Dominika from our team head off to practise her yoga moves at Absolute Sanctuary on the Thai island of Koh Samui and reports back on excellent teaching, innovative cuisine and a friendly, laid-back atmosphere.
What were your first impressions of the resort?
How well the Moroccan architecture and colourful, earthy tones worked in the lush Thai landscape - tucked away along a drive, this authentic bolthole has a real sense of calmness about it. The staff were quick to welcome me with warmth and I loved the fact that so many staff members are Thai, so not only do you instantly feel like you're in Thailand but also you get to experience that famous Thai hospitality.
What do you think makes Absolute Sanctuary so special?
When it comes to fitness, Pilates and yoga, they really know their stuff and they even train yoga teachers here at various times of the year. It's a very genuine place and that comes across in the care given by the staff. Although the property isn't on the beach, you can see the sea at a distance (and there are free shuttle buses if you fancy feeling the sand beneath your toes), and as it's surrounded by greenery, it feels very tropical. Exclusive detox programme is carefully crafted and the team here are on hand to guide you along the way. What's also very special is "The Love Kitchen", where all the delicious, nutritious food is created and served. Beautifully presented, imaginative and so utterly good for you - they've received so much praise that they've launched their own hardback recipe book, so you can recreate their healthy delicacies at home.
What was your favourite treatment?
The Lymphatic Drainage Massage, done by hand, gets those lymph glands moving and shaking, adding the release of toxins and speeds up the detox process. The therapists here are very well-trained, so you're in safe hands.
What was your favourite activity?
Hard to choose really as there are so many varying classes on offer but I tried reformer Pilates which had been on my list for a while. Phew - excellent but what a hard work! Judging by the laughter taking place on the table beside me at lunch, guests were mingling and loving their stay - there's certainly plenty to do to keep you stimulated, but equally, it's the ideal environment to let go and unwind.
How was the food?
Delicious, creative, varied and innovative. Quite simply, I am in love with 'The Love Kitchen'. Their dining menu options not only support those who are on a detox programme or vegetarian diet, but also suit those who want a non-vegetarian but healthy option. Flexible, largely organic, with raw options, cooked options - plus they also offer freshly squeezed juices, invigorating smoothies and "smart drinks" boosted with high quality supplements, as well as a wide range of herbal teas. If only they delivered to Islington...
What was your favourite aspect of the resort?
I think it has to be the quality of yoga on offer and the size of the property - there are 38 bedrooms, so it's large enough to have a buzz about it but small enough to get to know some of their fellow like-minded guests. The infinity swimming pool looked beautiful, especially at night when the property is bathed in light, plus the juice bar by the pool was a nice touch. Plus the a convenientce of a shuttle bus that takes you to the beach.
Who would you recommend Absolute Sanctuary to?
Anyone who's interested in yoga, healthy eating and also for those wanting to undergo a detox. It will suit sociable couples, a few friends travelling together but it's also ideal for a single traveller - a lot of guests here come on their own in fact. When I was there, I met a range of different people; some retired Australians, 30/40-something British women, some travellers from nearby Singapore and Hong Kong, as well as a strapping soldier just back from Afghanistan who was desperately in need of some R&R. If you want super luxury, then this isn't for you, but if you want comfortable surrounds, delicious, healthy food and excellent yoga (or even some calorie-busting cardio Muay Thai!) then add it to your wish list.
For personalised advice, please call our expert wellness team on 020 3735 7555.
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