Guest Teacher Retreats

About the Retreat

Practice - Although yoga might be a physical practice where we challenge our bodies, it has always been a useful tool for increasing awareness and helping the mind to settle. To practice yoga is to feel and observe ourselves as we are in the given moment without pressure and expectations.

Through daily morning practice of asana and pranayama combined with inspiring afternoon discussions based on the philosophy of Yoga Sutras, we will explore how yoga can be soft and stable at the same time. Patanjali, the author of yoga sutras, would call this "Sthirasukhamasanam" meaning to be in the posture with full support, feeling centered and without stress.

Chanting - music is vibration, in the same way life vibrates in us. In this retreat we will also use the calming nature of chanting to move towards a deeper connection within, letting the vibrations of sound and prana resonate in our beings.

Nutrition - As part of a yogic lifestyle comes the interest of healthy choices of food both for our selves and the world at large. What is the sattvik diet and what are the yogic recommendations when it comes to food and meals? At Samahita Retreat the food we offer is designed to support the yogic practices and during this retreat you will explore the combination of healthy food and yoga and how these two powerful things can make a great change in someone’s life towards healing and wellbeing.

About the Teacher

Sara Granström-Thorsson

A lifetime of studying

I began my path as a classical musician with studies at Malmö Music Collage (Sweden) and Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. Music has always been a great part of me and a strong influence in so many ways, I have also met some of the most important people in my life through music, for instance my husband Karl, who is the principal percussionist in the Radio Symphony Orchestra in Stockholm. It is probably impossible to play music without being in contact with something spiritual side you and when I first met yoga I was amazed how similar the yoga practice is to the practice of an instrument, it is all there: the work, the focus and the joy ?. I find both paths to be a lifetime of studying, you will always be able to go deeper, there is always something to develop and as you are doing it you are aiming for complete unification!

I did my Teacher Training at Samahita Retreat in the spring of 2005 and felt strongly connected to the center and the way the teaching of yoga is being offered here. I have the biggest respect for the practice and for all the people that for thousands of years have been carrying the teachings on, making it possible for me and many more to be a part of it today.

This respect also goes to Samahita Retreat, to the dedication and work that has been put into this wonderful place. I am very grateful towards Paul, Jutima and the rest of the staff at YT for supporting me on my journey!

Sara and nutrition

During 2006 I studied Ayurveda together with Johan Ljungsberg (one of the founders of Veda Lila http://www.vedalila.se in Stockholm) and Dr. Vinay Vora (ayurvedic doctor from the Jamnagar University in India). With Ayurveda being a sister science to yoga it felt natural to get at better understanding of how the body works and the influence food has on our health. The interest for nutrition and the body's capacity to heal itself kept growing and in 2008 I finished my education as Nutrition Therapist with focus on functional medicine, anti-aging medicine and environmental medicine.

Interestingly enough food is medicine and it's exciting to see that if we use food wisely we can prevent illness and treat illness. I'm looking forward to meet you in the future!

Sara in Sweden

When not at Samahita Retreat Sara spends most of her time in Stockholm where she teaches yoga at a few different studios around the city. One of them is yogayama (www.yogayama.se) where she also works as director of the Yogayama Teacher Training. You can read more about Sara's classes and workshops in Sweden and abroad on her website: www.saragranstrom.se

OM shanti
Sara

The Daily Schedule

The program begins at 5pm on the first day of the retreat with a group welcome and departure is at 12pm on the last day.
The schedule is subject to change at the discretion of the teacher.

7 am	Morning tea
7:30 - 8:30 am	Pranayama (breathwork)
8:30 - 10 am	Asana practice
10 am - 1 pm	Brunch buffet
3 - 3:30 pm	Snack and refreshment
4 pm	Philosophy, chanting and restorative (no afternoon class on Wednesday)
6 - 8 pm	Dinner buffet
6 - 8 pm	Steam room available
8 pm	Personal time

Based on request and availability, you are welcome to arrive early or extend your stay, our Residential and Wellness Programs details are on http://www.yoga-thailand.com/yoga-holidays.html

Add On Promotion Discounted Rate

Optimize your stay at Samahita Retreat by enjoying the benefits of a Health or Wellness Spa Program alongside your Retreat.

Enjoy a 10% discounted rate below on the Program of your choice.

Wellness Programs

Relax and enjoy our range of wellness spa programs, designed to nourish body and soul. Choose from a range of massage, beauty treatments and detoxifying therapies to compliment your time with us.

We recommend you book in advance for your Health Program or Wellness Spa Program as much preparation work is required and space is limited.

Retreat Rates

Share two bedroom loft	€ 890 per person
Single superior room	€ 1090 per person

Upgrade to our Deluxe Suite additional cost on the total program package:

• € 50 per day
• € 320 for one week
• € 620 for two weeks
• € 900 for three weeks
• € 1100 for four weeks

We only have two deluxe one bedroom suites located in our most private building closest to the sea. They have a private bedroom, living room, fully equipped kitchen, generous bathroom and an extra large balcony. Both suites offer a modern open living room with sofa bed, LCD TV, working desk and DVD/ iPod Stereo. They are perfect for a family or couple. The additional rate is a flat rate based on the room and is added on to the total rate package whether a single individual, couple or family.

Our guestrooms are set back just over 50 meters from the water to provide you with a private community and greater security. A selection of our rooms enjoy this spectacular sea view, while others enjoy the tropical gardens scene.

The rate is inclusive of:

• Full yoga program
• Fully equipped accommodation with AC
• Full brunch and dinner buffets
• Mineral drinking water
• Herbal steam room
• Salt water swimming pool
• Wi Fi internet
• Service charge
• VAT government tax

Thank you and we look forward to you joining us.

Back to Retreat Schedule

Testimonials

Claudia is so professional and she likes to share with all of us the benefits of healthy food, she is a super teacher. When the world is really stressful, when you work too much, it is good to spend some time here and take care of you. The only thing that matters is your health and you are the only boss, so do yoga and eat healthy food, your body will enjoy it.
Valerie, China 2012

I came specifically for a weight loss problem, this I achieved, and got a detox for free!! Everyone is friendly, professional and nice. You need a Gym for people like myself who did not do Yoga!!
Clive, UK 2011

Temai, Lea and I would sincerely like to thank you all for the glorious time and learning experience you provided for us at Samahita Yoga Thailand.

We have arrived safely (and recovered quite successfully from jetlag) and look forward to continue all practices.

Temai misses all his recent friends and addictive environment but you know Temai he is back to his eating routine like expected :)

We enjoyed our time immensely and home to see you all soon!

Kind regards and best wishes,

Om shanti,
Temai, Lea and Uzo, 2006

The best place to detox-especially if you have not done it before because everything is well organized and Claudia is a star supporter. You feel very well taken care of.
Jessica, Norway 2010

Claudia is an excellent teacher. I learned a lot on this retreat. I will remember this experience forever. I learned a lot about ways to reduce my cravings for sweets which is my biggest problem. The people who work there from the receptionist to the massage personnel are excellent. I enjoyed my stay very much. Thank you for the remarkable experience.
Lina, USA 2012