Embracing serenity in Keemala’s enchanting rainforest retreat

As soon as the car I was in left Kammala-Patong Road and entered the path to Keemala, everything felt different. Tucked away on a lush hillside in Phuket, Keemala is a tranquil retreat away from the busy crowds. The rainforest setting was a perfect backdrop for a serene getaway and a chance to reconnect with nature.

When I arrived at the Welcome Pavilion, the staff’s friendly smiles were as refreshing as the drink they offered me in the lobby. My host made me feel right at home, taking me to my villa in a golf cart. Even during that short ride, the resort’s unique architecture caught my eye—the paths through vibrant greenery, the luxurious tent villas, and the tree houses all contribute to the enchanting forest vibe.

Each villa is designed to blend seamlessly with its surroundings and provides the utmost privacy for guests seeking a quiet retreat. Photos by Keemala.

My home for this escapade was the Tent Pool Villa, a real gem with a unique feature—a tree growing right inside! It was the only one like it at Keemala, making it feel extra special.

Inside, the king-size bed and private pool offered stunning views of the rainforest and the Andaman Sea. The bathroom had both indoor and outdoor showers, plus a stand-alone bathtub, perfect for relaxing.

The villa’s amenities ensured comfort while being eco-friendly. They only provide glass-bottled water, and the fridge uses non-CFC (chlorofluorocarbons) technology to reduce ozone depletion and make it more environmentally friendly. The locally sourced, all-natural toiletries are packed using cloth materials and recycled paper.

Having a personal villa host and nightly turndown service added a level of care that made my stay even more special, making this rainforest retreat truly unforgettable.

The gentle sound of the rain, rustling leaves, and soft jungle whispers created a natural soundtrack that lulled me to sleep.

My Tent Pool Villa, complete with a tree inside. Keemala is a place where the ‘slow life’ philosophy encourages you to savor every moment. Photos by Rhea Vitto Tabora.

Savoring Mala flavors

Dining at Mala Restaurant was a delightful experience. This all-day dining venue offers an exciting menu that includes southern Thai, Western, Indian, and healthy dishes, all focused on sustainability and delicious flavors. You can taste the restaurant’s commitment to using seasonal organic ingredients from Keemala’s own garden in every dish.

My dinner was a culinary journey through Peranakan-inspired Southern Thai cuisine. I started with Som Tum Gai Yang, a vibrant papaya salad paired with turmeric-grilled chicken and sticky rice. The mix of long beans, peanuts, tomato, and dried shrimp was a perfect blend of flavors and textures.

Next, I savored Tom Kha Gai, a creamy chicken soup in galangal-infused coconut milk. With shallots, tomatoes, kaffir lime leaves, turmeric, and mushrooms, every spoonful was like a comforting hug. Then, Gaeng Kiew Waan, a green chicken curry with pea eggplant and basil, added a mildly spicy and aromatic touch.

To wrap up my culinary adventure at Mala, I indulged in O-aew, a traditional Phuket dessert. This refreshing jelly covered with snow ice and topped with syrup was the perfect ending to a delightful dinner.

A culinary journey through Peranakan-inspired Southern Thai cuisine. Photos by Rhea Vitto Tabora.

A morning delight

Waking up to the soothing sounds of the rainforest, I couldn’t wait to have breakfast at Mala. Known for its fresh, organic produce, the mini breakfast buffet showcased harvests from Keemala’s Enchanted Garden.

One of the buffet’s highlights was the organic honey straight from Keemala’s garden. This pure, additive-free honey made for an unforgettable topping on pancakes, adding a natural sweetness. The fruit jams, made from fruits like mulberry, banana and pineapple, were a tasty addition to the morning bread. There were also plenty of fresh seasonal fruits to enjoy.

Pure, additive-free honey and jams made from locally grown fruits are some of the breakfast highlights at Mala restautant. Photos by Rhea Vitto Tabora

Keemala’s Enchanted Garden thrives with herbs, vegetables, and fruits used in the resort’s kitchens and spa. Photos by Keemala.

While enjoying my breakfast, Jason Villarino, the General Manager of Keemala, joined me, which gave me a chance to learn more about the resort’s philosophy. We discussed Keemala’s unique approach to hospitality, which is rooted in sustainability and a genuine connection with nature.

Villarino shared how Keemala has become a sanctuary that respects and preserves its natural surroundings, offering guests a peaceful and rejuvenating experience. He also highlighted their efforts in animal welfare, sharing stories about rescuing and caring for animals before releasing them back into their habitats.

“We have a special area dedicated to helping these animals, giving them a chance to thrive before releasing them back into nature. It’s a nice story to tell, but the most significant achievement here is ensuring that our staff and everyone involved understand that we all share this world, and each person needs to contribute a little bit,” he explained. “Everyone’s contributing nicely, and that kind of makes us different.” 

Keemala serves as a sanctuary for rescued animals, providing a haven and nurturing them before returning them to their natural habitats. Photos by Keemala.

We then talked about the challenges and successes of integrating sustainability into daily operations. “Educating the staff is very important,” Villarino noted. “Everyone comes from different backgrounds, so we have to teach them to embrace new practices.” His dedication to creating a place where staff and guests connect with the environment and one another was inspiring.

As I left the breakfast table, I gained a fresh appreciation for Keemala’s thoughtful approach to every aspect of its operations. It was a moment that highlighted the resort’s dedication to providing genuine and meaningful experiences for its guests.

Sustainability at the heart of Keemala

During my stay, I discovered that Keemala has fully embraced sustainability in a big way. Beyond what Villarino mentioned, here are a few of their initiatives:

• Each villa has its own water treatment system, ensuring the water returned to nature meets or even exceeds government standards.
• Greywater is reused to nourish the gardens.
• Their waste management includes efficient classification and recycling, and methane from waste is directed into the ground to lessen its impact on the atmosphere.
• All amenities and spa products are 100% natural, paraben-free, and cruelty-free.
• The fabrics and textiles at Keemala come from ethnic minority groups in Thailand, thanks to the Doi Tung Development Project, supported by King Bhumibol Adulyadej. This project has helped create sustainable livelihoods and reduce illicit crop cultivation.
• Keemala takes a strong stance against animal exploitation and promotes experiences that are kind to animals. Instead of elephant rides or tiger shows, they encourage guests to engage in meaningful and respectful animal interactions. It’s a refreshing approach in a world where such practices are all too common.
• Keemala’s Enchanted Garden supplies the kitchen and spa with organic herbs and vegetables. Guests can participate in the resort’s ‘Natural Lifestyle’ concept through activities like garden tours and cooking classes, promoting a deeper connection with nature. 
• Working with local communities is a big part of Keemala’s sustainability story. Whether it’s teaming up with the Kamala Green Club on environmental projects or backing the Baan Bangtao fishing community’s sustainable methods, Keemala actively builds local partnerships. Their collaboration with the Royal Thai Naval Area Command on sea turtle rehab is a great initiative, and they also work with Scholars for Sustenance to share excess food with disadvantaged communities in Phuket.

Through these efforts, Keemala not only enriches the guest experiences but also contributes positively to the environment and local communities, setting a high standard for responsible luxury tourism.

It’s a place where you can unwind and enjoy, knowing your stay contributes to a bigger mission to care for our planet.

As I leave Keemala’s enchanting rainforest, I’m reminded that some places truly resonate with your soul, urging you to return and rediscover their tranquil beauty and sustainable charm.

I can’t wait for my next adventure back in Phuket.