The Luxe Nomad and Destination Deluxe have come up with the ultimate wellness traveler’s guide to Koh Samui: where to retreat, eat, spa, yoga and more
The island of Koh Samui has everything you need for a wellness getaway, healthy restaurants, yoga studios, wellness retreats, spas, in-villa massages, and even conservation projects.
YOGA
SHAHDA YOGA
Eranur Shadha, Shahda Yoga’s lead teacher, first fell in love with yoga when she discovered that it cured some complications that arose after a medical procedure. Having fallen in love with yoga, she continued practicing. Upon completing a thousand hours of yoga classes, she deepened her asana practice and moved from Singapore to Koh Samui, where she now creates yoga sequences that are nurturing yet challenging.
Bonus: If you feel more comfortable having your yoga classes in a private setting, Era can go to your villa and hold the class there.
shahdayoga.com
THE YOGARDEN
Built within Koh Samui’s tropical gardens, The Yogarden’s center is a 90-year-old teak traditional Thai house. They offer a wide range of experiences, like yoga holidays, yoga retreats, yoga teacher trainings, workshops, daily classes, and detox programs. The center tailors its approach depending on your level of comfort, and many beginners have recommended The Yogarden’s classes.
theyogardensamui.com
See also: Top 14 Wellness Retreats in Thailand
WELLNESS RETREATS
KAMALAYA
One of Asia’s most-loved luxury wellness retreats, the award-winning Kamalaya Koh Samui is nestled on a hill that overlooks the coast of southern Koh Samui. Formed around a Buddhist monk cave, the resort has a very special and calming energy that permeates the entire retreat. A sanctuary and holistic spa in one, Kamalaya Koh Samui focuses on creating an environment for personal growth and long-term health transformation. Guests can choose from a wide range of wellness programs that cover the following areas, including Detox, Stress & Burnout, Emotional Balance, Yoga, and Healthy Lifestyle, which includes its renowned Sleep Retreat.
kamalaya.com
ABSOLUTE SANCTUARY
Most famous for its fabulous fitness, detox, Pilates and weight-loss programs, Absolute Sanctuary is one of Asia’s leading wellness fitness retreats. Located on a hill on the beautiful island of Koh Samui, it boasts two yoga studios, five hydrotherapy rooms, sauna, herbal steam room, a dedicated fitness centre, Pilates reformer studio and an infinity edge pool. It offers Moroccan inspired architecture, comfortable accommodation and an extensive range of wellness programs that feature a holistic attitude to health and fitness. It’s latest addition is a Women’s Holistic Health Program.
absolutesanctuary.com
See also: Top 9 Wellness Retreats in Phuket
SAMAHITA RETREAT
Located on the southern tip of Koh Samui, Samahita Retreat is a wellness haven surrounded by a long stretch of beach. With a holistic approach to rejuvenate mind, body and soul, and a focus on yoga, this wellness resort helps you transform your health through tailored retreat programs, as well as date-specific yoga and meditation retreats. Integrating various yoga styles, fitness, and healthy nutrition, Samahita Retreat addresses guests’ individual wellness needs. The eco-friendly accommodation provides a perfect oasis of quietude.
samahitaretreat.com
ANANTARA LAWANA KOH SAMUI RESORT
Nestled on the calm northern end of Chaweng Beach on Koh Samui island, and just a stone’s throw from Fisherman’s Village, Anantara Lawana is situated by the ocean, and offers spacious luxe villa accommodation. Embark on a wellness journey with Anantara Lawana’s 1-Day, 3-Day and 5-Day wellness retreats to rejuvenate, recharge and reset your body’s rhythm. The wellness programs offer deep relaxation through yoga and meditation, followed by full-body massages, revitalising scrubs, herbal baths and steams, as well as a 3-course healthy meal with raw juice. The longer retreats also include daily yoga, Pilates, sunrise tai chi, and outdoor Muay Thai sessions to help you recharge.
anantara.com
See also: A Wellness Retreat on Koh Samui
SPAS
TAMARIND SPRINGS
Visit Tamarind Springs if you want to reconnect with nature. Surrounded by lush greenery, the spa was built bordering Lamai’s tropical forest interior so you can disconnect and relax. They are best known for their massage treatments, but yoga classes and healthy cuisine are available for a truly holistic experience.
tamarindsprings.com
IN-VILLA SPA TREATMENTS
On days when we just want to be pampered and stay put, in-villa massages are best. Many of The Luxe Nomad’s villas offer serene and secluded spaces perfect for unwinding. We can’t think of anything more relaxing than a Thai massage accompanied by the gentle sound of the waves at your very own beachfront villa.
theluxenomad.com
See also: Temazcal at W Koh Samui
PIMÃANDA BY HARNN AT KIMPTON KITALAY SAMUI
Book a treatment at the new Pimãanda by HARNN at Kimpton Kitalay Samui. The sea-inspired tropical-themed wellness haven offers guests deeply personalized and gently nurturing treatments, using beautiful HARNN products to soothe your senses. Indulge in signature body packages for ultimate relaxation, with treatments using ancient massage techniques to target specific muscle groups, aroma massages to engage your senses, masks and wraps for detoxification and smooth skin, and facial treatments to lift and revitalize tired skin. Enjoy a contemplative moment in the relaxing Lak Ka spa garden post treatment.
kimptonkitalaysamui.com
See also: A Barefoot Luxury Getaway on Koh Phangan
RESTAURANTS
VIKASA LIFE CAFE
The brainchild of two award-winning chefs – one from Berlin, the other from Paris – Vikasa Life Cafe offers vegetarian and vegan dishes that are local, organic, and most importantly, delicious. Diners rave about their Tiramisu, Mango Magic Salad, and Pink Burger. If the amazing food isn’t enough for you, the place is also famous for its Vikasa Yoga classes and teacher trainings. Furthermore it also boasts stunning ocean views and the plating is beautiful enough for The Gram.
vikasa.com
GREENLIGHT CAFE & BAR KOH SAMUI
The laid back, relaxed atmosphere might call you in, but it’s their variety of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals that will keep you coming back. Most of their ingredients are locally sourced and organic – many even coming straight from Greenlight’s own garden. We especially love their refreshing juices and smoothies after a sunny day on the beach.
greenlightcafebar
See also: Best Wellness Retreats in Bali
WELLNESS FOR THE HEART
VISIT AN ELEPHANT SANCTUARY
Situated on ten acres of land, Samui Elephant Sanctuary offers a retirement home for elephants who have been overworked by the logging and entertainment industries. Spend the day with these gentle giants by feeding, walking with, or observing them as they enjoy the peaceful life they deserve.
samuielephantsanctuary.org
TAKE PART IN A BEACH CLEANUP
If you want to show Samui’s beaches some TLC, then why not do your part in keeping it as pristine as possible? Trash Heroes gathers volunteers and holds weekly clean ups in different areas of the island to create a sustainable future for Samui and the beaches we love.
trashhero.org
See also: Top 10 Wellness Retreats in Asia
