We sat down with Karina Stewart, co-founder of Kamalaya in Koh Samui, Thailand, to discuss the vision behind the award-winning resort, as well as the impact of cultural connections and traditional Chinese medicine on its day-to-day offerings.
What are the core values that you and your husband bring to Kamalaya?
Our Kamalaya core values are deeply rooted in Asian healing and the transformative power of Asian and Himalayan spiritual/philosophical traditions.
Drawing on John’s 17 years of spiritual practice and dedication in the Himalayas, and my extensive expertise in different Asian healing traditions (including a Master’s degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine), Kamalaya embodies over 80 years of immersive training, practice and commitment. Insights and wisdom. Serve. Our experience is that health and spirituality can bring about profound transformation in people, and that true happiness comes from service. Kamalaya is a refuge for the development of all aspects of personal life, reflecting our dream Cultivate a global community dedicated to promoting positive change.
How did your upbringing and cultural connections influence your passion for health and wellness?
My passion for health and wellness is closely tied to my upbringing and the deep cultural influences that shaped it. When I was about ten years old, my mother bravely decided to fight terminal cancer by making radical lifestyle changes. holistic healing traditionsIncluding profound changes in diet, exercise, nature, meditation, etc., it gave me a lasting respect for traditional cultures, especially the healing philosophies of Asian traditions. This family experience laid the foundation for my deep appreciation and respect for holistic preventative care and well-being. Furthermore, when I traveled to the Himalayas to study with a great spiritual teacher and found in him an infinite source of wisdom and compassion, and a few years later met a Taoist master whose health and energy inspired him in his old age My pursuit of traditional Chinese medicine and Taoism further deepened my commitment to the path of healing and spirituality, not only to realize our unique potential, but also to offer our gifts, talents, and service to the world. This environment of healing, wellness, and development has been second nature to me from an early age and continues to foster my passion and dedication to this field.
What influenced your decision to study Chinese Medicine? Is it a solution that works for everyone?
I decided to study Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) after meeting a famous and inspirational Taoist teacher. Master Ni Huaqing His mind is clear, youthful and radiant, belying his age. Out of curiosity, I sought his wisdom and was directed to his books, which initiated my study of Taoism and eventually my study of Chinese Medicine at Yo San University in California – with him and his two sons Founded a school where I received my Ph.D. Master’s degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine. While no one treatment modality works universally for everyone, Traditional Chinese Medicine has thousands of years of history and evolution to provide treatment and support for many people and many illnesses with few or no side effects. In addition, TCM offers a path to recovery from conditions that may not yet be cured by allopathic medicine. It is a healing tradition that is now backed by a wealth of research and is respected in most countries. It also works well as a complementary medicine, with the potential to significantly enhance therapeutic effects. Its holistic approach emphasizes physical, emotional and spiritual balance and harmony and can be customized to each individual’s unique needs, making it a valuable addition to an individual’s healthcare regimen. It also emphasizes lifestyle and prevention, which are very beneficial to our longevity and well-being.
What can your guests expect from their experience at Kamalaya?
Our holistic approach to healthy lifestyle encompasses mind, body, health and soul (mental, emotional, physical and spiritual well-being), 18 different health plansCustomized to meet individual goals and needs. From stress management, detoxification and fitness to women’s health, our expert practitioners will guide guests on their personal journey to a lifetime of vitality, happiness and fulfillment. Through immersive experiences, our guests are inspired, motivated and empowered to make better choices and become better versions of themselves. Through practices such as movement, pranayama and lifestyle education, guests receive resources to address life challenges and build resilience. Our nurturing environment allows for internal restoration and healing, free from outside distractions. When guests shed stress and toxicity, they gain clarity, energy, and a new sense of purpose. The magic of transformation happens when they awaken and rediscover their true potential. At Kamalaya, we invite guests to embark on a journey of self-discovery, to explore the inner source of all healing and creativity, and to emerge with new insights and fresh perspectives.
What type of guest do you think you are particularly suited to help at Kamalaya?
We cater to a wide range of guests of all ages (16+) from all over the world. Our guests are seeking to improve their overall health and well-being, but each guest has a unique vision for their goals and needs for their immersive journey at Kamalaya. We focus on individuals who are passionate about making positive life choices and achieving their personal health goals as they continue on their lifelong health journey.
Do you have a favorite Kamalaya show? What are the key features and benefits of the program?
this Kamalaya Detox Program is an excellent product that focuses on cleansing the body and cultivating mental health. It’s designed for both newbies and experienced detox enthusiasts to provide a complete health overhaul. The program combines specialized treatments to cleanse vital organs with a nutritional detox diet and supportive supplements to ensure the body is receiving optimal nutrition. This holistic approach promotes body cleansing and mental clarity, enhancing a deep connection with the body’s natural intelligence. Participants often experience a range of improvements after detoxing, such as better digestive health, reduced body toxins, cleaner blood, and a rejuvenated lymphatic system. The results are dramatic, with guests often feeling relaxed, mentally alert, with energized, clean skin and a renewed zest for life.
What do you like about the uniqueness of Kamalaya?
The most fascinating feature of Kamalaya is the ancient Aljan Cave Located within the resort. This historic site was once a sacred site for Buddhist monks seeking a place for deep meditation, infusing its surroundings with a deep sense of spirituality and peace. Koh Samui, the island on which Kamalaya is located, is revered for its unique energy, which is believed to nourish a person’s spiritual journey. This may be due to the quartz-rich granite boulders that surround and form the land. The cave itself. John and I were particularly fascinated by this cave, believing it to be the cornerstone of Kamalaya’s creation. This spiritual power is universally felt by visitors, enveloping them in calm and positive vibrations, thereby enhancing their stay. The Monks’ Cave, a sanctuary of introspection and calm, remains accessible to guests who desire to participate in this sacred space, ensuring that the legacy of tranquility and reflection continues to flourish in Kamalaya’s embrace.
Karina Stewart, Founder and Chief Wellness Officer, Kamalaya
Karina Stewart is a renowned authority on holistic health and well-being. Karina is an acclaimed speaker, author, and innovator with over 40 years of experience in the study and practice of diverse Asian healing and spiritual traditions. Karina holds a Master’s Degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine from Yo San University in California and subsequently trained in structural therapies including Hellerwork and Craniosacral Manipulation, Yoga, and Taoist philosophy and practices. She holds a BA in Cultural Anthropology from Princeton University, with a concentration in Asian Religions.
