Festive detox
On paper, certainly, it sounds like a traumatic week, and one that would require Herculean levels of will-power. However, aided by daily temperatures in the mid-thirties and a host of pampering treatments, the seven days passed surprisingly quickly and, for the most part, without hardship.
Energy levels on days one and two were sufficiently high to participate in 90-minute yoga classes and enjoy swims in both the clear blue South China sea and the resort’s stunning infinity pool. On day three, which is said to be the most challenging, the mother of all headaches kicked in. Thoughts of food, meanwhile, danced a merry and relentless jig across my mind; the temptation to sneak even a small mouthful of fruit proved difficult, but not, rather pleasingly, impossible, to resist.
Things picked up immeasurably by day five, however. A nearly detoxified brain and bloodstream meant I awoke clear-headed and brimming with energy. The colonic now produced less than on previous days, but it was darker in colour as the fast had broken away the older, more ingrained plaque. And hunger, believe it or not, became refreshingly irrelevant, as my body became used to receiving purely what it needed to survive.
Further improvements, both mental and physical, followed on the last couple of days when I felt fresh as a proverbial daisy. Remarkably, without nibbling a single shred of solid food, the penultimate colonic still washed out an impressive amount of gunk. Better out than in, though, as they say.
By the end of the week, the fast was being credited by my fellow detoxers with impressive results. In addition to varying degrees of weight loss, it had, they claimed, got rid of allergies, eased sinus problems and, in one case, severe period pains. For my part, I’d shed almost 4kg, I had an indecent amount of energy and truly felt rejuvenated, and more supple.
The first post-detox meal of papaya made my toes curl with pleasure, but, as George Bernard Shaw sagely observed, “Any fool can fast, but it takes a wise man to break a fast properly”. While the temptation was to make up for lost time (and calories) and load up on green curries and Pad Thai – it was raw fruit and vegetables for the next few days, before more substantial foodstuffs could be introduced.
Crossing the finish line did indeed feel marvellous. Bronzed from a steady stream of sunshine, toned from challenging yoga classes, pampered by massages and treatments, the results were undeniably impressive. By the end of the week I felt completely relaxed and thoroughly cleansed.
With 2013 just days away, many will have New Year’s resolutions of activating gym memberships, going on diets or simply promising to take better care of themselves. Mine? To return to Samui sooner rather than later for a second Ultimate Detox.
ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW
Getting there:Koh Samui is a one-hour flight from Bangkok. Flights from Ireland vary depending on the time of year, but cost between €800-€1,200. Further details at skyscanner.ie
Prices:An eight-night stay at Absolute Sanctuary including a seven-day Holistic Ultimate Detox and airport collection and drop-off costs Bt77,500 (€1,987) for single occupancy and Bt125,400 (€3,205) for double occupancy.
Further details:Absolute Sanctuary, Choeng Mon Beach, 84320, Koh Samui, Thailand. See absolutesanctuary.com; tel: 0066-77-601 190
