Retreat into luxury
This time of year is always tough on the body and mind and it’s vital you recharge those batteries. And we can’t think of a better way to do it than on a luxurious health retreat in beautiful Thailand. Sam Harrington-Lowe investigates…
The Samujana estate is a collection of seriously opulent villas on the Thai island of Koh Samui, featuring mind-blowing infinity edge pools and unobstructed sea views. It’s the stuff dreams are made of. Perfectly perched on a hillside overlooking a coral cove, the villas offer between three and eight bedrooms and are ideal for families, friends and couples.
You’re getting proper luxury here, with dedicated villa hosts, private cinemas, gyms, spa services, fitness retreats, tennis courts, beach access and all the hospitality of an upscale resort. And the resort is ideally located just minutes from Koh Samui International Airport and lively Chaweng Beach. Proper handy.
To bring you a bit of wellbeing, the crew at the estate have teamed up with some of the island’s top therapists, wellness experts and personal trainers to offer a range of bespoke health and fitness services; available in the comfort and privacy of their very own villas.
It’s the most unashamedly luxurious service I’ve come across for a while, and frankly absolutely perfect for taking the sting out of January.
Addressing the importance of re-balance after too many late nights and way too much turkey, each activity has been created to ‘refresh, revitalize and/or renew’ and there’s everything from yoga and fitness to juicing and massage. Does it get any better than this? I don’t think so.
Yoga and Pilates
Whether at the edge of an expansive infinity pool or on a quiet secluded beach, yoga sessions here really push the boundaries of luxury. Activating both spiritual and physical healing capabilities, guests can embark on a journey of rediscovery as they begin to detach from the stresses of everyday life.
*Suitable for all; private, groups, pre-natal and kids’ yoga sessions are available, with prices starting at £20.00 per person per hour.
Muay Thai Boxing
Recognised as a national sport in Thailand – and also known as ‘the art of eight limbs’ by locals – Thai kickboxing is a full body workout using all hands, elbows, knees and legs for defence. Inviting guests to interact with Thailand’s sporting culture, Muay Thai boxing sessions are offered both in-villa or at a nearby off-site gym.
*Both private and group Muay Thai Boxing sessions are available, with prices starting at £20.00 per person per hour.
Fitness
For those looking for an escape that allows them to both relax and get fit simultaneously. Offering workouts from bespoke personal training sessions, to high intensity Tabata interval training, cross-fit coaching classes, personalised strength training sessions and – for those who really want to be whipped into shape – military-style boot camp sessions, there really is something for everyone!
*Available as both private and group sessions, prices start from £20.00 per person per hour and vary depending on activity.
Nutrition
Taking the extra step and providing not only a holiday for their guest, but also for their guest’s body, meet the Juice Queen; an expert holistic practitioner who combines the freshest organic products to create cold-pressed daily juices, which in turn promote beauty, wellness and longevity.
*Guests can choose to ‘juice’ for 3 to 10 days, prices from £17.00 per day
Body Treatments
No luxury wellness offering would be complete without an enticing list of indulgent massages and nourishing beauty treatments. From stimulating foot scrubs to traditional deep Thai massages and exfoliating facial treatments, guests will leave their private in-villa spa feeling refreshed, relaxed and rejuvenated.
For more information, please visit Samujana’s new wellness page: www.samujana.com/wellbeing.php
Holidays at Samujana start at £520 per villa per night (3 bedrooms/6 people)
Minimum of seven nights applies in high season, three nights applies in low season.
Flights from London Gatwick to Koh Samui via Singapore start at £650 with Singapore Airlines