Thailand's Kamalaya spa resort is leading the way in rejuvenating body and soul. Alaana Fitzpatrick immerses herself in its essential essence.

From within my luxuriously rustic villa, it's hard to imagine there is the capacity for 120 guests at Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary and Holistic Spa Resort. My view to the gentle waves of Koh Samui's adjacent coastline is veiled by a jumble of palm and pawpaw trees, whose sculptural leaves diffuse both sunlight and sun showers. If I look carefully, I can make out another roof nestled into the tropical greenery, but for now, thanks to the careful orientation of my accommodation, I'm happy to imagine I'm in complete solitude.

Just over a decade ago, John and Karina Stewart, founding partners of Kamalaya, visited the land this sanctuary is located on. They envisaged a place where people living in a fast-paced world could come to regain balance. Meticulous in their approach to the development, the Stewarts enlisted Australian artist Robert Powell to design what would become the Kamalaya village - but the process was long and slow, as they wanted the landscape retained at every cost. Trees were carefully transplanted and preserved in a local nursery while the works took place, while the granite outcrops and streams informed the architecture and planning.

What they have created is in harmony with the environment and is an idyllic place to succumb to a slower and more leisurely pace. Kamalaya's wellness programs combine both Eastern and Western treatments, and range from basic to complex detoxing; weight loss, fitness or yoga packages; or a number of holistic courses aimed at relieving symptoms of stress and burnout. Treatments include everything from ayurvedic massage, reiki, pranayama breathing, lotus blossom scrub and wrap to lymphatic massage and personal yoga sessions and can be purchased on an a la carte basis if you can't decide on a single program. I courageously opt for the seven-day Ideal Weight package for its combination of nutritional advice, massage, acupuncture and the less appealing (to me) personal training sessions - which I find inexplicably rewarding and enjoyable.

On my first afternoon I recline on my bed for a moment - fan on high, reluctant to use the airconditioner for fear of tainting the natural atmosphere - as the sun dips low in the sky, and it's impossible for my thoughts to wander beyond this restful environment. My private outdoor bathroom offers an unbeatable connection with nature, I have never before experienced anything like showering in a tropical downpour. Inside, the pitched ceiling with exposed beams and varnished timber floors are relaxed by textured white walls and upholstery. Art and textiles in deep reds and golden yellows lend a distinctly Asian flavour to the space, and little settings - for tea, for afternoon napping and for writing letters or journal entries - offer a sense of what your stay ought to involve.

The next day has been planned out for me and involves a schedule of holistic appointments - acupuncture, lymphatic drainage massage, infra-red sauna and guided meditation - which I pepper with a swim, a stroll, a doze, the pages of a good book and nourishing meals. The common spaces are roofed and enjoy modern conveniences, but are otherwise open to the elements, and morning yoga practice has never been as invigorating as in the circular pavilion high up on the hillside with views to the south of the island and nature mere inches away.

From my arrival at Kamalaya, there is a sense that everyone is there to help me achieve whatever I've set out to accomplish. Authenticity radiates from the architecture to the people, and the warmth of everyone I meet sets me instantly at ease. It's the perfect destination for a quick - or slow - reboot.

"Phob gan mai" - see you again - I hear as I bundle myself into the airport-bound car, and as I wave goodbye I think, "You certainly will!"

In October 2011, Kamalaya was honoured with further awards, including Best Conscious Cuisine, Best Spa Retreat and Best Spa Cuisine. Watch the video of how to make their signature Banana Flower Salad here to bring a helping of Kamalaya to your dining table.

Kamalaya Koh Samui, +66 (0) 77 429 800

For more about Alaana's stay at Kamalaya, be sure to read the July 2012 issue of Australian House & Garden.