A fantastical hillside resort above Kamala Beach, Keemala features 38 uniquely designed villas inspired by imaginary Thai communities. Tree-houses, bird-nest villas, tent cottages, and pool cottages are set amid lush jungle. The MALA Spa and jungle dining are exceptional.
Keemala is a hillside resort positioned above Kamala Beach on the west coast of Phuket, in Kathu district, approximately 25 kilometres from Phuket International Airport. The property is not directly on the beach — it sits in dense tropical jungle on a hillside — but the descent to Kamala Beach takes around 10 minutes by car and the resort provides a shuttle service.
The design concept is Keemala's most distinguishing feature: 38 villas are modelled on four imaginary ancient Thai communities, each with a different architectural vocabulary. The Pa (forest community) villas are angular structures set among the tree canopy on elevated platforms. The Wa (water community) tent cottages reference floating village architecture with canvas-and-timber forms. The Khon (earth community) pool cottages are organic clay-cocoon structures set low in the landscape. The Tree Pool Villas are the largest category, elevated on stilts above the jungle with panoramic open terraces and the widest pool decks. Every villa has its own private pool.
The MALA restaurant serves a menu aligned with wellness principles — whole ingredients, balanced flavours, and organic sourcing — in an open jungle-clearing pavilion that is one of the most atmospheric dining settings in Phuket. A cocktail lounge, Mala Bar, operates in the evenings adjacent to the restaurant.
The MALA Spa is a significant wellness destination in its own right, offering multi-day immersive healing programmes alongside single treatments. The concept combines Thai healing traditions with holistic approaches drawing on Ayurveda, mindfulness, and energy therapy. A dedicated yoga shala and forest meditation areas are integrated into the jungle landscape, and the resort has a full wellness concierge team.
Location
10/88 Moo 6, Nakasud Road, Kamala, Kathu, Phuket 83150
7.9450, 98.2960 View on map
Highlights
- 38 villas designed across four distinct fantasy architectural concepts — tree-houses, clay cocoons, tent forms, and forest platforms
- Tree Pool Villas elevated on stilts above the jungle canopy with panoramic views and the widest private pool decks
- MALA restaurant serving wellness-forward menus in a jungle-clearing pavilion, one of the most atmospheric dining settings in Phuket
- MALA Spa offering multi-day immersive healing programmes, not just single treatments
- Total jungle retreat character — the absence of beach access is deliberate, emphasising seclusion over beachfront convenience
Tips for visiting
- Book a Tree Pool Villa for the maximum design impact and the widest pool deck; sea views are visible on clear days.
- The MALA restaurant's breakfast is included in many room packages — taking it on your villa deck rather than the communal pavilion is an option worth requesting.
- A three- or seven-night wellness package unlocks significant spa credits that materially offset the higher base room rate.
- Kamala Beach is calmer and less crowded than Patong; the resort shuttle can drop you there and collect you at a scheduled time.
- Keemala's value is the jungle setting, not beach access — guests expecting a beach resort should look elsewhere.