KEEMALA

Why we like it

A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, the 5 Star Keemala is an all-pool villa hidden paradise nestled in the rainforest above Kamala Beach. With only 38 villas and cottages celebrating four fictional ancient Phuket Tribes this resort is nothing short of special - unique dining options, an award-winning spa and enchanting gardens and surrounds.

The Kamala Beach is a 5 minute shuttle away and if you are hungry for some of Thailand's famous buzz Patong is a mere 10 - 15 minute taxi drive from the resort.

Whether you're planning a romantic getaway or a special occasion with friends and family, whether you fancy never leaving the sanctuary of your private pool villa or you'd prefer to get out and experience the Phuket social life, Keemala offers you a magical and memorable stay in Phuket.

Description

LOCATION
Kamala Beach, Phuket.

HOW TO GET THERE
Road transfer from Phuket Airport.

ACCOMMODATION
Keemala Villas all offer home comforts to ensure that your stay is as relaxing as possible. Draped over the oversized beds are luxuriously soft Egyptian cotton sheets to ensure you a great slumber and all villas offer a climate-controlled environment.
All villas have a Villa Host who is on hand to assist with unpacking, room service deliveries, booking of Spa treatments, restaurant tables and excursions etc.

14 1 Bedroom Clay Cottage (Size: 126m²)
The individual cottages offer a bedroom with en-suite bathroom with monsoon shower, stand-alone tub and an outdoor shower with a private pool on the terrace
The cottages offer rainforest and resort views and are nestled alongside a natural stream and shaded by a tropical canopy.
Pool size 21m².

2 2 Bedroom Clay Cottage (Size: 180m²)
These individual cottages offer two separate bedrooms and one shared bathroom with monsoon shower, stand-alone tub, an outdoor shower and a private pool on the terrace.
The cottages are nestled alongside a natural stream and shaded by a tropical canopy and have jungle and resort views.
Pool size 24m².

8 One Bedroom Birds Nest Pool Villa (Size: 185m²)
The individual villas are tucked into the tree canopy with partial sea, rainforest and resort views.
The rooms offer en-suite bathrooms with monsoon shower and a stand-alone tub as well as a lap pool and sun deck
Pool size 30m².

ROOM FACILITIES

• Air conditioning
• Large bathtub
• Mini bar
• Flat screen TV and iPod dock
• Tea and coffee making facilities (traditional coffee grinder and beans from Chiang Rai)
• Hair dryer
• Electronic safe
• Bathrobe & slippers
• Siam Botanicals bath products
  
  

DINING
At any of Keemala’s dining locations, guests can choose the healthy Spa Cuisine version of the menu for a lighter, wholesome option.
A full vegetarian and vegan menu is also available, as well as gluten-free and dairy-free selections.
A variety of herbs, vegetables, and fruits are grown at Keemala and sourced from trusted suppliers.

Meal Plans
The resort operates on a Bed & Breakfast basis only.

Mala Restaurant
All-day dining in a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere.
Open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Mala Bar
Bid farewell to the day at Mala Bar, an ideal spot providing a stunning view, with mouth-watering signature cocktails in hand, completing a perfect day.
The cocktail list includes non-alcoholic cocktails and tropical fruit smoothies for guests who are enjoying a wellness retreat at Keemala.
Open until late.

Cha-La Pool Bar
Savour scrumptious nibbles and delightful cocktails.
Open for Drinks.

Destination Dining
Intimate dinners-for-two in alluring venues.
Available on request.

SPA
Upon entering the sanctuary of Mala Spa, each guest will embark on a sacred healing journey. 8 spacious treatment pods (4 with a sauna and steam room) have been designed for a truly multisensory rejuvenating experience for both individuals and couples. Treatments have been carefully curated to incorporate elements of ocean, earth, fire, air and ether, as well as unique Keemala rituals designed by the spa team and inspired by the stories of the Keemala clans and their distinctive way of living. Enjoy holistic experiences such as pampering spa massages, anti-ageing skin treatments, energy healing, aromatherapy baths and rain showers with exotic fragrances.

All products, including VOYA, Siam Botanicals and Spa Rituals are selected based on alignment with the Keemala ethos, and are paraben- and cruelty-free to allow you to unwind fully with a clear conscience.

Wi-Fi
Complimentary throughout the resort.

WATERSPORTS & ACTIVITIES (*some at a supplement)

• Swimming pool
• Fitness centre
• Sauna
• Steam room
• Thai Chi
• Nature walks
• Snorkelling
• Scuba diving *
• Excursions *

All information in this Fact Sheet is applicable from 1 May 2022 to 31 March 2023 and is subject to change without prior notice.

Please note that some services may not be available due to weather conditions, hotel occupancy and/or operational requirements.

WELCOME TO THAILAND

Or should we say, welcome to Paradise. Thailand is blessed with some of the world’s most-enviable beaches and a myriad of off shore islands ensuring your holiday will be filled with watersports, hammocks and sunset strolls along the water’s edge. Some areas are super-vibey while others offer a more serene experience.

A QUICK GUIDE TO THE MOST POPULAR SPOTS…

Phuket

Phuket is the largest island in Thailand and is undeniably the country’s most popular beach destination. With a vibrant nightlife, bustling market stalls, a family atmosphere or romantic seclusion. This island paradise offers a vast selection of hotels, and the beaches supply every kind of vibe! Head to Patong Beach if you feel like a party or being active. Kata and Karon Beaches are great for families and couples. The range of activities available is fantastic; canoeing, hiking, white water rafting, scooter hire and best of all – diving and snorkelling. 

Phi Phi

Phi Phi Island is located 2 hours by ferry from Phuket (some resorts also offer a speedboat service). You’ll be collected from the ferry by long-tail boat and taken to your resort; all of which are located in the north of the island, a quieter area, for that true getaway experience. Phi Phi is nature at its best; towering limestone cliffs shelter white, sandy beaches leading to aquamarine bays filled with marine life; perfect for diving and snorkelling or simply taking it easy and letting the stress of modern life slip away. There are no roads on Phi Phi so once you settle into your resort your only mode of transport is a longtail boat (and some haggling with a local for the right price!). Make sure that you won’t need an ATM!

Krabi

Krabi is a 2 hour overland trip from Phuket through countryside terrain and local villages. Sit back, relax and enjoy the ride! Krabi’s sheer limestone cliffs will welcome you to where over 130 islands rise majestically from the sea, and secluded beaches are accessible only by colourfully adorned long-tail boats. Krabi is about getting out and exploring nature - sea caves, exotic marine life, rock climbing, beautiful National Parks, hot spring waterfalls, the spectacular turquoise waters of the Emerald Pool and Tiger Cave – a cliff monastery in a jungle valley.

Khao Lak

Khao Lak is on Thailand’s mainland west coast, an hour north of Phuket and stretches along the Andaman coastline. It is a less crowded tourist destination close to the Phang-Nga area’s rugged natural beauty. There are a couple of towns and and beautiful white-sand beaches – all scattered along a 24 kms stretch so it never feels too busy. For travellers who like their holidays less frenetic the easy going local feel of Khao Lak is perfect. There are a variety of good local restaurants and of course great shopping easily reached from most resorts by taxi and Khao Lak has its own night market for late-night snacks and shopping.

Nature lovers can soak up the slower pace and go hiking around Chong Fah’s waterfalls or explore the Kho Sok National Park which is around 2 hours drive, home to elephant sanctuaries, one of the oldest rainforests in the world and floating camps so is a delight for anyone with a love for the outdoors. For keen snorkellers and divers, the Surin and Similan Islands are some of the best places to dive in Thailand and are just two hours from Khao Lak by boat. The islands form part of a protected national marine park and are open between 15 October and 15 May annually.

CLIMATE

Thailand’s tropical climate has three main seasons:

Hot: March to June

Rainy: July to October

Cool: November to February

Average temperatures range from 20°C to 35°C

The monsoon season in the Andaman Sea (West coast/Phuket and surrounds) is from approximately May to October. The monsoon rains are generally short and heavy, clearing quickly and days of constant rain are rare.

LANGUAGE

The national language is Thai, although English is widely spoken in Phuket, Krabi & Phi Phi.

CURRENCY

The currency is the Thai Baht which is better for bargaining and shopping in markets. US Dollars, Pounds and Euros are accepted at hotels.

TIPPING

A service charge is already included in all prices. Tips, in general, are not mandatory, and you should only give them if you are really content with the service offered. Waiters, bellboys, porters, restroom attendants and taxi drivers will happily accept loose change.

TIME DIFFERENCE

5 hours ahead of South Africa.

FESTIVALS

Thailand brags of many festivals throughout the year; one of the most famous being the Songkran Festival in mid-April which washes away all the bad spirits and celebrates the traditional Thai New Year. Basically, Songkran is all about getting wet, so be prepared to be squirted with ice water!

WHAT TO WEAR

Light, cool clothes are sensible. Shorts (except knee length walking shorts), sleeveless shirts, tank tops and other beach-style attire are considered inappropriate dress when not actually at the beach or in a resort area.

COMMON COURTESIES

It is important to show respect for the Thai Royal Family. Revealing attire is not allowed in religious shrines. Do not climb over or sit on Buddha monuments. Do not touch or give anything directly to a Buddhist monk if you are a woman. Thais greet each other by pressing their palms together called ‘wai’. It is rude to touch people on their head or point your feet at people or an object.

ELECTRICITY

The electric current is 220 volts AC (50 cycles) and the majority of electrical outlets take a round, two-pronged slim plug.

HEALTH

Visitors do not require vaccinations unless coming from or passing through a designated contaminated area. Drink only bottled water and avoid ice unless you know is made from bottled or boiled water. Be cautious when eating from food vendors on the street.

WHAT TO PACK

• As a guide, the maximum weight for checked luggage is 20kg in economy class and 30kg in business class
• Your hand-luggage should not weigh more than 6kg and needs to be small and compact
• Take along your best beach and casual wear, perfect for the day
• The dress-code for dinner is usually smart casual and gents are required to wear long trousers
• Sunglasses and suntan lotion are a must
• Don’t forget any medication that you might need, and be sure to pack it in your hand luggage
• Chargers for all your devices (it’s a good idea to take along a few movies on a tablet or something similar as the English TV channels in your hotel may be limited)
• Mosquito repellent
• A hat or cap
• A beach bag

TRAVEL TIPS

• Pack a change of clothing in your hand luggage in case of baggage delays (and a spare cozzie so at least you can have a swim when you get to your resort)
• Clothing creases less if rolled in a sausage shape when packed – so roll, don’t fold
• No sharp objects are permitted in your hand luggage (yes, tweezers are sharp!)
• Travel insurance is a must. If you can’t afford it, you can’t afford to travel!
• Travelling with kids – please check that you have all the relevant documents including unabridged Birth Certificates.
• Put electronics, medication, toothbrushes and jewellery in your carry-on bag
• It’s often a good idea to let your bank or credit card company know that you’re going overseas
• Be patient, be flexible, be spontaneous and have the best time ever!