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Keemala Phuket Review; The Best Resort in Thailand?

I’ve been traveling the world for 18 years. Most of that, living out of a suitcase, as I visited every single country on earth. During that time, I found myself a base in Thailand. Got married, built my house. And now I’m here. Being a blogger, I’ve stayed at some pretty spectacular places over the years. But one place I dreamed of. In fact, literally the only place I have dreamed of staying in Thailand, was the Keemala resort in Phuket. You too have probably seen photos do the rounds of this place on Instagram. Perhaps the most aesthetically gorgeous hotel in the world?! Well, earlier this year, FINALLY I stayed there with my wife. So how was it? Did it live up to expectations? I hope my Keemala Phuket Review will help answer that!

And help you make a choice of whether to splurge out, and do the same thing.

Keemala Phuket Review; The Best Resort in Thailand?

I had just been filming a travel show in Turkey. I was knackered, stressed and needed a break. I’m based in Chiang Mai, but I flew directly from Turkey back to Phuket, and flew Jaa down from Chiang Mai to meet me the same day. I had been so excited to finally experience the Keemala after years and years of talking about. I was worried, after the extreme anticipation, that it wouldn’t live up to my sky high expectations.

TLDR? It did. It was unreal. And I was gutted I only stayed for 2 nights. Also, because we live in Thailand, we’ve been to Phuket many times before. Thankfully, that meant Jaa and I didn’t have to run around sight-seeing. So once we checked into the Keemala, we only left once in the whole 48 hours we were there. And I’d recommend anyone staying there does the same. You want want to leave to be honest.

Let me break down my Keemala Phuket Review into each section about the rooms, the food, the spa etc, so you can see if it’s the place for you!

THE PROPERTY

Upscale, romantic, secluded. The perfect property for a romantic recharge.

The uber luxury Keemala isn’t a beach property in Phuket. It’s actually a short drive from Kamala beach, in the mountains. Meaning you can feel like you’re getting lost in the lush rainforest yet be just a stroll or a call from a beer, a massage or a meal.

The property blends seamlessly with its natural surroundings, offering a very welcome escape from Phuket’s normal busier tourist areas.

The design is super unique. With all the villas inspired by local folklore, featuring organic architecture and private pools WIth it being in the mountains, and each villa being a stand alone thing. You feel like you have the place to yourself.

And of course, the resort’s elevated location provides breathtaking views of both the rainforest and Andaman Sea.

Keemala’s overall vibe is one of exclusivity and wellness, making it ideal for those seeking a luxurious, mindful escape. The spa, the dining, the brekkie, the gym etc all match up perfectly. Which I’ll cover below.

THE POOL VILLA

We stayed in Clay Pot Cottages, 1 of the 4 room types. And I don’t even know how to describe just how luxurious, lovely, romantic, private and downright amazing it was without sounding trite.

The Clay Pot Cottages, ASTONISHINGLY, are the ‘smallest’ at 126 square metres. A whole two times bigger than the condo I lived in Bangkok for 10 years before I built my dream house in Chiang Mai.

The Clay Pot cottages come complete with a kind of 2 bedroom set-up. The main bedroom, with a work area. A balcony overlooking the jungle, and the pool in the distance. A private pool alongside the room too.

And then the second bedroom is the high-end ‘bathroom’. Although that doesn’t do it justice! 2 sets of showers, one of which is outdoors. A HUGE standalone granite bathtub. And super comfortable robes, slippers and everything else you could imagine.

It was breathtaking. As our private butler brought us to the room, Jaa and I were constantly just repeating. Wow. Oh look there. Wow. OMG. Wow. Pretty close to perfection.

Other room types at the Keemala

The other 3 room types are as follows below. Our room was the entry level, with the Bird’s Nest being the highest echelon. To be honest though, I’d go for ours. Cheaper and still ABSOLUTE LUXURY!

• Tent Pool Villas: 140 square meters, 30 private pool.
• Tree Pool Houses: 169 square meters, with a pool of 25m.
• Bird’s Nest Pool Villas: 185 square meters, with a 30m pool.

THE BREAKFAST

Breakfast is always a litmus test to just how luxury a luxury hotel is, and Keemala passes this with flying colours. A HUGE buffet with everything. But also an a La Carte option thrown in. Perfection.

Breakfast at Keemala Phuket is a real treat. It’s not your typical hotel breakfast—everything feels thoughtfully prepared and fresh. The spread includes a mix of local Thai dishes and international options, so there’s something for everyone. You’ll find fresh fruit, pastries, eggs made to order, and even some more unique options like traditional Thai soups and rice dishes. The coffee is excellent, and the smoothies are refreshing.

The vibe is relaxed and serene, with views of the lush surroundings. It’s a perfect start to the day, whether you’re fueling up for an adventure or just lounging by the pool.

THE RESTAURANT

Dinner at Keemala Phuket is a standout experience. There is only one restaurant, so it’s the same spot as brekkie, but the vibe is different of course.

The restaurant’s setting is peaceful and surrounded by nature, creating a perfect atmosphere for a relaxing meal.

The menu offers a mix of Thai and international dishes, with a strong emphasis on with a focus on Indian food (due to the Indian head chef). So on that, I recommend the butter paneer. It was lush.

You can expect beautifully presented plates that taste as good as they look. The Thai dishes are especially great—flavorful, authentic, and made with care. The staff is attentive without being overbearing, and they’re happy to accommodate dietary preferences.

THE BAR

Just off the restaurant is the Keemala bar. There is an outdoor area with views of the ocean, and an indoor air-con section where you can sit at the bar. One night we did outside, the other night inside. Both comfortable.

The cocktails, and wine choices are excellent. And the happy hour is, quite frankly, RIDICULOUSLY CHEAP. Happy hour, in one of the best hotels in the world, has the beers priced at 100THB (that’s less than $3!). Crazy. And the cocktails around $6.

So that was our plan every early evening before dinner. Drinks for sunset. Lovely.

THE SWIMMING POOL & GYM

Every villa has its own pool. So you don’t ‘need’ a communal pool. But the Keemala is the Keemala so they provide it. And it’s insane. Huge. Deep in the jungle. Swim-up bar with a pizza oven. And all walking distance from the private villas. There’s even a waterfall flowing into it. Oh, and it overlooks the ocean. Not bad!

There is also a fully-functional gym at the property too. After the super cheap happy hour, I had to pay my penance there each morning. It spans 2 floors and has everything you need for a proper workout. I had the place to myself both days too.

THE SPA

During our stay we did a couple therapy. Although we choose different packages, they allowed us in the same room. Jaa had a facial, me a scrub, and lasted about 70 minutes. I expected endless luxury at the spa, and by this stage, I knew it would be the case.

Arriving

The architecture and you enter the spa is pure Keemala energy. So beautiful. And each ‘pod’ is so comfortable and private. We loved it. Prices start at about $70 per treatment. So pricey by Thai standards, but the service, location and surroundings justify it easily.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO STAY AT THE KEEMALA

On average, room rates range from $400 to $1,500 per night, depending on the villa type and amenities. The more luxurious villas with private pools and panoramic views can reach the higher end of the price range, especially during peak tourist seasons.

MY KEEMALA REVIEW IN A NUTSHELL; MY EXPERIENCE

Flying in my Turkey, I met Jaa in Phuket airport. We had 4 nights in Phuket. 2 nights at a cheaper place, and then 2 nights in the one property I had dreamed of in Thailand for years. Why? I always stay in a cheap place nearby so I can sight-see, and be active, then only spend the night in the room. Whereas when I’m at one of the top hotels in the world, I want to be free to just do nothing and soak up the luxury!

So we did just that. Checking into the Keemala on our first day, we took our rental car from Kamala Beach, 15 minutes into the mountain. Quite a steep drive, and then into check-in.

Day 1

Instantly, I knew this place would be insane. We hopped in a golf cart, and were driven to reception. Some coconut tea, and then our butler escorted us to our rooms. Where you can see the pics above, and can imagine my reaction. I spent the next hour or so exploring the resort. Marveling at how they built these amazing structures right into the side of a mountain. It’s so obvious as to why the Keemala has the reputation it does. It’s spectacular.

I then hit up the gym, and did some work while Jaa had a nap. Remembering that happy hour was at 5pm! That was my queue to go and sample the local cocktails. 2 hours on the balcony, as the sunset, delicious drinks, overlooking the ocean. It was magical.

I wandered the whole 10 meters to the Mala restaurant, where Jaa and I had a scrumptious 3 course meal (they even extended happy hour for me, don’t tell the boss!). Goat’s cheese salad for me, pakoras for Jaa to start. Then daal and butter paneer for main. Followed by mango sticky rice and cheesecake to finish. Washed down with world class cocktails. Our first day was perfect. We were offered golf carts back to the room, but it’s only a 5 minute walk. So a final dip by moonlight in our private pool sealed the evening for us.

Day 2

Day 2 and I was excited for brekkie. Walking into the restaurant, the brekkie spread was HUGE. And they offer any smoothie you can conjure up in your mind. We got some freshly baked croissants, and for the a la carte option, they even had acai smoothie bowls. A well-needed recovery tool after all the cocktails yesterday evening!

After chilling in the claypot cottage for an hour or 2, and doing some work on my laptop at the work station, Jaa and I hit up the communal pool. Such a lovely setting. It feels like you’re deep in the Thai jungle, but with a swim-up bar, and staff ready with cold water and coffees. Again, we had the place to ourself, despite the hotel being (as usual) fully booked.

After a quick shower, we hit the spa for a couples treatment. Romantic, luxurious and all my work in Turkey last week disappeared in an instant! A lovely way to spend the afternoon.

TOP-TIP FOR DURING YOUR KEEMALA STAY:

A had a second quick trip to the well equipped gym, and we finally would leave the resort! Albeit only for less than an hour. Within walking distance, or a 2 minute drive, is a gorgeous coffee shop called Baanrai I Talay Cafe Phuket. Make sure you go there during your stay. Great coffee and drinks, tasty food. Beers etc. And epic views of the Andaman sea.

After that, it was 5pm. That meant one more happy hour, followed by one more dinner at the lovely Mala Restaurant. We went for Thai options this evening. Equally delicious. A little wander around the resort to work off the food, and a final dip in the private pool along with some beers via room service was the perfect end to an exquisite day.

Day 3

With ADHD out of my ears, normally I’m so ready to leave wherever I am. On to the next adventure. But with Keemala it was genuine sadness knowing today we had to leave! We set our alarms so we could have a long, lazy breakfast with all that entailed. And at midday, it was back in the car rental and off to the airport.

My stay in Keemala was almost 10 years in the making. And it was worth the wait. Hopefully it won’t be the last time I stay here. I hope my keemala phuket review will help you decide to splurge and enjoy it as much as Jaa and I did. Truly perhaps the best hotel in Thailand.

TOP-TIPS FOR STAYING AT KEEMALA

• Rent a car
• Coffee shop nearby is LUSH
• Stay somewhere nearby the night before. I do this EVERY time I stay at a luxury resort. I go nearby 1 or 2 days before. See all the cool stuff I want to see. So when I check into the high-end place. I can kick back, and enjoy. I often also ask for early check-in and check-out to, to fully maximise the pricepoint!

FAQs about the Keemala Phuket

1. Where is Keemala Phuket located?

Keemala is located on the west coast of Phuket, Thailand. In the lush hills near Kamala Beach.

The resort is nestled in a tranquil forest setting, offering a serene and secluded retreat from the busy tourist areas. Keemala is about a 40-minute drive from Phuket International Airport. And a 15-minute drive from the bustling Patong Beach area.

2. How much does it cost to stay at Keemala Phuket?

Not cheap! The cost of staying at Keemala varies depending on the season, room type, and time of booking.

On average, room rates range from $400 to $1,500 per night, depending on the villa type and amenities. The more luxurious villas with private pools and panoramic views can reach the higher end of the price range, especially during peak tourist seasons.

3. What is the best time to visit Keemala Phuket?

I visited in low season, in August. And it was lovely.

Of course though, the best time to visit Keemala is during the dry season (November to April).

If you prefer fewer crowds and lower prices, consider visiting in the shoulder seasons of May or October. The rainy season when I went (May to October) sees occasional downpours. But it can still be a great time to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and lower rates.

4. How do I get to Keemala Phuket?

It’s a 40 min drive from Phuket International Airport. I rented a car because I also stayed a few extra nights somewhere cheaper.

You can arrange private transfers directly with the resort, which are often included in the rate. Alternatively, taxis and ride-hailing services like Grab are widely available in Phuket. But they’re wildly overpriced there!

5. What is the best room type at Keemala Phuket?

There are 4 oom types.

The Bird’s Nest Pool Villas are considered the best option for those seeking the ultimate luxury experience. These villas feature a private infinity pool, spacious living areas, and breathtaking views of the rainforest and Andaman Sea. They are perfect for couples or those celebrating special occasions.

The other options are::

• Tree Pool Houses: Multi-level villas with elevated views and private pools, great for families or groups.
• Clay Pool Cottages: More grounded, cozy accommodations with private pools, ideal for a romantic getaway. This is where I stayed.
• Tent Pool Villas: For those looking for a rustic, glamping-like experience with all the luxuries of a five-star resort.

6. What makes Keemala unique?

It’s possibly the most shared, most instagrammable hotel in the world! It is RIDICULOUSLY beautiful.

Keemala is also known for its eco-friendly philosophy. Blending nature and wellness into every aspect of the guest experience. The resort’s focus on holistic living is reflected in its wellness programs, including yoga, meditation, and traditional Thai spa treatments.

The luxurious, nature-inspired villas provide a private sanctuary with direct access to the surrounding tropical forest, offering guests a perfect escape from the outside world.

7. Are there dining options at Keemala?

Yup. And pretty darn good too.

Keemala offers exceptional dining experiences that focus on organic, locally sourced ingredients. The resort’s restaurant, Mala Restaurant, serves a mix of Thai and international dishes with an emphasis on healthy, farm-to-table cuisine. The head chef is Indian, so there’s often amazing indian options on the menu.

8. Is Keemala family-friendly?

While Keemala is primarily known as a romantic and wellness-focused retreat, it also welcomes families. The larger Tree Pool Houses are perfect for families, as they offer more space and privacy.

However, for me, I’d say the tranquil atmosphere is better suited for adults looking to unwind.