Cave meditiation to colonics: 5 ways to experience Thai wellness on Koh Samui and Koh Phangan

Connected by a 30-minute boat ride across the Gulf of Thailand, the sister islands of Koh Samui and Koh Phangan are the grandaddies of Thailand’s travel party scene. But while Koh Samui may have a reputation for raucous nightclubs and Koh Phangan’s popularity was founded on glow-stick-lit full-moon parties, they both now have another side to them. Whether you want to spend your days doing yoga overlooking the sea, explore a tropical detox programme or seek spiritual balance meditating in a cave — these islands can cater for all.

1. Kamalaya, Koh Samui

Best for: spiritual balance
Generations of bare-footed Buddhist monks once trekked to Arjan Cave in search of enlightenment, and the stone path leading to this meditation space is still lined with fluttering prayer flags. The cave has since become the spiritual heart of Kamalaya, a five-star wellness hotel on Koh Samui, just off southern Thailand’s east coast. Guests have to stoop to enter the womb-like space, carved into two gigantic granite boulders. Inside, a golden glow emanates from dozens of candles, casting shadows across a stone altar crowded with offerings: bowls filled with coins and trinkets; vases of jasmine and marigolds; stacks of smouldering incense sticks; and dozens of little wooden models of galleons, a nod to Koh Samui’s seafaring history. It’s a scene that immediately slows the pulse and calms the nervous system. 

Shrouded in a dense forest of palms, coconut trees, tropical flowers and limpid lotus ponds, Kamalaya encourages travellers to reconnect with themselves and the natural world, whether that means morning yoga classes overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, moonlit tasting dinners on the pearlescent, sandy beach or taking part in one of the hotel’s award-winning wellness programmes. The latter cover everything from stress and burnout to helping travellers optimise fitness levels or build confidence, with the edenic surroundings providing an added dopamine boost. 

How to do it: Doubles from 14,800 TH (£327), room only, minimum three-night stay. Three-night Relax and Renew wellness programmes start from 49,403 TH (£1,094) per person. 

2. Absolute Sanctuary, Koh Samui

Best for: yoga
Absolute Sanctuary, on Koh Samui, is best known for its exceptional yoga sessions, usually held on a flower-filled hill overlooking the sea. But this fondant-pink, Grecian-styled retreat with 38 rooms also has year-round access to therapists offering one-to-one astrology, art therapy and sound massage sessions. Rooms are set around a large swimming pool, and it’s just a 15-minute drive from Koh Samui airport. 

3. Koh Fit Thailand, Koh Samui

Best for: fitness
There’s a real sense of community at Koh Fit Thailand, an all-inclusive fitness resort on Koh Samui’s southeastern coast. Retreats include personal training sessions, and guests can also dip into daily core workout classes, jungle hikes and training classes on tranquil Lamai Beach. Simply styled rooms feature French doors that open onto balconies with jungle views or decks leading to the swimming pool.

4. The Sanctuary Thailand, Koh Phangan

Best for: detoxing
Sitting in a secluded bay on Koh Phangan, The Sanctuary Thailand is best reached by long-tail boat, gliding across crystalline waters full of tropical fish. Guests who book a fasting programme get colonics, herbal steams, one-to-one healing sessions and Thai massages at the breeze-cooled wellness centre. For added relaxation, grab a hammock and unwind to the sound of waves crashing on the beach.  

5. Dipabhavan Meditation Center, Koh Phangan

Best for: peace & quiet 
There aren’t many Buddhist retreats that have the kind of sea views you’ll find at Dipabhavan Meditation Center, a mountain monastery in the lush east of Koh Samui. Guests stick to a rigorous routine, including 4.30am wake-ups, chanting meditation and yoga. Participants enrol for free (though donations are expected) and must help with chores and meal prep. Everyone gets a private room, with a wooden bed, mat and mosquito net.