Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Our readers would love to “get to know you” better. Can you share your “backstory” with us?
Iam Karina Stewart, Founder and Chief Wellness Officer of the legendary Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary on the idyllic island of Koh Samui in Thailand. Throughout my life and especially in my professional journey, I have devoted myself with unwavering passion and dedication to the understanding, practice and pursuit of holistic health and wellbeing from various and diverse traditions. Delving into the study and practice of a wide array of Asian healing and spiritual traditions from a very young age forms the foundation of my training. Throughout this period spanning more than four decades, my interest and curiosity in this vast field inspires me to continue to explore this vast field with a clear recognition of how much there is yet to learn, engage and experience. I remain a passionate student of all things in holistic health.
Sharing my insights as a speaker and pioneer in the wellness arena has been my privilege and the recognition I have received within the industry further fuels my commitment to excellence. In 2018, American Spa bestowed upon me the esteemed title of ‘Owner & Operator of the Year,’ and in 2009, I was honoured to be named ‘Spa Personality of the Year’ at the AsiaSpa Awards. Over the years, Kamalaya has been awarded more than 50 prestigious industry accolades, including the recent distinction of being recognised as the ‘Worldwide Health & Wellness Destination of the Year’ at the World Spa & Wellness Awards 2023 in London, as well as being crowned ‘Wellness Retreat of the Year’ at the Destination Deluxe 2023 Awards and a ‘Healing Hideaway’ at the Tatler Spa Awards 2023 in the UK.
With Kamalaya, my vision is the harmonious integration of Eastern and Western traditions such that each guest is offered a deeply individualised, high impact and personally transforming wellness experience. What sets Kamalaya apart is the intimate and immersive journey each guest experiences which includes a wellness program drawing from a vast array of healing modalities. Each of these diverse healing elements have been thoughtfully curated and harmoniously integrated into a truly holistic experience. Since its inception in November 2005, our wellness concept has revolved around the principle of synergy — treatments and programs that together encourage each guest to access and connect with the innate healing power within and support the harmonious integration of the heart, body, mind and spirit. To date, we have introduced 18 tailored wellness programs at Kamalaya, with our latest program “Radiant Bliss” centering around women’s unique health rhythms and needs.
My profound passion for both food and healing has led me to establish the philosophy of ‘food for healing, food as medicine’ at Kamalaya. The culmination of this vision is our award-winning cuisine, renowned not only for its health benefits but also for its extraordinary flavours — a true feast for the palate. At Kamalaya, we believe that nourishing the body through conscious choices is an essential aspect of the holistic healing journey.
I wholeheartedly believe in the power of education and continuous learning. With a Masters of Traditional Chinese Medicine from Yo San University in California, followed by months of internship training in China and Japan I gained valuable knowledge and expertise in this ancient healing tradition. I have additionally received training in various structural therapies such as Hellerwork and Cranial-Sacral Manipulation, as well as yoga and Taoist philosophy and practices. My educational background includes a B.A. from Princeton University, where my focus was Cultural Anthropology with an emphasis on Asian religions traditions.
Before the inception of Kamalaya, I dedicated my efforts to groundbreaking work in the realm of medical detoxification. This included establishing a health centre in Kathmandu, Nepal, as well as collaborating on research projects in the United States. Together with esteemed experts in their respective fields, such as Dr. James Dahlgran, an environmental toxicology professor at UCLA and founder of the B Well Centre, and Dr. Maoshing Ni, the expertise, founder and visionary behind the Tao of Wellness and renowned author, I developed medical detoxification protocols that seamlessly integrate modern medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Naturopathy. Additionally, I had the privilege of designing and directing a medical detoxification program for Dr. Prudence Hall at at the Hall Centre in California.
My upbringing played a significant role in shaping my path towards holistic healing and self-discovery. I was born and raised in Mexico until the age of 15, at which point my family relocated to my father’s home state of Texas. My mother’s health crisis and deep interest in natural healing, meditation, yoga and Asian spiritual philosophies ignited my curiosity and fostered a lifelong passion for exploring various healing modalities. Fate and my pursuit of meditation and spiritual philosophy brought me together with John Stewart in 1982 while we were both visiting and studying in an ashram in India, guided by a revered Himalayan yogi master known as Herakhan Baba. Inspired by our teacher and our time as devoted students in the Himalayas and through our shared values and aspirations, John and I envisioned and brought to life the Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary. Kamalaya is the embodiment of our respective life journeys and unwavering commitment to serving others and making positive contributions to the world.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career? What were the main lessons or takeaways from that story?
As I reflect upon my journey, there is a story that stands out as the most transformative and inspiring chapter of my career. It was the time when my beloved husband, co-founder of Kamalaya, was diagnosed with a terminal illness and was told to put his affairs in order. The news was devastating, striking our hearts like a thunderbolt and filling our lives with uncertainty and fear. But within that darkness, we discovered an unwavering determination to find resources and a path forward to healing and recovery.
Driven by love and a profound desire for my beloved to live a long and healthy life, I immersed myself in research, calling upon my teachers, and drawing from the knowledge and expertise of various healing traditions and protocols. Searching for a way through this crisis and striving to find a way to save the life of the man I cherish and adore, he was prescribed a herb from Ayurvedic traditions that possessed incredible potential for clearing viruses and for liver cleansing and regeneration. To ensure the most potent formulation a fresh daily preparation is required. It took dedication and perseverance to prepare this herbal decoction twice a day guaranteeing its freshness and purity. John, my husband, began consuming it as part of his regimen. After several months of daily consumption, when we went for his regular medical tests, to our amazement and astonishment, the doctors reviewing his condition simply couldn’t believe the results. They urged him to continue whatever we were doing because it was working, his viral load had been reduced to insignificant levels. This herb along with other natural protocols had brought about a miraculous transformation.
Little did we know that this serendipitous discovery not only saved John’s life but would also play a pivotal role in shaping the destiny of the creation of Kamalaya. During his time on Koh Samui, gathering the herb that grows on the island in abundance, fate and his innate curiosity led him to a mystical cave known to Buddhist hermit monks for centuries. It was at that very moment when John entered this cave to offer his respects that the vision of Kamalaya materialised — this precious and sacred land would become the birthplace of a sanctuary of peace and transformation, a place of healing for the world to discover. And so, Kamalaya was born, an expression of our love and gratitude for our teachers, a determination to live and a commitment to be in service to a higher purpose.
From this remarkable journey, I learned profound lessons. First, love is a potent force that propels us beyond our perceived limits and drives us to pursue the impossible. It ignites an unyielding dedication to the wellbeing of those we hold dear, fueling our quest for healing and transformation.
Secondly, the power of nature and ancient wisdom cannot be underestimated. Sometimes, the answers we seek lie in the treasures hidden within the earth — herbs, plants and remedies that existed long before our time. It is our responsibility to reveal their potential and utilise them to promote healing and vitality.
Lastly, I learned that every setback, every challenge, is an opportunity to learn, to engage more fully and to grow and transform in ways we never could have imagined. Our darkest moments can become the catalyst for life-altering discoveries, paving the way for new beginnings and profound purpose.
Today, my husband and I stand together, in gratitude for the transformation that unfolded through our shared journey. And Kamalaya stands as a testament to the miracles that can be achieved through holistic healing, inspiring the world to embrace the power of nature, of love and self-discovery.
It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about a mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
When I first started Kamalaya, it was an incredibly exciting and fulfilling to embark on a journey to fulfill our shared vision together. I was fueled by my passion for researching, creating and eventually providing a transformative experience to our guests from around the world. However, in the midst of the thrilling and demanding environment, I made a grave mistake — I neglected to prioritise my own wellbeing. Having never before been engaged to a level so far above my capability, I had not ever before hit my limit. I also did not realise I was in a marathon not a sprint.
The first year was a whirlwind of non-stop work, juggling multiple responsibilities and constantly being on the go. I pushed myself beyond my limits, sacrificing sleep, rest and self-care in the process. Working 12–14 hour days seven days a week in the start up phase was normal. I was so focused on manifesting our dream to create a nurturing environment for our guests that I forgot to nurture myself.
Before too long, my body and mind gave me a resounding wake-up call — I experienced an adrenal burnout. Having ignored my body’s subtler signs such as fatigue, feeling stressed and difficulty unwinding and sleeping, my health started to suffer greatly and I nearly had a head-on collision. It was a humbling moment when my blood markers revealed that my biological body had aged significantly. Two years earlier I had been tested and learned that I was biologically 14 years younger than my chronological age and now I have aged biologically 12 years in just two years of high stress and self neglect. This was a wake-up call that was impossible to ignore.
This experience taught me a life-changing lesson. It solidified the importance of prioritising health and wellbeing not only for myself but also for the effective service I strive to provide to others. Neglecting my own self-care, I was unable to show by example for my team and for our guests who came to Kamalaya seeking healing and rejuvenation where it all begins. For women and men, when we love our life, the people in our lives and the work that we do we may be more at risk of not taking the time on a daily basis to develop a routine that will last a lifetime. It is easy to compromise and adapt to the needs of others whom we love and care about. But if we do not take the time to refill and recharge on a daily basis, sooner or later it will catch up with us. It was a lesson that would inspire many of the programs and protocols we practice at Kamalaya, for our guests as well as for our teams.
From that moment forward, I made a commitment to myself — no matter how short or long, I would engage in a daily routine and practice that would recharge and rebalance me physically, emotionally and mentally every day. It took this crisis for me to realise my limitations and to prioritise a work-life balance to ensure my long-term wellbeing. Implementing daily self-care practices became an adventure which remains a constant source of inspiration for me. Sometimes I have more time and at other times less but always I have some time for movement that is enjoyable, time for reflection and contemplation as a way to find inner peace and clarity, and time to unwind, rest and recharge my energy as well as time with the most important people in my life beginning with John. On this journey, it became very clear that spreading this message of self-care and wellbeing to our hosts and team at Kamalaya was important and relevant. We educate and encourage them to prioritise their health and find a balance, recognising that a healthy and fulfilled team will inevitably lead to better care and support for our guests as well as a healthy ecosystem.
Today, the lessons I learned from my burnout continue to inspire and remind me, guiding me to make better choices, to understand myself better when I stray and to inspire others as they explore their own journey to higher states of health and vitality. They serve as a constant reminder to never again neglect my wellbeing and to embody the learning and wisdom gained with compassion and understanding when I fall short of my own ideals. At Kamalaya, we continue to inspire and guide our guests towards a more balanced and nourishing lifestyle, engaging my experience to connect on a deeper level.
Mistakes are indeed powerful teachers, and I will forever be grateful for the lessons I have learned from my own. It is through those lessons that I can inspire and lead others to a path of holistic healing and personal transformation. My journey of self-discovery and curiosity continues, allowing me to grow and evolve along with the beautiful sanctuary that is Kamalaya. Ultimately, our lives are a creative process of self-discovery we have the privilege to lovingly share with others along the way.
Let’s jump to our main focus. When it comes to health and wellness, how is the work you are doing helping to make a bigger impact in the world?
My vision was always to create a better world through health and healing of body, heart, mind and spirit. Kamalaya is a wellness sanctuary delivering 18 results-oriented wellness programs that address stress and burnout, detox, fitness, sleep, mental and emotional wellbeing, longevity and a healthy lifestyle. While we do have accommodations and facilities that support the guest’s stay and engagement in our wellness programs, Kamalaya is not a hotel or resort. The inspiration for Kamalaya was always my innate desire to enable and support people to heal and reconnect with their truest essence, the source of all healing, imagination, creativity and unlimited potential.
Conceived as a serene sanctuary for inspiration, contemplation, immersion and transformation, Kamalaya’s tranquil setting on the peaceful southern coast of Koh Samui gives the time, space and freedom to rest the mind, open the heart, replenish the body and awaken the spirit in idyllic surroundings. Rediscovering equilibrium and finding true inspiration is a personal process and Kamalaya invites guests to heal and transform their physical, emotional, mental and spiritual energies at their own pace, in their own individual ways.
To see our guests undergo a positive transformation, make progress in life and become better versions of themselves is the biggest reward we could hope for. This has been our passion for the last 18 years and continues to motivate us to keep moving forward and refining our offerings in line with ancient wisdom combined with the latest research and advancements in wellness technology.
Can you share your top five “lifestyle tweaks” that you believe will help support people’s journey towards better wellbeing?
1 .Aim for 8 hours of solid, high quality sleep every night. It is restorative and critical for optimal health in every way including hormonal balance, brain performance, heart health, emotional equilibrium and longevity. It affects quality of life on every level. If you are currently getting six hours, aim for seven and build up to eight.
2 .Make sure you spend time in nature daily and especially absorb early morning light in order to reset your circadian rhythm and ensure higher quality sleep. Connect with nature at this time, even if it is a short period of time. Nature and sunlight exposure are foundations for long term mental, emotional and physical health. Even just five minutes of walking in the garden or a nearby park will begin to give you positive benefits and absorbing early morning sunlight resets our body clocks every day.
3 .Movement that is enjoyable will have an immense impact on longevity and health. Twenty to thirty minutes of brisk walking a day is the minimum, and if you are already doing this you can increase the frequency and intensity as well as incorporate strength, balance and flexibility training on a regular basis. From all traditions in the world, movement is considered a foundation for health and wellbeing offering benefits that ensure longevity and a high quality of life.
4 .Make time to spend quality time with the important people in your life regularly and make it a priority. A supportive social circle of family and friends reduces stress and builds emotional and mental resilience, another pillar for long-term happiness.
5 .Make sure your food choices include fresh fruits and vegetables daily, healthy quality protein and low sugar. Avoid refined sugar to keep energy levels high, instead, choose nutritious fresh foods for greater vitality. Beware of too much caffeine consumption as it disrupts sleep.
When we are doing these five things — we have slept well, we are spending some time in natural sunlight and in nature, we have engaged in movement purposefully, we are eating well and we have supportive social relationships — we will feel the positive impact on all levels of our lives. At work, we see a much higher level of mental performance, emotional stability, physical energy and vitality. It contributes to better leadership, clearer thinking, reduced stress, our ability to solve problems is increased, we are more creative in our solutions, and all of this leads to more emotional intelligence and creativity.
Conversely, when we don’t take time to prioritise healthier habits and fall into unhealthy patterns of behaviour, eventually it may all catch up with us. This may show up at a physical, emotional, mental or social level. We are resilient and adaptable but there is a personal tipping point for everyone. We can get away with not exercising or not getting enough sleep for some time but eventually, the consequences will begin to appear, and then it can be a snowball effect. In times of high stress, our lateral thinking disappears which means creative options for problem-solving disappear. Our fight or flight stress response is ignited and we have tunnel vision, suddenly we don’t have access to all of the internal possibilities, and all the thinking options we would usually have to solve problems. Developing and protecting a daily (weekly) personal health and wellbeing routine is an indispensable investment in your long-term health and longevity, for your future self.
If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of wellness to the most amount of people, what would that be?
If I could start a movement that would bring wellness to the most amount of people, it would revolve around the exploration and application of how we can make better choices for enhanced health and wellbeing. It seems knowledge alone does not mean we are all able to implement the choices we know we need to make. Sometimes we are very committed and at other times we struggle to maintain the healthy choices we know make us feel better, perform better, live longer, etc. We seem to know so much already but there is for each of us a gap between what we know and what we do on a regular basis. I would like to know how to ignite the switch in people so that making positive changes is more available to more people. I used to think it was knowledge, then discovered this was not sufficient. Then I believed it was access but this also turned out to be a limited answer. Then I was convinced it was willpower but once again this was limited. So, I am truly curious and intrigued about understanding deeply and then making this discovery available to more people: how to make better choices on a consistent and long term basis.
I believe from my own life journey in the immense impact of consciousness and mindfulness. As we become more fully present in each moment, embracing life’s joys and challenges with a sense of awareness and clarity, then self-care would not be seen as selfish, but rather as a necessary act of nourishing the mind, body, heart and spirit.
By promoting consciousness and curiosity in self-awareness, we can help people cultivate a deep understanding of their thoughts, emotions, motivations and sensations, encouraging a more conscious and awake life, a more creative life. Mindfulness provides a toolkit of practical techniques to manage stress, anxiety and overwhelm. It helps each of us connect with our inner selves, tapping into a sense of peace and inner wisdom that can guide us through life’s ups and downs.
Self-care, often overlooked in our hectic and demanding lives, is a fundamental pillar of wellbeing. It involves developing a practice that includes good habits for our physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual wellbeing — a key for a productive, constructive and creative life. Prioritising our own needs and intentionally taking actions to support our physical, mental, emotional and social health is a need we cannot neglect. When we practice self-care, we create a solid foundation for our overall wellbeing. It allows us to show up as our best selves, benefiting not only us but also those around us. We can connect and extend our unique talents and contributions to the world around us, touching and being touched by people and by life with a sense of appreciation and gratitude.
Imagine a society where consciousness and self-awareness leading to better choices in our lives is valued and encouraged at schools, workplaces and communities. By integrating better choices including self-care practices into our daily routines, we can prevent burnout, increase resilience and enhance our overall quality of life. It is through self-awareness and making better choices that we can replenish our inner wells and cultivate the capacity to care for others sustainably and compassionately.
Inspiring and empowering individuals to prioritise mindfulness, self-awareness, and self-care through better choices is something so immensely precious and so potentially transformative. By doing so, we can create a ripple effect that reaches far and wide, touching the lives of countless people. Imagine a world where everyone has a strong personal practice for their unique physical, emotional, mental, social and spiritual needs and by being resilient and vibrant they are able to reach out from a place of abundance well-resourced and fostering a culture of collective thriving and harmonious exchange. Together, we can make mindfulness and self-awareness for better choices and self-care not just a trend, but a way of life that brings about true happiness, fulfillment and wellbeing for all.
Remember, the power to cultivate and practice mindfulness and self-awareness for better choices lies within each one of us. The journey begins with a single step — a moment of pause, conscious breath, a commitment to our overall wellbeing.
What are your “5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before I Started” and why?
Starting a career or venture in the wellness industry can be an exciting and rewarding journey. However, there are always valuable lessons we wish we had known beforehand. Here are five things that I wish someone had told me before I started:
First and foremost: Life is a marathon and the fulfillment of your life vision — Kamalaya — will take everything you imagine is within you and so much more. While remaining fully engaged and passionate, you must also take care of yourself every day as if you were caring for yourself when you were a young child. Take time and care, with a kind and gentle approach, to nurture yourself daily and develop a routine that becomes a lifelong habit. Choose wisely — this routine must allow you to release, reset and recharge every single day. Remember you are also an essential part of the equation so prioritise your own self-care. As a professional inclined and trained to prioritise the health and wellbeing of others and in a field focused on the wellbeing of others, it is easy to neglect my own needs. Taking care of myself physically, mentally, emotionally and socially is not only crucial for my personal wellbeing but also for my ability to effectively show up and support others while making a positive contribution.
Secondly, dedicate time to the people in your life that are most important to you. You will have to prioritise even in this arena. Make sure you take the time to remain connected to those you love and who are most important to you. Life goes very quickly and before you know it your children are grown and your parents are no longer with you, you may have lost touch with close friends… remember life is about relationships and connecting, ‘hearts’. Make sure you invest in these precious beings in your life on a very regular basis. Building a strong social support network by surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals who support you in your choices, who can share your vision and values. This will provide a sense of community but also allows for collaboration, growth and mutual support in both personal and professional realms.
Remain committed and grounded in your inner journey of consciousness, mindfulness and self-awareness. As you embarked on the manifestation of your vision, it will require an immersion in the outer world of deadlines, execution, commitments, financial pressures, etc. Continue your daily practice of self-reflection and self-awareness which will better guide you as you move into the outer world’s duties and responsibilities. You can walk on both paths simultaneously.
It will be very challenging at times and you will question everything in your darkest hours. The sacrifices will be great. In these times when you are questioning everything, remember what propelled and motivated you from the very beginning. Take time on a regular basis to reconnect with your original vision, purpose and mission so that you are reinvigorated again and again and your inspiration and clear vision restores you so that your doubts turn to confidence, and your fear to courage.
Do not hesitate to reach out for the type of support you may need, you do not have to wait for a crisis to reach out for support and resources along the way. You can make the process and the journey more engaging and fulfilling with greater ease by reaching out to others. Building a successful career or wellness-centered business requires patience, persistence and unwavering belief. There will inevitably be challenges and obstacles along the way, but maintaining faith in your vision and staying dedicated to your purpose will ultimately lead to tremendous growth and fulfilment and personal success.
Adaptability is essential as is continuous learning and development. The wellness industry is constantly evolving, with new trends and practices emerging rapidly. Embracing change and being open to new ideas and approaches while remaining true and committed to your personal vision is essential. Innovation is critical so long as it is grounded and guided by brand values and purpose and by continued education and expertise in the field. Staying updated with the latest research, attending workshops and seeking new knowledge and skills not only enhances your expertise but also reflect a commitment to evolving alongside the field.
Sustainability, veganism, mental health, and environmental changes are big topics at the moment. Which one of these causes is dearest to you, and why?
In the aftermath of the past few years of uncertainty, isolation and fear, it is increasingly evident that safeguarding and restoring our mental health is of paramount importance. One of the primary reasons people travel is to connect with people and to discover different and new aspects of themselves in different settings. Wellness travel offers transformative experiences that nurture our wellbeing, allowing us to reconnect with others and the world as we rediscover ourselves in new ways. At Kamalaya, we understand this vital connection and offer a serene sanctuary where travel intertwines with wellness programs that support mental wellbeing and balance, within a community.
Looking ahead, we recognise that travel will play a vital role in reinvigorating our minds, uplifting our spirits and fostering meaningful connections. Kamalaya, nestled on pristine shores, provides a magnificent environment of tranquility that encourages self-reflection, personal growth, and mindful travel. Immersing yourself in our serene setting supports and encourages restoration of peace and harmony within your heart and mind. Our caring team of wellness professionals understand that human connections are vital in promoting genuine transformation. Through warm and welcoming communities, combined with world renowned expertise in the field of consciousness, mindfulness and self-awareness, we create a space and programs where personal growth flourishes. Heartfelt conversations, amplified by the picturesque surroundings, ground us in a shared journey of healing and self-discovery.
Travel to Kamalaya allows you to reconnect with your inner selves, unburdened by your usual habits and the noise of the outside world. Amidst Kamalaya’s lush tropical landscape, guests are invited to embark on a profound journey of self-reflection and self-care. Our personalised wellness programs guide our guests to rediscover personal truths, embrace self-discovery through mindfulness and nourish their mental wellbeing. In this era of uncertainty, we invite you to embrace the promise of regenerating and reinspiring your mental wellbeing through wellness travel to Kamalaya. Kamalaya’s wellness sanctuary uplifts and guides guests towards transformative experiences where travel, wellness and personal growth are beautifully integrated.
What is the best way for our readers to further follow your work online?
To stay connected with my work and follow Kamalaya’s journey, there are a few platforms where you can find us and stay informed about our latest endeavours.
Firstly, I invite you to visit Kamalaya’s official website atkamalaya.com. There, you’ll discover an abundance of information about holistic wellness, our wellness programs and the philosophy behind Kamalaya’s wellness sanctuary.
Additionally, you can explore Kamalaya Connect atkamalayaconnect.com. This platform provides an opportunity to dive deeper into the realm of wellness with online courses, expert consultations and informative articles curated by our team of experienced professionals.
To keep up with the latest updates and insightful content on wellness, I encourage you to follow Kamalaya on social media. We share valuable information, educational resources and inspiring stories on platforms like Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. By following us there, you can stay connected and engage with a community of wellness enthusiasts.
Lastly, I invite you to tune in to the“Kamalaya Wellness for Life” podcast.This podcast features conversations with various experts in the health and wellness field, offering valuable insights, trends and knowledge to inspire your own wellness journey. By listening to the podcast, you can gain access to a wealth of information while staying up to date with the latest advancements in the world of wellness.
Thank you for these fantastic insights! We wish you continued success and good health.
