Absolute Sanctuary is a Mediterranean-inspired boutique wellness resort and peaceful retreat nestled in a quiet corner of Koh Samui, Thailand. With a focus on helping guests reconnect, recharge, revitalise, and re-energise, this resort offers more than 18 comprehensive wellness programmes, including options for yoga, detox, weight management, burnout recovery, reformer Pilates retreats, and even a complete overhaul with their lifestyle change programme.
Located just 15 minutes from the airport in the serene area of Cheong Mon, Absolute Sanctuary provides the perfect immersive health and fitness holiday for those seeking rest and rejuvenation for both mind and body.
The Hotel
Absolute Sanctuary is a true wellness haven where every detail is designed to promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being. From the moment I stepped into the resort, I felt an instant sense of peace and serenity. The buildings are uniquely painted in pink, a colour inspired by its association with nurturing, emotional healing, and harmony, which perfectly complements the tranquil atmosphere of the resort, as explained by Jee, the resort manager.
My schedule was packed with 2-3 treatments or classes per day, and the wellness reception was always accommodating, happily rearranging my schedule to fit in additional activities like fitness classes, educational workshops, temple tours, shuttles to Chaweng and Cheong Mon beaches, and local night markets for souvenir shopping. After enjoying these outings, I always looked forward to returning to my peaceful sanctuary.
Absolute Sanctuary is particularly popular with solo guests, and although there isn’t a communal dining table for single travellers, I found the resort to be very sociable, especially due to its smaller size compared to other wellness retreats I’ve visited. It made it easy to meet other guests, whether by the infinity pool, communal lounge area, or at the Vitamin bar. One guest I met was only three days into his 60-day lifestyle change programme and was already noticing a positive transformation in himself.
The Rooms at Absolute Sanctuary
There are only 38 rooms and suites spread across 5 buildings, some offering distant sea views. Each room is decorated in a contemporary Mediterranean style, featuring calming light tones. My Deluxe room was bright and airy, complete with a private terrace, a large free-standing bathtub, and a yoga mat for self-practice, in case the twice-daily classes weren't enough to meet my wellness needs.
My Wellness Programme at Absolute Sanctuary
With 18 wellness programmes to choose from, it was tough to decide which one best suited my needs. After carefully considering my wellness goals, I opted for the Rest and Rebalance programme, which promised to "help bring back balance into your life with a holistic approach to rebalancing the mind and body."
I really appreciated the variety this programme offered, as it provided a well-rounded approach to health and fitness. The stress management and life-balance coaching sessions with Stephanie were particularly helpful in guiding me through some recent changes in my life, providing me with valuable tools to incorporate into my daily routine once I returned home.
Starting each day with meditation followed by yoga classes set the perfect tone for my retreat. The resort offers a range of yoga classes, from yoga Pilates and detox yoga to gentle flow, catering to both beginners and advanced levels. My private yoga session with Jana was especially beneficial, as we worked on specific breathing exercises to help me focus better during the group sessions. The relaxation I felt was so profound that I ended up falling asleep during our session!
One of my favourite activities was the reformer Pilates class. My private session with Kevin was both fun and effective, helping me rediscover muscles I hadn’t worked in a while. I was so impressed that I signed up for more classes throughout the week. The retreat offers both beginner and advanced level Pilates classes, focusing on different areas such as abs & arms, butt & thighs, and fit & tone.
The spa treatments were the perfect complement to the programme, leaving me feeling relaxed and re-energised. I was pampered with a Thai stretch massage in the open-air pavilion, which was ideal for easing out sore muscles, along with several other treatments designed to boost energy flow throughout my body.
The Food at Absolute Sanctuary
The Love Kitchen offers a creative menu of organic, locally sourced dishes that are just as good for your taste buds as they are for your body. The wellness cuisine menu focuses on healthy, low-calorie meals enriched with superfoods, and I was pleasantly surprised to learn from my waitress that I could choose two dishes for every breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This flexibility made me feel like I wasn’t restricted in any way—there were even chocolate brownies and carrot cake on the menu!
Situated by the poolside, The Vitamin Bar is the perfect place to unwind between treatments. With an extensive menu of juices and smoothies made from nutrient-packed fruit and vegetable combinations, it’s a refreshing spot to nourish your body. Each wellness programme includes two juices per day, ensuring you stay hydrated and energized throughout your stay.
Who’s Absolute Sanctuary for
Absolute Sanctuary is perfect for anyone looking to kickstart or maintain a healthier lifestyle in a supportive, relaxed setting. Whether you're aiming to cleanse your body, de-stress your mind, improve your fitness, or simply reconnect with yourself, there's a programme tailored to meet your needs.
Ready to Book Your Wellness Retreat at Absolute Sanctuary
If you're interested in booking your next wellness escape to Absolute Sanctuary, enquire here or call to speak to one of our wellness specialists on +44(0) 203 886 0082.