A holiday, to many, means exhaustion rather than relaxation. But at Absolute Sanctuary, a wellness resort in Koh Samui, guests feel relaxed, recharged and revitalised and this usually lasts long after their holiday.
Pilates Reformer.
After my three-day experience at this Moroccan styled resort, I can say for sure that there is no way to not get over-exhausted after doing all sorts of exercises -- from Pilates, yoga to boot camp. However, it is a short exhaustion that is worth the energy boost I received afterward.
"Spending seven to 10 days here could make guests enjoy exercising, and if they continue exercising after their stay then that's the bonus," said Benjaporn Karoonkornsakul, founder of Absolute You and Absolute sanctuary.
This resort provides holistic therapies that gather all sorts of workout activities under the Absolute You brand plus spa and healthy food. During their stay, guests can customise their own schedule -- when to work out or when to rest.
Yoga on the beach.
"Absolute was founded to inspire people to be stronger and healthier by exercising and consuming more nutritious food," explained Benjaporn. "There are three factors to make yourself healthy; good food, exercise and sleep. Here in Absolute Sanctuary we provided the first two. You just have to help yourself with the resting part."
Activities start early. If guests are able to get out of the bed in the mornings, they could warm up their day by walking 15 minutes to the shore where a yoga trainer leads a session while the sea breeze blows through. Yoga is Absolute's signature exercise. In a day, there are several yoga classes to choose from such as hot yoga, vinyasa, hatha and gentle flow.
If holidaying at the Absolute Sanctuary is a break from your busy working schedule, yoga definitely helps ease muscle pain, and increases blood circulation.
Absolute also introduces a Pilates, which is suggested to accompany yoga. This workout may sound unfamiliar to some as it has been adapted from a rehabilitation programme for veterans during World War II. While yoga provides stretch, the core strength is lacking and Pilates fulfils this.
"Yoga is more like an art while Pilates is a science. By balancing these two, your body will be greatly rewarded," said Benjaporn. "It's also been said that working with the Pilates Reformer 10 times in a row, the improvement in your body shape is noticeable almost immediately." The Pilates classes have different equipment like reformer machines, balls and poles to be used. There are basic rules that need to be understood like how to breathe, position of hips, pubis, head and chin. All these basics are applied in each steps.
Another exercise programme is the suspension core blast, a cardio-style exercise that urges the core muscle to be utilised so that the body can be toned. Parts of bodies are hung or held from a rope to help lifting, while other parts get a complete workout.
After an intense workout, the spa is for relaxation with a choice of foot, body or aroma massages.
Eating healthy is imperative when at this retreat. Most of the menu involves quinoa, a protein which can be used in many kinds of dishes, even desserts. Quinoa salad, green curry quinoa risotto and slim quinoa porridge, which tastes like mango with sticky rice but a healthier version, are on the menu.
Absolute Sanctuary is a beautiful hideaway suitable for guests who desire a health-oriented holiday. Though the results might vary with each individual, it encourages us to take better care of ourselves and our health.
Visit www.absolutesanctuary.com.
