Wellbeing Escapes team member, Dominika, visits Phuket Cleanse and finds a life-changing wellbeing experience that leaves her wanting to go back for more...
What were your first impressions of the resort?
How welcoming the team were, how upbeat the other guests were (starting losing weight and feeling more energized in just a few days) and how clean and comfortable my room was at the property was built in 2011 so the rooms and ensuite bathrooms are modern, contemporary and spacious.
What do you think makes Phuket Cleanse so special?
The dedicated and passionate team, for one, who are not only knowledgeable but genuinely care, everything they do, they do with enthusiasm and immense effort. This helps create such a friendly and warm atmosphere and the fact that everyone is doing the same programme, at the same time, means that you instantly join a like-minded, supportive group. I loved the banter and support around the table and in the fitness classes, it was brilliant to meet an international mix of people, from Aussies to Singapore ex-pats, partied-out professionals to those wanting to shift a few stubborn pounds and kick-start a better, healthier lifestyle.
What was your favourite treatment?
The relaxing full body massage at the end of the day, in the privacy and comfort of my own room. The local Thai therapist was fantastic, she used their homemade blend of organic oils and herbs to soothe and stretch my tired Muay Thai muscles.When she left, all I had to do was climb under the covers and I was asleep in minutes. Bliss.
What was your favourite activity?
So hard to choose! Trying Muay Thai was hilarious, a proper workout, but luckily the professional instructors were patient with me... I loved the colourful Muay Thai gym, with its own raw food juice bar, that Phuket Cleanse have created offsite, travelling there in the back of the open-backed truck, and being greeted with a warm towel and a fresh juice, is as Thai as it gets, in my opinion! I also absolutely loved the Bikram Yoga sessions although the first one would have been my last one had the brilliant activity-coordinator at Phuket Cleanse, Simon, nor pre-warned me about the chances of not enjoying the first sweaty session. How right he was, but I was ready for the second – and felt the detoxifying benefits really quickly. 90 minutes very well spent and I will continue it now that I am back in London, although it won'tbe quite the same without the fresh coconut served with a straw afterwards... oh and the beach stomps and Frisbee games in the surf; they're pretty special, too.
How was the food?
Delicious and innovative. It's a vital part of Melanie and Stanton's vision (the inspirational American couple who founded and run the retreat). Here, you detox through sweating out toxins through exercise and also through the herbal saunas, but also through the food that you take. High energy raw, vegetarian, mainly organic food is the essence of the food programme, with various veggie juices, fruit smoothies, coconut juice and herbal teas also on offer. They grow quite a lot of their own produce (be sure to check out Stanton's trays of wheatgrass...). More than just a kitchen, the team here create their own raw food recipes daily in this food playground so this is as creative as it gets, no dish will be repeated, even if you stay for a month. Guests are able to participate in informal cooking classes and demos, and recipes are constantly shared, so you'll go home with the right tools to keep healthy for the long-term.
What was your favourite aspect of the resort?
Hard to say but I think it has to be the variety of activities on offer, the fact that you're taken offsite locally to go to the private Muay Thai gym and Bikram yoga centre, for example, means that you really feel you are in Thailand. You can't help but feel the enthusiasm, positivity and dedication of the team either and it's infectious.
Who would you recommend Phuket Cleanse to?
If you want to achieve a goal, get fitter, lose some weight, feel better and stronger or detox your body and mind, then this goal-focused, welcoming and friendly small, authentic retreat delivers. It operates very much as a group retreat, as everyone is on the same timetable on one programme, making it ideal for single travellers as well as sociable couples. If you want to really experience Thailand, from authentic Muay Thai lessons, local Bikram Yoga, beach walks and open-backed truck transport, whilst re-setting your body and clearing mind, then this is the perfect escape for you. I loved it!
Inspired? Call us on 0203 735 755 and book today.
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