Samahita Retreat Center is a dedicated retreat center, home to Centered Yoga and Samahita Wellness, that share a single purpose-to provide a place in which to practice healthy living and to share with others this particular way of life.

Being the original Yoga Thailand, our center has grown and developed over the years and now encompasses a wellness center as well as its traditional yoga offerings. The name Samahita is translated from Sanskrit as centered or balanced. To find balance is key in daily habits, in weight management, in dealing with stress. Samahita Retreats clear and dedicated purpose is to provide both the tools to work on yourself through specific practices and dedicated programs as well as the environment within to learn, change and renew.

Samahita Retreat has a respected reputation in offering classical yoga practices and their philosophy through pranayama (breath), asana (body postures), vinyasa (breath and movement) and meditative techniques. Classical yoga embodies the wisdom of the Yoga Sutra and the practices of hatha, rooted in the original teachings but practical and accessible for a demanding life today.

We offer several personalized and guided Detox, Healthy Weight and De-Stress programs, for either the first timer stepping into healthy approaches or one already in yoga and health to take your practice a step further while transforming your body and mind. We, at Samahita Retreat, are committed to this life. We live it and we have many years’ experience. We know what it takes not just to help people relax but to reach a point of transformation.

Samahita Retreat is located in the south of Koh Samui, right on the beach. It is in a quiet area off the beaten track, with plenty of privacy and comforts, yet still close to markets and amenities. The beach is virtually ours alone, many rooms in our yoga retreat have a direct sea view, while the surroundings are lush and green. Many of Koh Samui’s special attractions are down the south near us, waterfalls to temples and more. A walk down our beach brings you to the golden Laem Sor Pagoda of a realized Buddhist monk, whose force has drawn us to be established in this special spot.

Samahita Retreat is home to Centered Yoga , a world leader in the field of yoga education and teacher training. Since its founding in 1999 we have been offering courses for professional yoga teachers, those aspiring to become teachers, and serious students seeking to go deeper in the practice. We have earned the reputation as Asia’s most respected and longest running Yoga Alliance Registered Program both at the 200 and 500 levels and one of a few so well established and experienced in the world.

All backgrounds of people join us here, whether yoga students, from beginners to advanced, those looking to lose weight and get healthy, regenerate from a stressful life to a holiday with all the healthy perks. It is the kind of wellness resort where someone traveling alone can meet people and feel at home, and where families can relax and enjoy themselves. (We offer many services for parents of young children, who might not have much time for their own time or yoga back home.) Discover delicious and healthy food and an atmosphere conducive to both restoration and growth in a true community where many friendships blossom. Even partners who don’t do yoga or wellness find our setup perfect for them while their other half gets on with the yoga and treatments! In short, all are welcome.

We cultivate a friendly, comfortable environment that allows guests to be social or private. More than just a spa resort, our excellent facilities allow guests the option to engage in a variety of practices and treatments during their stay. Our facilities include a yoga shala, a meditation garden, a wellness center (Spa) and treatment rooms, an herbal steam room, a saltwater swimming pool, a lounge, a restaurant that serves delicious vegetarian cuisine, a full juice bar, and a boutique.

We have made a strong commitment to keep eco-friendly standards. We use 100% natural non-bleach cotton sheets and towels,solar-powered hot water, mosquito screens for cross ventilation, energy-saving magnetic key card, low energy appliances, photo sensor light switches, low-flush water-saving toilet and bathroom fixtures, structured brick-work that minimizes both energy and sound loss, rainwater harvesting. We also grow fruit trees and a herb garden and have used bamboo wood flooring in the Yoga Shala, the most renewable of all woods. When possible we encourage the use of the fans and open breeze over the AC.

After a stay at Samahita Retreat, guests often go home with much more than just a great experience. They leave equipped with tools that allow them to integrate healthier choices into their lives.

We look forward to having you as a guest.

Classical Yoga is a non-dogmatic approach to the rich tradition of yoga practices. It is based on a correct understanding of the nature and purpose of the different practices, be they asana, breath, or others. This understanding helps inform the approach of the particular practice, which goes past the mere physical effect and presentation to the subtle aspects. These gross to subtle elements, principles, are well explained by the tradition of yoga, which can be interpreted as its scientific base. This is how yoga has survived over the millenia, through correct understanding of the nature of practices, learning them well and continuing practice. Classical Yoga maintains integrity by staying true to these aspects. Join one of yoga retreats to learn more.

Pranayama is a practice that develops emotional strength and balance. It uses the breath as well as the entire respiratory system to purify and strengthen the nerves, which-when practiced consistently over time-leads to greater control of the senses, as well as a calmer, clearer mind and a great ability to handle stress in all situations.

Paul has studied pranayama for many years under one of its few remaining authorities, Sri O.P. Tiwari, who has taught him (and only one other student) the complete Pranayama. Paul continues to practice at a very advanced level under the close guidance of Tiwariji, who is the direct disciple of Swami Kuvalayananda, founder of the Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institute.

Ashtanga Vinyasa is a beautiful yet thorough approach to asana practice. It is rooted in a solid tradition and carries with it this strength of thousands of years. Ashtanga is the basis of so many approaches today. It masterfully presents the asanas and lets the students move through them, growing and undoing the blocks they encounter. It incorporates movement with breath, a unique science in its own right. Its real advantage is that it gives the student a practice and something to always progress and develop in.

Paul and the teachers are highly experienced in this practice. Paul, specifically, was one of a few in the world directly certified by Sri. K. Pattabhi Jois.

The Ashtanga Mysore styleis a very thorough approach to the practice of yoga. The sequence begins with basic postures, later opening up and revealing its depth as students continue to practice. The Mysore approach works with students individually, so that they progress according to their level. A beginner starts with only a few poses, gradually adding more and more as your practice develops and your proficiency and commitment evolve. This ensures that the student is always challenged and growing while, at the same time, practicing at the level appropriate for you.

Mediation cannot be done. It is a force that rises from within. The senses are withdrawn and full concentration of the mind occurs. As it extends, the state of mediation is reached. At Samahita our teachers will help you to develop a fertile ground for this meditation to occur, through all of the yogic techniques and practices from asana, breath work and pranayama to healthy eating and learning to watch your daily activity and behavior.

Our dedicated mediation sessions usually last 30 minutes and may include

Finding an appropriate seated position for your spine
Watching the breath
Loving Kindness (Metta)
Tratak
Mantra meditation
Recitation of Om

Gentle-flow yoga classes are light yet detailed and enjoyable. The classes are guided by the teacher, and students of any level can participate. They are perfect for those who want to take it easy in asana, but still be (mildly) challenged, or for those doing a detox program.

Yin Restorative yoga is a blissful, gentle, deeply healing and meditative practice. It is ideal for relieving stress and tension and works on the connective tissues and internal systems of the body. All asanas are seated or reclining and maintained for a few minutes, supported by props as need be.

Hatha basics explore the fundamentals of Yoga. Asanas (postures) are held for longer time with attention to details of alignment and often with rest phases between postures. Basic inversion poses may be included.

Samahita Retreat Center

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