The first time I visited Ko Samui was in the year 2000. At that time there were only a few spas on the island - Tamarind Springs, Spa Samui and a handful of others. In 2003, when I moved to the island, it seemed every resort was scrambling to add a spa, and now nearly all 4 and 5 star resorts and many 3 star resorts have a spa.
About 2 1/2 years ago detox, along with colonic hydrotherapy really began taking off on Ko Samui. Around that time I met a traveler - an expat living in Vietnam - who was starting a colonic cleansing resort in Vietnam. He came to participate in a cleansing program for health and to glean information for his new resort. He stayed at Health Oasis.
Although I have never taken a particular interest in colonic hydrotherapy I do take an interest in general health and wellness and alternative therapies.
I recently was fortunate enough to get to visit Absolute Sanctuary in Choeng Mon. Absolute Sanctuary is owned and operated by the Absolute Group which also owns and operates Absolute Yoga which was established in 2002 and is now the largest yoga establishment in Thailand–sporting 8 studios nationwide and 2 more in Singapore.
Until earlier this year, Absolute Yoga’s Samui studio was in Bo Phut in the famous Fisherman’s Village. The studio in Bo Phut had a great atmosphere, a nice restaurant, and an excellent program and rapidly gained a dedicated following of Thai’s, expats and occasional holiday makers. They taught yoga and yoga teacher training, but that was it. No hotel stays, no wellness supervisor, no detox, etc..
Around the time Absolute Yoga in Bo Phut was closed, Absolute Sanctuary in Choeng Mon opened up. In contrast to the yoga studio in Bo Phut, the Choeng Mon Sanctuary is quite fancy. Perched on a hillside, high above the beach, this Moroccan-inspired resort has nice views of the sea and a peaceful view of the horizon. The architecture is unique for Samui and quite beautiful.
Although I had visited before briefly (to make sure my left-over yoga membership from the studio in Bo Phut was still good–which it was), I was not able to take a close look at the resort until the official opening a couple weeks ago.
Let’s start with the restaurant, ”The Love Kitchen.” The Love Kitchen is a comfortable restaurant with both indoor and outdoor dining areas that serves healthy food with an emphasis on raw food, natural food, and both vegetarian and vegan food. Meats are also available, but it is not the emphasis. The food I sampled I found to be quite tasty. The lack of fats, processed starches and sugars, and salt makes it very light, but it is still quite nourishing, hearty and tasty. Everything is fresh, and organic wherever possible. If one ate this food every day, I think it is safe to say they would be very healthy and live a very long time.
For me, the Yoga Center is the highlight of Absolute Sanctuary. With hardwood floors, floor-to-ceiling windows, wall mirrors and complete climate control, it fits what one might expect. But it is really the classes that make it good. The teachers are excellent and a variety of classes are offered. Some the styles on the regular schedule include Hot Yoga, Hot Flow, Flow, Detox Yoga, Yin, Hatha, Anusara and Palates. Pranayama and mediation are also on offer.
Although I cannot really speak for all the Spa Center at Absolute Sanctuary has to offer, I can say that my 10 minutes Thai Massage there was very, very nice. The atmosphere of the outdoor massage sala (I opted for that rather than an indoor massage) was quite relaxing and the masseuse was very good. Afterward, I had the pleasure to meet with Mr. Alister Bredee the Health & Wellness Manager. I had a short consultation with him, where I reported some recurring ailments and he did some kinesiological tests and made some practical recommendations for me. I found him kind and rather insightful for such a short meeting.
Afterwards he gave me a tour of the Detox Center. Although I have never done a detox I can say that the nurses at Absolute Sanctuary seem very well trained and that the equipment and facilities that I was shown are impressive. Compared to cleansing equipment and facilities that I viewed in another resort on Samui some 2 1/2 years ago, this is a world apart, and unparalleled on Samui. There is nowhere else so dedicated to detox and with such a clear emphasis on privacy and comfort.
Next to the Spa Center, is the pool. Centrally located in the resort complex and just in front of the pool bar, the highlights of this beautiful infinity pool are the great white dome and golden spire directly across from it covering the entrance-way to the resort. Beyond the dome, there is only the sea, and on a clear day, one can see as far as the eye can see along the horizon.
At the pool side bar, an array of fresh juices, smoothies, detox drinks and smart drinks are served. The two I sampled were uniquely flavored, and quite good. Like the food, most of what you have at Absolute Sanctuary will be like nothing you have ever had anywhere else. The food is original.
At night the pool is stunning, as is the entire resort. The opening party featured live music and yoga demonstrations by the pool, and the lighting and reflections on the water made for a mystical setting.
Although I did not stay there, in my tour I did have a opportunity to view each room type at the resort. The rooms are comfortable and feature all modern amenities. The decor is fashionable and pleasant, but not at all stiff. The room designs are practical and spacious, and allow for easy access to the resort facilities.
Notably, the resort also has a comfortable small movie theater. It has a number of uses, one of which is to show the latest blockbusters in the evening to the guests. I imagine this could be a welcome distraction at times from a week of yoga and detox.
Since the opening party I have visited Absolute three more times in the past few weeks - twice for yoga classes. The classes and instructors are always good, and it is really great to have this resource on Samui. So far all the staff and management have been very kind as well.
I would certainly recommend Absolute Sanctuary for the Yoga Center and for anyone interested in a healthy retreat in a safe, calming environment.
Absolute Sanctuary & Yoga Center is currently offering yoga, spa, detox and holiday promotions and can be booked online at Samui Island Hotels (www.samuiislandhotels.com).
