the Tent Pool villa inspired by the nomadic lifestyle of the Khon-Jorn tribe.

Tent pool villa

Fitted out in the centre of the master bedroom is a glorious king-sized bed that was gloriously comfy, and surrounded by a dreamy mosquito net to heighten the allure. Open up the doors to outside and enjoy your own private pool with views of the rest of the resort and the rainforest, the only way to describe it is heavenly.

What makes these villas extra lovely is that when it rains, you get that romantic sound of the water drops landing on a canopy, without the unglamourous feeling of sleeping on the ground, we also love the complimentary coconut water refills and the handmade treats that were left on our pillow every night – #ItsTheLittleThingsThatMatter.

Other options for your stay include the Clay Pool Cottages that reflect the Pa-Ta-Pea Clan; the Tree Pool Houses inspired by the We-ha tribe, and the Bird’s Nest Pool Villas of the Rung-Nok people.

Mala Spa at Keemala

For anybody looking for complete pampering, Mala Spa won’t disappoint. Book in for the Voya Seaweed Hot Stone Massage and feel rejuvenated or try the Luk Pra Kob, a traditional Thai herbal compress massage that was so heavenly I may have had to extend my treatment from 90-120 minutes. Facials offer a range of benefits from anti-aging to environmental defense, while body wraps, hand treatments and organic baths are also available.

Alongside the massage treatments, an array of therapies are on offer from the property’s master wellness practitioners, including Reiki, Integrative Thai Bodywork and Raindrop Healing, a treatment that blends the power of medicinal plants with your own body’s energy.

All the food

Mala Restaurant and Mala Bar serve up not only a delectable range of food and drinks, but also sweeping views of the surrounds. I loved the mix of Thai, international and Indian cuisine on offer, and I found it really easy to find delicious vegetarian options. In fact, they have entire menu dedicated to Healthy Living Cuisine that has been created with a range of super foods and can be made gluten-free, wheat-free, dairy-free or sugar-free.

The buffet breakfast is also served in this location, offering guests a healthy choice of fresh fruits, smoothies, baked treats and more.

Extra bits of love

It’s the seclusion in the rainforest that we loved the most, but when you’re in need of some beach time, a complimentary shuttle service is available to take you down to beautiful Kamala Beach where you can while away the hours in the surf or catch some rays on the sand.

Find out more about Keemala

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