Absolute Sanctuary
Koh Samui, Thailand
Overview
Absolute Sanctuary is a leading wellness resort with a focus on fitness, yoga, Pilates and core strength. In fact, it was the first to introduce 'core-blast' suspension workouts to Thailand. A comprehensive holistic approach to health means Absolute Sanctuary can deliver truly transformative results and long-lasting benefits. Healthy eating is very much part of the philosophy here. Delicious super-food and light detox meals are offered. Add in a team of highly qualified naturopaths, nutritionists and holistic healers and you have the perfect place to embark on a journey back to balance, rejuvenation and a healthy lifestyle.
When to go
Koh Samui weather is pleasant most of the time. The best time to travel is from December to February. The hottest time of the year is from March to May. The monsoon season is from September to November.
What we love
- The wide variety of daily, group fitness and yoga classes with every level being catered for
- The Pilates Reformers and expert training providing more resistance and varied exercises
- That they call their restaurant the Love Kitchen and the food is fresh, light and detoxifying.
Who should go
• Solo travellers who wish to stay in an easy going social environment
• Yoga bunnies or Reformer Pilates enthusiasts
• People who are ready to learn how to transform to a healthier lifestyle
Offers
- Summer Offer:*
- -30% off room price and 10% off non-exclusive wellness programmes
- - Valid for stays until 30 September 23
- Autumn Offer:*
- -30% off room price and 10% off non-exclusive wellness programmes
- - RETURNING GUEST SPECIAL: Get extra 10% off rooms
- - Valid for stays between 01 October - 15 December 23 if booked between 30 November 23
- Exclusive Benefits:*
- -Stay 7, Pay 6 nights with any wellness programme*
- -A free spa voucher worth £75 (min stay 5 nights)*
- -Free room upgrade (upon availability on arrival)
- -Free unlimited access to daily group yoga and meditation classes
- -Repeat guests: bonus nights (7=5 and 10=7; only if pre-booking a spa package) if you have booked with Wellbeing Escapes to Absolute Sanctuary before*
*Offers are not combinable
Wellness
Absolute Sanctuary offers a wide range of programmes with the potential to truly transform your life. Their holistic approach to wellness focuses around guest’s needs so individual goals can be achieved. No matter if you want to focus on mental or physical detox, lose weight, de-stress or change your lifestyle for good, Absolute Sanctuary is a great place to start. Absolute Sanctuary is big on Pilates with Reformer Pilates studio and programmes on offer.Facilities include detox centre (with colon hydrotherapy machine), indoor and outdoor spa treatment rooms, 2 yoga studios, Reformer Pilates studio, private Pilates studio, fitness centre, core suspend stations and FAR infrared sauna and steam room. There is also an outdoor swimming pool with the infinity edge. Everyone has access to the daily group fitness and aqua sessions (schedule changes on a weekly basis). There is a yoga mat in your room if you fancy some stretches in the comfort of your room.
Example treatments at Absolute Sanctuary
- Thai Massage with Herbal Heat Compress
- Indian Head Massage
- Aromatherapy Massage
- Lymphatic Drainage Massage
- Reiki
- Thai Stretch Massage
- Colon Hydrotherapy
Activities
Activities available at resort
- Cookery Classes
- Shuttle to the beach
- Temple visits
- Watch a film in the movie room
Activities available at the surrounding area
- Visit An Thong National Marine Park
- Visit the secret Bhudda garden
- Go to a Muay Thai Boxing match
- Kitesurfing
- Sea kayaking
- Elephant trekking
- Shopping at night markets
- Swimming at waterfalls
Typical Group Classes
- Yoga (Vinyasa, restorative, yin, hot yoga, beginners hatha)
- Pranayama (breathwork) and meditation
- Reformer Pilates
- Mat Pilates
- Core Suspend
- Acqua Fitness
- Kick boxing
- Sunrise Walk
- Free holistic health workshops
Sample Weekly Class Schedule
Please note - Classes are subject to change and seasonal adjustmentsRooms
All 38 rooms are spread across five two-storey buildings and are nestled on a hill amidst thick, lush vegetation. Upper floor rooms have lovely ocean views. There are 3 rooms types from cosy Superior rooms to spacious Suites to match anyone's taste and budget. Room were renovated in 2020 and are bright, airy and modern.
Sanctuary Superior
There are 24 Superior rooms all with the surface of 30m2.
Located on the ground floors, they have choice of either queen-size bed or twin beds.
They all have an en-suite shower.
Facilities include air-conditioning, phone, kettle, fan, safe, satellite TV, wi-fi, mini-bar, hairdryer, slippers, bathrobe, beach bag and yoga mat.
Sanctuary Deluxe
The Deluxe rooms (37 m2) feature king-size beds, and a private terrace.
Bathroom has a bathtub.
Facilities include air-conditioning, phone, kettle, fan, safe, satellite TV, wi-fi, mini-bar, hairdryer, slippers, bathrobe, beach bag and yoga mat.
Sanctuary Deluxe Seaview
The Deluxe rooms (37 m2) feature king-size beds.
These deluxe rooms offer sea views and have balconies.
Bathroom has a bathtub.
Facilities include air-conditioning, phone, kettle, fan, safe, satellite TV, wi-fi, mini-bar, hairdryer, slippers, bathrobe, beach bag and yoga mat.
Sanctuary Suite
There are 4 suites at the resort, each is 46 SqM.
These suites emanate tranquility and a sense of luxury, featuring a king-size, four-poster canopy bed and cosy lounge area.
There are large windows and a balcony to soap up those exotic views.
Bathroom has a bathtub and a shower.
Facilities include air-conditioning, phone, kettle, fan, safe, satellite TV, wi-fi, mini-bar, hairdryer, slippers, bathrobe, beach bag and yoga mat.
What’s on the menu
Food is prepared using natural, organic ingredients (local and imported) and blends traditional Thai cuisine with western dishes. Absolute Sanctuary’s menus supports guests on a detox programme, vegetarians, but also those who want a healthy non-vegetarian meal. Meals are high in nutrient value and low in calories, enriched with superfoods and wholefoods, with no trans fats and free of chemicals, additives and refined sugars. The restaurant offers freshly squeezed juices, smoothies and "smart drinks" which are boosted with the highest-quality supplements. There is also a 'broth corner' mainly for those clients who are on detox.
The Love Kitchen
This is the only restaurant at the resort. Depending on occupancy, there is usually a sharing dining table to join if you feel sociable. You will find a detox corner here where broths and soups are served daily. Cooking classes take place here.
The Vitamin Bar
Located just by the pool, the bar serves fresh juices and cold drinks through out the day to keep you hydrated and energised.
Location
This boutique wellness resort is on the tropical island of Koh Samui in the Gulf of Thailand and situated north east of the island in Cheong Mon. Cheong Mon beach is a ten minute walk away and the popular tourist centre of Chaweng beach is a five minute drive away.
Nearest airport
Koh Samui Airport is a 15 minute drive from the resort. Flights to Koh Samui from Bangkok are very frequent and take approximately an hour. There are also direct flights to Koh Samui from Singapore, Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur. Absolute Sanctuary provides return airport transfers as part of their programme inclusions.
Our Travel Review of Absolute Sanctuary in Thailand
Read inside track on Dominika's visit to Absolute Sanctuary in Thailand
Families, Children & Infants
Absolute Sanctuary is not recommended for children and therefore does not accept children below the age of 12. Minimum age to attend a yoga class is 13, to do a detox programme 18, any other programmes min age is 16.Reviews
I spent 7 days at Absolute Sanctuary doing their 7 days sleep programme. I slept 11 and 10 hours respectively the first two days, excl. various naps so that was instant gratification -)
The place is lovely, very chilled and everyone is so friendly and will do their outmost to make you enjoy your stay. Mind you the programme is very busy. I had between 5 and 8 different treatments / sessions every day. I have never had so many massages.
What I loved the most was the personal approach. Everyone would know my name, my preferences and small quirks and treatments were adjusted after consultation with their consultants.
The food is super healthy and very tasty and I had loads of fresh juices every day. My favourite moment of the day was the morning meditation and yoga . What a fab way to start the day.
I had an amazing stay, it was a great way to re-energise, learn from new habits and re-set the system again. I will definitely be back
Anonymous
This is my second time here and I can say that it was actually better experience than the first it is a top rated resort with helpful friendly professional staff
Vicky Ballantyne
Food is amazing and the pilates teachers were brilliant.
Karen Holtge
Comparable to other companies
Jennifer Pover
Whilst the treatments, food and staff tearm were exceptional, the accommodation is really very poor and need of updating, I understand the 'Moroccan sparse' style but you need basics like reliable warm running water and good lighting and plugs near your bed.
Rosalind Barker
Loved this resort, beautiful spot, lovely staff as a fantastic timetable of classes etc
Anonymous
Wonderful resort. Professional. Excellent facilities. Amazing cuisine.
Karen Sutherland
Staff super friendly remembered your name & used it too!
Claire Kelly
Everything exceeded my expectations, staff were flexible, treatments were great and food was delicious
Saba Gondal
Absolute is clean but a little soulless. A small complex, the yoga choice was extensive, Pilates less so ( only 6 Reformers for the whole hotel). The Spa treatments are excellent as are the therapists. The other options, namely fitness instructor ( male) just couldn't be bothered. No extensive other sessions - towel folding ( really ?). The principle complaint from virtually every guest there was that they were very 'money grabbing' - absolutely everything had to be signed for, bills were incorrect and took time to resolve, extras not that well explained. A 'Good ' rating - as value for money, when booked via Wellbeing escapes, was well worth it.
Anonymous
The staff were all very helpful and a pleasure to deal with. I have nothing else but praise for the whole operation. Food was wonderful. I was on the weight loss program, and had a lot of treatments and exercise included. I was also able to add more from the additional program, which were provided free.
Wonderful. I loved it and would love to go back.....as soon as possible!
Frances Birkestein
Fabulous place but very badly organised
Anonymous
Great staff, excellent spa with highly trained people and very professional yoga pilates fitness instructors. Food good though a bit boring if you are staying over a week as there are no specials. But all healthy and fresh:)
Agnieszka
Superb resort, will be back.
Anonymous
A very peaceful and well organised resort. Perfect for detoxing and clearing your mind!
Anonymous
The treatments were lovely
but the spa reception/hotel reception staff were very unhelpful and rude
spa times and bookings were awful
Generally hotel needs a revamp on decor
Anonymous
Lovely location. Great yoga classes. Very nice staff and services.
Only disavantage would be there was nothing to do at the sanctuary with no entertainment. Became very bored after a few days.
Anonymous
Amazing experience ...I would definitely be recommending
Anonymous
It wasn't really what I expected but it was a good experience. When I got there, it was a better, cleaner and well maintained place than I expected. I didn't know much about the programme I was on, and changed it when I got there. That probably would have been done before the trip, had the coordinator been more enthusiastic, I think.
Anonymous
Absolute Sanctuary did not meet my expectations. Massages were poor, and the resort facilities are below avarage - outside guests are allowed at the resort, and the swimming pool and the steam room became quite crowded and noisy. Detox juices sometimes were served out of the fridge. When I remarked that, the waiter said that he was very busy! Not acceptable at all.
Anonymous
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