One of the world’s most respected destination spas, Kamalaya Koh Samui, based in Thailand, has today announced a strategic partnership with Thai-based businessman and technology investor Chakrit Sakunkrit, who joins the renowned wellness retreat as a co-owner.

The deal, which is set to accelerate the growth of one of the world’s leading spa destination brands, sees Kamalaya’s visionary founders John and Karina Stewart continue in their respective roles as chairman and chief wellness officer of Kamalaya, both contributing to its operations and management while spearheading the continued development of the brand and ensuring its legacy.

Speaking exclusively to European Spa, John Stewart said: “We are delighted to welcome our new partner Khun Chakrit Sakunkrit to the Kamalaya family. His support ensures the continuous growth and evolution of the Kamalaya brand.

“As a philanthropic partner, his keen interest and engagement supports the continuity and development of Kamalaya’s wellness achievement while ensuring its legacy as a global leader in wellness.

“While the last couple of years have been challenging for us all, with the addition of Khun Chakrit we are confident in Kamalaya’s future. We share a passion and vision for wellness and our common goal is to make sure that the world has greater access to all the benefits available at Kamalaya in the future.

“We have always dreamed of bringing Kamalaya to more people around the world. With the support of Khun Chakrit, we look forward to revealing more in due course.”

A new era for Kamalaya

The new partnership sees Kamalaya’s founders and the team of professionals and health practitioners continue to deliver Kamalaya Koh Samui’s award-winning wellness programming, with new scope to expand the Kamalaya brand and offer in future.

Speaking of his strategic investment, Chakrit Sakunkrit said: “Since its inception 16 years ago, Kamalaya has remained at the forefront of wellness, and now more than ever, the world needs Kamalaya.

“Thailand needs Kamalaya, wellness tourism needs Kamalaya, and most importantly our guests need Kamalaya. I am pleased to have been invited to make this philanthropic investment to enable the founders, John and Karina Stewart, to continue realising their vision and to help a great many people on their personal journey to lifelong wellness.”

A place of growth and transformation

Founder and chief wellness officer Karina Stewart, who has nurtured Kamalaya’s groundbreaking holistic programming since the resort opened in 2005, said: “Kamalaya is a place where growth and transformation, a natural life process, will always be nurtured, guided and supported. We look forward to working with our new partner Khun Chakrit to enhance and add complementing capabilities and facilities to our existing service offering at our beautiful sanctuary.

“This move ultimately supports the continuous evolution of Kamalaya, bettering its ability to remain a sacred place where our guests can re-connect with themselves and their natural surroundings. John and I are very excited about our new partnership and what it will do for the future of Kamalaya in the coming decades.”