Thailand, Absolute Sanctuary
I've stayed twice now, first on a 5 day Spa Holiday programme and most recently a seven day yoga programme, and definitely plan to return sometime next year. It's a lovely place, with friendly, charming and helpful staff, clean and comfortable rooms and excellent spa and yoga facilities, with a variety of classes catering to all levels. The pool is gorgeous, and it's a relatively short walk to Choeng Mon beach.
I noticed that since my first visit in November, they'd taken on board the suggestions about increasing the number of lounge chairs around the pool as far as possible, and during my week there most recently, it was not busy so I never had any difficulty getting a chair. I love the toiletries in the rooms - they come in big pump bottles, rather than little plastic bottles that are replaced every day. My only criticism on reflection is the limited selection of meals available on the yoga programme menu as opposed to other programmes (the spa holiday and "Be Fit" programmes, for example). Some of the Love Kitchen's best dishes were not on it, and I didn't understand why. Why couldn't all the vegetarian dishes on offer be included on the menu? Also, only some of the yoga menus had noted whether the dish was vegan, gluten free etc - all menus should have these marked. But this is a minor issue. I'd definitely recommend it for a healthy, relaxing break in a beautiful and warm environment.
Sarah J..