Vikasa Yoga Retreat

Stayed for 3 nights as a solo traveler. The yoga caves are small but very pretty, modern and clean. No ensuite but the toilets and showers are 10m from the rooms and very clean -- still...not the most fun to get up in the middle of the night. 3-4 yoga classes each day and really impressed that the teaching is quite advanced. Classes have a whole range of skills ability, most people seem fairly beginner. The complementary Cafe breakfast is incredibly yummy (scrambled tofu!) and filling, and such a view! In 3 days / a shorter stay you probably won't talk to anyone, people are smiley and friendly but don't engage beyond that.

Ahhhh Vikasa you’re soooo close to being a total gem but you’re falling a bit short for me. So first off anyone reading this should know I I was a guest for 3 nights so not part of any group. “Independent solo traveler” looking for some connection, healthy living and peace & quiet. Why this is important - there seemed to be numerous groups staying at Vikasa on retreat while I was there. So they had their own tables / vibes / group dynamics and will also have their own reviews. They looked they there were having fun (as a solo traveller felt a bit left out). Soooo why I think you fall short … - I think for me it was the lack of connection. Perhaps it was unrealistic to think I could connect in 3 nights but some things that might help … // more communal tables encouraging this with the “drop in group” // phone and laptop free zones … I was VERY Sad to see laptops and phones out and people with earphones on and in zoom calls // More connected conversations ‘ & group activities - I went to both on the evenings but they were VERY surface level (hike was also organised but it was rather expensive per person for a hike?!) Another thing that was a bit of a reminder that this is a resort and place to make money was the fact that everything was just that more expensive than in the outside world - if you order a taxi with reception 450 vs 300 , smoothies 230 vs 100, Massage 800 vs 300 . I guess it’s hard to be authentic & also make money but it was very noticeable when you when out to town. Someone said ya but that’s only xx in GBP but I think it’s just the principle feels a bit off. Finally there was construction on site which really annoyed me. I asked for a quiet room and got the room right by the drilling. It was also very noticeable at the pool. I just wish someone would have given me the heads up on this. Finally would I recommend this resort - yes and no. I am hopeful that they will make some changes to elevate the space. But in its current form it’s ok but not a must visit retreat just yet if you have the time rather just commit and book into a week long retreat either here or somewhere else would be my recommendation. So you can get that structure and community.

I just completed my 200YTT at Vikasa, Koh Samui, Thailand. I'm 58 years old. I've been doing yoga for about 15 years on and off. I moved to Koh Samui 14 months ago and have been taking classes at Vikasa since my arrival. Prior to signing up for the YTT I had a very good idea of who the teachers would be and their skill set. I knew the food that would be offered, I knew the setting. There was very little "WOW" going in for me as compared to my classmates. I DID NOT SIGN UP FOR THE YTT TO BECOME A YOGA TEACHER! In brief - it was the best thing I've ever done for my body, my mind, myself, in my entire life! At the conclusion of week one, I drove home (I commuted to the studio each morning) and my wife observed "I don't remember you being this happy in years." At the end of the 3rd week she observed "It's like you've shed a skin. You've changed." The quality of the faculty is outstanding. The food will inspire you to change your diet forever. The training and support along the way is scaffolded allowing the student to gain the knowledge and skills to fully prepare them to become competent yoga teachers ready to go out there, apply what they have learned and start teaching. Two of my classmates are already teaching (and getting paid for it)! Don't be afraid that you have to be in the best shape of your life to do this YTT, you don't. That being said, you WILL be challenged and you should make every effort to prepare your body (wrists, core, legs and shoulders as much as you can.) Some of my classmates ended up having to sit out a couple of classes and that was hard for them. (Yes, they all graduated.) If you find yourself in a place where you are not sure what the next chapter of your life is going to or should be, searching inside and want to challenge yourself as you walk this journey then Vikasa is a fantastic place to do it. You will be surrounded but supportive, intelligent and loving people. People like you looking to grow, looking to make the most of themselves, and life. And yes, some of them very much looking to have a career as a yoga teacher. If you want to hear some of my classmates testimonials then you can do so at my YT channel: Ed and Tomo.