Keemala Phuket: A Hilltop Sanctuary Beyond the Beach

In today’s increasingly plugged-in world, it feels like there is no viable escape from the busy rancour. In times like these, there is nothing more you crave than a holiday. A foreign locale, spotty Wi-Fi, and a king-sized hotel bed can be the best sort of escape there is.

Luckily, living in Thailand means we don’t have to travel far for our kicks. People from all around the world fly into Thailand for a holiday destination we possess at our fingertips: Phuket.

Beaches, oceans, and waterfront resorts where you can lie for hours under the blistering sun and come home with an exotic tan (or maybe just unfortunate tan lines) define Phuket. Immortalised through films like Kaho Na Pyaar Hai (2000) and The Man With the Golden Gun (1974), it is also so much more.

Ensconced amidst the hills overlooking Kamala Beach is Keemala, a luxury resort offering an idyllic escape from typical Phuket fare.

We stepped out of Phuket International Airport to a balmy breeze. Escorted into our airport transfer, we made our way through Phuket’s winding roads towards Keemala.

40-or-so minutes and a steep incline later, we pulled onto the premises. To my right was a small man-made pond with a small shack named “Duck Cottage” bobbing against the waters.

(There were no ducks at the time, but we saw them swimming the next morning.)

The check-in process was smooth, aided, no doubt, by the refreshing views and welcome drink. The hilly turf of the resort meant buggy services were at our beck and call.

And while there is a certain convenience in arriving at destinations in the blink of an eye with wind-swept hair, and safe from the sun’s grasp, I found myself enjoying the short, bevelled walks from my villa through the lush resort.

Keemala has four options when it comes to their lodgings. We sojourned in the Clay Pool Cottage, which comes in either a one or two-bedroom option. Stepping into the room, I was taken aback by just how palatial it was.

To the left, large high-ceiling doors led to the bathroom where not one, not two, but three types of showers awaited: the indoor shower, the outdoor shower, and a sunroof looking down directly at the bathtub in the middle of the room. The doors to the right opened to the bedroom and, further still, extended to the balcony.

Every villa on the property comes with a personal pool. Our villa’s pool was narrow enough for a few laps or to lounge in while taking in the jungle views.

Perhaps my favourite detail, of which there are many, making this impossible to taper down, was the bed curtains hung on the canopy. It felt absolutely whimsical to draw these curtains each night, which, when shut, seemed to close me off from the world.

The bed became an ecosystem of its own, undisturbed. (Perfect for those vacations when you feel like getting away from the noise of it all.)

Every inch of the cottage exuded a return to nature. There was even a charming little sign informing guests not to panic if they come across a gecko.

I would be remiss if I did not mention the extensive make-up of the in-room refreshments. From the daily fresh fruits to the elaborate coffee-making setup, the cottage struck the perfect chord between the virtues of nature and the art of slow living.

Nestled amongst the treetops, alongside Mala Spa and the lobby, is Mala Restaurant and Mala Bar. An all-day dining outlet, Mala Restaurant serves up breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Ideal for vacationers who are in no mood to step beyond the expanse of the hotel premises.

I’ll be the first to admit, the hotel breakfast often sets the tone for the rest of the day (even if I’m just lazing around), whether it is a plate full of confectionery delights or made-to-order eggs. Keemala’s breakfast is filled to the brim with fresh fruit and salads.

I was delighted to learn that some of their fruits and vegetables are grown directly on Keemala’s grounds, including the fresh honeycomb to drizzle in coffee or spread across freshly toasted sourdough, making it a sustainable venture.

In addition to serving a wide range of Thai and continental cuisines, Keemala’s à la carte menu boasts an extensive Indian menu, thanks to the Indian chef on their kitchen team, which is great for when you’re craving dal tadka or butter chicken without the drive into the city.

Do not miss their signature Keemala mango sticky rice cake, which turns the traditional Thai dessert on its head and has you wishing you could have just one more bite.

When vacationing by the beach, every holidayer’s natural instinct is to transform into a beach bum. On days the beach seems too far, dip your toes in the pool at Keemala’s premises or simply laze the day away in their loungers.

But when you tire of tanning and getting sand between your toes, Keemala has much to offer those looking to enrich their days. True to their tagline, Mala Spa is beyond enchanting.

Its offerings are one of a kind, blending beautifying rituals with therapeutic bodywork meant to realign you with yourself. In tandem with this philosophy, the true highlight for me were the holistic activities.

Taking place every day, their activities range from exploring the nooks and crannies of the property for the best photo-op to meditation and breathwork at the meditation cave. During my stay, I took advantage of this varied schedule and took part in several activities.

The farm-to-table class and the cocktail-making classes were a great way to fill the hour and maybe even to talk to other guests staying at the resort. Plus, you get snacks and delicious cocktails out of the affair.

I, for one, now know how to make a cosmopolitan. (Slightly sour, just the way I like them!) The very last activity I partook in was sunrise yoga from 7 AM to 8 AM.

A beautiful way to start the day, we laid our yoga mats out on the roof and cycled through sun salutations and warrior poses, overlooking the serenity of Phuket’s horizon. Paradise indeed.

General Manager: Jason Allen Villarino

Keemala distinguishes itself through its holistic experience and offers a serene retreat to world-weary travellers, but it is the team that takes this resort from a hilltop sanctuary to an unforgettable trip.

Spearheading this philosophy is the General Manager, Jason Allen Villarino, who was kind enough to answer some of my questions.