Our Insider Interview series sees us speak to one of the team at one of the many wellness retreats we send our clients to. Ben Karoonkornsakul is the Founder of Absolute Sanctuary in Thailand, specialising in integrative wellness and holistic transformations. With several years of spa and wellness experience, Ben is passionate about promoting a healthy, balanced and fit lifestyle. She has an impressive background, having worked in finance and pivoting her career to suit her true passions in wellness. Enthusiastic about fitness and healing, Ben actively contributes to transforming the minds and bodies of guests at this luxury wellness retreat in Koh Samui.
I’m Benjaporn Karoonkornsakul, but most people call me Ben. I’m the founder 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 began in the world of finance, I worked for several years as an investment banker across Asia-Pacific. But my true passion has always been wellness, and that eventually led me to pivot my career entirely.
In 2002, I opened Absolute Yoga; the first hot yoga studio in Thailand, because I saw how deeply this practice could transform both the body and the mind, especially for women. Over the years, I pioneered a few movement modalities in Asia, like group Pilates Reformer and rhythm cycling, always with the goal of creating spaces that uplift, strengthen, and empower people.
In 2008, I opened Absolute Sanctuary in Koh Samui because I wanted to go beyond fitness. I envisioned a true sanctuary where people could not only work on their bodies but also heal, detox, reset, and reconnect with themselves in a deeper way. At the time, there was no real integrative wellness retreat in Thailand that combined fitness, therapeutic wellness programs, healing cuisine, and spa therapies under one roof. So, I decided to create it.
Absolute Sanctuary was born out of that desire to offer more; to provide a safe, beautiful, and professionally guided space for people to transform holistically. Over the years, it’s evolved into a world-class destination, but at its heart, it’s always stayed true to its mission: to help people become stronger, healthier, and more balanced versions of themselves.
A typical day starts with a Sunrise Meditation class in the sun shala followed by a Pilates reformer class then a light healthy breakfast at The Love Kitchen. After freshening up, I would head off to my first treatment of the day before lunch. The afternoon would be spent lounging at the pool, having more treatments, relaxing by the salt sanctuary or herbal steam room followed by an evening restorative yoga. The day ends after dinner with a soul nourishing candlelight meditation, yoga Nidra or sound bath.
I believe in everything there needs to be a balance. I exercise daily, joining either a Pilates reformer or rhythm cycling class, eat healthily wherever I can and make sure I take time out for myself to recharge, but I also do indulge in a glass of wine or two and a hearty meal occasionally.
As above I believe there needs to be balance and moderation in everything. I don’t believe in diets and have never embarked on one. I enjoy my meals and make sure they are of a high quality, with good nutrients and keeping the quantities small.
Be comfortable in your own skin. When you own who you are and your worth, you will be your strongest mentally and physically.
Over the years, we’ve built a strong reputation for offering one of the most effective and comprehensive detox retreat programs in the region — it remains a perennial favourite among our guests. Our longer-stay lifestyle change programs, ranging from 30 to 60 days, are also highly sought after by those looking to reset their health and adopt sustainable habits. In addition, our Anti-Stress & Burnout and Weight Management programs continue to attract guests looking for tailored, results-driven support. More recently, our Pilates Reformer Bootcamp program has seen a surge in popularity, as we are one of the few wellness retreats in the region to offer a structured, intensive Reformer retreat program within a retreat setting.
We witness inspiring transformations all the time. Every guest arrives with a personal goal — whether it’s to improve their health, find emotional balance, or simply reconnect with themselves. What’s powerful is their commitment to change and their intention to leave better than when they arrived. Whether it’s weight loss, emotional release, or a renewed sense of clarity, each transformation is meaningful in its own way — no one experience is greater than another.
One wellness trend I’m truly excited about right now is the integration of social wellness—spaces and experiences that combine community, fitness, and holistic health. People are no longer just seeking a good workout or a detox—they’re craving connection, support, and lifestyle transformation in one place. That’s why concepts like social wellness clubs or lifestyle hubs are gaining momentum, and I believe it’s the natural evolution of the wellness industry. It aligns so well with our Absolute philosophy: creating wellness experiences that empower people physically, emotionally, and socially—all in balance.
Come with an open mind and be open to trying different treatments/therapies. Be prepared to confront your hidden emotions as they will come up at one point of time or another. Most importantly, enjoy and celebrate being with yourself during the retreat.
“Real transformation happens when we find strength in softness and success in balance”.
Talk to one of our Wellness Travel Specialists on 0203 397 8891 or contact us here to discuss booking a wellness holiday at Absolute Sanctuary.
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