DELUXE TRAVELLER

Thailand’s deeply spiritual culture and stunning natural beauty makes it ideal for yoga retreats and wellness holidays

People take up yoga for a host of reasons. Some individuals enjoy the physical strength and flexibility the practice builds, while others attend classes to still the mind and de-stress. If relaxation is one of your key goals, then your Koh Samui holiday could provide a golden opportunity to get on the mat and practice. After all, yoga is likely to provide a serene complement to the rest of your chilled-out tropical vacation.

Koh Samui is home to a selection of yoga studios, from high-end spa-like retreats that offer weeklong wellness programmes to chic drop-in studios for those who prefer to attend the odd one-off class. For guests staying in a private villa, there’s also the option to call in a professional yoga instructor for one-to-one classes. Many of the studios enjoy stunning cliffside locations overlooking the ocean, while others are buried deep within secluded jungle locations, creating an authentic feeling that you’re really “getting away from it all”. Each and every venue is infused with its own unique vibe, offering something a little different to visitors.

We take a look at several of Koh Samui’s top yoga studios and uncover their specialities and highlights on offer.

Tranquil sanctuary

Absolute Sanctuary, a world-class yoga retreat centre, is situated in the quaint Samui town of Bophut

Situated within the quaint fishing town of Bophut, Absolute Sanctuary is one of Koh Samui’s leading yoga centres. This high-end venue is fully-equipped with two gorgeous yoga studios, with classes and programmes conducted by teachers from around the world. While a variety of retreat programmes is available here, there’s also an eclectic selection of regular classes and workshops for practitioners that want to drop in, and maybe continue with a yoga routine that they’ve already established.

The luxurious surroundings at Absolute Yoga are perhaps one of the centre’s highlights, and visitors can look forward to practicing in a studio that’s both stylish and serene. In addition to the yoga studios, Absolute Yoga Samui also boasts a fantastic café – Love Kitchen – where it’s possible to tuck into an array of healthy delights after you’ve built up an appetite in class. The menu is packed with mouth watering yet delicious foods to suit anyone’s taste. There’s even a few superfood dishes thrown in for good measure, for those who really want to supercharge their health whilst on holiday.

After building up an appetite in class, lunch or dinner at Absolute’s mouth-watering Love Kitchen is a must. This eatery is living proof that healthy food can be just as tasty as it is nutritious, and you’ll find an array of superfood dishes on the menu.

Serene oasis

Hidden amongst its leafy setting in Bophut, Yogarden offers an eclectic range of yoga styles

Also situated in Bophut, The Yogarden is a favourite spot with yoga lovers. It’s also the perfect centre for individuals just starting out on their journey, as it offers a diverse array of yoga styles. The five-day immersion retreat is a fabulous option for those who want to deepen their knowledge of yoga, or even those who simply want to enjoy a leafy retreat away from the hustle and bustle of their holiday sight-seeing schedule.

The daily schedule at Yogarden comprises four classes in varying styles, including Hatha, Iyengar, dynamic flow, restorative yoga and yin. Essentially, there’s something on the timetable for everyone to enjoy – which is one of the factors that makes this secluded oasis of a studio so popular with both locals and travellers. Hands-on assisting is another of the benefits practitioners at Yogarden will receive, creating a clear platform for you to get rid of any bad habits you’ve picked up over time, and helping you deepen your practice, too. Last but not least, there’s also a fantastic café in the Yogarden’s shaded outdoor space, where you can tuck into a selection of tasty yet nutritious meals, snacks and smoothies.

All about health

A yoga retreat at Kamalaya Samui is the perfect way to kickstart your new health and wellness regime

Kamalaya Samui is another of the island’s most popular health resorts. This health and wellness venue offers a selection of tailored packages for guests suffering from stress, anxiety and other physical/mental issues. Yoga is paired with a variety of holistic medicines and healing therapies to address the root cause of the issue. Packages vary hugely, but generally comprise detox consultations, nutrition workshops, spa sessions – and yoga, of course.

Aptly, this stunning centre is developed around a monk’s cave that once served as a place of meditation and spiritual retreat. The Kamalaya Personal Yoga Synergy package includes one-to-one yoga sessions – including customised instruction – along with an array of complementary treatments and therapies, including Ayurveda therapies. The retreat is suitable for beginners in yoga and experienced practitioners, so anyone can benefit from a trip to the centre. Retreats last three, five or seven nights, and your own tailored programme can be developed around the length of time you intend to stay at Kamalaya. In terms of yoga instruction, each package will include guidance on asana (poses), pranayama (breath) and meditation, so you’re really getting the full gamut of yoga experiences. The blissful massages provide yet another highlight.

Oceanside retreat

Samui’s Vikasa Yoga Retreat enjoys a stunning lofty position, with panoramic views of the ocean

If you’re looking for a yoga class or retreat with real tropical Thai wow factor, then Vikasa Yoga Samui ticks all the boxes. In addition to retreats and a jam-packed programme of drop-in classes, this stunning studio also boasts its own Yoga Academy that runs 200-hour yoga teacher training courses. There’s also a detox programme for those looking to kickstart their new, healthy lifestyle.

The jaw-dropping setting of this studio is one of the key things that makes it so special. Sublime ocean views form a permanent backdrop to your practice, whether you’re in one of the studios, the swimming pool or the restaurant. In fact, the yoga studios at Vikasa are open-air structures, so you can always feel the refreshing kiss of the sea breeze on your skin as you start to build up heat in your practice. There are three gorgeous yoga pavilions in total, all with characterful hardwood floors and dreamy views of the ocean – you really could ask to lay your mat down in a more stunning setting.

In-villa yoga

Guests staying at Baan Kilee can take part in yoga sessions on the beach adjacent to the villa

If you’re staying in one of Koh Samui’s luxury private villas, then you may be keen to make the most of the fantastic fitness facilities you have on hand – including yoga. Many of the island’s upscale holiday properties come with fully-equipped gyms, complete with yoga equipment including mats, blocks, straps and exercise balls. If you’ve never tried yoga before, your villa manager will be able to arrange for a professional instructor to come to the property for a one-to-one class. That way, you’ll be able to learn the ropes before heading to a studio class with other participants.

TIPS

If you’re keen to extend the healthy yogic lifestyle to your diet, check out our top tips on holiday nutrition.

• Thai food tastes fantastic – and it can be healthy as well. Thai dishes including som tam salad, vegetable stir fries, spicy soups and some fish dishes can pack a powerful punch in delivering the nutrients your body needs.
• An abundance of fresh tropical fruits are available in Thailand. If you’re staying in a private villa, ask your chef to whip up a fresh fruit smoothie for your breakfast.
• A relaxing holiday is the perfect time to try and wean yourself off the five daily coffees your body has become accustomed to. Your villa will stock a range of nourishing herbal teas that you can sip on instead.