Related posts:

1. Fasting Accommodation Booking
2. Accommodation Booking

We are currently expanding our meditation program here at the Sanctuary to include more meditation classes, courses and coaching. Our intention is to offer a variety of meditation techniques taught by teachers from different meditation backgrounds and that these will be experimental, experiential and fun!
Please note, we are not a meditation centre as such, so schedules will vary from season to season and also depend on teacher availability.

FREE EVENING MEDITATION!

Join us – every evening (except Saturday!) between 6 – 7pm for a fun Meditation – absolutely FREE! Every night we offer a different meditation technique which can be enjoyed by both beginners and professionals! Everyone is welcome!

WEEKLY MEDITATION CLASSES

Come explore and experience a variety of meditation classes and sessions throughout the week, appealing to beginners, experienced and advanced meditators alike.

● Active Meditations – involve moving the whole body. They include activities such as shaking, dancing, whirling, speaking or laughing! Designed as an introduction to meditation, they include simple stages and special music! Some are very dynamic and cathartic. All are fun and easy to do!

● Passive Meditations -  involve a quieter more passive activity and more sitting, such as chanting, humming, sounding, deep breathing, visualizing, gazing or listening. They also include simple stages and special music. They are deeply relaxing and easy to do!

● Silent Meditations – involve sitting silently and using subtle techniques such as watching, visualization, mantras and breath awareness.

SPECIAL MEDITATIONS

These meditations are held as special events from time to time in addition to the weekly meditation schedule.

● Cleansing Meditation for Fasters:  this special meditation, especially for fasters, is a blend of meditation and visualization techniques, designed to help fasters get the most out of their de-tox program so they can feel lighter, rejuvenated and refreshed faster! It helps release not only old matter & toxins from the body but also old, limiting thoughts and emotions from the mind. It includes an introductory talk explaining why spring-cleaning the mind is as important as spring-cleaning the body!

● Night-time meditations: these meditations, happening after dark, may be candle-lit meditations, darkness meditations or meditations to celebrate an occasion or astrological event – full-moon, dark-moon or Solstice.

● Extended Meditations: these are longer meditations lasting 2 – 3 hours, such as Dance Meditations, Jam meditations or the AUM Meditation.

MEDITATION COACHING

This private one-on-one meditation session is an opportunity to find out bottom-line what meditation is really all about! Here you can ● ask questions ● discuss your meditation practice and experience ● explore new techniques & resources ● discover the keys to easy meditating  ● find out the real benefits ● meet yourself in meditation! Single sessions, session packages and on-going coaching are available for individuals, couples and small groups.

MEDITATION COURSES

“Opening to Meditation” is a mini-workshop designed to be an introduction to meditation. It is an opportunity to ● clarify what meditation is and isn’t ● discuss your meditation practice and experience ● ask questions ● overcome obstacles ● experiment with a new technique ● fall in love with meditation! This half-day course is held once a week – although it can also be arranged by appointment for small groups.
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Coming soon! We hope as soon as possible to extend our program to include the following!

MEDITATIVE THERAPIES

These courses are an opportunity to explore therapy from a meditative perspective. They are
based on the meditative therapies by Osho: Mystic Rose, Born Again and No-Mind. They are experiential, experimental and fun. These processes can be shortened or lengthened –  to suit your vacation needs.

SILENT MEDITATION RETREATS

Silent meditation retreats can be organized for individuals, couples or groups. They can be tailored to suit your own needs and to fit in with your vacation time. You can spend part or the whole of your time in silence. You can combine your silent meditation retreat with your fast or cleanse. A meditation coach and guide will be assigned to you to help plan your program, guide the retreat, coach you through it and be at hand throughout.

MEDITATION PACKAGES

A Meditation package – a combination of meditation classes, courses, coaching or a retreat – will also be available at a discounted price. We are very flexible and open always to new ideas and new ways of doing things. So if you are coming here as a group, studying yoga or some other modality and would like to incorporate meditation into your schedule, course or stay in some way – let’s talk and make it happen.

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For more information on:
~ meditation classes, courses and coaching
~ current schedules
~ the option to teach meditation
Please contact life@thesanctuarythailand.com

Related posts:

1. Daily Meditation
2. Shamanic Healing Events and Retreats
3. Sanctuary LIFE events schedule

On Sunday afternoons all of the healers and teachers gather at the Tea Temple for our
Healer’s Fair from 4-6pm. This gives you a chance to meet the healers, ask questions, try sample sessions and make bookings.

Weekly events at the Tea Temple:

Monday-Friday 8am: Morning Meditation. Sit in meditation, gently guided by one of our
healers.

Sunday 2pm: Tea and Enlightenment. We will be showing a video at our Consciousness

Cinema. Teachers such as Eckhart Tolle, Gangaji, Byron Katie, David Deida and Osho will be
featured. Order your favourite tea and sit back to enjoy….

Sunday  4pm: Healers’ Fair: come to meet the healers and find out about sessions,
meditations, workshops and events. Sample sessions upon request, demos, talks and

information.

Monday 4-6pm: Acupuncture Open Room. Receieve an acupuncture session in the Tea Temple
in a style common in Chine, in which several people are treated concurrently. Just turn up,
no booking required.

Thursday 4-6pm: Creativity Jam. Musicians welcome….come along and jam, play,
sing…shake a rattle! Have a play and maybe even get somethng prepared for Thursday night’s

Open Mic at the Sanctuary.

We also play audio discourses…see the blackboard at The Sanctuary for details.

The Tao of Tea

Drinking tea is all about taking time out to just be with the moment…and drink a cup of
tea. At the Tea Temple we have a range of fine teas, including oolong tea, green tea, masala
chai tea and herbal teas. We have teas from Japan, from China and also from Thailand itself.
Each tea has been selected for quality and flavour and all are loose-leaf teas or whole-
flower tissanes.

Health Qualities: Real oolong teas and green teas contain high levels of anti-oxidants,
which help the body to fight off disease. In addition, they lift energy to help move
stagnant Qi…clearing toxins and heaviness. In many cultures these teas are drank for
weightloss because they move toxins and improve circulation.

The Qi of Tea: drinking some caffeinated drinks can raise your energy so fast that one
becomes jittery and scattered. These are signs that one has lost one’s grounding. The Qi of
tea is that the energy rises gradually enough that one does not become ungrounded, and
therefore experiences a “lift” without feeling jittery.

You are welcome into the tea temple from 12.30 -3.30 to drink our teas..come in, grab a book
and enjoy the tea. We also have tea ceremonies available and other events that include tea
drinking.

Related posts:

1. About Life @ The Sanctuary

Bio-terrain Live and Dried Blood Analysis

A simple prick of blood from the finger put under the microscope is all that is required to do see how healthy you really are.  Book now to ensure your place.  If you are fasting a before and after session will amaze you with the changes you see.  Price per  Session Baht  3,750 , Special Price for Fasters Before and after test only Baht 4,250

Don’t wait until it’s too late.  Make your booking today.

Using a high power microscope and video, you will see your blood live!

During this therapy you may find out:

• • How to increase your energy 100% in 7 days
• • How to lose up to 7lb in 7 days
• • 50% increased mental health in 100 hours
• • Find and clear unwanted parasites
• • Find out how much free radical damage you have and how to reverse it
• • How to massively reduce your risk of cancer
• • How to clear digestive and stomach problems quickly and easily
• • How to clear heavy metals from your body
• • Eat right for your type by knowing your blood
• • Take charge of your own healing and health

Live Blood Analysis can help assess the following:

• •    High fat and acid diet
• •    Poor nutrition
• •    Smoking
• •    alcohol
• •    Stress
• •    Immune system health
• •    Oxidative stress and free radical damage
• •    Inflammation
• •    Liver health

Q: Do I have to be fasting to do this analysis?

A: There is no need to fast.  You may have a blood analysis anytime to assess your level of health and find out more about the source of your problems.  However, you may find fasting and cleansing can quickly and massively improve your health in ways you never thought possible.

Read what previous clients are saying:

‘I had a headache for two years and had been for brain scans and medical assessments but nothing had helped.  After a seven day fast my headaches went and never came back’.  Stephen Ludbridge, Middlesborough, UK.

BEFORE                                                                                         AFTER

Rachael: Before the 10 day cleanse showing critical digestive problems, blockages and toxic intestines.  After a 10 day fast the change was amazing.  Her health issues had cleared up.  Her skin was clear, lost excess weight and digestion issues had gone. After the cleanse showing how the toxins have gone, the intestines have healed and the issues are close to resolved.

BEFORE                                                                                                        AFTER

Again I do thank you infinitely for the blood tests and the invaluable information you had given me in the three sessions. And again I say that it was the best thing of the whole cleansing procedure because it has become the base of my new life style. It’s so easy – the knowledge has changed my attitude, not only for food but also for my general life

balance. I avoid stress by better planning, coffee is no longer a need – green tea has a much better affect. Without having the proof of actually seeing the changes in my blood I would have gone back to my old believes and patterns.   Books can tell one latest health trends but my blood shows me directly what’s good or bad. I wish everyone on detox would do it or better it should be automatically included. Please pass my suggestion to the management.   I am very grateful having met you – I’ll never forget. Thank you for caring.   Suzy, I wish you all the best and should our path cross again it would make me very happy.  Lucie from Switzerland.

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“I did the live Blood test as part of my Weight loss program, on the very first day. It was a very eye opening experience for me because I saw a complete world in a tiny drop of my blood. Suzy explained to me that how everything should look like and pointed all the bad parts out and told me that I am doing a right thing with detox. After finishing my fast I did another blood test and I saw the difference. I could see how much positive impact a 7 days detox had on my body and blood. And also it helped make a decision about eating well and keeping my body clean.” Faezah, Iran

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Was great meeting you and finally getting my blood done!  Was a really beneficial session…?  Completely opened my eyes and I will be keeping an eye on it.  Thanks for the info on training as well will check it out and let’s stay in touch…Warmly. Kerwin Rae

Thought I’d send a quick note to say that I completed the 30 day challenge, although mine turned into a cut out all junk and red meat for 30 days.  In total I have lost just over a stone and am really proud of myself because I actually completed a 30 day diary.  I always start a food diary but have never ever completed.  I have decided to go another 30 days, this time stepping up my exercise routines and also making an effort to juice from home in the morning rather than buying juice from the shops.  To date this is working well!  Thank you once again Suzy and do include me on any more of your cleansing programmes in the future.   Warm regards   Pauline Hay

Assistant to Controller – Technology FM&T.   BBC Future Media & Technology

Your Personal Consultation includes a full Bioterrain live and dried blood analysis.

All it takes is a prick of blood from the finger.  This will be put on a glass slide under the microscope and fed through into a computer screen for you to see your own blood for discussion while the analysis is taking place.  Before and after photos for fasting clients will be taken for your own records.  Report sheets are completed and given to you.  Diet and Nutritional recommendations and information may be given.

Regular: Full Live and dried blood analysis          Price: 1650 Baht

Special: Before and after fasting full analysis      Price: 2800 Baht

Book Today

suzy@thesanctuarythailand.com

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Quantum BioChemical Science

What are the benefits of this health analysis?

• Specific analysis of the fluids, minerals, pH, electrolytes, digestive
fluids, vitamin in your body to find out where the deficiency or excess imbalance
is
• Find the excessive flow or blocked flow causing your health problems.
• How to change this and see the healing in all areas of the body
• Full report sheet and clear recommendations for healing for your body
• Access to this equipment with the physician gives a first class health
choice
• Special report and 10 day healing plan for long term good health
• Are you TIRED of being in the dark about your health challenges?
• Fed up with taking medications with SIDE EFFECTS that don’t work?
• DON’T KNOW where to go next to try and sort out your ill health?
• Find out why virus, bacteria, fungus and your dis-ease are thriving
• Have tried EVERYTHING and don’t know where to go next?

If you are passionate about being on the cutting edge of health information and/or you
need help with your health problems and are prepared to do whatever it takes to clear it up
then this is for you. This 90 minute assessment with back up laboratory work by the physician
and nutritional changes will massively change your health. When the body is in balance there is
no place for dis-ease.

Price Baht 8750
includes consultation, full laboratory analysis, clear written report and explanation,
nutritional change recommendations, full follow up aftercare information.

book or inquire for more info at Tea Temple,The Sanctuary
Phone no: 0066 828 013 277       e-mail: suzy@thesanctuarythailand.com

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Life Coaching

Are you ready to push past your limits and discover your ultimate destiny in life?

I have had the incredible opportunity to assist others in creating their life plans that help them obtain their goals and dreams.  With coaching I am trained to listen, observe and to customize my approach to individual clients needs; seeking to elicit solutions and strategies from the clients.  I believe the client is naturally innovative and resourceful.  My job is to provide the support to enhance the skills, resources and creativity that the client already has.

As a coach I provide an ongoing partnership to help clients produce long lasting, fulfilling results in their personal and professional lives, improving their performance and enhancing their quality of life.

• Discover what limiting beliefs and fears are holding you back?
• Resolve issues that are on your mind?
• Find out what your ULTIMATE destiny is and how to get there?
• Create a new way of looking after your health and fitness
• Discover what is really holding you back in life
• Find out what it takes to create a successful intimate relationship
• Create an empowering identity
• Know which values and beliefs will really take you to your destiny?
• Find out what is really going to make YOUR life a dream?

In this coaching session you use both the subconscious and the conscious mind joining them together to enable you to go deeper within and find the answers to your life that are really right for you.  Using powerful questions and cutting edge NLP, TimeLine and other techniques you will install empowering beliefs, a compelling future and an identity consistent with who you want to become and what you want to achieve in life.

You may like to ask yourself these questions:

• What are you most proud of in your life?
• What are you top four most defining moments in life?
• What are three areas you’d like to improve on in your life?
• What is holding you back?
• What are the main things you’d like to improve on?
• What level of intimate relationship do you have?

Your life coach:

In life coaching, qualifications are very important to have the right tool box of techniques and strategies and intuition of when to use them.  It is also about life experiences of your therapist.  Suzy can relate to you as a parent, a business owner, an expatriate living abroad, a sports person, professional pilot and PADI Instructor as well as creating a dream lifestyle, health and relationship of your dreams.

Suzy spent many years of training and working with with Anthony Robbins, Topher Morrison, Brandon Bays, Deepak Chopra, Tony and Nicki Vee, Mark Anastasi, Chris Manning, Chuck Mellon and Simon Zutshi to name just a few.  With qualifications in life coaching, business, relationship coaching and health coaching Suzy uses the cutting edge methods from NLP, Time Line therapy, visualization and some special techniques of her own to ensure you attain the results you are looking for.

In your sessions you may like to recognize and clear old blockages and patterns.  Install new empowering beliefs and identity.  Decide your values and code of conduct for life.  Create outstanding personal and intimate relationships.  Define what you really want in your life and clarify your vision and purpose for your future.

You can continue your life coaching by phone, e-mail or Skype when you return home after doing either one or a few sessions during your stay.

Book today – life coaching is 1750 Baht 90 minutes

suzy@thesanctuarythailand.com

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Cranio-sacral Therapy

Cranio-sacral is the name given to the approach to osteopathy developed by Dr Sutherland 100 years ago. He saw how the bone structure of the skull permitted slight motion and noted that restriction of normal motion due to injury, trauma or disease could affect health. The cranial osteopath works gently with the bones in the skull and associated bodily systems to remedy such conditions.

The body’s inner health is perceived through a gentle pulse called the CSRI. It arises at the core of the body within the brain and spinal cord and the fluid, which surrounds them. It is a tide-like rhythm, which expresses itself throughout all of the body. Areas of congestion and restriction in function of any part of the body can be felt as an imbalance in its motion and treated.

By using the gentle techniques of Cranio-Sacral Reflexology “the practitioner is able to release the strain patterns found and support the body in its attempt to return to an ideal state of balance and function for healing to progress.

COMMON CONDITIONS TREATED

Cranio-Sacral Reflexology is suitable for everyone, from newborn babies to the elderly including those with fragile and acute medical conditions.

• •    General Relaxation
• •    Promote Meditation and Creative Visions
• •    Ear and throat infections
• •    Irritability, insomnia
• •    General Trauma and tension
• •    Stress related illness, depression
• •    Jaw disorders
• •    Bronchitis and Asthma
• •    Insomnia
• •    Depression
• •    Migraine
• •    Tinnitus
• •    Back, shoulder and neck pain
• •    Whiplash and sports injuries

Price Baht 1650

Book today

suzy@thesanctuarythailand.com

Reiki Healing

Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It is administered by “laying on hands” and is based on the idea that an unseen “life force energy” flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. If one’s “life force energy” is low, then we are more likely to get sick or feel stress, and if it is high, we are more capable of being happy and healthy.

The word Reiki is made of two Japanese words – Rei which means “God’s Wisdom or the Higher Power” and Ki which is “life force energy”. So Reiki is actually “spiritually guided life force energy.”

A treatment feels like a wonderful glowing radiance that flows through and around you. Reiki treats the whole person including body, emotions, mind and spirit creating many beneficial effects that include relaxation and feelings of peace, security and well-being. Many have reported miraculous results.

Reiki is a simple, natural and safe method of spiritual healing and self-improvement that everyone can use. It has been effective in helping virtually every known illness and malady and always creates a beneficial effect. It also works in conjunction with all other medical or therapeutic techniques to relieve side effects and promote recovery.

Price 1650 Baht

Book today

suzy@thesanctuarythailand.com

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Special: Cranio-sacral with Reiki combined

In this phenomenal session Cranio-sacral therapy is combined with Reiki to create amazing transformations.  Deep relaxation into the theta state, guided healing plus release of pain and traumas are just some of the wonderful benefits of this therapy.   This can be done in our new Pyramid room which has special energies.  Relax to some reiki music while you drift off as the therapists’ skillful hands and intuition guide her to give you the best experience possible.  Listen to the sounds of nature outside as you drift off into your own world while relaxing.

Price 1800 Baht

Book today

suzy@thesanctuarythailand.com

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Related posts:

1. Life Coaching with Suzy Dior
2. Sanctuary LIFE events schedule
3. About Life @ The Sanctuary

No related posts.

Related posts:

1. The Sanctuary Garden Rooms
2. Detox & Fasting Rooms
3. Garden House

The Life workshops are a diverse range of transformative experiences guided by experienced facilitators. Come and dive deeper into life through many areas: awareness, connection, dance, creativity and healing.

Feb 28th-Mar 5th Ayurvedic Yoga Massage: Training in deep bodywork, incorporating deep remedial massage with yoga-stretches.

Mar 7-11 Returning to the Source: Awareness Intensive consisting of a highly structured combination of communication structures, active meditations and silent activities.

March 14-19 Skydancing Tantra: A gateway into the Tantric way of life, helping you to enliven your sensuality as well as your spirituality.

March 14 – 19  – Shamanic Healing workshop with Vinod

Shamanism is humankind’s most ancient and universal system of harmonious and mindful living also known as Walking in Beauty. Shamanism has no scriptures or sacred writings to revere or to be (mis!)interpreted, only the book of Nature-by looking into that with an open heart can be understood all of life’s Mysteries.

Swami Bodhi Vinod offers an 6 day Shamanic Healing course every month at the Sanctuary, blending many different traditions from around the world. The course includes Shamanic Trance Journeys, Dance Meditations, Communicating with Nature Spirits, Kinesiology, Regression, Energy Awareness, Soul Retrieval, Meridian rebalancing, clairvoyance techniques, wand making, and even an opportunity to go hug a tree.

March 22-24th Zen Shiatsu workshop with Jay

The japanese art meridian balancing and hara diagnosis is going to be explored in this workshop in order to learn how to read the body through basic oriental medical philosophy and how to encourage deep lasting changes into the physical, psychological and subtle aspects of life. This simple 3 day programe demonstrates a reliable blue print for self understanding and teaches a method for profound therapeutic treatments.

March 22-24th Zen Shiatsu workshop with Jay

The japanese art meridian balancing and hara diagnosis is going to be explored in this workshop in order to learn how to read the body through basic oriental medical philosophy and how to encourage deep lasting changes into the physical, psychological and subtle aspects of life. This simple 3 day programe demonstrates a reliable blue print for self understanding and teaches a method for profound therapeutic treatments.

April 12-16 Acupressure and Qi Kung Workshop with Jim and Sebastian

Based in meridian therapy and acupuncture points, this workshop will cover 30 of the most powerful  pressure points to treat a variety of conditions.  Also included is a 13 movement qi kung sequence that stretches the meridians, organ exercises, massage techniques, visualizations, and meditation.

Booking Workshops

BOOK YOUR PLACE ON A WORKSHOP NOW: life@thesanctuarythailand.com

1000 baht deposit to secure a place

SPECIAL OFFER: book your 5-day workshop in advance and get 1000 baht discount

(This does not apply to workshops of less than 5 days)

Classes

Biodanza – weekly class 4:00-6:30 pm

Biodanza is a beautiful therapeutic dance method using dance and movement exercises set to music as a metaphor for life. Exercises are heart opening creating greater connection to yourself and others in a playful, rich human encounter. The focus for the class is different each week and everyone is welcome. there are no steps to learn, so, if you can move, you can enjoy Biodanza!

Related posts:

1. Shamanic Healing Events and Retreats
2. Biodanza Retreat: Heartfelt Dance Experience
3. About Life @ The Sanctuary

The Guardian UK – May 2009
TimeOut Beijing – January 2009
Fabulous Magazine UK – June 2008
The TimesOnline – February 2008

The Guardian, Saturday 16 May 2009

Rave Om!

A short boat ride away from Koh Phangan’s full-moon frenzy, a laid-back yoga retreat offers ravers calm after the party storm

I’m perched on the end of a longtail boat, cocktail in hand, head to the wind. The silhouettes of thousands of people line the length of the beach in front of me, and a throbbing bass reverberates in my chest. Just two minutes ago, I was in the middle of that neon-clad throng, dancing full-moon-style with the best of them. And now here I am, making my James Bond-style getaway to quieter shores up the coast. If only I could leave every party in this way.

Unlike its neighbour Koh Samui, the mountainous island of Koh Phangan in southern Thailand has no airport and only a small number of roads. Its terrain has saved it from large-scale development, and much of the island is only accessible by boat. Aside from the mainstream commerciality of Hat Rin, near-deserted beaches and pockets of solitude abound.

In fact, the further up the coast you go, the quieter life becomes. Huge limestone rocks frame the bays, and dense forest rises up the hillside behind. At this time of year – June to September, before the monsoon comes knocking – it’s the islands on the eastern side of the peninsula that remain drier and sunnier.

As we round the headland and point our boat towards the next bay, my shoulders relax. The atmosphere has changed drastically, and in place of the craziness of Hat Rin, a more peaceful scene comes into view – the calm after the party storm.

By the light of the full moon, I can just make out wooden huts standing precariously on the rocks. People sit around bonfires on the beach, and the pace of life drops about 20 notches. This is what I love about Koh Phangan. Within a four-mile radius two different worlds exist. As the Thais say, “Same same, but different.”

I discovered this particular stretch of coastline after a two-month spell in Nepal. I’d pushed my body to its limits trekking around the Annapurna circuit and contracted a particularly nasty and resilient stomach parasite in the process. A girl I met in Kathmandu told me that to stand any chance of getting well again, I should hop on the next flight to Thailand and get myself to Koh Phangan, pronto.

One plane ride, a night bus, a catamaran, two taxis and a longtail boat later, and I arrived at the Sanctuary resort. Tucked into a corner of Hat Thian beach, the it is the kind of place you book into for a week and end up staying for a month.

Here, among the thatched roofs, decks and balconies above a translucent Gulf of Thailand, health and well-being is a laid-back, low-key affair. The antithesis of a clinical five-star spa, nobody’s going to come at you with a white coat and a clipboard and, depending on your inclination and budget, you can do as much or as little as you like. You can detox or retox, stay in dorm for 120 baht per night (around £2.30) or a 5,400 baht-a-night air-conditioned chalet.

As well as the large tree-house-style restaurant, the Sanctuary has a small shop, a spa offering Balinese body wraps and pineapple scrubs, a plunge pool and a herbal steam room built into the rocks. Incense floats on the breeze and people drift between yoga and meditation classes or laze around in hammocks sipping fresh fruit smoothies.

If you have to up the ante – to add some oomph to your Om – there’s elephant trekking, jet-skiing and cooking classes, along with diving and snorkelling in the Ang Thong marine national park. Many of the Sanctuary’s guests drift in and out of the retreat, interspersing its serenity with the buzz of Hat Rin or less commercial local bars nearby.

Some come just for the yoga, which is held three times a day in a large hall in the jungle, others to gorge on seafood or healthy veggie dishes, tucking into the likes of Thai spinach salad with peanut coconut sauce, or pad pak sai met ma muang (stir fried vegetables with cashew nuts and chilli).

Give it time to settle and there’s kayaking, snorkelling and hikes up to the lookout, not to mention a well-stocked library and workshops on every complementary therapy under the sun. They’re balm for the party animals, who slip away from the Sanctuary to cane it under a full moon before returning for rest and recovery.

To one side, in its own enclave, is the wellness centre – a separate home for the cleansing programmes. Run by a man called Moon, for whom fasting is a way of life, the detoxes range from one to seven days, with milder juice fasts and specific liver-cleansing regimes.

I opt for the three-day cleanse, feeling a little nervous about its psychological and physical effects. Moon tells me to eat nothing but raw fruit and vegetables for two days in order to prepare my body. After that only a coconut, clay and psyllium juice will pass my lips during the fast.

Considering the Sanctuary serves some of the best vegetarian food this side of California, it feels sadistic in the extreme. Moon tells me my body will thank me when it’s all over, while I remind myself that Dolly Parton wrote some of her best songs while fasting. So maybe some good will come of it.

I cast a wistful glance in the direction of the cake cabinet and sulk off to my salad. The cleanse is not for the fainthearted, and it’s a good idea to eat healthily beforehand and get in the right frame of mind, but I was amazed how good I felt after.

Back on solids, and the days pass in a haze of extended mealtimes, chats about life, and swims in the ocean. I make the most of the morning yoga, experience one of the best massages of my life, and leave feeling stronger, happier and more relaxed than I have in a long time.

As well as the Sanctuary, there are a number of smaller-scale resorts, both in Hat Thian and Hat Yuan, that serve phenomenal Thai and Western food. Most also have cheap beach huts to rent. My favourite is the Bamboo Hut, an open-air restaurant with a smattering of bungalows perched on top of the rocks between the beaches. It does a mind-blowing tofu cheeseburger and the best chocolate coconut muffin you’ll ever taste. Fasters need not apply.

read this article on The Guardian UK

Time Out – Beijing January 2009 – Winter Escapes

The 21 most quirky, brilliant and unique trips Asia has to offer

Detox in style at The Sanctuary, Thailand

Go to Thailand and choose colonic irrigation over partying? That might sound crazy, but after a stay at The Sanctuary on Koh Phangan in southern Thailand, your mind, body and possibly even your soul will thank you.

The Sanctuary, which lives up to its name and is set on its own beach, is famous for detoxing. After a winter of comfort eating in Beijing, sign up for the ‘fruit fast’ programme. A nine-night package including a daily spa treatment and yoga class, accommodation and fasting programme costs 5,500RMB

Be prepared to spend your time downing clay shakes, fruit juices and numerous weird and wonderful herbs, as well as sweating out toxins in yoga classes and a lovely spa, where treatments are included in the price. It does attract the beautiful people – the place is usually full of gorgeous Californians talking loudly about chakras – but it attracts plenty of regular folk too; don’t be surprised to come across seemingly normal lads on a mission to lose weight, or becoming obsessed with their colonics.

Ah yes, the colonics. Wimp out and decline if you want – the jury is still out on how beneficial the process really is – but, after seeing how healthy everyone who does get up close and personal with a hose looks, you’ll be tempted to sign up.

read this article on TimeOut Beijing

Fabulous Magazine, UK

06/14/2008 – VIP Vacations

Love On The Road

This Week Zoë and Train Man Brave Colonic Irrigation

Train Man’s just come out of the bathroom and I’ve asked him what colour his poo was. It’s probably the least romantic conversation we’ve ever had, but there are extenuating circumstances – we’re staying at a spa where talking about your faecal matter is the norm.

After last week’s partying, I thought it was time for a detox. I know it’s melodramatic, but since India we’ve been a little lardy. Even Train Man – the only man I know who looks good in skinny jeans. Or used to.

So we checked into The Sanctuary, a delicious haven on an almost private beach on Ko Phangan, and set about the two-day ‘pre-cleanse’ of eating tropical fruit and sumptuous salads.

On day three, the appropriately named spa manager, Moon, did a (clothed) demo on self-administered coffee colonics. I suddenly felt so guilty about what I’d badgered Train Man into that when Moon said the word “anus”, I started giggling nervously. I soon stopped when he handed us the rubber gloves.

Although the colonics weren’t enjoyable, eating nothing but clay shakes and herbal pills for four days was surprisingly easy given the serene surroundings. We’ve sunbathed by day and watched feel-good flicks with other cleansers by night.

And after Train Man watched The Devil Wears Prada with 20 women, I really owe him. Tomorrow we leave Poo Camp after a week and I’m pleased to say we’re feeling perky. Train Man’s eyes are sparkling and I haven’t been this slim since I was 13. And the best thing? I’m not even craving pudding.

So what was Train Man’s answer to my icky question? “Bright green, babe. Oh and I’m sure that Matchbox car I swallowed when I was three was in there.”

We’ll never speak of this again.

Miles travelled: 0.5 to the next beach / Terse sentences exchanged: 0!! / Poo Tube moments: 8

read this article on Fabulous Magazine

The TimesOnline, UK – Feb 2008

Broken hearted in a Thai retreat

Find sanctuary from a broken heart the Thai way: fasting, meditation; colonic therapy – and, for those brave enough, belly-dancing

It’s 5am. I have just waved my housemate off on holiday with her lovely boyfriend who loves her. I have not slept for three nights since being dumped via e-mail by the man I’m in love with. And I have just seen a mouse in my kitchen. My God, do I feel sorry for myself.

I then make the type of decision one usually makes only at dawn, when heartbroken, and in the vicinity of the internet. I decide to go to Thailand to do a seven-day fast. So no more tears or self-pity. Not for me the just-been-dumped 40-per-cent-proof diet. Oh, no. I will cleanse, purify and sort myself out… or something like that.

It takes two days, two trains, a taxi, car ride, three planes, a ferry and a fishing boat to reach The Sanctuary. When I’m deposited on the beach everyone else looks thin, brown and happy. Oh, and absolutely everybody is in love, too. I have a severe case of fat, white, jet-lagged miserablists.

The Sanctuary is situated on Haad Tien, a beautiful short sweep of beach on Koh Pha-Ngan, off Koh Samui in the Gulf of Thailand. As well as the resort, spa and fasting services, it offers workshops and treatments including bellydancing, meditation, tantra, Ayurvedic massage and shamanic healing. People come from all over the world to hang out, learn stuff and generally look beautiful.

But I’m more interested in the restaurant. It has an excellent reputation and I decide to go for lunch to cheer myself up. On the way I pop into the wellness centre to find out about my fasting programme. Big mistake. I’m quizzed on what I’ve eaten that day, and when I say toast and, in a whisper, coffee, I’m told that it’s nothing but raw fruit and vegetables for the next two days.

While most holidays are about excess, this experience will be an exercise in discipline; no eating, drinking or contacting my ex. And I have to get up at 7am every day for the first of four daily clay shakes – a drink made of psyllium husks and bentonite clay mixed with water or watermelon juice that fills you up and purifies your system. Every 90 minutes there’s something else to do – another shake, herbs, lymph drainage, vegetable broth, steam room or colonic.

Ah, yes, the colonics. Moon, the fasting centre manager, takes a group of us uninitiated “colonic virgins” to a bathroom to show us how to self-administer. He suggests we take along our iPods and relax as best we can as the water does it work. Which leaves me wondering, is it the ultimate compliment or insult to take a musician with you at such an intensely personal time? My first colonic experience is simultaneously scary, fascinating and gross, although a few days after doing it twice a day I quickly become blasé. And also come to realise just how many soulful ballads of ill-fated love have found their way on to my iPod.

Included in the fasting package is a daily steam-room session. The room is built into the rock, and at dusk the light falls through the roof and with all the herbs and steam it’s quite magical. Especially when a boy who looks like Jesus starts chanting. Something inside me shifts and I leave the steam feeling better than I have in weeks.

Although the clay shakes fill me up, the process of not eating – something I’ve done every day since birth, is significant. When you exercise this much control over one area of your life it spills over into other parts, too. As the days roll by I watch my thoughts about my ex change into more powerful ones, and notice that they become less about him and more about me. I’m getting myself back.

Failed relationships aren’t the only reason people come to The Sanctuary. Ben, 31, a music producer from London, came “to shake things up, to do something completely the opposite of what you do at home”, while Heike, 36, a marketing manager from Berlin, told me, “I wanted to detox, to get rid of emotional and physical baggage”.

There is a strong sense of group bonding. Talk revolves mainly around what day of the week-long fast you’re on. After a few days you become laughably absent-minded, have no energy and don’t do much. On day three I nearly fall over in yoga attempting the demanding “standing up” position, and after that retire to my hammock to look at air for 12 hours. Weirdly, this is not unenjoyable.

I have a sea-salt body scrub that leaves my skin feeling softer than it has since I was in nappies. A few days later I have the papaya bodywrap, which involves being slathered in mashed-up papaya, a head and face massage, and being left to cook in it. And yes, when the therapist isn’t looking I eat a bit from my face.

On finishing the fast, food is no longer a big deal. I’ve lost a couple of kilos, but, more important, I feel outrageously healthy. For the remaining ten days I eat only raw food, with the teensiest bit of chocolate and the odd rum, and when it’s time to leave I feel more alive than I thought possible.

Alas, I am built more for momentary lapses in judgment than permanent holiness. I get drunk on the flight home, see my ex the next day, and a few weeks later get the most horrible flu and upset, as again it becomes gut-wrenchingly clear that we’re done. However, thanks to my new calmed state of being, it’s dealt with in a few days, and the only comfort food that features is extra avocado on my salad. I admit I am left wondering, is it too soon to go back to Thailand?

read the article at the TimesOnline

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We have a full range of detox options, from fruit fasts & gentle cleanses to full detox programs. Our detox center also specializes in realistic, gentle weight-loss and Candida programs. We offer 3 yoga classes per day catering to all levels. Day trips, kayaking, snorkeling and our gym add to the distractions if you need to be encouraged out of your beach front hammock. Add to this the eclectic mix of our guests and you can be sure of a special beach holiday.

Consider taking a vacation that is truly reinvigorating. More than 50% of our guests are regulars, coming back year after year. Here they have developed fun, healthy long-term relationship with their body and minds. Find out what this special place can do for you…

Related posts:

1. Fasting & Detox Programs
2. Sanctuary LIFE events schedule
3. 9 Night / 7 Day all inclusive Detox Retreat

Sanctuary Salad

For 2 people

• 1 cup of shredded cabbage, white preferably
• 1 cup of shredded carrot
• 1/4 cup of shredded onion
• Small dash of crushed garlic
• 1/2 cup of peanuts roasted and then roughly smashed
• 1/2 cup of roasted dry coconut, can use packet if freshly dried not available
• 1 or 2 chilies, according to taste
• Fresh basil
• Salt and pepper
• 3 tablespoons Fish sauce (for vegetarians this can be replaced with soya sauce)
• 1 Tablespoon honey

Mix all ingredients into one large bowl and serve.

This salad keeps well in the fridge, can be made earlier and then served, good for next day also.

Grilled Pepper Shrimp Wrap recipe

A simple yet delicious lunch for 2 people

• 2 tablespoons red pepper sliced thinly
• 2 tablespoons red pepper sliced thinly
• 2 tablespoons green pepper sliced thinly
• 2 tablespoons onion sliced thinly
• 2 tablespoons scallion, chopped with one clove garlic small
• 1 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 flour tortillas

Grill all vegetables except scallions. Toss all with shrimp and olive oil. Wrap in warmed tortillas and serve.

To serve, garnish with shredded lettuce, black olives and chopped tomatoes

Shepherds Pie Sanctuary Style!

A whole some and filing recipe for  two people

• 2 large potatoes
• One onion medium
• Garlic to taste
• 5 fresh tomatoes
• Handful of mushrooms
• One piece of Tofu crumbled
• Mixed herbs teaspoonful

Fry the onions and garlic which is cut into small piece for about 5 minutes, brown but not burnt!
Add tomatoes which have been de skinned and chopped and chopped mushrooms and crumble tofu.
Boil separately the potatoes, mash with a knob of butter or olive oil if pref.
Pour filling into an oven proof basin/dish and top with mashed potato.
Bake in oven for 20 minutes

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