Destination: Koh Tao – Live Well, Eat Well

We’ve all been there – you’re off on holiday, you’ve done your bikini diet and now it’s time to enjoy all the local cuisine and cocktails that are on offer. But what if you want the best of both worlds? How do you mix entertaining your guests with delicious food and sunset cocktails whilst maintaining a healthy lifestyle?  Whether you’re coming here for your destination wedding or are just coming on holiday, Koh Tao is a holiday destination where it’s surprisingly simple to Live Well and Eat Well.

Live Well

A previous blog, ‘Why you should get married in Koh Tao – Part 2’, details the activities available on our little slice of paradise that range from rock climbing and cliff jumping to paddle boarding and hiking, but there’s more…

Grounded
Grounded Yoga Koh Tao

Grounded is a wellbeing centre that offers classes in yoga, Pilates, meditation, primal flow, Latin dance and functional strength workshops as well retreats and hosted hikes to the breath-taking viewpoints of Koh Tao. They also work closely with the community offering the space for Saturday weekly markets and Wednesday “Crafternoons’, plus they organise beach clean-ups, which anyone can join.  Their classes, which are 300THB, are small and intimate. You can pick from beach yoga, at Maya Beach Club, in the morning, or rooftop sunset yoga, at Summer Guesthouse, in the evening. You also have the option of a guided paddleboard tour after your morning beach yoga; what a great way to further relax and explore Koh Tao!

Island Muay Thai
What better way to immerse yourself into Thai culture then to try Muay Thai. Grab those gloves and get ready to train, one-on-one, with an experienced Muay Thai instructor. They offer different price packages that are dependent on the amount of sessions you’d like.  Also, this gem is not just a Muay Thai training camp – it’s also a local visitor attraction. They put on weekly fight nights, so why not see how the professionals do it!

Monsoon Gym
Monsoon Gym Koh Tao
Monsoon Gym and Fight Club is certainly not your average gym. Yes, they have your typical air-conditioned weight training and cardio gym, however they’re unique due to their open air studio and boxing ring where they offer daily Muay Thai, western boxing and Gladiator high-intensity fitness training; a good workout is guaranteed, no matter what you pick.  Prices start at 300THB for a single session and packages are also available. The Gladiator class is my personal favourite, but be prepared – take plenty of water and get ready to sweat!

CrossFit
Koh Tao Cross Fit
Yes, Koh Tao even has their own box, a term well known to all avid CrossFit fans. CrossFit is a group class focused on high-intensity interval training. They offer hour long sessions focusing on a warm-up, strength or skill session and then the famous WOD (workout of the day). They run three classes a day, every day, with an early morning WOD being available on request. Classes are 500THB for a drop-in, and again packages are available.  If that sounds too intense, they also do BodyFIT, which is basically CrossFit scaled down and no heavy weights. These classes are 300THB and are very popular with the ladies. See you in the box, as they say!

Gym and Fitness
If you’re looking for a more traditional, modern gym, then this is the place for you. With both free weights and weight machines, plus a cardio section, this is like a gym you’d find at home. From 200THB a day, just bring your fitness program with you and off you go!

Eat Well

Even though you’re surrounded by all sorts of food here on Koh Tao, it’s relatively easy to eat clean thanks to a profusion of delicious salads and high protein, Thai style dishes. We also have a number of health cafes dotted around the island, which I’ve broken down into location for you.

Mae Haad

Coconut Monkey
Coconut Monkey Koh Tao

Smashed avocado on homemade toast, soft poached eggs and grilled tomato

Yes, Coconut Monkey is as cool as the name suggests and being situated right on the beach in Mae Haad, it’s also a great way to see sunset whilst sipping Prosecco…oops, I mean a healthy smoothie! With a menu full of healthy foods, tasty desserts, fresh juices, smoothies and the best coffee on the island, there’s plenty to choose from. Vegetarians are extensively catered for, as are those allergic to diary and/or gluten. When you go, do try one the Amazeballs – choose from a whole host of flavours, including chocolate granite rocks, power balls or peanut butter chocolate balls; they literally are ‘amazeballs’ and will leave you wanting more!

La Carotte Qui Rit
Located on the ‘Up Road’ in Mae Haad, this restaurant is a little slice of vegan (and vegetarian) heaven. Offering a huge variety of Thai dishes with a vegan twist, as well as the classics, you’ll also find scrummy breakfasts, sensational salads, vegi sushi and decadent desserts.  You’ll be hard-pressed to eat your way through their extensive menu, but we recommend you give it a try!

Sairee

Living Juices
Living Juices Koh Tao

Acai Berry Bowl:  Acai, banana and blackberry topped with special homemade granola, fresh coconut, trail mix and papaya.

This small, but perfectly formed, health food cafe in Sairee, really is one of the best on Koh Tao. Tailoring to all kinds of dietary requirements, they certainly rock the clean living lifestyle. With freshly pressed fruit and vegetables, healthy smoothies, superfoods, homemade protein bars, detox courses and a wide food menu, this really is the place for all health nuts. Try the banana bread – it’s simply delicious!

Fitness Cafe
Being part of Gym and Fitness, Fitness Cafe integrates exercise, food and nutrition, plus accommodates different dietary requirements. They use the very best ingredients to create unique items that are both healthy and tasty. From scrumptious wraps and salads to delicious breakfasts and smoothies, always made with healthy, fresh, local ingredients, you won’t leave disappointed.

Vegetabowl
Vegetabowl Koh Tao

Unicorn Bowl:  unicorn glass noodles, avocado, crispy tofu, baby corn, red chilis, pomelo, carrots, cucumber, cabbage, edamame beans, bean sprouts, sesame seeds, green onions, Thai basil, cashews & served with mandarin orange dressing.

Vegetabowl is a vegan and vegetarian cafe that prides itself on making healthy food because, in the owner’s words, “We know how hard it is to eat healthy while eating out on holiday”. They don’t just offer, as the name suggests, a range of salad bowls, but also offer cookies, cakes, shakes and smoothies. Don’t worry if you’re not 100% vegan, you can choose from a variety of add-on ingredients for your salads, such as Feta or cheddar cheese. With epic-sized portions, these salads will last you all day!

Chalok

I Love Salad
A cosy little salad bar and cafe that serves up delicious home-style meals. With a strong focus on homemade products, they provide wholesome and nutritious dishes in which their love for cooking and passion for food really shows. Catering for a range of dietary requirements, their menu includes freshly made sandwiches and wraps, amazing salads, gourmet burgers and some pretty awesome breakfast options. When visiting, ‘The Smash’ is a must, pure breakfast heaven…or lunch…or dinner!

With so many healthy options available on Koh Tao for the body, stomach and soul, you may even go home fitter and healthier than when you arrived…well…maybe!!

For more information on Koh Tao and why this beautiful little island is perfect for a tropical destination wedding, check out our previous blogs (links below), our ‘Why Koh Tao’ page or contact us!
Destination Koh Tao – Island Paradise
Destination Koh Tao – Activity vs Relaxation 
Destination Koh Tao – Nights In vs Nights Out

 

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