Keemala offers unique Phuket experiences to its guests, centred around its innovative accommodation choices, each incorporates the story of one of four different clans and the history of these fictitious ancient Phuket settlers. The architecture is a stark contrast to most hotel accommodation, blending the indigenous stories of the clans with the decadence of an upscale resort, and is designed by Thailand-based talent Architect Space.
Pisit Aongskultong from Pisud Design Company has designed the interiors and is managing the creative vision of the resort. Set into the hillside, the resort makes use of slopes offers sea views, streams, waterfalls and indigenous trees to create unique topographical conditions for its cottages, treehouses and pool villas.
Keemala offers accommodation choices with sizes ranging from 126 square metres to 185 square metres. All dwellings come complete with private pools and offer a range of both sea and mountain views.
The design of the 16 Clay Cottages reflects the earthiness of the Pa-ta-pea (earth) clan who believed in a strong connection to the earth and harnessed agriculture as their trade. As the name suggests, clay, straw and ceramics have been featured in the overall design.
The design of the seven Tent Cottages was inspired by the Khon-Jorn (wanderer) people – a tribe of nomads who excelled in hunting and trading. Their roaming lifestyle is exhibited in the tent-structures and the use of animal prints and richly dense textures of materials pays homage to their way of life.
The seven imaginative ‘Tree Houses’ are built to represent the We-ha (sky) clan who worshipped the universe and chose to live suspended from the trees to be nearer to the sky. This accommodation category uses building techniques to give the impression that the tree houses are indeed hanging from the nearby trees; some of the furniture inside the two-storey cocoons is also hung from the ceiling.
The Rung-Nok (nest) community inspired the design of the eight Bird’s Nest Pool Villas. This group enjoyed an opulent way of life compared to the other clans. Thus the interwoven design of their homes was to aid protection and to maintain privacy.
The architecture and interiors of the four different accommodation types reflects the skills and way of life of each of the groups, in design, texture of fabrics used, colours and construction materials. Fixtures and furniture is being in the most part sourced from within communities in Thailand and handmade using local and traditional methods, adhering to the Keemala ethos that serves to celebrate and cultivate Thai culture. In the spa, treatments and wellness programmes are designed to utilise bygone techniques, with natural herbs used as medicinal remedies in conjunction with old-fashioned pampering. The eight treatment rooms offer a haven of renewal and the spa also offers a Thai massage pavilion, steam and sauna rooms along with a fitness room with views of the sea, yoga and meditation spaces, making Keemala an ideal destination for retreats.
As an extension of the wholesome spirit of Keemala, cuisine offered is also organic and locally sourced and grown where possible. The menus incorporate healthy and nutritious meals. Keemala offers three outlets for dining; the main restaurant, a pool bar, a smaller wine cellar ideal for small parties and meetings and destination dining will be offered to those guests who would like to enjoy the ambience of somewhere distinct.
Comments are closed.