Now, I have had several emails from friends offering themselves as bag boys or stow away luggage, but until they see where I have been to in Koh Phangan they do not realise how envious they are about to get.



After leaving the paradise-like sanctuary of Yoga Thailand I made my way over to Koh Phangan. I had heard that Kirsten Berg and Mitchell Gold , two teachers authorized by Sri K Pattabhi Jois, were teaching in an amazing place. It is somewhat of an adventure to get there. First you make your way to Koh Samui via Bangkok, which is about 55 minutes flight away. Then you will take a taxi from the airport to the Big Buddha pier, where you catch a Ferry to Haad Rien (Haad Rien Queen is the only one that will get you there). Once there you will encounter several 'taxi boat' proprietors with signs. Ask them how much (no more that 250 Baht) to Haad Tien. This boat ride is part of the adventure and will take you along the stunning coastline of southern Koh Phangan.



It is one of the most stunning introductions I have had to a new place, wading through the shallows to hop into a long boat, speeding off across the gleaming turquoise waters towards a hidden beach with no other access but the ocean.



The water is slightly below body temperature, with no strong currents,clean and clear. As we came around the last headland and approached Haad Tien beach I was in awe. Nestled amongst the granite boulders and tropical foliage were several timber bungalows, barely noticeable from the ocean. The Sanctuary resort was on the left, Haad Tien Restaurant straight ahead and some smaller bungalows along the rest of the beach.



It had been recommended to me to get accommodation once I arrive, as there are several options ranging from air-conditioned comfort to simple bamboo bungalows. I opted for the air-con but ended up not using it. The Sanctuary offers wonderful accommodation ranging from 120 Baht to 5000 Baht (around US$4 to US$155).









There are several other accommodation options and it is worth simply just getting there and leaving your bags at the Haad Tien Restaurant to check them all out. The restaurant is right on the beach where the boat will drop you off. Nevertheless it is worth packing only the essentials as you do not want to carry around too much luggage across the sand. You won't need much clothing anyway as you will spend your time either in yoga gear or swimming costumes.





The Sanctuary's bungalows are built into the mountain side and it iscomforting to notice that not one rock or tree seemed to have beenharmed in the process of building. If a rock or tree was in the way, thebuilding was simply modified to fit around it. So it is not unusual tofind a large boulder acting as the backing for a bathroom sink or tub orthe trunk of a tree in the middle of your living quarters or in the middle of the restaurant (well actuallyseveral).



The evenings are gorgeous with the temperatures lowering to acooling 26-28 C and groovy sounds emanating from the restaurant. Fridaynight is party night, but the rest of the week is serene.



I ate at The Sanctuary as their menu was everything a healthy, food-loving yogi could want, with unusual juices such God's Nectar consisting of Peach, Apricot, Mango and Milk Thistle, or the Brain Booster (my favorite) Blueberries, Strawberries, Peanut Butter, Yogurt and Flaxseed. The food dishes were just as delectable, including fresh fish and otherwise vegetarian delights. The Sanctuary also offers a fully catered for detox program as well as several classes of different kinds of yoga. If you are not into Ashtanga The Sanctuary offers alternatives by western teachers all year round.



Other accommodation options such as the Beam Bungalows offer simple bamboo bungalows with just a mattress on the floor and mosquito netting for 200 Baht up to one bedroom houses for 2500 Baht with bathrooms and one or two bedrooms. They also have all the in-between choices as well as serving fresh Thai food all day long. Nay the manager speaks good English and if you want to check for availability you can call on +66 (081) 5691849 or +66 (087) 4622789. They also have 24 hours of electricity as does The Sanctuary.





The Haad Tien Restaurant also offers accommodation and their bungalows seems great value at 300 Baht for a one bedroom and bathroom bungalow. It was surprising how cool these bungalows stayed in the hot weather with just a fan and the doors open. Here you will have to just try your luck as they do not take reservations.

So once I had chosen my accommodation I decided to eat my way through the menu, have an early night and then turn up for practice the next day at 9 a.m.

I only have three days here and already I realize that I could spend many more days, even weeks here.