The Sanctuary

"I deliberately chose, because of its uniquely idyllic location, which already inspired to write the legendary book "The Beach". The advertised wellness/detox concept, the special atmosphere, and the presence of a gym were also key reasons for my booking. The property itself is beautifully and quietly located (unless there happens to be a 24-hour party next door — something to be aware of when booking, or to join if that’s your thing 😉). However, the overall value for money is not convincing. - The small hotelgym costs 150 Baht per person/day — even for hotel guests 🤯 Very unusual to pay for your own hotel gym, when you are staying in the hotel already. - Yoga 🧘‍♂️classes cost 500–600 Baht per session, in some cases more expensive than studios in Europe — with no visible benefit for hotel guests. - Restaurant and drink prices are also high, with no added value or advantage for staying guest. 💸 - Sunbeds 🏖️ are limited and often occupied by day visitors. No clear priority for hotel guests, and the cushions appeared worn. - Electricity is generated by loud motor generators, which are clearly audible and contradict the advertised sustainability and wellness concept. More modern, quieter solutions (e.g. solar) would be appropriate 🌱 - Room cleanliness was overall average the bedding sheets had many disgusting stains. Below expectations for this price level 🧹 Overall, it feels like many basic amenities are monetized 💰 separately rather than being part of a coherent guest-hotel experience. They want to sell you overpriced packages too. For a place that promotes wellness, mindfulness, and sustainability, I expected more consistency and fairness. With more transparent pricing and inclusive basic amenities, this place would have great potential. In its current form, however, I would not choose to stay here again."

"I'm undecided. Super beautiful place in the jungle, wonderful staff (super outstanding!), decent yoga, good food. Very hippie still, though with more parties around the vibe is changing a bit - used to be much more yoga focused (I was around there 8 years ago) and now you have techno parties next door. No go's: 1. Roaches (apparently the jungle ones) - I get place is in the jungle, but nowhere else in my Asia travels have I seen cockroaches chilling in my room in the daylight - don't need to mention what was in the evening. I'm super grossed by them, but maybe it's only me! 2. It's expensive for what you get. Massages are twice more expensive than everywhere else - lady was nice, but gave me a super strong massage despite pointing out I have pain in lower back and two days after I can barely stand straight due to radiating pain in my hip (I'm very fit and had multiple massages since I came to Thailand, so that's def THIS massage). She was also chatting to her friend during the massage and her focus was not there at times, which wasn't great. 3. Flat white costs more than in London and it's not that tasty To sum up - it's still good place to stay, but I would probably look for another option next time. Fully recommend the restaurant and yoga though!"

"Well… where to start!? This place was fantastic - in particular the staff! Everyone makes you feel so welcome; as if you’re part of the Sanctuary Family. Big shout out to Sam, Able, Waa Waa and William in the restaurant. Be sure to get a Thai massage with Jenny (the best I’ve ever had!) and a foot massage, facial and coconut oil hair treatment with George! 10/10 we’ll be back! :) Thank you thank you thank you"

"I came here for one thing only: yoga. I spent a week at The Sanctuary and found exactly what I’d hoped for: the freedom to shape my own days without programmes or group pressure. A year ago I tried a structured yoga retreat and realised that constant scheduling doesn’t suit me. Here, the emphasis on the individual is handled with real subtlety — you’re left in peace, yet gently supported. The setting is beautiful, but the atmosphere is what makes it special: unpretentious, calm, and grounded. The yoga was excellent, with experienced teachers who each bring their own style. I took the five-day yoga package, which was very good value and included several massage treatments, all genuinely skilled and restorative. The staff stood out most. Warm, personable, and informal in the best way — present without hovering. They remembered my name and my preferences, which created a sense of ease that never felt staged. The room type I had booked wasn’t available when I arrived, but the way they resolved it was thoughtful, fair, and generous. That said a lot about the ethos of the place. If you prefer to move quietly, follow your own rhythm, and feel supported without fuss or fanfare, The Sanctuary gets it right. I will most certainly come back."

"Throughout my stay at the Sanctuary Thailand, I had been praying to the venerable Buddhas of Thailand for protection, and then, at the end of my stay, I realized that the Buddhas I had been praying to and who had been protecting me are not spirits of the dead, venerated by statues of gold in the temples, but the living Sanctuary Staff smiling back at me, every step of the way! Why bow to a statue when you can bow to Living Buddhas at The Sanctuary Thailand? Why pray to the dead when you can dance with the living? Why cry when you can laugh? Come to The Sanctuary Thailand where you can bow to Living Buddhas smiling back at you every step of the way, as every member of the staff is a Living Buddha! The Buddhas are Alive and Well at The Sanctuary Thailand! Come be with Them to instantly remember Your True Self & True Happiness! Enjoy your stay in this Earthly Buddha Realm, which rivals the Heavenly Realm of the Golden Buddhas!"

• 📍 153/14 M3WG+G75 หมู่ที่ 6 Tambon Ban Tai, Amphoe Ko Pha-ngan, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84280, Thailand
• 🌐 https://www.thesanctuarythailand.com/

Opening Hours

• Monday: Open 24 hours
• Tuesday: Open 24 hours
• Wednesday: Open 24 hours
• Thursday: Open 24 hours
• Friday: Open 24 hours
• Saturday: Open 24 hours
• Sunday: Open 24 hours