Our Insider Interview sequence sees us converse to one of many staff at one of many many wellness retreats we ship our shoppers to. Ben Karoonkornsakul is the Founder of Absolute Sanctuary in Thailand, specialising in integrative wellness and holistic transformations. With a number of years of spa and wellness expertise, Ben is captivated with selling a wholesome, balanced and match way of life. She has a formidable background, having labored in finance and pivoting her profession to go well with her true passions in wellness. Enthusiastic about health and therapeutic, Ben actively contributes to reworking the minds and our bodies of company at this luxurious wellness retreat in Koh Samui.
Can you inform us a bit about your self and what impressed you to create Absolute Sanctuary?
I’m Benjaporn Karoonkornsakul, however most individuals name me Ben. I’m the founding father of the Absolute Group – comprising Absolute Boutique Fitness Studios, Absolute Pilates, Absolute Cycle, Absolute Fit Food, Absolute Sanctuary and Absolute Wellness Management Advisory. My journey started on the earth of finance, I labored for a number of years as an funding banker throughout Asia-Pacific. But my true ardour has at all times been wellness, and that finally led me to pivot my profession completely.
In 2002, I opened Absolute Yoga; the primary sizzling yoga studio in Thailand, as a result of I noticed how deeply this follow might remodel each the physique and the thoughts, particularly for girls. Over the years, I pioneered a number of motion modalities in Asia, like group Pilates Reformer and rhythm biking, at all times with the objective of making areas that uplift, strengthen, and empower folks.
In 2008, I opened Absolute Sanctuary in Koh Samui as a result of I needed to transcend health. I envisioned a real sanctuary the place folks couldn’t solely work on their our bodies but in addition heal, detox, reset, and reconnect with themselves in a deeper means. At the time, there was no actual integrative wellness retreat in Thailand that mixed health, therapeutic wellness packages, therapeutic delicacies, and spa therapies beneath one roof. So, I made a decision to create it.
Absolute Sanctuary was born out of that need to supply extra; to offer a secure, stunning, and professionally guided house for folks to remodel holistically. Over the years, it’s developed right into a world-class vacation spot, however at its coronary heart, it’s at all times stayed true to its mission: to assist folks turn out to be stronger, more healthy, and extra balanced variations of themselves.
What does a typical day appear to be for you at Absolute Sanctuary?
A typical day begins with a Sunrise Meditation class within the solar shala adopted by a Pilates reformer class then a lightweight wholesome breakfast at The Love Kitchen. After freshening up, I’d head off to my first therapy of the day earlier than lunch. The afternoon can be spent lounging on the pool, having extra remedies, stress-free by the salt sanctuary or natural steam room adopted by a night restorative yoga. The day ends after dinner with a soul nourishing candlelight meditation, yoga Nidra or sound tub.
How do you personally keep match and wholesome?
I imagine in every little thing there must be a stability. I train every day, becoming a member of both a Pilates reformer or rhythm biking class, eat healthily wherever I can and ensure I take day trip for myself to recharge, however I additionally do bask in a glass of wine or two and a hearty meal sometimes.
Nutrition performs a giant function in well-being. What’s your method to wholesome consuming?
As above I imagine there must be stability and moderation in every little thing. I don’t imagine in diets and have by no means launched into one. I get pleasure from my meals and ensure they’re of a top quality, with good vitamins and conserving the portions small.
What’s one well being or wellness tip you at all times share along with your company?
Be snug in your personal pores and skin. When you personal who you’re and your value, you can be your strongest mentally and bodily.
Absolute Sanctuary is understood for its transformative wellness packages. Which ones are hottest?
Over the years, we’ve constructed a powerful repute for providing probably the most efficient and complete detox retreat packages within the area — it stays a perennial favorite amongst our company. Our longer-stay way of life change packages, starting from 30 to 60 days, are additionally extremely wanted by these trying to reset their well being and undertake sustainable habits. In addition, our Anti-Stress & Burnout and Weight Management packages proceed to draw company searching for tailor-made, results-driven assist. More just lately, our Pilates Reformer Bootcamp program has seen a surge in recognition, as we’re one of many few wellness retreats within the area to supply a structured, intensive Reformer retreat program inside a retreat setting.
Have you seen any inspiring visitor transformations at Absolute Sanctuary?
We witness inspiring transformations on a regular basis. Every visitor arrives with a private objective — whether or not it’s to enhance their well being, discover emotional stability, or just reconnect with themselves. What’s highly effective is their dedication to alter and their intention to go away higher than after they arrived. Whether it’s weight reduction, emotional launch, or a renewed sense of readability, every transformation is significant in its personal means — nobody expertise is bigger than one other.
What wellness traits are you most enthusiastic about proper now?
One wellness pattern I’m actually enthusiastic about proper now’s the mixing of social wellness—areas and experiences that mix group, health, and holistic well being. People are now not simply searching for exercise or a detox—they’re craving connection, assist, and way of life transformation in a single place. That’s why ideas like social wellness golf equipment or way of life hubs are gaining momentum, and I imagine it’s the pure evolution of the wellness trade. It aligns so effectively with our Absolute philosophy: creating wellness experiences that empower folks bodily, emotionally, and socially—all in stability.
If somebody is new to wellness retreats, what recommendation would you give them?
Come with an open thoughts and be open to attempting totally different remedies/therapies. Be ready to confront your hidden feelings as they are going to come up at one level of time or one other. Most importantly, get pleasure from and have fun being with your self throughout the retreat.
Lastly, what’s your private mantra or philosophy relating to well being and well-being?
“Real transformation happens when we find strength in softness and success in balance”.
Talk to considered one of our Wellness Travel Specialists on 0203 397 8891 or contact us right here to debate reserving a wellness vacation at Absolute Sanctuary.