PureandCure Review: Marleen's Retreat Holiday in Thailand

Thailand as a Health and Wellbeing destination

Why do I consistently return to Thailand? I believe a significant factor is the Thai people. Their smiles and kindness ignite a sense of warmth within me, enabling me to reciprocate with kindness. Thai people are celebrated for their warmth and kindness, deeply embedded in their culturally rich heritage that prioritizes respect and compassion. Their mastery of massage techniques, passed down through generations, reflects their role as healers, a sentiment I wholeheartedly share. These attributes, coupled with a commitment to well-being, render Thai massages remarkably comforting and efficacious.

Rakxa Wellness and Medical Retreat, Bangkok

My first stop is RAKxa Wellness and Medical Retreat, the first Medical spa in Thailand. Nestled within the lush tropical greenery surrounding, you'd hardly believe you're so close to Bangkok. This sustainable retreat sprawls over an expansive 85 hectares, with an impressive 85% dedicated to green space. Within this serene haven, you'll find spacious wellness facilities, the RAKxa Gaya Medical Gym, the VitalLife Scientific Clinic, and the RAKxa JAI Holistic Wellness Centre, all staffed by a dedicated team of doctors and specialists committed to guiding you toward a profoundly healthier lifestyle.

Warm welcome

After a 45-minute car journey from Bangkok's international airport, I arrive at the resort where I'm warmly greeted with a small concert featuring Singing Tibetan Bowls. I receive an introduction to the unique approach of this destination, which harmonizes modern medical science with traditional Chinese, Thai, and Ayurvedic medicine to focus on preventive health. The aim is to revitalize, enhance overall health, and improve fitness. My journey begins with an extensive personal consultation at the VitalLife Scientific Clinic. Based on this assessment, a personalized health plan is meticulously tailored for me. Guiding me on this individual health journey are a team of alternative therapists, trainers, physiotherapists, and nutritionists. They emphasize a profound understanding of my needs and well-being as we work together to achieve my health goals.

Weight loss programs

As I approach my 50s and reflect on the past three strenuous entrepreneurial years, compounded by the challenges of COVID, hormonal fluctuations, and extended computer use, I am keenly aware of the toll it has taken on my body. During this period, I have accumulated a significant amount of extra weight. The scale and the medical tests I undergo, including a 3D scan, as well as fitness assessments revealing a weak core, are unsparing in their judgment. Consequently, I am closely collaborating with fitness instructors, a dietitian, and other experts to explore ways to improve my health and fitness. This involves a thorough reassessment of my dietary habits, exercise routine, and strategies for sustaining these changes at home.

Luxury villa

I stayed in one of the 62 exquisite villas situated throughout the property. Each villa offers views on either the garden or the lake. These accommodations are tastefully decorated in earthy tones, following a modern minimalist style. Tucked amid the lush green surroundings, these peaceful villas come equipped with a bathroom featuring a shower and toilet, a bathrobe, hairdryer, a separate living room with a TV, minibar, WiFi, air conditioning, and a private garden with a terrace. To ensure uninterrupted rest, blackout curtains are provided for optimal comfort.

Food in Rakxa

The cuisine at Rakxa is truly exceptional. They serve light and healthy dishes with a delightful blend of flavors and an elegant presentation, akin to culinary artistry. Guests have a range of menu options to choose from, including à la carte, a fixed three-course menu, a detox menu, or a weight loss menu. You can switch between these menus unless you are on a detox or weight loss program. For the weight loss programs, the calorie intake is strictly defined, based on the doctor's recommendations during the intake consultation (in consultation with the fitness coach and wellness coach) and communicated to the chef. In my case, I opted for the weight loss menu (watching portion sizes!), which consists of a fixed three-course menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. If you've booked full board, you'll receive all meals, including coffee/tea, juices, including "afternoon tea" (featuring herbal tea and healthy snacks). Guests are encouraged to abstain from alcohol.

Excited about Rakxa?

Absolute Sanctuary in Koh Samui

I fly from Bangkok to the island of Koh Samui in just 1,5 hours. My next stop is Absolute Sanctuary, a beautiful and intimate wellbeing boutique hotel with Mediterranean-inspired architecture. It's a perfect haven for yoga, detox, fitness, and Pilates enthusiasts. Absolute Sanctuary is conveniently situated about ten minutes' drive from Chaweng Beach, and Koh Samui Airport is just a 15-minute drive away.

Pilates Bootcamp

For a genuine yoga, fitness, Pilates, or detox retreat, you can trust the expertise of Absolute Sanctuary. The Pilates Bootcamp and other sport programs are populair! Originating as a yoga studio in Bangkok and Singapore, it has since expanded into an international network of yoga schools, including this hotel. I have the opportunity to engage in a wide variety of daily yoga classes, including pranayama, meditation, hot flow yoga, detox yoga, yin yoga, and hatha yoga, as well as pilates reformer classes and group fitness sessions, as part of the weekly holistic and sport activities, free for all in-house guests. Absolute offers lots of quality for little money: a full programme can vary between €700 - 1000 per week, including treatments and full board. 

Restaurant Love Kitchen

Dining in the Love Kitchen Restaurant is a unique experience like no other. Replicating their Absolute Fit Food concept from Bangkok, their cuisine is a testament to the idea that healthy food can be incredibly satisfying. Their meals are rich in nutrients and low in calories, enhanced with superfoods and wholefoods, and completely free of chemical additives and refined sugars. The menus are thoughtfully designed to offer optimal nutritional support for achieving your health goals. You'll find a variety of options, including vegetarian and alternative dishes (featuring seafood and chicken), superfood-infused creations, refreshing salads, nutritious soups, and tantalizing desserts.

Renovations

All 38 rooms are arranged in a U-shape around a spacious pool. All rooms have been renovated in 2021 with a natural look & feel, inspired by the ocean (blue!). Each room is equipped with a TV, telephone, air conditioning, fan, desk, safe, minibar, and a bathroom complete with a hairdryer. Additionally, every room features a private terrace or balcony, offering views of the terrace and/or pool. It is lovely to relax outside on your private terrace or balcony. A yoga mat and slippers are provided in each room. 

Want to know more about Absolute Sanctuary?

Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary

Located on the southern side of the island, Kamalaya stands as one of the world's foremost destination spas, having garnered numerous international awards. It has been a while since my last visit, and I'm eager to see how it has evolved, particularly in the wake of the challenging years when Thailand was closed for tourists. Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary is aptly described as a tranquil retreat. Nestled in a breathtaking setting amid lush tropical greenery and situated on grounds once used by monks for meditation, this haven was founded by John and Karina Stewart in 2005. The resort's design is a testament to their thoughtful approach, reflecting a deep reverence for nature, with stones and trees occasionally integrated into the interiors of its buildings. Surrounded by palm trees and tropical flora, Kamalaya offers captivating views of the sea.

Wellness Sanctuary

Kamalaya has more than 40 treatment rooms, serene relaxing areas (with stunning views!), sauna & steam room, pools, various yoga pavilions, a Reformer Pilates studio, a functional fitness studio, a fitness area with the latest in cardio machines, weights and an array of fitness equipment. However, what truly sets Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary apart are its specialized wellness programs. Whether your goal is detoxification, weight loss, de-stress, improving sleep, mental balance, women's health, fitness or if you simply seek pure relaxation, a unique yoga retreat, or an invigorating fitness holiday, this is the destination for a personalised program that caters to your needs.

Radiant Bliss

Sitting down with naturopath Leila and going trough my questions and concerns and challenges, she recommends to do Kamalaya's Radiant Bliss program. This is a comprehensive wellness journey designed specifically for women's health. It spans various days (8, 14 or 21 days) and includes a range of holistic treatments, life coaching, vitamine infusions, TCM treatments, all on top of the delicious food and daily acces to the holistic activities and sport. The program aims to balance hormones, reduce stress, enhance vitality, and promote inner radiance. It offers a supportive and nurturing environment for women to reconnect with their bodies, restore harmony, and cultivate a radiant sense of well-being.

Cooking Workshop

The dining experience is absolutely delightful. Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary's cuisine is widely celebrated. The chefs create original, refined, and flavorful dishes, while the attentive staff delivers them with care and dedication. Fresh and nutritious ingredients, including vegetables, proteins, fish, and occasionally a touch of meat, are used. I have the pleasure of participating in a cooking workshop with the head chef, which was a dream come true! I learned how to prepare various vegetables, create light dressings, make salads, cook fish, prepare Thai curry, and craft delicious broths. To top it off, I got to enjoy everything I had learned. An interesting detail to note: in the Soma restaurant, there's a community table—a long table where I dined with like-minded individuals and shared experiences.

Curious about what else Kamalaya has to offer?

Saying goodbye to Thailand

I feel rejuvenated after my trip! I'm coming back with a suitcase full of inspiration, practical tools, insights and energy, all in less than 10 days! I feel nourished, nurtured and well-cared for, and ready for home to continue my healthy lifestyle. 

Marleen

This blog is written by Marleen, the founder of PureandCure.com. She travels around the world in search of the best Health & Wellbeing Hotels, Spas and Retreats and shares her know-how, experiences and observations through her blogs.