I have arrived in Thailand, Samui Island to be precise. Koh Samui is a popular place for tourists as the beaches are pristine. Yoga Thailand is situated on the southern end along an almost private beach, offering tranquility and luxurious comfort. My first impressions where of a small and well laid out retreat butting up against the clear blue ocean and surrounded by swaying palm trees.



I had 14 hours of travel behind me, not much sleep and was dressed far to warm for the 36º C moist air. YT's air-conditioned bus had picked me up from the airport and 45 minutes later delivered me to the front steps of the retreat. I was greeted with an ice-cold hand towel and chilled citrus water that revived my senses enough to manage filling out the simple forms and then join the other guests for brunch.



Usually I am happy to pay a little extra for a single occupancy room, but since the retreat had been booked out my only option was to share a room. I was a little perturbed about this, but found that the rooms were divided into an upstairs mezzanine room with a queen sized bed and a downstairs also with a queens sized bed. There were separate wardrobes on the downstairs level as well as a shared bathroom. And air-conditioning! Usually I am happy to let the breeze cool me, but when you are enveloped by sauna-like conditions air-conditioning is a godsend. The rooms are clean and beautiful with lovely vistas overlooking glimpses of the ocean through lush foliage.



The retreat is something between a dedicated yoga/detox retreat and a holiday resort. Yoga is taken quite seriously here, as well as the ability to relax and enjoy paradise-like beaches, gourmet food and fantastic body treatments. Facing South there is always a bit of shade to be had and my plucked-chicken like pallor was exposed to the sunny elements the first time in at least ten years. There is almost no need to leave this secluded cove, as the spa treatment centre has highly qualified therapists and the restaurant serves sensational smoothies, juices and healthy food all day long.



Yoga Thailand was founded by Paul and Jutima Dallaghan in 2003 and has grown to be one of the most popular retreats for yogis as well as newcomers to this ancient aesthetic pursuit. Paul is certified by Sri K Pattabhi Jois and he teaches several courses throughout the year. Otherwise teachers from all over the world conduct courses in yoga, philosophy and various other yogic forms.

The day can be quite full with three hours of meditation, breathing and asana in the morning, scuba diving outings, restorative yoga in the afternoon and meditation before bedtime. It leaves just enough time to enjoy the food, a thai massage or reading a few pages by the pool.



Laem Sor is a tranquil beach shared only by a few private villas. Mostly you will have the white sandy beach all to yourself. Every day begins with a spectacular sunrise and ends in a just as spectacular sunset. The evenings are simply gorgeous, even on the hottest days. The breeze bounces of the ocean and cools the temperature. As you sit down to dinner you realize how damn lucky you are to be alive.