Regarded as one of the most beautiful hotels in Thailand, Keemala is committed not only to luxury but also to sustainability. However, few of us can afford a full holiday at the luxurious resort – so why not add an unforgettable sustainable luxury weekend to your Thailand trip?

This is the eleventh in our series of ‘Tips for a sustainable weekend getaway’. Every three weeks there will be a new green idea on our blog!

Welcome to Keemala – The best resort in Thailand

“Truly perhaps the best hotel in Thailand.”– Johnny Ward on his Blog OneStep4Ward about the Keemala

Travel budget in Thailand

Most of us don’t have an unlimited travel budget. A night at Keemala costs between US$400 and US$1,500, depending on which of the extravagant pool villas you choose, what additional services you use and the time of year.

But if you’re travelling on a budget and looking for cheaper accommodation and homestays (you can find out more about sustainable accommodation in our Green Travel Guide for Southeast Asia) while you explore the country, you can add Keemala as a luxury highlight to your trip. A weekend just to enjoy and be pampered. No sightseeing and no fear of missing out 😉 Because you’ve already done that.

This is what your sustainable luxury weekend in Thailand could look like

Keemala is not on the beach in Phuket, but tucked away in the hinterland – with 38 spectacular villas built into the tropical Thai forest. Each villa has its own pool and fantastic views of the sea or rainforest.

Friday – Arrival

As soon as you arrive, you will realise that you are not staying in just any hotel. You will be greeted with coconut tea and a butler waiting for you. He will take your bags to your villa and give you a short tour of the resort. You will immediately notice that there is almost no plastic, everything is made from natural materials from the region.

Once you have settled into your accommodation, take some time to explore the grounds with its enchanted forest, waterfalls, organic garden and other wonders. Welcome to Keemala!

In the evening you can dine at the “Mala Restaurant” and finish the day with a moonlit drink in your private pool.

Saturday – A day to enjoy

Start the morning with a sumptuous breakfast buffet that leaves nothing to be desired. Enjoy fresh fruit, some grown on the property, blended into a smoothie of your choice. There are also European classics such as freshly baked croissants. The dough takes four days to make and is folded 28 times by Mala’s kitchen team.

Afterwards you can use the resort’s gym or swim in the large communal pool.

“ The (communal) pool has such a beautiful setting. It feels like you’re deep in the Thai jungle, but with a swim-up bar and staff on hand with cold water and coffee.” – Johnny Ward

Spa treatment, yoga or cooking class

In the afternoon, take advantage of one of the resort’s many activities. These include

• Spa treatments at the Mala Spa (various massages and beauty treatments for individuals and couples)
• Cooking classes (where you first learn about typical Thai ingredients in the resort garden, then cook under supervision and for example learn how to make your own coconut milk – bookable daily, min. 2 people)

The resort also specializes in ‘holistic retreats’ with yoga and meditation, though these are 3- or 6-day packages. However, if you are interested, you can book a private yoga session (60 minutes) with one of the experienced teachers.

In the evening, another sumptuous dinner and your personal villa await.

Sunday – Departure

Before you check out, enjoy a final dip in your private pool and take time to savor your zero-waste breakfast.

Avoiding disposable products is part of Keemala’s commitment to sustainability. Instead of paper napkins, they use washable cloth napkins; water is only available in refillable bottles (which are always available to guests as a service) and at the buffet, small portions are served in hygienic glass containers. Not only is this better for the environment, it is also of much higher quality.

Keemala is owned by a family that has lived in Phuket for generations – not a common occurrence in Thailand. The villas also reflect different ‘tribes’ and reference Thai culture.

You will find that at Keemala, many details and small touches reflect the overall concept, making it simply perfect.

Save this post for your trip to Thailand!