EXCELLENT Based on 456 reviews Posted on Elizabeth HuegliTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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. ♥️♥️♥️Posted on Gregory AxtonTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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!Posted on Peter KempTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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.Posted on Madeleine JosephTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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 yourselfPosted on Kaila KrayewskiTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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.Posted on Nicolas AxelTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Mon endroit préféré pour un dimanche matin inoubliable 🌈Posted on Q DosTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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 betterPosted on Linda ValenzianoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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 🤍Posted on Luisa EibauerTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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.Verified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
A Retreat for the Senses
Explore the tropical paradise where every breath connects you to nature. Feel the vibrant energy of lush greenery and soothing sounds of the waves. Immerse yourself in a serene escape designed to rejuvenate your spirit and renew your body.
Unwind Naturally
LEELA HOUSE
Indulge in the serene atmosphere of Leela House, where tranquility meets comfort. Set amidst lush jungle, this spacious retreat offers a peaceful haven to complement your detox journey and connect deeply with the healing energies of nature.
OCEANVIEW HOUSE
Wake up to breathtaking vistas and the soothing sound of the waves. Oceanview House is your private paradise, offering stunning sea views that inspire clarity and calm. It’s the perfect backdrop for a restorative stay and a truly refreshing wellness.
VILLA AIRCON ROOM
Refresh your body and mind with our detox packages. Enjoy tailored programs designed for your wellbeing. Experience the healing power of nature in a stunning beach jungle setting.
WEEMAN AIRCON
Unwind in our beautiful bungalows nestled in lush surroundings. Each room offers comfort and peace, with the sounds of nature to lull you to sleep. Enjoy a restful night for a refreshing day.
DELUXE AIRCON ROOM
Cool, calm, and perfectly appointed for your comfort. The Deluxe Aircon Room offers a serene, climate-controlled sanctuary. Enjoy the tranquility of our setting, coupled with the convenience of air conditioning, ensuring a perfectly restorative end to your day.
DELUXE GARDEN SUITE
Immerse yourself in the tranquility of your private garden oasis. The Deluxe Garden Suite offers a spacious, naturally inspired setting for ultimate relaxation. Enjoy the calming views of lush greenery right outside your door, providing a peaceful, secluded haven to support your deep rest and detoxification.
How do I get to The Sanctuary?
We’ve made it easy for you to get to The Sanctuary, checkout the directions below:
Can I book accommodations in advance?
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.
Children at The Sanctuary?
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.
Taxi boats and getting around
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.
Travel and Safety
We strongly recommend Travel Insurance when travelling.
The Sanctuary, given its location, accepts no responsibility for any accidents / injuries or property damage.
Electricity and Wi-Fi
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.
Do you offer Airport Transfers?
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.
What is the weather like throughout the year?
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 Packages
Unwind in our beautiful bungalows nestled in lush surroundings. Each room offers comfort and peace, with the sounds of nature to lull you to sleep. Enjoy a restful night for a refreshing day.
Detox Packages
Refresh your body and mind with our detox packages. Enjoy tailored programs designed for your wellbeing. Experience the healing power of nature in a stunning beach jungle setting.
Spa Treatments
Rejuvenate yourself with our holistic spa treatments, crafted to soothe and heal. From massages to facials, every session is a step towards restoring harmony within yourself. The Sanctuary awaits.