Keemala

Overlooking Kamala Beach this relatively new resort offers a new luxury eco-venture, attracting a chic and alternative crowd. Wonderful range of bird’s nest villas in a gorgeous setting with total attention to detail. Offering a distinctive brand not seen before in Phuket. It’s of a fantasy and natural blend with magic and enchantment from evening wicker lanterns scattered across the slopes. The hills and treetops embrace the bird’s nest theme. Each room has its own tree. With villas, “clay-pool cottages”, “tent-pool villas” and larger “bird’s nest pool villas”. The theme is also echoed with round wicker basket beds enveloped in grand mosquitos nets. Using sustainable materials, the roofs have flexible but durable mesh exteriors resemble the Beijing Olympics. Unlike most modern structures, this brand-new hotel will effortlessly benefit from the seasoning process. The foliage will become more bountiful and lush and the nature will brim and enhance it. Frogs teem and crickets chirp. Keemala offers a perma-culture and holistic ambience with the options of drum circles, soul readings and a strong recognition to vegans. There is a range of classes and activities that’s almost as long as the in-villa dining menu. The hotel insists on guests being spoilt for choice.

Why do people love staying in your hotel?
The unique architecture is the key attraction. There is no other place within Phuket or SE Asia that offers villas seemingly suspended in the jungle and such a distinct brand. The other highlight is the service; Keemala comes at a premium price, yet its team offers an unpretentious and warm approach with guests to evoke a feeling of a village.

What is there to do in the area?
Kamala Beach is a short car journey away and is a lovely beach, great for picnics, sunbathing and catching the stunning west coast sunset. Other attractions include local markets and restaurants, but most guests cocoon themselves in Keemala and most only venture out for walking tours around cultural Phuket Old Town and boat trips to nearby Phang Nga Bay and Phi Phi Island. We do not encourage guests to visit any places that exploit wildlife so elephant treks and dolphin shows are not something we wish to promote on our beautiful island.

What kind of breakfast do you offer?
A healthy selection of western, Thai and Chinese cuisine all washed down with optional sparkling wine. All the usual favourites include, egg benedict, dim sum, cold cuts and Keemala also offers freshly squeezed juice, smoothies and tropical fruit. Breakfast is served daily in Mala restaurant and we also use fresh coffee sourced from the northern regions and blended and roasted here in Phuket.

Do you offer other meals? And can you recommend good places to eat out locally?
We have a restaurant that serves meals throughout the day. All small local eateries in the area are good and Phuket also offers more upmarket dining options. Highlights would be: Blue Elephant in Phuket Town, serving traditional Royal Thai dishes in a stunning setting of an old mansion house, Acqua Restaurant is located 10 minutes car ride away and offers modern Sardinian fare and is a real hit with tourists and locals alike. There are far too many options to mention!

Which are your most popular room types, and why?
The Bird’s Nest Villas are very popular and also the Tree Pool Houses. We believe their popularity is mainly due to all the stunning images that we have been lucky enough to have had circulated in the media. Both are amazing villa types but the Clay Pool Cottage is the coziest and perfect for those who prefer something a little more in the greenery.

What facilities do you have for children and can you fit extra beds in your rooms?
We can fit extra beds in some of our villas, but we are a luxury villa resort and most people come in couples. We are not designed for small children, however, we do welcome older youngsters, but we have to make it very clear that we do not have a kid’s club, or any facilities for young children.

What message would you like to give Hotel Guru readers?
If you are looking for something stunning and extraordinary in a resort destination, then Keemala is the place you must experience.