Thailand

Sanctuary, scenery and the fastest route to shedding six kilos.

It took three flights and three boat rides to reach the Thai island of Koh Pha Ngan, an idyllic hideaway in the Gulf of Thailand, although there is a more direct route. But it was not for the sandy beaches, tranquillity and endless sunshine that I had made my journey. My destination was The Sanctuary, a place of hardcore purification famed for its seven-day cleansing programme.

Article continues

I arrived in Koh Pha Ngan ten kilos overweight and determined to lose at least six kilos on the programme. Based on Richard Anderson’s book ‘Cleanse and Purify Thyself’, it’s essentially a supervised fast that consists of two colonics a day (self-administered, euck), special clay and psyllium drinks four times a day (the drinks help cleanse your system by going through your tubes and helping to extract toxins; their taste is improved with the addition of watermelon juice), unlimited herbal teas, a lymphatic drink, herbal supplements (in tablet form) and clear vegetable broth for dinner. You do this for seven days, although some choose the less arduous three- or one-day fasts. On the plus side there’s an impressive organic food menu for those not participating in the fast, a yoga hall, meditation centre, a vast array of spa and beauty treatments, and beautifully designed rooms.

Day one proved hard but after three days of constipation and six colonics, I had lost two kilos. The twice-daily coffee-based colonic is a strange beast. In your own private bathroom you’ll find a supply of olive oil (a natural lubricant), a towel and a board (to lie on) with which to administer the colonic solution. Using the olive oil, the tip of the rounded tube is inserted and you’re on your way. It’s hardly dignified, but there’s no one around to watch. A sieve is provided in the toilet bowl, should you choose to check the contents of your ‘releases’. Afterwards, everyone discusses what they’ve seen and discovered in their sieves. One girl, on her fourth day, passed a gallstone. Another, on her fifth day, a coin.

The seven-day cleanse is a tough regime but it really does work. Routine and discipline are vital but by sticking to a plan and having the chance to discuss your colonics with like-minded souls, time goes quickly. It’s surprising, but you’re rarely hungry and there are plenty of distractions at hand, including a large, varied library. Those with energy can take a ‘packed lunch’ of prepared potions to the beach, otherwise you’re just ten paces away from a beauty spa with a steam room and a large staff who will provide manicures, pedicures, massages or other treatments (for an additional cost).

By day four the scales showed a four-kilo loss. Success! Naturally, those running the programme are keen to stress this is not about weight loss but about improved wellbeing through learning new eating habits. But after a seven-day cleanse it’s more than likely you’ll be ‘re-toxing’ at one of the local bars. Still, after all the hard work you’ve just put in to repair your body, you deserve it.

Tourism is gradually returning to Thailand following last year’s tsunami, but it has a long way to go. A vital cog in the country’s economic markets, the previously flourishing tourism industry collected nearly a third of its income from the beaches and isles of the Andaman Sea, all areas affected by the tsunami. The country needs visitors – and soon – as it continues to rebuild.

My week at The Sanctuary was gruelling, but worth it. At the end of it I felt truly amazing: bright-eyed, full of energy and unusually positive. However, after a few weeks back home in London, the usual cynicism returned. The cure? I’ve booked another trip to recharge my batteries at the start of next year…

The Sanctuary Wellness Centre, Haad Tien, Koh Pha Ngan, Thailand (www.sanctuaryfasting.com). Lodging from $2 (approx £1) a night for a dorm to $25 (£14) for a bungalow. The seven-day cleansing programme costs $360 (£200); a three-and-a-half day programme costs $218 (£120). Book now for October onwards. A return flight from London Heathrow to Koh Samui costs from £649 with British Airways (www.britishairways.com). From Koh Samui take a ferry to Had Rin, followed by a banana boat taxi to The Sanctuary.

The programme
Days 1 – 7
7am Shake
8.30am Herbs
9am-10am Colonic
10am Shake
11.30am Herbs
1pm Shake
2.30pm Herbs
2.50pm Fresh juice
4pm Shake
4-6pm Colonic
5.30pm Herbs
7.00pm Veggie Broth
8.30pm Herbs
Before sleep Probiotic

Time Out Issue 1825: August 10-17 2005

Time Out London magazine (Issue 1825) Football Special Eleven-page preview of London's greatest ever season. Plus the top 20 park cafes; the best bangers for your barbie and a free pull-out featuring six of the most inspiring walks around the capital. [Buy Now ] Availiable in bookshops and direct from timeout.com/shop

Bangkok Chiang Mai & the Islands Explodes the clichés about South-east Asia's most vibrant city, with resident writers covering everything from dazzling historic sights to fresh cosmopolitan chic. [Buy Now ] Availiable in bookshops and direct from timeout.com/shop