There has always been an interest in studying yoga in Thailand. Although yoga belongs to the Indian tradition, Thai massage has a strong medical aspect that also deals with blocked energies like yoga. The cultural connections between India and Thailand are clear in religion and language. Names of places such as Srithanu in Koh Phangan are references to Lord Shiva.
From a tourist point of view, many people seek to do something more than merely sit on a beach in Koh Samui during their holiday. The notion for many of doing nothing on holiday has been superseded by the desire to experience as much as possible, to even start a learning journey or to experiment with new ways of living. One popular way to do this is to practice yoga or even undertake a yoga teacher training course in Koh Samui.
Below are some of the options for doing yoga in Koh Samui.
Vikasa Yoga Retreat
Vikasa Yoga Retreat is located just south of Chaweng Beach. They have ocean front yoga salas. They offer drop in classes, yoga retreats and packages that include accommodation. They also run yoga teacher training courses that allow you to join the Yoga Alliance and become a registered and certified yoga teacher.
There is a restaurant and pool on the grounds of the resort. Naturally the restaurant serves healthy and vegetarian options.
www.vikasayoga.com
The Yogarden Samui
The Yogarden Samui is located in trendy Bophut / Fisherman's Village. They offer Iyengar, Pilates, Hatha and Ashtanga yoga. There is a pleasant covered yoga sala. It is a decent size and set in a quiet garden location.
They also do detox programs. They have a cafe full of yummy healthy food as well as a shop. They also offer Yin Yang Yoga teacher training.
www.theyogardensamui.com
Samahita Retreat
This yoga place is located on the quieter southern beach of Bang Kao Bay. It is a resort that offers a range of eco-friendly accommodation that is comfortable. They have good yoga facilities. They run fixed date yoga retreats, flexi date yoga programs and fixed date yoga training. They don't seem to have drop in classes as they want people to commit to at least a 3-day package.
Yoga styles include self-practice Mysore. They also incorporate cardio and specific strength training.
www.samahitaretreat.com
Kamalaya
Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary and Holistic Spa is a 5 star resort offering a range of wellness packages and spa packages. This is a very well equipped resort that focuses on wellness programs to detox, rejuvenate and to touch on the spiritual.
At present they don't offer drop in yoga classes. Instead they have one-to-one tuition in a program called 'yoga synergy'. The package includes accommodation, Thai massage, soft drinks and access to daily holistic fitness activities. A 3 night package starts at around 61,000 Thai Baht.
Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary and Holistic is located on Laem Set beach on the southern coast of Koh Samui.
www.kamalaya.com
Absolute Sanctuary
Absolute Sanctuary describes itself as a Moroccan-inspired boutique wellness resort. I think the Moroccan part refers to the soft furnishings and the design of the resort rather than to any particular style of yoga.
The resort is located in Cheong Mon. The resort features 2 yoga studios. Their teachers use a variety of yoga styles: hot yoga, Vinyasa, Hatha, Ashtanga and hot flow. They also do breathing exercises and meditation.
Absolute Sanctuary offers drop in classes as well as bundles of lessons. A lesson starts at 750 Thai Baht. They also offer programs, wellness programs and detox programs. They don't do teacher training programs but they rent their yoga studios to those wanting to organise yoga retreats.
The onsite restaurant, the Love Kitchen, has plenty of vegetarian and healthy options on the menu.
The resort also has a communal pool.
http://www.absolutesanctuary.com/
