As you may have figured out from my Thailand coverage, I love Thailand. From the cities to the mountains to the crystal blue water beaches, it is one of the loveliest places on earth. And Koh Samui is the cherry on the cake. An island paradise, Koh Samui has something for everyone. From families to couples, young backpackers to spa seekers, this Thai island is packed with one-of-a-kind things to do, see and eat for all budgets!
I had the wonderful opportunity of staying at Absolute Sanctuary. A beautiful resort geared toward health, wellness, fitness and detoxing. A literal sanctuary for those looking to get and stay healthy in paradise, Absolute Sanctuary offers a wide variety of programs for their guests. Programs such as yoga, pilates, meditation, detox, weight loss and cleanses, the resort also has an incredible onsite restaurant that coincides its meals with its various programs. With raw, vegan and gluten free options, it’s tough to leave the resort as the food is delicious!
The accommodations at AS are beautiful, all with views of the canopy and ocean, boasting their own Moroccan style lounges and bathrooms. Additionally, the spa offers so many wonderful services that your time at the resort will truly be a transformation. I got to experience several services, a pilates reformer class, all the wonderful food and still had time to sim in the pool and enjoy my villa!
The resort offers local transportation to local attractions so I took them up on visiting the Friday Night Market at Fisherman’s Village. A bustling walk toward the Wharf, you’ll pass by tons of vendors selling local arts & crafts as well as local delicacies. Lines with bras, hotels and restaurants, it’s a great place to check out some fun dining and nightlife and even have a snack and drink right on the sand after a night of shopping. With bumping music, muay thai boxers and lady boy performances, there is no shortage of things to see, I could spend several nights there soaking it all in!
Chaweng Beach is where you find the famous Koh Samui nightlife with a main drag lined with bras, clubs and shops as well as resorts and hostels. Here you will find The Library, one of the hippest hotels I’ve ever seen and with a restaurant that must be added to any traveler’s list. After walking past the red pool and chic bar, the restaurant is located right on the shore’s edge fabulous with views of the entire beach. You can eat on the deck or on the sand and the menu is terrific! I loved my Tom Yam Cocktail and all my vegan courses. I especially loved seeing all the night activities going on down the beach from fire spinners to clubs with neon lights and just all the fun there is to be had on a Koh Samui night!
Back over at Fisherman’s Village, I stumbled onto Greenlight Cafe & Bar, a delightful vegetarian and vegan eatery with awesome food and ambiance. Right on the beach, you can stop in for a bite, a swim and even a dance (you can take zumba, salsa or yoga or come at night for the club!) It’s super fun as is their menu. I loved their vegan desserts, organic juices, raw pesto pasta and cream curry soup. Definitely one of the coolest dining experiences on the island!
There is still so much more to cover on Koh Samui so stay tuned!
* Special thanks to Tourism Thailand and Destination Asia for the incredible trip!
2 comments
Just letting you know about one new 100% vegan place on Koh Samui (Lamai area) — Yoga House & Spa: http://house-yoga.com/en/vegan-cafe
It is inside a yoga studio (at Lamai Walking street), offers healthy, homemade food (including main dishes, salads, desserts, smoothies). No alcohol, no MSG, no onion & garlic.