About Keemala
Keemala is a boutique luxury retreat in the rainforest hills above Kamala, on Phuket’s west coast. It has 38 villas, each with a private pool, designed around four imagined clans and built in striking shapes, from clay cottages and tents to tree houses and bird’s nest villas.
What sets it apart is its design and wellness focus: the Mala Spa has domed treatment pods, and the resort runs wellness and cultural programs. It is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and suits couples and honeymooners looking for something different from a beach resort.
At a glance
Highlights
- 38 villas in unusual designs, from tree houses to bird's nest villas
- Every villa has a private pool
- Domed spa pods over lotus pools
- Member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World
- Free shuttle to Kamala Beach
Amenities
Rooms and suites
Every villa has a private pool, which is not heated. Sizes range from about 126 to 185 square meters.
- Clay Pool Cottages (about 126 sq m)
- Tent Pool Villas (about 140 sq m)
- Tree Pool Houses, two storeys (about 169 sq m)
- Bird’s Nest Pool Villas (about 185 sq m), some with sea views
Restaurants and bars
The resort is not all-inclusive. Dining centers on Mala Restaurant, with a pool bar and wine lounge.
- Mala Restaurant: all-day dining with Thai, Western and Indian dishes
- Samrab: Thai barbecue and hot pot
- Cha-La Pool Bar: wood-fired pizza and drinks
- Mala Bar terrace and wine lounge
Beach, pools and spa
Keemala is in the hills rather than on the beach. A free shuttle runs to Kamala Beach, about five to ten minutes away by car. At the resort there is a main infinity pool with a waterfall, plus private pools in every villa.
Mala Spa has eight treatment pods, each a dome over a lotus pool with its own steam room, sauna and open-air bathtub, offering massages, scrubs and facials.
Activities and entertainment
There is no kids club or kids pool, and the resort is not designed as a family resort, though children are welcome. Family activities include cooking classes for ages 6 to 12, cultural workshops and nature excursions.
Phuket’s driest and calmest weather usually runs from about November to April, which is peak season. From around May to October the southwest monsoon brings more rain and rougher seas on the west coast beaches, when red flags often mean swimming is unsafe, but prices are lower and showers often pass quickly.
Beyond the resort, Phuket offers boat trips to Phang Nga Bay and the Phi Phi Islands, the Big Buddha viewpoint, the colorful streets of Phuket Old Town and a long chain of west coast beaches from Mai Khao in the north to Kata and Nai Harn in the south.
Who it’s best for
- Best for: couples, honeymooners and design lovers who want a quiet wellness retreat with a private pool.
- Consider another resort if: you want to walk to the beach, need a kids club or have limited mobility, as the hillside site is steep.
Getting there from Phuket International Airport
Phuket International Airport (HKT) is roughly 45 to 55 minutes from the resort by car. The resort offers an airport transfer for THB 2,000 per vehicle one way.
Taxis and private cars wait at the airport, and many resorts can arrange a car to meet you at arrivals. Travel times on Phuket vary a lot with traffic, so leave extra time when heading back for your flight.
Good to know
- Check-in from 3:00 pm to midnight, check-out by 12:00 pm
- Minimum check-in age is 18
- Free cribs on request; rollaway beds THB 4,000 per night
- Free beach shuttle to Kamala Beach
- Airport transfer THB 2,000 per vehicle one way
Location of Keemala
FAQ about Keemala
Is Keemala all-inclusive?
No. Keemala is not all-inclusive, so meals and drinks are paid separately.
Is Keemala adults only?
No. Children are welcome, but there is no kids club and the resort is aimed mainly at couples.
How far is Keemala from Phuket airport?
It is roughly 45 to 55 minutes by car from Phuket International Airport.
How many villas does Keemala have?
Keemala has 38 villas, each with a private pool.
Is Keemala on the beach?
No. It is in the hills above Kamala, with a free shuttle to Kamala Beach.
What restaurants are at Keemala?
Mala Restaurant serves all-day dining, with Samrab, the Cha-La Pool Bar and a wine lounge.
Does Keemala have a spa?
Yes. Mala Spa has eight domed treatment pods, each with a steam room and sauna.
Does Keemala have a kids club?
No. There is no kids club, but family activities such as cooking classes are offered.
What time is check-in?
Check-in starts at 3:00 pm and check-out is by 12:00 pm.
Is Keemala good for a honeymoon?
Yes. Private pool villas, a wellness focus and a quiet hillside setting make it a popular honeymoon choice.
