Find your perfect yoga experience
at The Sanctuary Thailand
Join mind and body in perfect, peaceful harmony. Set within our tranquil and beautiful gardens, our holistic yoga and movement sessions are consciously created for people of all levels of experience.
Blending physical postures, breath control and mindfulness with various yoga styles, you’ll forge a unique practice that truly brings you back to your most whole and beautiful self.
What people say about us
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.
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.
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
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
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 original yoga retreat in Koh Phangan
One of the oldest regular yoga programs in Thailand, we’ve been running a variety of transformative yoga classes and retreats for over 25 years!
Explore the natural beauty of our jungle retreat, where tranquility and self-discovery come together in three unique and captivating yoga halls.
Our dedicated staff is passionate about curating an environment where you can thrive, regardless of your experience level.
From the moment you step into our oasis, you’ll feel the embrace of a space designed to nurture your practice, foster inner peace, and allow you to connect with nature’s harmony.
Truly, Sanctuary Yoga is for everyone...
Join us to make your yoga experience even more delicious.
- Drop-in classes
- Sign up for a complete yoga package that includes private lessons and other perks
Our yoga halls
Our yoga halls provide a serene sanctuary for your practice, each offering a unique ambiance that complements your journey.
Our commitment to your holistic well-being is reflected in every detail, and to enhance your experience, we provide a selection of high-quality yoga props, ensuring your comfort and alignment as you explore your practice.
Daily Yoga Classes on Koh Pha Ngan
Yoga practices and workshops every day, for all levels
The Sanctuary Thailand does not offer physically dynamic yoga classes, choosing instead to return to Asanas as a focus for breath and stillness, to enhance your experience of tranquility, inner peace, and quiet mind.
Our daily yoga classes are tailored for people of all levels and experience.
Morning Yoga at 8:30 AM
Join us for a rejuvenating start to your day with yoga classes at 8:30 AM. Styles vary daily—check our weekly schedule for details.
- Paradise Flow Yoga: Dive into a serene flow that harmonizes breath and movement, perfect for all levels.
- Traditional Hatha Yoga: Build strength and flexibility with timeless poses in a grounding session.
- Strong Vinyasa Yoga: Ignite your practice with a dynamic, empowering flow for seasoned yogis.
- Jivamukti Yoga: Elevate your spirit with a blend of music, chanting, and vigorous asanas.
- Somatic Alignment Flow: Reconnect with your body through mindful, therapeutic movements.
Introductory Yoga 10:30 AM (Beginner Friendly, Perfect for Detoxers)
Ease into your yoga journey with our gentle beginner-level class, designed especially for those on detox programs. This supportive session focuses on simple postures, mindful breathing, and relaxation techniques to help restore energy and balance. Ideal for newcomers to yoga or anyone seeking a light, nurturing practice during their cleanse.
Available every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Afternoon Yoga at 5 PM
Unwind and recharge with yoga at 5 PM. Experience different styles each day—refer to our weekly schedule for updates.
- Gentle Yoga: Unwind with a nurturing session designed for relaxation and renewal.
- Restorative Yoga: Melt away stress with deeply supportive poses in a tranquil setting.
- Consciously Connected Breathwork: Enhance your vitality with guided breathing techniques.
- Gentle Paradise Yoga: Embrace a peaceful flow that soothes the mind and body in a paradise setting.
Candlelit Yin: every Wednesday at 6pm
- Gentle lighting and restorative poses combine to bring your mind, body and soul into harmony.
- Join us every Wednesday evening for a serene and rejuvenating experience with our Candle Lit Yin Yoga session.
- Discover a path to inner calm, relaxation, and holistic well-being in this calming and inviting space.
- Immerse yourself in the tranquil ambiance of flickering candles as you explore the art of holding poses with longer, meditative holds.
- This practice not only deepens your stretches but also promotes the gentle release of tension from your body and soothes the nervous system.
- Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or just beginning your journey, our Candle Lit Yin Yoga is open to all levels.
Check Our Weekly Schedule
Explore our full range of activities and events by visiting our Weekly Schedule.
Yoga Holiday Experiences - Our Yoga Retreat Packages
Immerse yourself into Yoga at your own Rhythm
- Create your own schedule.
- Post class brunch
- Healing therapies
- Daily Yoga classes.
- Assorted styles suitable for all levels.
- Schedule your private sessions.
- We revise the contents of our yoga retreat programs every 6 months based on customer feedback
- Create the most holistic rejuvenating experience for yourself.
- Plenty of yoga opportunities throughout the day.
Why Choose This Retreat?
Start anytime – drop in when you're ready
- A Welcome meal
- Private Yoga session/s
- Daily healthy lunch special
- Daily slow pressed green juice
- Massage treatments (1 hour each)
- Steam Room Pass
Sacred rituals to realign body, mind, and spirit
Somatic & nervous system-informed practices
Optional accommodation packages from cozy dorms to hillside luxury
Safe space to rest, reset, and simply be
Your choice of treatments
Traditional Thai Massage 60 minutes
- Traditional bodywork technique, utilizing yoga stretches and acupressure that stimulate pressure points while releasing muscle tension.
- Our traditional Thai massage will leave you with a sense of wellbeing, flexibility and vitality.
Aroma Oil Massage 60 minutes
- Indulge in our relaxing medium-pressure, full body oil massage using natural coconut oil with your favourite essential oil.
Deep tissue back & shoulder Massage 30 minutes
- A vigorous, therapeutic deep-tissue massage that releases tight muscles and joints.
- A 30-minute session concentrates on your upper back and neck, leaving you feeling renewed and soothed.
Foot Massage 60 minutes
- Pamper your legs and feet with a massage to help relax the muscles, regulate blood flow and reduce stress.
Accommodation is not included.
A Living Yoga Retreat to Restore Your Soul
Our Yoga Holiday Experience retreat is a continuous, soul-nourishing retreat designed for rest, renewal, and reconnection. Whether you’re recovering from burnout, feeling emotionally heavy, or simply longing to pause and breathe—this space is for you.
With flexible start dates, personalized support, and a gentle structure that meets you where you are, this retreat invites you to slow down, soften, and reawaken your inner paradise.
These prices are valid for bookings before July 21st, 2025. Please inquire about our updated prices and packages for bookings from December onward.
3 Day
- Welcoming meal
- All day Yoga class pass (within 3 days)
- 1 Private Yoga session
- Daily massages
- Daily Steam and plunge
- Daily brunch with coffee or juice
- - Accommodation not included -
5 Day
- Welcoming meal
- All day Yoga class pass (within 5 days)
- 2 Private Yoga session
- Daily massages
- Daily Steam and plunge
- Daily brunch with coffee or juice
- 1 Healing (60 min)
- - Accommodation not included -
7 Day
- Welcoming meal
- All day Yoga class pass (within 7 days)
- 2 Private Yoga sessions
- Daily massages
- Daily Steam and Plunge
- Daily brunch with juice or coffee
- 1 Healing (60 min)
- 1 Ice Bath (Wednesday)
- - Accommodation not included -
10 Day
- Welcoming meal
- All day Yoga class pass (within 10 days)
- 2 Private Yoga sessions
- Daily massages
- Daily Steam and plunge
- Daily brunch special with coffee or juice
- 2 Healing (60 min)
- 1 Ice Bath (Wednesday)
- - Accommodation not included -
Recommended Accommodation
We recommend two extra nights on top of your package duration, one for arrival and one for post-program.
Bungalows & Dorm Beds
The perfect paradise stay doesn’t have to break the bank. The Sanctuary has one of the best ranges of budget-friendly accommodation on Koh Phangan.
Experience has revealed that often guests who come to Had Tien Bay often like to stay a bit longer. We can offer deals for weekly and monthly, long-term stays.
We have a great selection to choose from.
Female Aircon Dorm
This dorm has 4 beds available and offers comfortable, stylish bedding and privacy with our tasteful, secure storage partitions in air-con comfort with hot water showers. This room is designed with the needs of the faster in mind and offers a mid-range price addition for our fasters.
These beds are reserved for ladies only.
A seasonal surcharge will apply from Dec. 15 to Jan. 10
Garden Suite Aircon
The Sanctuary Gardens are situated on ground level a short 3-minute walk from the Beachfront.
A very spacious room with a King size bed set in the main air-conditioned room, thoughtfully designed with your ultimate comfort in mind.
Indulge in the epitome of comfort with the inclusion of premium mattresses and luxurious white cotton sheets in this house.
Sliding doors open onto the large garden view balcony.
These rooms are thoughtfully designed for individuals embarking on a detox journey with us, providing an ideal setting for rejuvenation and renewal.
- Adults: 2
- Amenities: Complimentary WiFi
- View: Garden View
- Size: 36m²
- Bed Type: King Size Bed
Hillside Superior
Situated a short stroll away, midway between the Beachfront and our Yoga Halls, these comfortable Fan-Cooled bungalows with king size bed offer French doors
onto a spacious balcony with hammock and lovely garden views.
Plus, enjoy the added luxury of a hot shower in the bathroom, ensuring a refreshing and rejuvenating experience during your stay.
- Adults: 2
- Amenities: Complimentary WiFi
- View: Garden View
- Size: 28m²
- Bed Type: King Size Bed
Weemarn Baan Fan-Cooled
Escape to our enchanting Weemarn Baan Fan-Cooled bungalows, where you’ll discover a remarkable haven boasting not only comfort but also breathtaking sea views.
Nestled just a short stroll away from the Beachfront and restaurant, these bungalows are thoughtfully designed to provide a serene retreat.
Inside, you’ll find spacious interiors adorned with French doors that lead to a balcony, allowing you to immerse yourself in the captivating scenery while enjoying the luxurious embrace of a high-quality king-sized bed.
The balcony, generously sized and tastefully furnished with a rattan lounge and hammock, offers a perfect vantage point to revel in both elegance and tranquility.
Complete with a bathroom featuring charming rock accents and a hot shower, our Weemarn Baan Fan-Cooled bungalows promise an idyllic getaway where you can unwind and savor the captivating sea vistas.
- Adults: 2
- Amenities: Complimentary WiFi
- View: Sea View
- Size: 30m²
- Bed Type: King Size Bed
Weemarn Baan Air Conditioning
Escape to our enchanting Weemarn Baan AC bungalows, where you’ll discover a remarkable haven boasting not only comfort but also breathtaking sea views.
Nestled just a short stroll away from the Beachfront and restaurant, these bungalows are thoughtfully designed to provide a serene retreat.
Inside, you’ll find spacious interiors adorned with French doors that lead to a balcony, allowing you to immerse yourself in the captivating scenery while enjoying the luxurious embrace of a high-quality king-sized bed.
The balcony, generously sized and tastefully furnished with a rattan lounge and hammock, offers a perfect vantage point to revel in both elegance and tranquility.
Complete with a bathroom featuring charming rock accents and a hot shower, our Weemarn Baan AC bungalows promise an idyllic getaway where you can unwind and savor the captivating sea vistas.
- Adults: 2
- Amenities: Complimentary WiFi
- View: Sea View
- Size: 30m²
- Bed Type: King Size Bed
We are delighted to offer a 10% discount on the total accommodation price - (Not applicable Dec 15th - Jan 9th)
FAQ´s about The Sanctuary
Please see our dedicated Travel info page.
You can book many of our houses and bungalows in advance, particularly our higher end options.
All of our cheaper accommodation, including our dormitory beds, are non-bookable.
You just turn up on the day and see what is available!
Please Note: We cannot guarantee availability during High Season.
Sorry, we are unable to accept credit cards.
Unfortunately, there is no main phone line to Haad Tien bay so we can not connect to the banking system, while at the Sanctuary, you will need CASH.
Booking deposit and payment can be made via PayPal (please ask reception)
The nearest ATMs and banks are in Haad Rin, 10 minutes away by taxi boat. We recommend you bring as much cash as you are comfortable with to avoid unnecessary trips to Haad Rin.
Most people at The Sanctuary Thailand retreat are adults who come here to relax and unwind or are on a personal healing/health/wellness program. We try to create an environment that is peaceful and chilled for all & while, we try to cater for all, we are an adults orientated resort.
Many of us do have children and while they are welcomed here we simply need the parents to be aware of the peace of our other guests and to take appropriate action if their children are disturbing the ambience of the environment they are in: – the communal areas, restaurant, therapy areas, Wellness Centre etc.
Babies and very young kids can easily ‘pop the bubble’ of peace for our other guests who have come specifically for detox and relaxation; while there are probably many other locations more suitable for young families.
We feel that night time is time for adults in the restaurant and prefer children not around the bar after dark when others are socially talking and drinking.
We ask that you please be aware of others that do not have children and keep your children under parental control.
It should also be noted that we do not offer any special child-support, baby sitting , children’s menus, services or facilities. It should also be considered that we are located in an extremely rustic jungle setting. The weather can overly be hot and humid for babies especially. At certain times of the year there can be mosquito-born disease on the Island, as well as other jungle bugs.
The terrain is wild in areas of the resort; where even adults quite occasionally are injured when not taking care of steps, paths and other jungle hazards. Medical Facilities are not near by and transportation in and out, especially at night, is very difficult and often only by boat.
Our air conditioned Sanctuary Gardens rooms offer more child-friendly accommodation, in a flat garden area.
Thanks for taking the time to read our thoughts and for your understanding.
Nolan & The Sanctuary crew
Most folk coming to the Sanctuary and Haad Tien bay tend to stay on the bay. While ‘day trips’ are possible it’s not necessarily easy depending on time of year – it means getting taxi transport off the bay and then organizing transport on the other side of the island. One then has to organize transport back to the Sanctuary.
There is a taxi boat service from Haad Rin to Haad Tien (The Sanctuary) as well as taxi boat and truck service out of Haad Tien. This service is provided by local Thai families who set their own terms & conditions.
We strongly recommend Travel Insurance when travelling.
The Sanctuary, given its location, accepts no responsibility for any accidents / injuries or property damage.
Staying and loving us long time?
Here’s all you need to know:
Most travellers are issued a one month tourist visa upon arrival in Thailand at one of the country’s international airports. Most passport holders can obtain a further 30 days at the local Koh Samui Immigration office – However it is recommended you visit your own countries Thai embassy for specifics, as countries do differ.
If you think you will want to spend more than 1 month in Thailand, we recommend getting a tourist visa in your own country.
If you cross the Thai border by road you will only be given a 15 day visa.
We have 24-hour electricity and all rooms have several plug sockets (you will need to bring an adaptor with you for international appliances and should also check the voltage compatibility)
WiFi is available throughout the Sanctuary.
We do not offer any transport services.
However we can arrange a Private Speedboat to or from the airport for you at 7,500 THB one way.
The driver can collect you from Koh Samui airport, take you to the boat and bring you directly to The Sanctuary. We can also arrange a return journey when leaving The Sanctuary.
For safety purposes, the driver will not operate after dark.
Please book at least one week prior to your arrival with us via Reservations (holidayasiabookings@gmail.com) and at least one day prior to your departure from The Sanctuary with Reception.
Our High Season is mid-December to mid-April and during this period sometimes the waves can be high
- December through to January the weather can be somewhat erratic.
- February and March we usually have great weather.
- April and May are very hot.
- June is one of our quietest periods and still hot, though a little more forgiving. During these months the sea is very calm and flat.
- Mid-July to the end of August is another busy season, with great weather and calm seas.
- September and October are quiet months, also with probably the nicest temperature, weather and calm seas.
- November is monsoon: now the waves pick up again and it’s the rainy season. This can mean sunny days & intermittent showers to occasional deluges.
Every season has its own pleasures, come and discover!
Yoga FAQ´s
Healthy yoga practice helps us become more stronger, more flexible and more balanced. Because of this, our organs and body systems function better. When everything in our bodies function better, we feel better and have happier, more vibrant lives. Yoga is one of the oldest scientific methods for health and happiness on the planet.
Of course you can and you should. Even though it can be challenging to work through stiffness, it’s so very worth it. Our talented teachers will help you to find the right positions to open up your body in balanced and healthy ways. Always remember, the right posture is the right one for you. Beginners simply do simpler poses so that their bodies open up gradually, without stress or risk of injury.
In most cases, you certainly can still do yoga at The Sanctuary. We are able to help people move through minor injuries, niggles, and other imbalances. However, if you do have a serious condition that has been diagnosed by a doctor, we are not able to offer deeper level yoga therapy for serious conditions. It’s best if you seek advice from your doctor before you start any intensive yoga.
The Sanctuary has been built around creating healthy living practices. To support yogic lifestyles, we have a number of wonderful things you can do. We have a clean diet menu that offers tasty healthy dishes. We have a fasting and Wellness Centre that can provide you with dietary advice, as well as offer short or long fasts and cleanses. We have a steam room to help you loosen your muscles and purify yourself. There is also massage and numerous other special treatments provided by our team of expert practitioners. The Sanctuary provides a place for you to come and heal, grow and nurture yourself through yoga and so many other offerings.
We are very excited to offer advanced work for experienced yogis. Our 8.30 class provides the most challenge with opportunities to explore deeper backbends, arm balances and inversions such as headstand as well as the more advanced concepts of philosophy as well as pranayama breath cultivation, meditation and other classical Hatha Yoga practices.