Media Reviews

Yoga in Samui

Island of Repose
Samahita Retreat guest Louise came here to take a break and take stock of her life...

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Ontspannen op Koh Samui

Geniet van prachtige natuur en kies uit een breed scala aan yogalessen op het Thaise eiland Koh Samui.

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The Art of Thai Healing

Stepping out of the coolness of my air-conditioned car straight into a warm cocoon of peace at the Samahita Yoga Thailand, I feel my body instantly relax. The balmy evening air is laced with lingering spice and a hint of incense that lifts the weight of the world from my shoulders.

Emerging from the smoggy heat and chaos of Bangkok to the island escape of Koh Samui, destined for a week intriguingly entitled 'Yoga & the Art of Healing', I'm eager with the promise of shedding my winter skin.

Under the watchful eye of Claudia Jones, it doesn't take long for me to surrender to a daily routine, all early rising, herbal tea, long breathing workshops and sandy beach Ashtanga yoga classes. Mouth-watering brunches give way to afternoons of slightly self-indulgent relaxation and contemplation, lounging in the salt-water pool to soothe away the yoga aches and, according to Claudia, refreshing my lymph system - a vital part of any detox regime.

I finish my days with some much needed pampering in the Wellness Centre, extra classes in shady indoor spots or tuition on all sorts of alternative therapies - think vibrational medicine, flower remedies, and chakra systems

Watching the sun set from the herbal steam room, and retiring to my suite after a divine evening buffet, I try to remember who I had even been before this most heavenly of routines had begun, twelve hours earlier.

I realise that my shy inner 'yogi' has finally surfaced from the recesses of my mind. It's the end of the week and I'm entirely relaxed - and couldn't feel further than the 14,000 miles I am from home. I've swapped my prized creature comforts for simple luxury, with a queen sized bed, air-conditioning and some seriously healthy meals for company, and let life go a little.

Though I know I can't delay the inevitable, and will soon be making reluctant steps towards the long journey home, I know that I'll travel soundly, safe in the knowledge that I'd be able to re-find my yogi back in London with more than a few simple tricks in my pocket.

I'll be back next year.

Yoga, Sun, Beach and Ocean at Samahita Yoga Thailand

Über Koh Samui ist der Himmel blitzblau, der Flieger nähert sich der nahezu kreisrunden Insel, die wunderschön grün aus der türkisblauen Haut des Golfs von Thailand ragt. Man sieht sie immer häufiger am Flughafen von Samui, die reisenden Yogis mit ihren Mattentaschen. Hier gelandet, um ins Yoga, tropische Wetter, den Sand, das Meer und die köstliche Thailändische Interpretation einer sattvischen Küche einzutauchen... Download PDF >>

Asia's Top Ten Burnout Retreats

Stress is something we all live with, right? Whether it's the pressure of a punishing work schedule or a busy home life, it's not unusual to feel like there aren't enough hours in the day. Some forms of stress are good for us and motivate us to achieve, but chronic stress - the kind of stress that seems inescapable and is ongoing - is a serious no-no and can cause illness and disease if left unchecked. Recent studies suggest that three in four people experience stress at troubling levels, the side effects of which are anxiety, depression, weight gain, heart disease and stroke, hair loss, diabetes, sexual dysfunction, infertility, low immunity, ulcers and cancer. That's the bad news; the good news is that chronic stress can be avoided through wellness education. Here we look at some of Asia's best stress-busting retreats and their techniques to boost energy and maintain balance, no matter how hectic life gets.

Samahita Wellness Centre, Thailand
Perched on a pristine beach in Koh Samui, Samahita is a peaceful wellness centre that uses the holistic principles of yoga as a lens to view nutrition, attitude, exercise and lifestyle for greater wellbeing. The team of health directors, nurses, yoga gurus and nutritionists will guide you through a detoxification regime to rid the body of toxins. A retreat of at least seven to 10 days is recommended for best results, but shorter stays are also on offer. The holistic programme includes juice and broth fasts, Ayurvedic herbal formulas, liver cleansing, colon hydrotherapy, infrared saunas, steam rooms, spa treatments, yoga practice and breath work. www.wellness-thailand.com

Thailand's Wellness Gurus

Paul Da llaghan, founder of Samahita Yoga Thailand, has been living in Koh Samui with his wife Jutima since 2001. They originally came to teach and study while in India but were called to offer more for others interested in yoga and health. "We genuinely felt a place with authentic practices and integrity was needed and could only be done by those who fully live it. Though the country is full on in modernity and materialism with its own typical tourist callings, it at the same time carries with it a legacy of spiritual practice through Buddhism and even yogic exposure. The forest monks here are real yogis." With Samahita they have created an environment with the principles of an Indian ashram and the conveniences of the modern resort. "Though one can get caught up in the fun and games up north of the island, this element of raw spirituality still thrives. This drew us and will hopefully help direct others to it too."

Extraordinary Retreats

Holidays are conventionally all about being indulgent and treating yourself, but more often than not you return home needing an extra holiday to get over your holiday. Planning your time away around a health retreat may sound like it's taking the fun out of your valuable time away from work and everyday routines, but in fact you will be treating your body and mind in a far better way and they'll thank you for it with higher energy levels, a more positive outlook and possibly some inner demons that have been put to rest on your return.

Thailand's mix of natural beauty and spiritual culture makes it an obvious choice for a retreat, and there are several to choose from, whether you simply want to relax, tackle weight or serious health problems, or embark on a detox.
"Some people come for general health purposes, such as to improve energy levels or digestion or to lose a few extra kilos, others have more serious medical conditions such as hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, IBS, even cancer or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and others may just be curious," says Michelle Cooper, Manager of Atsumi Healing Centre, Phuket. "But mostly people come after being recommended to Atsumi by a friend, relative or work colleague."
Word of mouth works particularly well when it comes to recommending retreats, as does the glowing appearance of friends or family who have just completed a cleanse. Chiva-Som's popularity among Hollywood stars, not to mention its long-standing reputation as one of the pioneering retreats in Asia, works strongly in its favour, while at Kamalaya a recent slew of industry awards has shone the spotlight their way.
At the Four Seasons Koh Samui, guests this page: A dreamy alfresco treatment at the Indonesia Spa, Six Senses Sanctuary, Phuket. opposite page: The view from the balcony suite at Anantara Si Kao.
Holidays are conventionally all about being indulgent and treating yourself, but more often than not you return home needing an extra holiday to get over your holiday. Planning your time away around a health retreat may sound like it's taking the fun out of your valuable time away from work and everyday routines, but in fact you will be treating your body and mind in a far better way and they'll thank you for it with higher energy levels, a more positive outlook and possibly some inner demons that have been put to rest on your return. can eschew the usual fine wining and dining to follow the Puriti detox. Lead by Spa Manager Gabriela Zoltakova, a qualified nurse, guests answer a detailed questionnaire before they arrive, and at the initial consultation discuss any problems and the goals they are aiming for. "The idea is to make a detox enjoyable," says Gabriela. "You're staying at the Four Seasons and enjoying the luxury that comes with that. It's an opportunity to observe what is going on inside and take time to reconnect with yourself."
Mandarin Oriental Group Director of Spa Andrew Gibson has created a retreat at the Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi that "can harness the best of our talent to the benefit of as many guests as possible." Providing more than just spa, the resort's wellness retreats introduce guests to gentle programmes that address weight problems, bring down stress levels and help to generally detox, while also giving them the opportunity to explore Chiang Mai. Wherever you choose to 'treat' your body and mind, retreats can be just as much fun, and infinitely more rewarding, than a conventional holiday. A kick start to new positive habits and long-term holistic health, it's no wonder this spa trend has caught on big time.

Samahita Yoga Thailand, Koh Samui You can choose from wellness, detox and yoga retreats at Samahita, founded by Paul Dallaghan and his wife Jutima. Graeme and Carole Bradshaw lead regular Yoga Detox retreats, and there's Jessica Blanchard and Paul Dallaghan's Evolving with Ayurveda. On Laem Sor Beach, the resort's Wellness Centre for spa treatments, colonic irrigation and farinfrared sauna supports detox programmes, while Sattva Restaurant focuses on serving up food that gives your digestion a holiday too.

Yoga und Ayurveda

Vor wenigen Jahrzehnten waren Yoga und Ayurveda im Westen annähernd unbekannte Größen. Heute sind sie Mainstream, das eine als Alternative zu Sport, das andere als Vorbeuge- bzw. Komplementärmedizin. Worum geht es dabei? Ein Selbstversuch in zwei Etappen. Continue reading >>

Tropical yoga immersion at Samahita Yoga Thailand

The beautiful island of Koh Samui, off Thailand's East coast, has become a hotbed of yoga in the last few years.

Koh Samui and the yoga scene

As well as detox and yoga resort The Absolute Sanctuary on the north coast, the 20km-wide island is also home to acclaimed holistic spa Kamalaya, and, ten minutes along a quiet road, nestling in the far south of the island, Samahita Yoga Thailand. Continue reading >>

Samahita Yoga Thailand - The Perfect Detox Experience

The Samahita Wellness Centre provides an authentic yoga retreat and impeccably managed detox programme against an inspiring tropical island backdrop.

We were so thrilled to be invited to the first residential Samahita Yoga and Detox retreat on the beautiful tropical island of Koh Samui. The centre has always offered yoga residentials, but this is the first time the centre has run a dedicated detox stay. Continue reading >>

Detox, Cleanse and Yoga

Serious yoga aficionados should look no further than Samahita Yoga Thailand, a small "home from home" facility set in Samui's deep south on the quietest beach on the island. Living the talk, instructor Tiana says that staff at Samahita Yoga Thailand keep things "honest, simple and sincere," believing that yoga isn't just about asanas: healthy clean living plays its part, so all food is organic vegetarian and sugar-free, yet delicious. Yoga retreats or training can be accompanied by a no-nonsense yet nurturing detox at the integral Samahita Wellness facility - and personalised regimes are available too. Architecture is functional rather than aesthetic, but, as to be expected, the ecoemphasis is high. The idea is to leave here rejuvenated and relaxed , but, more importantly, empowered on many levels. www.yoga-thailand.com

Thailand's Hidden Yoga Gem

In my time I have been to many retreats around the globe with the yoga, health and wellness "theme" to it. But none seemed to quite hit the spot as Samahita Yoga Thailand in Koh Samui did. Perhaps this is one reason why I keep coming back. Unlike other wellness centres around Asia and globally for that matter, Samahita Yoga Thailand offers something the others don't. SINCERITY. This teacher - owned, teacher - directed Hidden Gem is the genius of Paul and Jutima Dallaghan, who have instilled a sense of balance to this unique place on all levels.

With a home away from home atmosphere, (but not lacking the comfort and chiq-ness we are used to) this niche 28 room retreat and wellness centre offers a proper understanding and teaching of yoga for beginners and non beginners a like. With a beautiful and well- equipped wellness centre providing detox programs and treatments tailored for you, it is a complete embodiment of health and wellness on every level.

Where other "spa type" retreat and wellness resorts have a very stagnant almost Club Med feel, Samahita Yoga Thailand provides personal, dedicated and unique attention you just won't find anywhere else.

As Hong Konger's we often cannot seem to take too much time off, so with direct flights to Koh Samui on Bangkok Airways, there really is no reason not to go.

Go pamper yourself. Go get a detox 3,5,7 days and come back and make all your friends jealous.

Check out www.yoga-thailand.com and www.wellness-thailand.com for more details. Well worth the trip! Do it for your health.

Finding the inner I

Take a deep breath when you reach the full stop at the end of this sentence. Now exhale. Again: deep inhale, feel the cool air as it moves through your nostrils, see your abdomen and chest expand; now exhale slowly through your nose, the same air coming back out warm, feel your face relax. Last time, and now don't read on, just breathe. And smile. Plug your ears with your fingers and listen to yourself breathe. Continue reading >>

Headstand on the Beach

When in 2001, with modest savings, Paul and Jutima squinted at the light at the end of the Lincoln Tunnel, they were leaving not only New York and their former years in training as yoga teachers behind them. Their destination was Los Angeles, their next stop Bangkok, Jutima's place of birth. Before they founded Samahita Yoga Thailand, they travelled to India in order to study in Mysore with their teacher Pattabhi Jois and his grandson Sharath. Continue reading >>

Take up yoga in Thailand

Miles from the thrum of Chaweng beach, with its tandooried Euro backpackers, designer fakes and pesky touts, is one of Koh Samui's hidden gems: Samahita Yoga Thailand.

Irishman Paul Dallaghan and his Thai wife, Jutima, established the yoga centre six years ago after relocating from Manhattan to raise their family. The result is a dedicated yoga retreat, a place where yogis aspiring or experienced can take up residence and immerse themselves in traditional ashtanga vinyasa yoga, the discipline responsible for 51-year-old Madonna's rock-hard physique. Continue reading >>

Samahita Yoga Thailand

Koh Samui, Thailand
www.yoga-thailand.com

Paul and Jutima Dallaghan's Ashtanga Yoga shala (school) and retreat center may be the only smoke- and alcohol-free getaway on the island of Koh Samui. The couple opened Samahita Yoga Thailand in 2003 after living and teaching in New York. This year, they're relocating to the southern part of the island and reopening just in time for their annual Christmas and New Year's Retreat. The new center can accommodate as many as 60 guests. Its eco-design features include rainwater harvesting and solar water heating. Continue reading >>

Paul Dallaghan, Founder of Samahita Yoga Thailand and Centered Yoga Institute, Thailand

Paul has been teaching constantly since he arrived on Koh Samui in 2001 when only a small number of yoga studios existed there. He believes strongly that yoga's spread can not be attributed directly to the influence of people, but will spread organically through the effect of yoga itself. Continue reading >>

Best for honest yoga practice.
Technically not a spa but very much wrapped up in healing philosophy, Samahita Yoga Thailand is a haven for yogis

and yoga want-to-bes worldwide. Situated on a secluded beach facing the island of Ko Pha Ngan, to the north of Samui, it is the brainchild of Irish yogi Paul Dallaghan and his Thai wife. Jutima. Dallaghan is one of just a handful of practitioners in the world registered by Sri. K. Pattabhi Jois (the founder of Ashtanga yoga) and the centre is totally dedicated to the practice of the dynamic Ashtanga practice. Retreats are held regularly through the year while locals and visitors appea r fromall corners of the island for regular morning yoga practice. If clean energy,. honest practice and some time out to listen to the heart or become enlightened is needed, then Samahita Yoga Thailand is a must.
For more information, visit www.yoga-thailand.com