Kamalaya's private outdoor pool is the perfect place to unwind.
Any transformative moments?
I realised, when the body is well nourished on a cellular level and not stressed with cortisol, it functions wonderfully and detoxes itself without any harsh detox protocols, so shedding toxic weight and inflammation was easy. Along with a copious and delicious menu, we were given a fibre drink and a light plant protein shake midmorning and midafternoon, while eating vegan meals (there’s also fish and meat on the menu if you want). I wasn’t on a restricted food diet and I wasn’t aiming to lose weight, but the food was so clean and I was so relaxed that I ended up losing quite a bit of weight. I looked fresh and my skin was glowing.
How hardcore were you in your approach? Because the focus of my program was on emotional and physical detoxification, I didn’t consume alcohol or coffee, and ate from Kamalaya’s expansive detox menu. My program also included herbal supplements and a series of holistic therapies, including far-infrared saunas to stimulate circulation, lymphatic drainage massages, colon hydrotherapy, acupuncture and Chi Nei Tsang, a traditional Taoist massage that releases physical and emotional stress.
I did yoga every morning with wonderful instructors in the peaceful breeze in the yoga pavilion high on a hill overlooking the sea. This is what I miss most about Kamalaya.
My program was super busy (no lying around the pool), but I felt relaxed and peaceful all day, going from appointment to appointment drinking lemongrass tea or coconut water in between meals. As I didn’t use my phone, I also had plenty of time to reflect and be present in exactly what I was doing, with no multitasking involved.
Elle Macpherson at wellness retreat Kamalaya, in Koh Samui, Thailand.
What did you get out of the trip? I felt truly amazing afterwards, with so much energy and vitality. I’m longing to go back. Next time I’d like to stay for three weeks.Packing essentials?
Loose clothing. I love kaftans from Pippa Holt, which are unique and handcrafted. I also love my slip dresses from Little Joe Woman by Gail Elliott, and Hermès Oran sandals. I wear bikinis from Melissa Odabash because she knows my body so well and I love her simple, sexy style. I always take WelleCo Super Elixir and WelleCo [Nourishing] Protein Chocolate powder when I’m on the road, because I need the systemic support, and our sleep tea, which is great for jet lag. Reading is also a big part of holiday travel for me and I often have a few books on the go, usually nonfiction, which inspire or educate.
Retail Therapy
Elle Macpherson’s capsule suitcase for a week-long wellness escape.
Little Joe Woman dress, $375, littlejoewoman.com. Melissa Odabash bikini top, and briefs, $161 each, at matchesfashion.com. Pippa Holt kaftan, $667, at https://www.pippaholt.com. Hermès sandals, $980, hermes.com.
Kamalaya’s seven-night wellness programs starts from $5500 per person, twin share, kamalaya.com. This article originally appeared in the March issue of marie claire.
