Absolute Sanctuary

If you are looking for a wellness and fitness reboot that won’t break the bank, then a stay at Absolute Sanctuary could be just the ticket.

Lying in a peaceful area on the island of Koh Samui, Absolute Sanctuary is a simple but utterly wonderful spa. If you have ever dreamt of a yoga or Pilates holiday in Thailand and are determined to detox, get fitter and lose weight but without it costing the earth, then this is the spa for you. This is a real rocket-charger - the yoga classes are amongst the best you will ever experience, so much so that Absolute Sanctuary's yoga gurus train other yoga instructors from around the world.

The wealth of knowledge here means that you can choose from a whole host of yoga styles, and additionally their Reformer Pilates programme will challenge even those with the strongest core - there are classes that focus on abs and arms, butt and thighs, or simply fit and tone.

If Pilates and yoga are not your thing, you can opt for intense fitness sessions with Kevin, who will take you through your paces. It really is all about the expertise of the instructors here. Their extensive range of programmes can be tailored to suit you as it’s not one-size-fixes-all at Absolute Sanctuary, and this goes for their menu and food selection too.

Speaking of food, the dishes served at the retreat’s on-site restaurant, known as the Love Kitchen, are exquisite – zingy fresh salads, ceviche and spring rolls, chilled soups and curries – with all ingredients locally-sourced. They are also red hot on checking the credentials and provenance of all of their meat products, so you can be sure that they are organic and hormone-free.

So whether you want to lie low for 7 nights or hideaway for 2 months, this little piece of mind-and-body-altering Thai paradise might only be small, but it’s certainly big on results.