Floortje Dessing in Thailand

Floortje Dessing to the End of the World - Thailand

As a travel show host, Floortje has explored nearly every corner of the world. She had been to Thailand several times before, but always for work. This time, she was determined to do things differently: she needed to take a real break. 'Although I did bring my laptop,' she admits. 'I'm not someone who completely disconnects or wants to shut out the world. I like staying connected, so I kept in touch with my friends online. But I didn’t do any work, and that’s what made this trip feel truly different. It was a true holiday - and absolutely incredible. 'While Kamalaya was on her must-visit list, Floortje also decided to stay at two other hotels. 'I enjoy exploring when I’m in a new country. I know myself well enough to realize that staying in one place for two weeks makes me restless. I prefer hopping between locations, so I combined Kamalaya with two other destinations. That balance worked perfectly for me. I love discovering new places and meeting new people along the way.'

Sport classes and detox meals for weightloss in Phuket Cleanse in Thailand

The first resort Floortje visited was Phuket Cleanse: a boutique style, personal retreat. 'It was really wonderful. This hotel has such a strong sense of community, and the staff quickly make you feel at home. It's perfect if you're traveling alone but don't want to feel isolated. There were people from all over the world: UK, Europe, Australia, expats from Hong Kong and Singapore, and many more. Even a KLM pilot taking a break. What I particularly enjoyed were the sports and mindfulness classes - fitness, boot camps, mindfulness, yoga, hiking, meditation, paddleboarding, SUP, tennis and many more. Around 5 to 8 sessions each day. Ideal for anyone looking to get back in shape, like me. And I did, thanks to the vegetarian food with some fish that the hotel is known for. The food is varied, nutritious, and keeps you satisfied and gives you joy. They provide bottles of water with lemon. You can even do a juice detox with no less than fifty different types of juice

Health & Fitness Holiday and Pilates Retreat Absolute Sanctuary, Koh Samui - Thailand

After an active and sweaty stay at Phuket Cleanse, Floortje hopped on a plane to Koh Samui. It had been fifteen years since her last visit, and upon arrival, she was struck by how much busier the island had become. The once untouched land around the airport was now completely developed. Koh Samui has grown popular with Asian, Chinese, and Australian tourists. Floortje remarked, 'I've been to countless airports, but Koh Samui is the most relaxed one on earth. There are loungers everywhere, with free snacks and drinks. As soon as you land, you instantly switch into relaxation mode.' Her next stop is Absolute Sanctuary. 'What a stunning location,' she said. 'It's nestled in the hills with a view of the sea in the distance. The resort is built in a Mediterranean style, which feels a bit unusual for Thailand, but the serenity of this place is incredible. 

Yoga and Pilates Classes in Absolute Sanctuary, and private swimming classes

Absolute Sanctuary has a good spa offering various wellness programmes and treatments. They are outstanding for their high level of yoga and Pilates classes. 'If you like Pilates, go for a programme that includes the classes. Highly recommended! The studio has various Pilates reformer machines, the teacher is excellent. Pilates strengthens your muscles. I occasionally get some pain in my lower back, so I was very happy with the classes. I already do yoga at home, but I definitely need to make time for this too.' Next to Yoga and Pilates classes, they offer many more sport activities. Personal trainer Marco from Amsterdam gives bootcamp training on the beach. Floortje: 'Marco was a former world champion water polo player. I took some private swimming lessons with him because I’d never properly learnt front crawl. There I was, in the pool, aged 45 with a cork float. But it I’m super happy I did it! 

Floortje Dessing's Wellbeing Stay in Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary Koh Samui

Floortje's final stop, and one of the top destinations on her bucket list is Kamalaya. With high expectations upon arrival, she’s thrilled not to be disappointed. 'It was everything I had hoped for,' she says. 'After seeing so many hotels and wellness resorts over the years, this one stands above the rest. Kamalaya is simply perfect. From the moment you arrive, you're enveloped in an atmosphere of peace and calm. The staff, the setting, the entire experience—everything is just right.' Kamalaya is tucked away in the mountains of Koh Samui, beside a serene lagoon. 'When the water level drops, you can take beautiful walks, and when it rises, it’s ideal for paddleboarding. 

Kamalaya Koh Samui in Thailand

The morning yoga sessions are held in open buildings with views of the lagoon and the refreshing breeze coming in.' What truly stood out for Floortje was the respect the resort has for its location. 'The resort is built around a sacred rock once inhabited by monks. There are candles burning and statues scattered around, and in the gardens, spaces are dedicated to honoring the gods. You can feel the deep respect for the history of this place. Even the staff are well-paid and get two days off per week—this is what fair trade should look like, with respect for both people and nature. Kamalaya is pricey, but absolutely worth it.' Floortje is also impressed by the food. 'The food here is incredible. You can do a proper detox, and there are delicious curries and Thai dishes to enjoy. Breakfast is unique—packed with veggies, nuts, seeds, fruits, and spreads like hummus and avocado. I love how you can eat so healthily, but if you want, you can still order a steak—or even a glass of wine, though I passed on that!'

Life Coaching during her Embracing change wellness programma at Kamalaya

One of the jewels in the crown of Kamalaya is their ‘Embracing Change’ programme, focused around re-achieving emotional balance. “It is designed for people who have been through a divorce, have lost their job or a dear one. Or for those wanting to make changes in their life. For me, it was about me living fast and working so hard. I needed to honour and take better care of myself. Which is why I booked two sessions with a life coach. I had prepared myself for having to do a lot of talking. But after me uttering just three sentences, he was able to offer me such unique insights. I live in my freedom, which is my greatest asset. But it also restricts me somewhat. He helped me look differently at how I have tailored my life. Well, it’s a long story. But I’m on with it. Those sessions were something special.”

Floortje Dessing's Reset during her Thailand Health Retreat

Floortje returned home a couple of weeks ago. Did her Thailand trip give her what she longed for? “Absolutely! I’ve sort of re-booted myself. Re-started my system. And I needed it, too. I’ve been thinking about eating healthier, sleeping better, drinking less and exercising more. On this kind of trip, you get to focus on these things fully; without social media, without hassle, without noise. During that time, it doesn’t matter what people think of you, it’s all about you. I’ve been back a few weeks now and I have been able to sustain that feeling. Of course, it doesn’t all of a sudden turn your life upside down. But it does make you realise how important it is to take good care of yourself. I want to do it all again next year!”

Floortje's 4x insiders tips for Kamalaya, Phuket Cleanse and Absolute Sanctuary

• 'I like being around in nature, and missed that at Phuket Cleanse. The fab thing about this resort is how informal it is. If you’re looking for minimal distractions, and go for your goal, this place is a great choice. '
  
• 'There are some great cycling routes from Absolute Sanctuary. You can cycle all the way to the edge of the island. The landscape is hilly, so it’s a great workout, too.'
  
• 'Kamalaya is situated up against a cliff. Which means a lot of steps are involved. I didn’t mind it, as I enjoy the exercise. And the gardens you walk through are really beautiful.'
  
• 'If you have a life coaching session whilst at Kamalaya, be sure to record it. He says so much that you barely have time to process it all. This way, you can listen back again later.'
  

Phuket Cleanse Retreat ****

• Where: In the south of the tropical island of Phuket in Thailand. The hotel is located on a quiet street, walking distance from the main street in Rawai.

• Speciality Rawai is known as the raw food capital of the world. The hotel puts on different raw food dishes every week, and the food here is incredibly yummy.

• Not to be missed: There are three beautiful sand beaches nearby: Yanui, Ao Sane and Nai Harn. The latter sits on one of Phuket’s most stunning bays, between two jungle-covered mountains.

• Good to know: You can do plenty of exercise here, but there’s no need to pack loads of gym gear: the hotel will launder your clothes daily.

Absolute Sanctuary ****

• Where: On the Thai island of Koh Samui in the south of the country. The beautiful, white sand beach Chaweng Beach is close by (a shuttle bus runs there).

• Speciality: The yoga and Pilates programmes are renowned. There are up to five different yoga workshops every day. Why not have a go at hot flow yoga, detox yoga or yin yoga!

• Not to be missed: Dining at the Love Kitchen Restaurant is an experience; international, vegetarian and raw food dishes are all prepared here by top chefs.

• Good to know: The yoga classes are free for Puurenkuur guests to attend. If you are staying for a minimum of 5 nights, you will receive a free gift voucher worth €100 to spend at the wellness centre.

Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary *****

• Where: On the Thai island Koh Samui, directly on Laem Set beach. The resort is a wonderful base for excursions in the local area.

• Speciality: Kamalaya is only available to book in combination with a cure programme. Kamalaya offers personalised cures, targeting the growth and blossoming of body and mind. A fantastic place to relax and spiritually recharge.

• Not to be missed: A conversation with one of the spiritual coaches. They see quickly through your issues in no time and never fails to find the ‘sore spots’. Whilst this can be confronting, it is also life changing.

• Good to know: Kamalaya is built up against a cliff, which involves a lot of steps and steep paths. On the beach you will find loungers and water shoes at your disposal.