I was exhausted. I’d taken an overnight bus from Goa to Mumbai and flown to Kuala Lumpur, then an early morning flight to Koh Samui in Thailand. Finally, there was the boat trip to the neighbouring island of Koh Phangan. Luckily, I had arrived at The Sanctuary Thailand, my paradise home-from-home and one of my favourite places in the world. Read on for my review of The Sanctuary Thailand, one of the most beautiful yoga resorts in the world.
About the Sanctuary Thailand
Founded by a British couple in 1991, the Guardian describes The Sanctuary as a novel balance between hedonistic and healthy.
On your arrival at the Sanctuary you are greeted with a warm smile. Their signature iced ginger welcome drink is the perfect pick-me-up after a long, hot journey.
The team will go above and beyond to help you. One time, I unfortunately turned up without my luggage, when my airline mistakenly flew it to Bangkok. The Sanctuary’s General Manager and his friendly staff came to the rescue. They liaised with the airline to track it down and sent out a boat to personally fetch it for me. I was so grateful to them for reuniting me with my belongings.
Accommodation options at the Sanctuary Thailand
Accommodation options include totally divine jungle bungalows, cheap and cheerful dorm rooms and everything in between. It offers a range of bungalows and dorms to suit any budget.
When I first stayed here in December 2011, I stayed in one of the high end bungalows, which was truly lovely. Set into the rocks of the lush green jungle surroundings it was beautifully furnished with polished floorboards, carefully selected décor and a veranda with one of my favourite ever inventions, the hammock. And being in the jungle I would occasionally be paid a visit by a lizard or a bat, which just adds to the fun.
Another time, being a frugal backpacker, I stayed in the dorms which offer good value and a great way to meet other guests.
Yoga at the Sanctuary
Every day there are three different yoga classes and a Pilates class on offer, including yin yang vinyasa flow and gentle hatha.
In the evening is a complimentary meditation class which could be a guided visualized journey or a dynamic dance to shake away the thoughts and worries of the day and replace them with a calm, happy energy.
More things to do at the Sanctuary
There’s plenty to do at The Sanctuary Thailand too, with a full programme of courses and workshops. You can learn about these in the peaceful Tea Temple building.
On Sunday afternoons the resort’s team holds a gathering where you can meet the current resident healers and learn more about the week’s activities. You can try everything from transformational breathing to astrology, yoga massage, qi gong, holistic stress relief, chakra healing and a host of other creative ways to develop yourself in an informal group environment.
Alternatively, you can choose to indulge in a one-to-one session of your choice. There is also an on-site spa if you fancy pampering yourself with massage or beauty treatments. In short, there are plenty of ways to treat your body, mind and spirit here.
Talking of treats, one of my other favourite things about the Sanctuary is the food. Choose from the extensive menu of delicious international vegetarian, fish and seafood-based cuisine, while taking in the relaxing view.
For those looking instead for a total cleanse, the Sanctuary offers a popular detox and fasting programme. At its wellness centre, you will be guided through the process, in a supportive environment. Supplements and smoothies will ensure you receive the nutrients you need.
A sociable resort
It’s a sociable resort, too: in the evenings there are weekly movie screenings on the beach and open mic nights. Just spend a little time here and you will meet people from all over the world. Some are on holiday, some on longer travels, and all with a story to tell.
Here you always receive a warm welcome. You’ll meet like minded and friendly people, who have gathered in this remote bay to experience this special place.
Nightlife at the Sanctuary
There are also weekly parties for those who are so inclined. Quiet, that is, except for the weekends when the local bar hosts its weekly parties. Here, the residents move to thumping trance beats, as the sun peeks over the horizon and yawns into one of the bay’s spectacular sunrises. No alcohol binges or crazy stunts here, just a bunch of contented people. Even in paradise there’s a time to let your hair down and dance in a new day.
How to get to The Sanctuary Thailand
Most people come to Koh Phangan to experience the notorious Full Moon parties at Haad Rin. But only a short boat ride around the East coast of the island takes you to Haad Tien bay. This is a world away from the day glo-wearing, whisky bucket-swigging, kerosene-soaked flaming skipping rope-jumping monthly lunar antics.
Haad Tien is a small, naturally beautiful beach, only accessible by boat. Arriving here is like a panacea for all the hedonistic carnage; a true escape. Yoga, massages and lounging in hammocks is the order of the day. Enjoying a lazy lunch with friends old and new. Or perhaps a wander over to one of the equally lovely neighbouring bays. With just a few low key resorts nestled into the jungle backdrop, it is peaceful, calm and quiet.
Pros and cons about The Sanctuary Thailand
The one downside of The Sanctuary is there’s no ATM on the bay and they don’t accept card payments. This means, if you are running low on cash you need to take a boat to the nearest town. However, the fact that the resort is slightly off the beaten track is also one of its strengths. It feels like a secret waiting to be discovered.
The Sanctuary’s website says that more than half of its guests are return visitors to the bay. This is testament to how many people fall in love with the place. The name says it all. This is a special place to relax, rejuvenate and escape everyday life for a while. Come by yourself or with friends and you’ll meet a host of other people doing exactly the same thing. Some people love it so much they stay here long term and it’s easy to see why.
Next, find out more unique things to do in Thailand and its best beaches, here.
Looks lovely and warm unlike here. The Worthing beach was as idyllic when we stayed there.
Wonderful!