L'Alcove's Karine and Melanie on Secrets d'alcove From Brian Gruber's Just-Published Full Moon over Koh Phangan

Most of all, Melanie and Karine are microscopically attentive to every moment of their guests’ experience. It is not unusual to have an entire dinner on this Thai island with no staff contact besides ordering and summoning the bill. In a given night, you might have 3, 4, 5 visits from L’Alcove’s owners. With each element of your experience carefully choreographed, down to Melanie’s inventive, handcrafted music playlists. We met in their home just across from the restaurant to discuss the secrets d’alcove.

Sanctuary Manager Michael Doyle on the Original Full Moon Parties

So many people who come here leave on a high. For most of the world out there, they're living within the parameters of society, and they don't really know that there's a higher level of being. And those who were lucky enough to be directed here or to have some resonance with something and say, “I'm going to The Sanctuary,” they realized that, wow, there is a space where I can let go of my bullshit; there is a space where I can focus on me. There is a space where I can have an honest chat with the person in the mirror and see if they're happy with their life and see the changes they need to make. Then get to some resolution that they're going to go out and work on it.

Sanctuary Co-Founder Gill Beddows on the “Spirits in the Rocks” From Brian Gruber’s Just-Published Full Moon over Koh Phangan

Sanctuary owner Gill Beddows personifies essential elements of the early expat experience on Koh Phangan. A young woman leaves everything behind to travel the hippie trail across Asia to Kathmandu. She spends time with Osho initiates in Pune, India. Wanders Khao San Road. Becomes part of the fledgling Haad Rin cluster of alternative communities and creative projects. Co-creates a near-utopian community and experience on a gorgeous, unspoiled beach, likely inspiring the backpacker classic The Beach. And touches the lives of tens of thousands who come to her “sanctuary” for wellness, serenity, and transformation.

Best Villa and House Rental in Sri Thanu Koh Phangan

This is the place to go if you want to experience island life and spirituality's hedonistic culture. In Sri Thanu, the environment is quite relaxing, and restaurants and shops preserve a more original Thai flavour in some parts, yet, like in all places, there are many Western restaurants to cater to all demands. You'll find exclusive places to stay here if you want a little more luxury than your ordinary hostel or beach house, in addition to being the spiritual 'hippy' area of Koh Phangan. Sri Thanu can be somewhat westernized in places, therefore it appeals to those with a larger wallet and more refined tastes.