Karma Royal Group takes on its first UK project at hamlet of sea-facing cottages
Karma Royal Group recently announced the introduction of its first property in the UK – the only hotel on St Martin’s island, part of the Isles of Scilly archipelago off the most westerly point of England.
Renowned UK interior designer Nicky Haslam is in charge of fully refurbishing the interiors of the 30-key luxury resort, called Karma St Martin’s, which is nestled on 2.8 hectares of sloping terrain and overlooks the waters of Tean Sound and Tresco.
The sea-facing hamlet of cottages will feature a Karma Spa, which is set to open on 1 May 2015, but details of the facility have not yet been announced. This information will be revealed in one month, Judy Chapman – spa and wellness curator for Karma and former editor-in-chief of Spa Asia magazine – told Spa Opportunities.
“I am currently curating a boutique range of spa products made on the Isles of Scilly with a local farmer who distills his own essential oils,” continued Chapman. “He blends these with local sea salt harvested on St Martin’s too.”

Due to the region’s microclimate, cacti and subtropical plants – normally found in Africa and southern Europe – thrive in the resort’s landscaped gardens, which lead to the property’s private beach and boat jetty.
There are three food and beverage outlets at the resort and guests have access to a number of leisure facilities, including an indoor heated swimming pool.

There is a nearby gym and the island also has a tennis court. Boat trips to nearby islands to view seal and puffin colonies are on offer, as well as fishing expeditions for mackerel and pollock. Wreck diving is also popular around the Isles of Scilly, due to the legend that more than 500 shipwrecks were sunk off the rocky shores.
Karma Royal Group comprises Karma Resorts, Royal Resorts, Karma Estates, Karma Beach and Karma Spa. In recent years, under the direction of chair and CEO John Spence, the group has undergone global expansion. Further growth plans include land acquisitions and developments in Cuba, Brazil, Japan, India, Thailand, Western Australia, Indonesia, Bavaria, North America and the Bahamas.
In July 2013, Spence was honoured by Yale University School of Architecture by being appointed the Edward P. Bass distinguished visiting architecture fellow for the Q4 semester of 2013/2014.
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