5 Amazing Yoga Retreats in Thailand
Today, yoga is a rising trend among the young and old alike. While the most conventional way to practice the sport is at our local studio, enthusiasts are spending a large sum of money on jetting off to faraway places to learn the art of yoga. Hotel and resorts have found a way to combine the concept of a vacation and yoga together, creating what we now know as a “yoga retreat”. These retreats could last days, weeks or even months, depending on what program guests decide to partake in. Detoxifying diets, meditation sessions, and exciting day to day nature-based activities fill in the schedules in addition to the many yoga courses that are offered.
With the gaining of popularity for yoga retreats comes along the increase in these types of resorts opening their doors in Thailand — a place that currently stands atop the list of where to go on vacation among holidayers. Because evidently, beautiful beaches, striking sceneries, and a captivating culture are what comes to mind at the first thought of the country.
We’ve compiled a list of five amazing yoga retreats that would serve as a perfect physical and mindful getaway, alongside several photos that just exudes a sense of tranquility.
Point Yamu by COMO Phuket
First on our list is the award winning Point Yamu by COMO Phuket. Located on a secluded area of the island, the artfully designed and decorated resort is enough to tempt anyone into having it as their next destination. Point Yamu aims to merge fitness and wellness into an delightful getaway. Indulge in luxury from the 14 types of accommodations available, each fitted with a stunning infinity pool and a tasteful theme of aquamarine. A selection of world class restaurant and bars found on site are known for their “Shambhala Cuisine”, the use of only the finest, organic ingredients. For the adventurers, diving and snorkeling are two popular activities offered daily for the chance to explore Phang Nga Bay’s crystal clear waters.
Highlights:
— One on one practices for yoga, assisted stretch and fitness that can be scheduled at any time of day with COMO’s resident trainers to target the best possible results.
— COMO Shambala is the resort’s two floor spa, with highly qualified therapists ready to relieve guests into a serene setting of body and soul. Popular choices include the COMO Shambala Sun Soother, Lanna Heritage Full Body Compress and the traditional Thai massage.
— The COMO Beach Club is a mere 40 minute drive away and open to all guests to enjoy the salt water pool, paddling services and exotic cocktails.
Absolute Sanctuary
Moroccan styled Absolute Sanctuary in Koh Samui takes pride in their motto “reconnect, recharge, revitalize & re-energize”. Known to be the only fitness wellness resort in Asia, their packages make use of yoga, core pilates and an organic food program to achieve optimized results. With only 38 rooms ranging from cozy superiors to spacious suites, guests are ensured privacy and priority. A whopping 12 different programs across 9 categories guarantees a tailored fit for each guest. Having hosted renowned yogis Desiree Rumbaugh, Briony & Dice, Paul Grilley & Amy Ippoliti, the resort also offers an open invite for yoga teachers around the globe to hold specially curated retreats to suit their methods of practice.
Highlights:
— A lifestyle change program that lasts over the duration of either 30 or 60 days, inclusive of three phases (Cleanse, Transform and Anew). The program aims to train one physically, mentally and spiritually, promising an improved way of living once completed.
— World class services such as Colon Hydrotherapy, Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapy, and the FAR Infrared Sauna, to name a few.
— A Pilates reformer boot camp with a state of the art Pilates studio for the fitness enthusiasts willing to take on a new challenge.
Six Senses Yao Noi
Six Senses arguably has one of the most beautiful hotel franchises in the world. With resorts in prime locations — Maldives, Fiji, and Seychelles, among many others — a new branch right on our shores is bound to be just as exquisite. Six Senses Yao Noi is located on a small island off Phang Nga Bay, allowing a perfect view of the famed limestone rock pinnacles scattered across the sea.
Guests have a choice of glorious villas and suites facing the ocean or the lavish rubber tree plantation. Here’s what your first day at Six Senses would look like: take in a bird’s eye view upon arrival with a helicopter transfer from Phuket airport to the resort, followed by lunch at Hilltop Reserve, a private dining villa overlooking the bay, and end your day watching the sunset across the Andaman sea aboard a luxurious yacht.
Highlights:
— A range of wellness programs, notably the 3 day ‘De-Stress’ inclusive of private yoga, meditation and body treatments to provide utmost relaxation.
— Sessions with Dr. Aneesh Vadakkeveedu, fourth generation Ayurvedic doctor, yoga teacher and Reiki master and Sommai Phokamnerd, a holistic therapist specializing in the healing power of Tibetan Singing Bowls, chakra balancing with crystals, and Qi Gong.
— Spoil yourself in the wide array of facials, massages and treatments, including their special 24K gold age-defying facial and antioxidant Thai green tea body wrap that has been said to do wonders.
Chiva Som International Health Resort
Celebrating their 21st anniversary this year, Chiva Som International Health Resort (Chiva Som) has been in the top three of the Conde Nast Travel Awards for the past decade, and was voted as the “World’s Best Destination Spa” in the 2009 by Travel+Leisure Reader’s Travel Awards. The beachfront resort is located on seven acres of serenity, and provides a world class service catered to every guests’ well being with a choice of over 150 treatments. Chiva Som joins the ancient therapies of the East with the diagnosis of the West in creating personalized programs for guests. The resort believes in the holistic approach of life, which transcends onto the range of nourishing activities offered. Pamper yourselves with the exclusive benefits that come with each stay, including a complimentary treatment daily.
Highlights:
— Niranlada Medi-Spa’s range of modern aesthetics services and micro-invasive cosmetic surgery makes use of the VISIA 3–dimensional computerized facial imaging in determining the skin condition and evaluating the best choice of treatment for guests.
— Physiotherapy offered at Chiva Som consists of hands-on massages, or with the assisting of ultra sound and T.E.N.S machines to relive pain and increase mobility in an efficient manner. Both therapeutic treatments and exercises are available along with a Sports Injury Recovery center.
— Challenge yourself with the 6 fitness workshops and an impressive yoga course. Sunrise Yoga, Pranayama Breathing, Tai Chi Chuan, and Shaolin Wushu are only a few mere examples.
Pavana Chiang Mai
Last but not least is Pavana, situated up north of Thailand in the outskirts of Chiang Mai. A complete change in scenario is noticeable at first glance. Gone are the white, sandy beaches, instead replaced with the backdrop of green, luscious mountains. If you’re a fan of smelling fresh dewdrops in the morning, surrounded by a cool weather of 18 degrees, this one’s for you. The hidden gem in Mae Rim ensures total peace and quiet, with accommodations in the style of traditional Thai styled Lanna bungalows. A retreat at Pavana combines the ‘five aspects of longevity’ (cleansing, breathing, healthy eating, exercise, and mind purification) together. Guests are able to decide between a selection of yoga, spa, meditation and detox packages.
Highlights:
— The quick weekend yoga package: the two night, three day retreat provides a great substitute to the longer, two week getaways. Consisting of yoga, meditation and a curated meal plan, the program has often been opted by guests on tight schedules who are only able to take the weekend off.
— Fasting detoxes are available with choices of beginner, semi and full. Detoxes allow guests to purify their bodies of toxins by consuming crafted nutritional drinks and attend meditational courses throughout the duration.
— The Bamboo Spa offers a wide array of ways to rejuvenate your body. Set in an open air Sala, the spa’s concept of a nature based setting is a proven relaxation booster.