Health Oasis Resort, Koh Samui, A Better Place to Be

by alisterbredee
Koh Samui lies some fifty miles out in the Gulf of Thailand from the coastal town of Surat Thani. It's on the small Thai island of Koh Samui that you will find "The Health Oasis Resort". It is tucked away on the quiet north east coast, opening onto the idyllic Bang Po beach which affords a stunning view across to the neighbouring island of Koh Pha Ngan lying 20 kilometres to the north. The 'Health Oasis' comprises 36 bungalows, plus a two and three bedroom house. Some clustered around the swimming pool and none more than fifty metres from the sea. All rooms have fans and many have air conditioning. The proximity to the sea, however, ensures that the property enjoys cooling sea breezes the year round. The garden boasts frangipani and tall coconut palms, which gives it an authentic tropical paradise feel.

'The Health Oasis' came about as a result of a dream on the part of owner Manta Darnswat. This was to create an "informal and friendly environment free of stress for those who wanted to connect better with themselves and to grow healthier using the therapies and treatments promoted by Health Oasis." The reverie became an actuality in December 1997 and "The Resort" will this year celebrate its tenth anniversary.

The place has a village feel. Although not luxurious it is comfortable and affordable prices and effectiveness of treatment make up any lack in the 'opulence' department. The residents forgather in the beachside vegetarian restaurant, where the Italian 'chef-patron' provides delicious vegetarian meals. The 'Resort' is small and everybody soon gets to know everybody else whether it is in the restaurant, beside the pool or on the adjacent beach and yet large enough to get lost in some of the nooks and crannies such as the library.

It offers many treatments as well as classes and trainings. The emphasis lies, however on de-tox These 'treatments and trainings', include Thai massage and cookery, yoga, meditation, Reiki, EFT and Meridian Energy Techniques, hypnotherapy, nutrition ,diet and activities especially for children. Ss far as Koh Samui goes the 'Health Oasis Resort' is recognised as a traditional medicine hospital by the Thai Department of Health'. 'De-tox' and the popular candida cure are carried out by supervised colonic cleansing, weight loss and fasting. This programme under the direction of Australian naturopath Graham Rowe, undoes the damage of a stressed life style further exacerbated by poor eating habits and other toxins such as alcohol and smoking.

On arrival the guests are given a personal introduction to the 'Resort' and the facilities available as well as a thorough briefing on the details of the 'de-tox programme' they have embarked upon. There is a nine day, eight night programme and a shorter 4-day and three night version. There is menu of special herbs; supplements and juices as well as a daily yoga session in the attractive wooden 'sala' located feet away from the beach. Later in the day guests return to the same venue for a Thai massage that helps shed toxins and eases the strain of tired muscles. Later in the day the steam room opens and 'fasters' embrace another opportunity to rid themselves of even more poisons that have been allowed to build up as a result of lifestyle choices. The colonics take place in the privacy of your own room. Although they sound uncomfortable most visitors quickly accustom themselves to the effective procedure. Weight usually rolls away, the skin begins to glow with renewed good health and quickly a new energy catches up with the guest. I think it can be truly said that most residents are literally transformed after a few days.

The Resort boasts a team of professional therapists from around the world. The Manager, Graham advises on the programme as well as diet and nutrition. There is emotional back-up for those who want to shed emotional baggage or encounter difficulties during their fast on Koh Samui. All this and the setting itself make treatment at Healing Oasis much easier to undertake.

Of course you can simply visit the 'Resort' and forego all treatments if that is your wish. The accommodation beside the sea makes 'Health Oasis' a very nice place to stay in order to enjoy the beach, the swimming pool and Koh Samui itself. Vegetarians, too, are not always well catered for in traditional holiday venues. But here is a location where that is simply not the case. Whatever your choice 'Health Oasis Resort' on the fabled island of Koh Samui is somewhere to visit, be charmed by and return like so many guests year after year.
www.healthambit.com

Guide to wining and dining on Koh Samui Thailand

by Andy Burrows
Some of the world's finest cuisines can be found in Southern Thailand, this has been made apparent by the amount of Thai restaurants that have sprung up throughout the globe over the last number of years. Koh Samui is no different; the people here are highly imaginative when it comes to selection and presentation of food. Whether it is a local street vendor or a top end restaurant you can be sure that you'll find something to suit any palate and budget. The food is always prepared with fresh ingredients. To continually improve the quality and standard of food and service, the Samui Culinary Circle (SCC) was set up, thus ensuring that over the last couple of years Samui has become a centre for culinary excellence, in addition to its beautiful beaches and friendly people. There are three main areas on Samui for restaurants and bars; with a further four more secluded areas to explore. The first and most popular area is Chaweng beach. Here you can find a huge range of options to choose from, including French, Japanese, Royal Thai and Italian cuisine, just to name a few.

All of these can be enjoyed on the beach under the stars, beneath a thatched roof or in cool air-conditioned comfort. In the south of the island you'll find Samui's second largest beach - Lamai beach. In general dining here is cheaper than Chaweng beach and is where you will find a plethora of small, family run Thai eateries. Although, there is still an eclectic mix of restaurants from European to Asian fusion, ensuring all tastes are catered for. Situated near the famous Big Budda, in the north of the island, is Bophut beach. This once predominately fishing area has given way to a range of restaurants and is now the culinary heart of Koh Samui. The quiet and picturesque setting makes it an ideal place for a romantic night out. The fisherman's village, which is considered by most to be one of the oldest areas on the island, is littered with wooden houses reminiscent of a by gone era that have been lovingly restored and now serve as shops and restaurants. Here you'll find French, Indian, Thai, Italian and seafood restaurants all of which are a stone's throw from the waterfront. One of Samui's quietest and most picturesque beaches is Maenam. The restaurants here will cater to every budget and offer food from around the world. The area is packed with street stalls where you can purchase a portion of Pad Thai and eat it on the beach for an inexpensive but memorable dining experience. Big Buddha beach has plenty of excellent Thai restaurants to choose from alongside international cuisine. Exceptional and inventive pub grub is available from funky cafés which are scattered throughout the area. For the more adventurous and those who enjoy heading off the well trodden tourist trail should make for the south-east and west coasts. As most of the island's fresh fish is caught just of these coastlines, seafood lovers will be in culinary paradise. Some of the restaurants here are so small they don't even have names but you are nearly always guaranteed a delicious meal and a warm Thai welcome. However, it's not only the welcome that is warm; the dishes are spicy enough to blow your socks off! Whatever your culinary taste you are sure to find it on Koh Samui and not only will you leave feeling satisfied and relaxed, you won't be lighter than when you arrived! Your eating experience here will probably be both culinary and culturally satisfying.


1stopsamui.com