Meet Karina Stewart: Co-Founder of Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary

From the age of 14, when she began meditating and exploring Asian spiritual philosophies, her heart was opened to an existence of devotion and self-discovery. She later went to Princeton University and completed a B.A. in Cultural Anthropology, with a focus on Asian religions. Karina’s fascination with the East and passion for health led her to California’s Yo San University, where she gained a Master’s degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine, followed by internships in Japan and China. Her training extends to structural therapies such as Hellerwork and Cranial-Sacral Manipulation, as well as yoga and Taoist philosophy and practices.

Prior to Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary, Karina founded a health centre in Kathmandu, Nepal, where for seven years she practiced Oriental Medicine and produced a range of Chinese herbal elixirs. Following this period, she collaborated on a research project in California to develop and test medical detoxification protocols combining modern medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Naturopathy. Karina also designed and directed medical detoxification programmes at the Hall Centre, an integrative medical centre in California, and facilitated ‘Awakening’ retreats in several cities throughout the US, which focused on cellular detoxification and purification practices from both Eastern and Western traditions.

In 2000, after conceiving and growing for many years the vision that would become Kamalaya, Karina and her husband John Stewart embarked on the journey of the creating a retreat in Thailand. Working together with passion and complimentary contributions, Karina and John founded what would years later become Kamalaya in Koh Samui, one of the world's leading wellness retreats. It remains a profound expression of their life journey and deep commitment to service and positive contribution.

Experience the award-winning Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary for yourself – click here to find out more about the retreat and its personalised programmes.