Came for a drop in yoga class and some dinner. The dinner was incredible, we had the fried squid to start which was probably some of the freshest squid I have had, it was delicious! For my main I had the coconut curry noodle soup with tofu which was so flavorful and nutritious.The staff were wonderful and helpful. We even came back after the yoga class for some drinks and hammock hanging. Overall the vibe of this place is on point.

I've been going to and from the Sanctuary for quite some time. It is truly my happy place. I often go with my writers group, we all live here on Koh Phangan, and we get away to the Sanctuary once or twice a year to spend a few days focusing on our writing, eating healthy and nourishing food, and being nourished by the nearby natural surroundings.

It is the most inspirational place I've come across for writing, creativity, and focus. My trips to the sanctuary are always highlights of my year.

Un lugar maravilloso!! Donde relajarse y dejarse llevar es fácil,
Volveré seguro ❤️🎉😀

The detox program at The Sanctuary is life-changing. The wonderful team supports you every step of the way and you leave feeling light, clean, and completely refreshed. Furthermore, The Sanctuary resides on beautiful land that will hold and heal you during your detox. Stunning rock formations and multiple beaches to walk to. It is the perfect place to go and charge yourself with wellness, nature, and love 🤍

A quiet haven, away from agendas, pollution, noise and distractions. The perfect getaway for friends, couples or solo travellers to unplug, focus on their well being take yoga classes, eat clean, attend meditation classes, holistic therapies, workshops, swim in the ocean... get spoilt by the wonderful staff. Get excellent massages and treatments, meet like minded people on a journey of self discovery, finding their purpose and slowing down. Eat, breathe and be grateful. Thank you all.

Ps: the first time I stumbled upon the sanctuary was in 2008! I promised myself I'd be back one day! Only took me 16 years!

The Sanctuary auf Koh Phangan – ein Ort voller Magie, der Körper, Geist und Seele in Einklang bringt. Hier fließt alles zusammen: achtsame Yoga- und Meditationssessions, tiefgehende Workshops und Momente des puren Seins. Die Natur empfängt dich warm, das Meer erzählt Geschichten, und die Menschen begegnen dir mit echter Herzlichkeit. Jeder Moment schenkt Raum für Verbindung, Reflexion und persönliches Wachstum. Ich bin voller Dankbarkeit für die inspirierenden Gespräche, das bewusste Essen und die Leichtigkeit, die hier spürbar ist. Ein Ort, der nicht nur erlebt, sondern gefühlt wird – ein Geschenk für alle, die ihm begegnen.

The Service and the people are wonderful, I chose a Detox and active package. It was the right decision. The food in the restaurant is amazing and delicious. I connected with good people and had a pleasant time there.
If you want to come down, relax and have a good time with nice people and enjoy steam baths, Yoga etc. then this is the right place.

I was disturbed by people that had their calls or watching videos/reels via their mobile speakers. People aren‘t aware anymore, but it disturbs, especially when you want to relax.

Maybe a reminder/notifications would be helpful.

The travel to get there is not so easy but doable and worth it

Sending greetings to the Sanctuary, happy that I was there 🫶🏼

This was my fifth time at The Sanctuary in 2.5 years. From the first time, I fell in love with the place, the people, the staff, the food, the atmosphere- everything was just what I wanted and I knew I would be back very soon. Every time is just perfect in every way.
Thank you Nolan, Sam, Tuna, William and the whole staff for making me feel so welcomed and at home. Will be back again soon :)

מקום מקסים בחוף מבודד. הגעה במונית סירה מחוף הדרין. מגוון של חדרים בטווח מחירים רחב. חוף יפייפה ושקט. הייתה לנו שהות נעימה.

The Sanctuary really shines through its beautiful location, which is really pristine in itself, but is also so well taken care of by the staff. I really appreciate how well nature is being respected. No trash anywhere - just pristine 👏 Also there is an incredible community of practitioners, which is what gives the space its radiant energy - these people are so dedicated and generous with their skills and energies, this is really the most important gift that you are given there. The only reason I don’t give 5 stars is: for budget travellers the prices are quite high, especially in the restaurant. If you are travelling on a budget, be aware that the place is remote and almost Europe prices, which is tough when you rely on 3 meals per day. You can’t cook anything in the budget bungalow. A tip is to go to Bambu beach which has cheaper Thai food.. Finally (and this is no fault of The Sanctuary) I think it’s shameful that Guy’s Bar next door plays insanely loud techno from 7pm - 7am every Friday night - it literally shakes the ground of the entire bay. I can only imagine how disruptive this must be to wildlife (not to mention guests at the Sanctuary)

What can I say another amazing stay at the Sanctuary

Staff are amazing (big shout out to Sami,Hong, Tuna, Abel, Wah Wah, May and Soe)

food is great the menu is extensive and interesting... A little pricey

There is a disco in the jungle on Friday night which is well publicised - either go dance or wear earplugs.... Don't complain about it. The Thais have to make a living as well!

The people are what make it special.. So don't tell anyone about Sanctuary when you leave.... Keep it the best kept secret

❤️❤️❤️

A beautiful and special place. I came to recharge and truly did. I stayed in two rooms while here and both were beautifully designed. I was originally going to stay in the Treehouse but it was too big for just one person - but nevertheless - it was wonderful. The food is all vegetarian or vegan - perfect! Freshly made - locally sourced produce.. what more could you ask for? You take a speedboat to the island and that makes the experience even more wonderful. The staff are amazing helpful - I filled my day with treatments and good healthy, nourishing food, under a natural and lovely sun. It is also very good value for money. I truly hope I get to return one day!!!

There are places that mark us, and then there are places that remake us entirely. The Sanctuary is the latter—a hidden corner of Thailand that has quietly reshaped my understanding of what it means to be alive for over two decades.
You don’t simply arrive at The Sanctuary; you surrender to it. The boat journey to Haad Tien Bay becomes a gentle unwinding, each wave carrying you further from who you were when you left shore. When you step onto that pristine beach, something inside you exhales—perhaps for the first time in months.
I’ve watched this place evolve over twenty years, seen new faces become old friends, witnessed the careful dance between development and preservation. What strikes me most is how The Sanctuary has grown without losing its soul—like watching a beloved friend mature while keeping their essential spark intact.
The accommodation defies every convention of luxury travel. Forget marble bathrooms and thread counts. Here, your shower is beneath stars, your bedroom walls are living stone that has stood for millennia. The geckos darting across your ceiling aren’t intruders—they’re housemates, reminders that you’re living within something larger than yourself.
But perhaps the most transformative element isn’t the setting—it’s the people. The Sanctuary attracts souls in transition, hearts seeking something they can’t quite name. I’ve shared sunset conversations with artists rediscovering their voice, watched burned-out executives remember how to breathe, seen couples fall in love all over again. This trip, I brought my nine-year-old son Archie, and watching him embrace this magical chaos reminded me why I keep returning. Children understand what adults forget—that paradise isn’t perfection, but authentic connection.
The food isn’t just nourishment; it’s daily celebration. Each beachfront meal becomes a ceremony of gratitude, flavors so vibrant they contain sunshine’s essence. Conversations flow like tides, strangers becoming confidants over shared plates.
What The Sanctuary offers isn’t polished wellness—it’s something rawer, more honest. Yoga sessions happen as the sun paints impossible colors across the sky. Meditation workshops don’t promise quick fixes but something more valuable: permission to simply be. The healing programs understand that transformation isn’t about returning to who you were, but discovering who you’re meant to become.
True luxury isn’t what’s done for you, but what you discover about yourself. The Sanctuary provides the canvas; you create the masterpiece. Some guests plan two-week retreats and find themselves still there three months later, having found exactly what their souls were seeking.
Twenty years on, I still feel that familiar flutter as the boat rounds the bay. The Sanctuary isn’t just a destination—it’s homecoming to a version of yourself you’d forgotten existed. Where the world’s noise fades to whispers, time moves differently, and ordinary moments become extraordinary simply because you’re present enough to notice them.
This isn’t for those seeking conventional luxury or party thrills. The Sanctuary is for hearts ready to be surprised, souls brave enough to remember what peace feels like. For anyone suspecting the life they’re living might not be the life they’re meant for.
Some places visit you as much as you visit them. The Sanctuary has been a constant thread through two decades of my life’s tapestry, offering exactly what I needed—adventure in my twenties, healing in my thirties, perspective in my forties, and now, watching my child discover magic.
It’s not just a place I return to; it’s a place that returns to me in quiet moments when the world feels too much, reminding me that paradise isn’t about perfection—it’s about coming home to yourself

Just did a few days with a buddy, will definitely return. Everything was very well done, Yoga instructor was very patient, opted for the traditional Thai massage which went really deep otherwise just hung out and read for a few days. We ended up eating most of our meals at the restaurant, was very impressed with the staff who flexed between making Espresso, Negroni and Juices seamlessly.

What a fantastic place. Very friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Excellent kitchen knocking out delicious food. Great beach and others within walong distance. Staff very attentive and kind. Massive range of rooms with something to suit every budget. Can't fault this place and I highly recommend!

I have stayed many times at The Sanctuary, and each time is bliss..The food is faultless and location breathtaking. And to top it off, is the amazing staff...they are always welcoming, joyful and incredibly helpful, and this makes your stay seamless...special thanks to Tuna, William, Sam and Soe....Warmest wishes, Deidre

This is such a wonderful place if you search peace, no jet skis at the beach, wonderful calm and chilling atmosphere. You can only reach by boat. I had the garden house and it looked exactly like the pictures on the Web page. But consider the stairs, nothing if you have knee issues but a cost free workout if you want to loose weight. I did the 14days program which starts with detox. Ann & Nam ( sorry if I spelled it wrong) so great and took care of everyone adjusted to the respective needs. Chris the Trainer gave me such good advice during the training sessions. Thanks for that and for letting me sweat. Tuna at the reception also great and supportive! And the restaurant and team is great: yes it is more expensive than other Thai food but high quality and healthy and outstanding atmosphere. I am usually a meat eater but I did not miss meat, coffee or cigarettes..not even craving for it. I saw it in one of the reviews - no trash at the beach (everything is cleaned up every morning) Thank you all for the wonderful time ! Kind regards Antje

My favorite place in all of Ko Phangan, maybe in the whole world.
Amazing atmosphere, clean and pristine beach, clean jungle rooms, perfect staff and also the guests themselves, people with great personalities one by one.
As someone who has a lot of complaints and criticisms, I have nothing bad to say about this place

One of my favorite new places in the world! The best staff - good food - incredible yoga!!! Cannot wait to return!!!

I am back after 1 year...still magical...awesome vibe...I am doing another detox...it sets me up for the year

The Sanctuary changes its guests everytime I come but each set of people are remarkably similar to the previous - amazingly friendly and interesting folks

I can't imagine doing my annual recharge anywhere better

Nachdem in der Nachbarbucht Wai Nam in den beiden Unterkünften, die es dort gibt, keine Kinder erlaubt sind, sind wir hierher umgezogen, wo das zum Glück grundsätzlich kein Problem ist. Wir waren aufgrund früherer Bewertungen, dass es schön ruhig ist, weil es dort wenig Kinder gibt, skeptisch, auf welches Klientel wir dort treffen würden. Tatsächlich wurden wir auf Nachfrage auch darauf hingewiesen, dass es im Restaurant gut wäre, eine moderate Lautstärke einzuhalten, was natürlich Druck auf Eltern ausübt. Abgesehen davon haben wir uns jedoch sehr willkommen gefühlt!

Wir waren in einem der Budget Bungalows, die zwar weiter hinten, aber immer noch sehr schön und hochwertig eingerichtet sind.

⭐⭐⭐⭐½ — A Transformational Retreat for Body and Soul
If you're looking for a break from the world—to reset your body, clear your mind, and reconnect with what matters—The Sanctuary is a rare gem. Nestled in the lush jungle of Koh Phangan, on the beach of Haad Thien, this rustic and quirky retreat offers more than just detox programs and yoga classes—it offers space to breathe, a place to reflect and restart.
I came here for a 3½ -week stay that included a 5-day “Detox” and a 16-day “Reshape Your Life” fitness program, and I left feeling lighter in every sense: physically, mentally, emotionally. The location is both remote and magical—you reach it via a long boat ride, which already feels like a crossing into another dimension. Don’t expect marble floors or air-conditioned luxury; expect the raw charm of wooden bungalows in the trees, jungle paths, barefoot meals on the beach, and symphonies of cicadas and waves, a unique experience.
The wellness offerings are intense and immersive: daily colonics, shakes, massages, personalized fitness training, yoga and meditation classes. If you’re here to truly reset, this place gives you all the tools. The team, from the personal trainer Aunn to Waa and Janina and the other yoga and meditation coaches, to the wellness staff led by Boon, the wonderful restaurant staff led by Sam, Tuna at the reception and the incredible massage therapists—they all made the difference. Each brought warmth, skill, and genuine care.
A few things to note:
• This is not a party place. Nearby full-moon events and other parties can occasionally bring in sound from neighbouring beaches, but the Sanctuary itself remains focused on healing and stillness.
• The infrastructure is rustic. Don’t expect flawless Wi-Fi or five-star plumbing. But the simplicity grows on you.
• The food is exceptional. After detox, every bite of the fresh, healthy meals feels like a celebration. The wonderful setting of the restaurant on the beach, with the kind of view people use as screensavers, enhances every meal.
There’s also a unique community vibe. You’ll meet fellow travellers—some here to heal from burnout or depression, others seeking clarity or change. Some here for weeks or months. It’s the kind of place people return to again and again—often for years, sometimes for decades. Conversations go deep quickly.
Why not 5 stars? A few organizational kinks and some wear-and-tear infrastructure, likely due to staff turnover after the recent passing of the beloved GM. But none of that overshadowed the overall positive impact of this experience.
Come with an open mind, a willingness to simplify, and a deep breath. The Sanctuary won’t fix your life—but with their charming and knowledgeable help it might give you the quiet and clarity to start doing it yourself.
Eric B., Switzerland, Guest April–May 2025

I had an amazing experience at The Sanctuary. I did their 21-day “Reshape Your Life” programme to support my recovery after a long illness, and the results exceeded my expectations. The programme started with a comprehensive 5.5-day detox/fasting programme, followed by a tailored health and diet optimisation programme, herbal supplements, shakes and elixirs based on traditional Chinese medicine, regular catch-ups with an excellent TCM practitioner and her assistant (thank you, Nan and Natalie!), a range of treatments including daily fitness training with a personal trainer, acupuncture, steam and infrared sauna, daily massages, ice bath, yoga, meditation, osteopathic and chiropractic treatments, and breathwork (at an additional fee) to name just a few. I cannot thank the staff at The Sanctuary enough. They were all incredibly nice and always happy to help. Thank you to the entire team at the wellness centre, the tea temple, the restaurant, and Tuna at the reception. This is such a unique and magical place where everyone makes you feel at home once you arrive at the beach. The place is secluded and can only be reached by boat, but if you are looking to achieve real change in your life and want to improve your overall health through holistic treatments in a peaceful and beautiful environment, then that’s the place to go. I have met lots of interesting and like-minded people there from all over the world (many of them returning year after year), who shared their experiences during their healing journey, helping me stay motivated throughout the programme and beyond. A special thanks goes to the personal trainer, Aunn, who went above and beyond to help me reach my goals. He was incredibly competent and the most friendly and fun person one can imagine. Thank you so much for helping me get back on track. I highly recommend this place to anyone and will definitely come back in the future. Best wishes, G.

Nothing less than perfect! We came for 3 nights, stayed 8 nights until our flight back. Just paradise !

I have been home 2 days still riding the good vibes I got from the sanctuary. The sea meets the jungle. Love being in nature hearing song birds in the morning, gentle rain at night. All the sounds of the jungle. Truly a beautiful transforming experience. I was all in from the beginning and was not disappointed. Nina and Hailey are gifted healers. All the woman at the Tea Temple are exceptional at there craft. The Thai people are the happiest of any culture I know. I will definitely return. ♥️♥️♥️

I have recently returned from a study seminar held at the Sanctuary and it completely exceeded my expectations, so much so that I stayed an additional week! My jungle hillside bungalow was heavenly- spacious, clean and inviting. I cannot thank the wonderful staff enough for making our stay so special- Tuna and staff at front of house were beyond helpful and accomodating, and the restaurant staff were just incredible- they remembered us all by name (11 of us!), and always greeted us with a smile and impeccable service. The food was fantastic, a huge flavourful menu that did not disappoint- incredible fresh seafood dishes, and tasty vegetarian options, including a detox menu that was equally as delicious. I had several treatments at the Tea Temple, each was wonderful, the therapists are very skilled and intuitive, special thanks to Kitty for an amazing Thai massage. Sunday afternoon beachside was also made special with the chilled groove and lounge vibes with resident DJ Slacky- perfect accompaniment to a signature Thai Garden cocktail! The Sanctuary is a special place, made more so by the wonderful people working there. Many thanks especially to William, Sam, Soe and Aung, I hope to see you all again soon! With love and gratitude, Alex

This place is truly special, not just for its breathtaking nature and peaceful atmosphere, but for the incredible team that makes it feel like home. The staff is warm, welcoming, and genuinely committed to creating an unforgettable experience for every guest. It's a wonderful spot to meet amazing people, practice yoga, take part in other lessons, or simply lay back and relax. The yoga sessions and other classes are led by exceptional teachers who bring both passion and expertise, adding immense value to the entire stay. Surrounded by stunning nature and a positive energy that lifts your spirit, this place offers a rare blend of tranquility and inspiration.

A special thanks to Sue, Abel, William, Sam, Tuna, Mey, Abale, and the entire crew for making everything perfect, and to the amazing teachers Randel and Nina for sharing their wisdom and guidance.

Still sensational in every respect, always an adventure, different, wonderful staff, superb food……a pause button on life that is so necessary in our daily haste…well done Sanctuary Crew….keep the vibe going…FOREVER!….as always you can never really leave!

This place is truly magical. It's very calm and peaceful and provides a perfect island vibe. Its unique beauty is different from other beaches around. But be aware of insects, though.

Otherwise, the service is very good and the food is amazing. Enjoy your moment!

The Sanctuary is a special place, I only just left and I’m missing it already. It’s so calm & peaceful, nestled in its own little bay, and the staff are all friendly and welcoming.
Waa is such a great yoga teacher, I enjoyed her classes so much. Nina is an amazing too, she brings joy to the yoga studio in a way no-one else does.
Hope I can get back there soon.