Absolute Sanctuary 22/12/09-01/01/10

The hotel easily lived up to my expectations. There was a very friendly greeting on arrival, together with a god overview of the facilities and programmes the resort had to offer. I liked the 'al fresco' reception area. The layout of the resort (five blocks of 2-story rooms around a central pool area and gardens) was pleasant, and the essentially Mediterranean architecture interesting and, I would imagine, unique on Kho Samui. The rooms were comfortable, but perhaps slightly small, especially for guests wishing to practice yoga in their rooms! More decoration/paintings or wall-hangings in the rooms might improve the look a little.

I found the whole resort complex very tranquil, which was just what I needed!

The staff, including all the managers of the various hotel departments, were extremely polite and helpful and dealt with enquiries in a very efficient and friendly way.

The food served in the 'Love Kitchen' was generally very good. I was on a non-detox programme, so I could eat what I wanted from the menu. I especially enjoyed the Moroccan lentil soup and Gado Gado. But the restaurant is perhaps not likely to compete with some of the other excellent restaurants on Kho Samui. The breakfasts for non-detoxers were very good and filling, but there could have been a bit more variety.

I was a complete beginner to yoga and pilates, but thoroughly enjoyed the classes held by the excellent teachers there. Some of the classes were tough, but relaxed enough for you to go at your own pace. The massages were superb and did me a great deal of good! I felt the masseurs really knew what they were doing.

Overall, my impressions of the resort are excellent. I would recommend it to anyone wishing to escape the rigours of high stress jobs and life-styles. I didn't want to leave after ten days and will certainly be going back, hopefully sooner rather than later!!