Absolute Sanctuary

"Set the sceneFlanking a lush, leafy hillside on the northeast tip of Koh Samui, overlooking the tropical waters of the Gulf of Thailand, this supercharged pocket-rocket spa is a den of stretching, strengthening and straightening out. Although this island is renowned for its wellness oriented hotels and spas, including the heavyweight spiritual retreat of Kamalaya, Absolute Sanctuary has a particularly devoted following across the globe for its good value and strong results, and boasts a run of regular repeat guests – target-driven solos and loved-up couples in their 30s – on a mission to get clean and lean. What's the backstory?Founded 15 years ago by Thai banker-turned-entrepreneur Benjaporn Karoonkornsakul, who’s also behind the hip Asian lifestyle brand with Absolute You studios in Bangkok and Singapore, Absolute Rhythm cycling classes, and Absolute Fit Food, a healthy delivery service. Absolute also operates a therapist training academy, demonstrating how much they’ve become an authority in wellness in the region. All this imbues their Absolute Sanctuary island retreat with an urban efficiency in caring for the reality of the hurried, harried city-dweller who comes parachuting in for a speedy pick-me-up. What’s the wellness concept?This tropical resort has a strong focus on detox, de-stress, weight loss and boot camp training, with a daily selection of stand-out group classes, including meditation, yoga and pilates (with a studio equipped with ten reformer machines). The relatively modest price tag affords some the chance to stay for longer durations, with 30-day and 60-day plans focusing on complete lifestyle transformations. All supported by The Love Kitchen with its array of tailored menus, including detox and weight management, serving healthy plates of raw spring rolls, pad thai and superfood salads. What are the signature treatments?The 12-day Signature Wellness Programme begins with a bio impedance analysis (fat mass, muscle mass, metabolic age) and a private consultation to chart out a bespoke plan. The first three days of this programme is heavy on detox, including daily colon hydrotherapy sessions, and a cleansing diet of liver flush drinks and coconut juice. The following seven days focus on fitness training, incorporating yoga, pilates and gym work, as well as stretching sessions. The last couple of relaxing days are for massage treatments and reflexology, as well as a visit to a Buddhist temple where a monk delivers a blessing. There’s unlimited access to group meditation, yoga and fitness classes throughout the 12-day stay. Which therapist should I book?In the spa, chief therapist Meaw Tip-anong Tipkanngoen runs a tight ship, with scrubs, sculpting and wraps; she still practises herself, of course, offering treatments such as the traditional Thai stretch massage with guests wearing loose-fitting clothing, while pushed, pulled and pummelled in the breezy open-air. The excellent yoga instructor, Jana Braeuer, opens her session with this line: “I will look after you”, to which students have been known to become overwhelmed and burst into tears. Pilates pros Rachel Buenavista and Kevin Jan Salumbides instruct guests in group reformer classes, and visiting practitioner Dr William Engelhardt offers intuitive cranial sacral therapy sorting out body alignment. What makes it different?This is a simple, uncluttered spa without gadgets and gimmicks. Many who come here are detox devotees who, at this nifty price, make a habit of visiting twice a year to be flushed out; it’s one of only two places on the island that offers colon hydrotherapy for those with the gumption. What else do they offer? Dr William Engelhardt leads early morning beach walks, as well as offering xi gong martial arts tuition on the sandy shore. There’s also a Muay Thai boxing ring less than a kilometre away from the resort where guests can discover this explosive combat sport that uses stand-up striking along with clinching techniques, characterised by the combined use of fists, elbows, knees and shins. Where do you stay? Over the last couple years, while Thailand’s borders were shut during the pandemic, the resort refreshed; the look is now lighter and brighter in Mediterranean pastels, with 38 unfussy rooms, to the point of almost spare. Next year, they’re adding a relaxing salt room, and a jacuzzi at the pool bar. Anything else to mention?The hotel is not on the beach, instead it’s set back from the coastline and not all the rooms have direct sea views. But there’s a quick shuttle down to Chaweng, the island’s buzzy beach town, which is stacked with shopping opportunities, mani-pedi parlours and tropical bars for a cheeky cocktail, if you want to cheat the detox one night. Final wordAbsolute Sanctuary doesn’t stand still, sometimes so efficient it can border on the functional, but always getting job done brilliantly, effectively, time and again. Healing Holidays (healingholidays.com/condenast; 020 7843 3592) can arrange a 7-night Yoga programme from £1,749 per person sharing, including transfers, full board accommodation and inclusions of the programme." - Michelle Jana Chan

"By the time I reach the lotus pink buildings and palms encircling the infinity pool, the stress is affecting my short-term memory."

"At this wellness center in Koh Samui, Thailand, guests can partake in a variety of programs while surrounded by landscaped gardens. The Women's Holistic Health Program is tailored to those seeking balance and includes a fitness assessment, nutrition coaching, and unlimited access to the resort's exercise, yoga, and meditation classes, plus other activities. Although this isn't a group retreat, the services approach wellness from a female perspective. Guests also enjoy the complex's modern accommodations, pool, and spa facilities." - Travel + Leisure Editors