Radiant Bliss - Wellness Retreat for Women's Health

November 17, 2023

When I'm feeling stressed and low on energy, I long to escape to Thailand. After three years of waiting, the moment has arrived. A health retreat to Thailand unfolds like a journey to paradise. While this may sound like a cliché, it accurately captures my genuine experience. My destination is Kamalaya, renowned as the world's best destination spa with so many awards, where I immerse myself in the latest program, 'Radiant Bliss,' specially created for women. It proves to be a transformative odyssey into holistic health and well-being—an intensive pursuit of recovery, balance, improvement, and the deepening of my overall health. Here, I rediscover not only myself but also reclaim my health after a stressful period. The days at Kamalaya are a sequence of rejuvenating spa treatments, exercise, insightful conversations with a life coach, and vitamin infusions. Each day unfolds like a personalized prescription for self-care. Nourishing my body with wholesome meals and embracing mindfulness, I feel a profound sense of balance and rejuvenation.

Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary

Located on the southern side of the island, Kamalaya stands as one of the world's foremost Destination Wellness Sanctuary, having garnered numerous international awards. It has been a while since my last visit, and I'm eager to see how it has evolved, particularly in the wake of the challenging years when Thailand was closed to tourists. Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary is aptly described as a tranquil retreat. Nestled in a breathtaking setting amid lush tropical greenery and situated on grounds once used by monks for meditation, this haven was founded by John and Karina Stewart in 2005. The resort's design is a testament to their thoughtful approach, reflecting a deep reverence for nature, with stones and trees occasionally integrated into the interiors of its buildings. Surrounded by palm trees and tropical flora, Kamalaya offers captivating views of the sea.

Hormonal imbalance

As I approach my 50s and reflect on the past three strenuous entrepreneurial years, compounded by the challenges of COVID, hormonal fluctuations, and extended computer use, I am keenly aware of the toll it has taken on my body. I have accumulated a significant amount of extra weight. The scale and the tests I undergo, including a 3D scan, as well as a fitness assessments revealing a weak core, are undoubtedly severe in it's judgment. I receive guidance in exploring holistic and long term solutions to improve my health and fitness, from a TCM point of view, and also with life enhancement mentor Sujay. This involves a thorough reassessment of my dietary habits, exercise routine, and strategies for sustaining these changes at home.

Radiant Bliss programme

Sitting down with naturopath Leila and going trough my questions, concerns and challenges, she recommends to do Kamalaya's Radiant Bliss program. This programme is a comprehensive wellness journey designed specifically for women's health. It spans various days (8, 14 or 21 days) and includes a range of holistic treatments, life coaching, IV Therapy, TCM treatments, all on top of the delicious food and daily acces to the holistic activities and sport. The program is all about balancing hormones, reducing stress, improving vitality, and giving you inner radiance. It offers a supportive and nurturing environment for reconnecting with body and soul and restore harmony and happiness.

Treatments and supplements

The treatments provide a delightful experience, specially tailored for women of all ages and life cycles. Indulge in the Traditional Asian Foot Massage with Herbal Soak, experience the soothing Traditional Asian Hand Massage, unwind with the Lanna Abdominal Samunphrai Ron Massage (energy-flowing, amazing effects!) and revitalize with the Rose Crystal Lymphatic Facial and Kamalaya's Signature Treatment: Three Treasures. For deep relaxation, explore the various Ayurvedic treatments such as Kati Vasti, Indian head massage and Shirodhara. Radiant Bliss also includes daily herbal supplements to support your well-being throughout the day.

Acupuncture

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatments specifically target aspects of women's health in Radiant Bliss. The program initiates with an insightful Initial TCM Consultation - led by Bernie, an experienced acupuncture master at Kamalaya (for more than a decade!). Bernie attentively listens and crafts my personalized treatment plan rooted in traditional Chinese medicine principles, dedicated to enhancing both my mental and physical health. The 60-minute TCM treatments incorporate therapeutic techniques like Moxibustion, Cupping, and Facial Acupuncture. Moxibustion utilizes the burning of dried mugwort near the skin to facilitate healing, while cupping employs suction to enhance blood flow. Facial acupuncture, a form of cosmetic acupuncture, strives to improve skin health and overall facial appearance.

IV Therapy

Kamalaya's IV Therapy (Women’s Health) is a blend of essential vitamins and minerals designed to support specific aspects of women's well-being. This infusion includes vital nutrients such as vitamin D, vitamin B-complex, folic acid, iron, calcium, and other essential minerals. The benefits extend to addressing women's health concerns, including energy levels, bone health, immune function, and overall vitality. Under the expert guidance of a nurse, I am made to feel at ease, allowing me to simply sit back and enjoy a cup of tea. The entire process takes approximately an hour. Reflecting on my stay at Kamalaya, it's challenging to express how I feel immediately after the infusion. However, looking back, I sense a significant increase in energy and an overall revitalized state. If you are not keen to do the IV Therapy, you can also opt for the Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.

Cooking Workshop

The dining experience is absolutely delightful. Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary's cuisine is widely celebrated. The chefs create original, refined, and flavorful dishes, while the attentive staff delivers them with care and dedication. Fresh and nutritious ingredients, including vegetables, proteins, fish, and occasionally a touch of meat, are used. I feel inspired by Kamalaya's healthy cuisine and I would love to know what the secret is. The chef invites me to participate in a cooking workshop. I learn how to prepare various vegetables, create light dressings, make salads, cook fish, prepare Thai curry, and craft delicious broths. To top it off, I got to enjoy everything I had learned. An interesting detail to note: in the Soma restaurant, there's a community table—a long table where you can sit down and meet other guests.

Wellness Sanctuary

After a week of treatments, deep rest, exercise, healthy food and relaxation, I feel rejuvenated and energized. I am returning home with a suitcase full of inspiration, practical tools, insights and energy, all in less than 8 days! I feel nourished, nurtured and well-cared for, and ready for home to continue my healthy lifestyle. Whether your goal is detoxification, weight loss, de-stress, improving sleep, mental balance, women's health, fitness or if you simply seek pure relaxation, this is the destination for a personalized programme.

Interested in experiencing the Radiant Bliss program at Kamalaya yourself? Learn more!

Marleen

This blog is written by Marleen, founder of PureandCure.com in 2005. She travels around the world in search of the best Health & Wellbeing Hotels, Spas and Retreats and shares her know-how, experiences and observations through her blogs.