We spent a week here with our 2 kids (7 and 12) and it was the most gorgeous chilled out week ever. Felt really safe so the kids were able to roam around freely (catching frogs and lizards, reading in the hammocks, swimming, chatting with the ever friendly staff, practising hula hooping on the beach) giving us free time too. Can't rave enough about the food - totally fresh tasty delicious and healthy - makes you feel great. I also loved the music!! We stayed in a 3 bed bungalow, private and spacious and lots of character built in keeping with the natural environment. Best holiday ever it was so hard to leave.

I stayed at The Sanctuary in late January this year after hearing some amazing things. And there were definitely some amazing things, so let's start with those:

Mr Moon is a real character. All the staff at the detox centre really seem to strive to provide an excellent service. And they do. I've done many detox retreats before, and it's comparable to others in terms of service.

The tea temple was fantastic. I had a shiatsu session with an amazing healer. She really made the whole trip worth it.

In the middle:

We stayed in a mid-range detox hut. The room was so-so. I liked the simplicity of the design. The balcony was nice. The bed was so hard. There were no blankets, just a sarong. One night it was freezing! The fan clicked so I didn't like to have it on. Everything else was just fine. I didn't think there was a problem with housekeeping at all.

The yoga was - at times - excellent. There was a middle-aged lady who looked like a supermodel who I would definitely recommend. There was also a very nurturing male teacher who's classes were perfectly tuned to the dizzy-detoxers. I also had the worst yoga class I have ever had there. A peacock of a teacher who checked his phone all through-out the class and even sent a text! The class seemed more about six-packs and being the bendiest. I was expecting a really beautiful shala. I was a little disappointed. Make sure you wear insect repellent- the netting is broken in places and I was bitten by mosquitos a lot. There is a really great shala up the hill behind the Sanctuary, and another in the next bay north.

The food was good, I guess. Not that much different from an organic cafe in Australia (same prices too...). I get how difficult it is to transport things in and out. Not that exciting, but certainly not bad.

The not-so-good:

Outside of the tea and detox centres the staff all seemed really angry or self-involved. Especially the lady at the internet cafe. Wow. At the restaurant, the waiters would just throw down your meal and not even make eye contact. Not always - there were some lovely staff, but it was a vibe that they were too busy, hung-over and wrapped-up in their social intrigues to do their jobs with any grace.

I had read about the cliquiness and didn't really care. But when I got there my feelings changed. There was very much a culture of "right" people. It's not managements' fault. But it exists and it can make you uncomfortable. It isn't/wasn't (I'm sure the social culture changes with its guests) a very inclusive vibe.

The beach... I've seen bluer, clearer, calmer waters edged with softer, whiter sand. It is, for Thailand, a less-than-average beauty.

The vibe was just really not that magic. It felt cut-throat, unloving and unloved. That's harsh, I'm sorry. I felt like I was in a ridiculous American highschool movie except everyone was really into alternative therapies/intoxicants.

In summary, I was left feeling pretty mixed. Unfortunately for me, the negatives outweighed the positives. The good things were really good. The bad things were really pretty bad.I wouldn't return.

The Sanctuary is really a Sanctuary in Koh Phangan. Despite reading a few bad reviews (funny this place attract either really good or really bad reviews), I decided to give this place a shot - and No Regrets, yes even staying in this place over a noisy Friday night :). Best thing about this place is VALUE for money....I stayed in one of the cheapest bungalow, and the rooms are very clean to my standards. There is only cold water in the bungalow. If you don't like cold showers, I believe they do provide bungalows with warm water - but you really don't need warm water in Ko Phangan. If you are someone who is attached to urban comforts, do choose one of their bungalows with more amenities.

I was here for some simplicity and yoga - and this is the right place for that. The yoga teachers are great, not at all pushy - cleared a few of my misconceptions on yoga.
It has its own private beach(they have sun loungers) with a hip vegetarian restaurant/bar/cafe up in the front - it feels like stepping into a Sofitel hotel when I checked-in except I didn't pay for Sofitel prices and is a place blessed with natural beauty.

Don't think about it twice!!!! Based on past recommendations, I decided to visit the Sanctuary that lasted for two weeks. I've travelled extensively throughout Asia both for business and leisure.

What a place!!! Firstly, it's the staff and the energy they bring to this place is simply amazing. I arrived by boat and very jet lagged and was welcomed by Mike (Manager for the entire resort). Apart from being a complete gentleman, Mike was keen to pass on some great advice and always made sure that I was taken care of by his wonderful team. There wasnt a day that went past without Mike asking if i was ok. You don't find that in resorts. It's a place that is very difficult to describe but it just provides this level of calmness and relaxation. Every layer of stress is slowly stripped away from your body- it's bizarre.

Food? I'm a big meat eater and let me teel you, I did not miss it for one moment based on their extensive Vegetarian dishes that also included Seafood- I've never felt that good in my life and always looked forward to entering the restaurant everyday. 10/10 for the quality of the food!!!

The Tea temple provided you with an opportunity to meet up with their holistic team and it's each to their own in terms of what you're seeking. I found it to be a defining moment after visiting the astrologist Julie and Kimmana (Indian herbalist guru). As stated, each to their own and I encourage you to vist and consider what's on hand.

If you're a English premier soccer league fan then don't worry in terms of missing out on English premier results as Chard (reception centre) will update you on a regular basis along with some statistics to support his conclusions. This bloke walks around with a smile 24 hours a day.

Accommodation:

I decided to go with the Garden suite Villas and it didn't disappoint for one moment. Very clean and comfortable. If you're looking for that jungle type of atmosphere then the sanctuary has these types of rooms available. The choice is yours. All budgets are catered for based on their extensive accomm types availability.

Open mic night is another highlight where everyone is invited to get up on stage and sing, dance, theatre, peom reading etc. The talent will blow you away.

The beach is very clean and the quality of the massages will put you to sleep- that's how good they are!!!

In summary, The Sanctuary is an incredible place that serves many purposes. From meeting amazing people, wonderful food, sincere and caring staff, will no doubt provide you with the break that you've been looking for in a long time. I urge you all to consider this place and rest assured I will be back again very soon. Don't think about it, just go!!!

Feel free to send me questions.

My sincere thanks to Mike and the staff at The Sanctaury.

Cheers

Bill K