• The Sanctuary

  • (7)
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  • White Veg-options
Vegan-friendly
Raw
Thai
Western
Non-veg

Serves meat, vegan options available. All vegetarian except for fish, with many vegan & raw options. Restaurant serves juices, raw food, Thai and Western, cakes, and more. Also offers accommodation with spa and wellness facilities. Open Mon-Sun 12:00am-12:00am.


7 Reviews

First Review by smithintaiwan

Chelseachernobyl

Points +765

Vegan
07 Jan 2024

Decent food, nice vibe

As many have said this place is expensive for Thailand. The question is, “is it worth it?”
Depends what you get lol. Staff was friendly enough to me, but my partner found the service a little rude. My curry coconut noodles were good, the spring rolls were very meh. My juice was also good.
Nice atmosphere, nice view, okay food. Glad we tried it but don’t feel a need to go again.
Also, the location on the happy cow map currently ( dec 2023) is wrong. It is one beach over.

Updated from previous review on 2023-12-16

kimeisje

Points +19

Mostly Veg
09 Feb 2019

One of my favourite places

Beautiful atmosphere and great food. Expensive, but totally worth it. Many adjustments can be made to menu items, replacing dairy with plant milk, dubbing rice for quinoa or whatever you want. Everything is superb quality. Love the raw cakes.

Pros: Sea view, Super food, Adjustable dishes

Cons: Expensive, Kitchen is closed between 15.00-17.00

alicus

Points +216

Vegan
16 Jun 2016

Favorite place in Thailand!

Just to set expectations: you should come here for the atmosphere, location, and the extensive menu, not if you are looking for cheap eats. It's a beautifully crafted oasis, not a Thai food court. The portions are very generous and contain high quality ingredients.

.....

Nestled within some of the most peaceful and serene environments in Thailand, this restaurant, attached to some of the coolest accommodations on the island, is a must see for anyone planning on being in the south.

If you want an escape from the chaos of the world (or even of Haad Rin), this is the ultimate. Even the walk over the mountain from Haad Yuan adds to the feeling of being in another place, totally isolated and pristine. Definitely make sure to wander around the resort. It is masterfully constructed and nothing seems out of place.

The restaurant itself is large and beautiful. Right on the beach, you get the perfect breeze coming through as Bonobo and Thievery Corporation set the mood. The staff seem like the happiest people ever and it shows in the service.

The menu is similar to a lot of places in Thailand in that they do a little of everything, and it just seems to go on and on, page after page, but that is where the similarity ends. The difference here is that it's not just the same stuff you see everywhere else or a similar dish done with different combinations of ingredients. Apart from the Thai mainstays (which they do VERY well. The Massaman is some of the best), they have so many delicious and culturally encompassing options. From the Dahl, to the Hummus Wrap, HUGE miso soup, hearty breakfest, an unending number of drinks and smoothies, a gigantic dessert case and even a customized menu for those doing a detox/fast at the resort, it is like nothing we have seen anywhere else. I'm pretty sure you can't find the menu online because seeing it is part of the experience ;)

I think I have made my point. Just go if you have the option. You won't regret it.

Pros: Atmosphere, Location, EXTENSIVE menu with very generous portions

jollypig

Points +3060

Vegan
28 Feb 2016

Unique

I've read mixed reviews about The Sanctuary's restaurant and accommodation. It's expensive for Thailand, but in my view it's worth it for a treat.

The staff are more knowledgeable than most in Thailand/Ko Phangan, they speak excellent English and are trained to ask for your name individually when taking orders. It's a nice touch.

I had two meals here. The veggie/lentil burger was disappointing; dry and a little tasteless. I also had a masaman (potato) curry which was one of the best Thai means I've ever had. It was very rich so no doubt not the healthiest, but soooo tasty.

The location is stunning, but you'll have to get a taxi-boat and hike up the hill to get here. You also have the cheaper Bamboo restaurant nearby.

Treat yourself. Just make sure you go for Thai food.

Pros: Tasty Thai food, Stunning location, Knowledgeable staff with great English

Cons: Expensive by Thai standards, Difficult to get to, Disappointing western food

kool_kitchen

Points +848

Vegetarian
28 Jan 2012

Overpriced

For Western food it is one of the better options, though only one of, but for Thai it is one of the worst. Been coming here for over a decade and it is certainly the most expensive place to eat on any of the three adjoining bays by far. The breakfast is recommended if you need a veg full English. The food generally tends to be quite bland. The hot'n'raw soup is something a bit special though.

Pros: Western dishes, Raw menu

Cons: Expensive

IanMcDonald

Points +68

Vegan
11 Apr 2009

A varied vegan experience

I stayed at the Sanctuary for a day, and ate regularly at the restaurant. Despite the fact that they advertise themselves as a "Vegetarian and seafood restaurant", I had mixed experiences in getting vegan food.

Some breakfast and desert options are marked vegan on the menu. I had a nice mixed grain porridge just before leaving, for example. Main courses, though, are not marked.

One senior member of staff was very understanding and helpful - she stood with the chef during cooking to make sure no mistakes were made. At the other end of the scale, another staff member abruptly ended a conversation by saying that they could not help me and maybe I should have a salad.

On another positive note, I left my laptop sleeve and the staff very kindly posted it on. When they are helpful, they are very helpful.

The food, once I got it, was good. I had a curry and some snacks. The juices were fantastic. But I was in an expensive (for Thailand) holistic detox resort which advertised a vegetarian restaurant, and had not expected it to sometimes require, say, the patience of an omnivorous restaurant.

Pros: Good food, Some very helpful staff

Cons: Pricey, Waiting for the very helpful staff, Vegan options not marked

smithintaiwan

Points +231

Vegetarian
20 Jun 2007

Great but expensive

The Sanctuary has a cool restaurant with great music and good food. Very good selection of vegan and vegetarian food, including a Sunday brunch. Unfortunately, it is quite expensive for those on a budget and can't compete with the wonderful Bamboo, just five minutes away.

Pros: Selection, Quality, Music

Cons: Expensive




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