Why not join us for a rejuvenating week of yoga in the tropical paradise of Koh Phangan, Thailand? Escape from your hectic days and immerse yourself in a peaceful retreat where you can relax, replenish your spirit, and discover or deepen your yoga practice. You’ll have the chance to meet fellow yogis and find inspiration while enjoying comfortable accommodation, indulging in healthy yogi food, and practicing lots of yoga at a stunning location right on the Gulf of Thailand.
Come and escape, retreat, and deal with those underlying health issues to leave feeling revitalized and refreshed. And when you’re not doing that, you can enjoy the beautiful sunsets of Koh Phangan and the company of like-minded detoxers. This retreat is affordable luxury for everyone!
Here’s a sample daily schedule:
– From 08:00 to 08:45, join us for meditation and pranayama.
– From 09:00 to 10:30, experience either Yoga basics or Dynamic Vinyasa.
– At 10:45, enjoy a delicious breakfast with an ocean view.
– The afternoons are open for you to enjoy a daily Thai massage, use the herbal steam room and pool, and more.
– At 13:00, savor a tasty lunch with an ocean view.
– From 15:00 to 16:15, participate in Mixed-levels Vinyasa.
– Then, from 16:30 to 17:45, unwind with Yin and Restorative yoga.
– Finally, at 18:00, enjoy a delightful dinner while watching the sunset.
The retreat is happening at Ananda Yoga & Detox Center in Koh Phangan, Thailand. Koh Phangan, an island paradise in the Gulf of Thailand, is located around 100 kilometers from the coast of Southern Thailand in Surat Thani Province and about 15 kilometers from the famous resort island of Koh Samui.
Koh Phangan is the largest of Samui’s neighboring islands, covering an area of 168 square kilometers. More than 70% of the island is covered with mountains and tropical forests, while the lowland is comprised of mountains and coconut fields. Around 14,000 people reside in Koh Phangan, with the majority being of Chinese descent. Additionally, many Thais from different parts of Thailand have moved here to establish tourism-related businesses. The main hub of activity is Thong Sala, which is the primary entry point into the island from Samui.
Coconuts are the main agricultural product of Koh Phangan, with over one million coconut exports to Bangkok being produced by Koh Samui and Koh Phangan each month. Fishing is another important industry on the island, alongside the ever-growing tourism sector. Approximately 95% of the island’s population practices Buddhism, which holds great significance in their daily lives.
At Ananda Yoga & Detox Center, our yoga retreats come with delicious vegetarian and vegan meals from our restaurant. We prepare three meals a day with a yogi sensibility just for you. You can choose from a main dish, beverage, and dessert.
Our restaurant caters to yogi preferences and offers a wide range of healthy sattvic food. We have plenty of fresh vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available. You can enjoy both local Thai cuisine and western food in our beachfront restaurant lounge.
Now, let’s take a look at our menus. For breakfast, you can choose from options like omelette, fruit and muesli yogurt, or eggs with toast and hashbrowns. We also have healthy bowls like chia bowl or granola bowl.
If you’re in the mood for soups and salads, we have options like pumpkin soup, broccoli soup, and raw greens salad. Our entrees menu includes dishes such as veggie burger, green curry, or pad Thai. We have a variety of mains to choose from too, like green curry or Thai fried rice.
Don’t forget about dessert! We have a fruit plate, chocolate cake, and bliss balls platter to satisfy your sweet tooth. For beverages, we offer fresh ginger tea, mint tea, green or black tea, and filtered drinking water.
All these meals are included in your retreat package, so you don’t have to worry about a thing. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks while immersing yourself in yoga and relaxation.
At Ananda Yoga & Detox Center, we can arrange boat trips around the island or to other islands. Local fishermen have been fishing these waters for generations, and despite recent changes, Koh Phangan is still filled with fishermen who go out on their long tail boats every day.
You can practice kayaking and explore the surrounding beaches right in front of Ananda. The bay is a perfect location for it.
If you want to explore everything the island has to offer at your own pace, we have motorbikes available for rent.
Rent mountain bikes from Ananda Yoga & Detox Center and enjoy biking through the jungle paths or use it for transportation.
Snorkeling is a great way to catch a glimpse of the beautiful underwater world around the island. There are many excellent snorkel spots on the island, especially on the Northwest coast. One of the best spots is located around Koh Ma (Horse Island), off Mae Haad beach at the Northwestern tip of Koh Phangan.
You can experience a night of Thailand’s most popular sport by visiting one of the three Muay Thai stadiums in Thong Sala, one in Haad Rin, or one in Thong Nai Pan, where regular events are held.
If you want to see a nice waterfall close to the entrance and trek to mountaintop viewpoints, including Koh Phangan’s highest mountain peak Khao Ra of 630 meters, visit Phaeng Waterfall National Park located in Madua Wan village.
There is a gigantic tropical tree called don yang, and you can visit the biggest specimen measuring 14 meters in diameter. It has stood there for hundreds of years, branching off leaves and limbs.
The Chinese temple is the result of a woman’s dream in 1990 where the Buddha spoke to her and asked her to build a firelight for the people. You can visit this unique temple.
If you want to explore the oldest temple on Koh Phangan, visit Wat Khao Noi. It has ancient buildings and Chedis, and the Buddha statue inside has been there for over 300 years.
During this retreat, we’ll make sure you enjoy daily Thai massages and have access to the herbal sauna and saltwater swimming pool.
We offer daily yoga classes, except on Sundays. There is also a daily meditation/pranayama class. You can enjoy a one-hour Thai massage every day. Your accommodation will be provided for six nights. You will be served three delicious vegan/vegetarian meals each day. We provide filtered drinking water, so you don’t have to worry about that. Stay connected with our free Wi-Fi. We also have Covid-safe yoga mats, props, and blocks for your use. If you’re interested, you can try stand-up paddleboarding. Access to our herbal steam room and saltwater swimming pool is included. Additionally, we offer private motorbike parking and rental assistance. Lastly, don’t stress about laundry as we have that covered too!
What other activities do you offer? Can you provide more spa services? Are the airfare costs included? Do you provide airport transfers? How about ferry and boat tickets? Are taxi fees covered? What transportation options are available?
Issy Pritchard
February 28, 2024 at 12:00 amI loved my time at the retreat! The classes were amazing, the food was delicious, and I really appreciated the daily massage as a bonus.
Helpful ReviewDina Winzenried
February 7, 2024 at 12:00 amThe only downside is the direct street in front of the door and sometimes the music from the bars around. But with good earplugs, that’s manageable. The complex is located in a small park with swings and various seating areas to relax. They put a lot of effort into all areas and the staff are all very friendly. My bungalow was small and cozy with a hammock on the veranda. It’s not the newest, but totally sufficient and comfortable. The yoga teachers were all great, my favorites being Sarah, Emma, and Valerie. There are plenty of opportunities to try different types of yoga every day and you can plan your own day. The Shell Lounge across the street is cozy right by the sea, where you can indulge in delicious shakes and food.
Helpful ReviewJasmin Rubin
January 22, 2024 at 12:00 amThe Garden Rooms are located close to a lively street and some noisy bars, so you might want to bring ear plugs.
It would be helpful to provide more information about the workshops so participants know what to expect beyond just the titles. I attended one workshop where the teacher unexpectedly focused on challenging our questions and promoting belief in Karma as the path to personal growth – not what I anticipated and not something I would recommend.
On the bright side, the yoga classes were fantastic with knowledgeable teachers. The food was delicious and the staff was friendly and helpful. The highlight was watching the beautiful sunrise every evening during dinner, making it a truly special experience.
Helpful ReviewMarta Torner
January 8, 2024 at 12:00 amThe cost may be on the higher end, but it’s comparable to other options on the island. We could improve the intro, especially when talking about the food – included meals and any extra charges. Overall, everything was great 🙂 You can decide which sessions to attend in this self-paced retreat, which is fantastic. Plus, with your own room, you get a free daily massage. The food choices were superb, and the restaurant was lovely.
Helpful ReviewJose Omar Castro Ruiz
December 30, 2023 at 12:00 amWhat are your activities on the weekends? Where are you located?
Helpful ReviewFloor Bobbink
December 26, 2023 at 12:00 amWhen I was heading back, I had to pay for the taxi to the nearest village. They didn’t offer to let me stay another night in the dorm before I left, even though there were rooms available. They charged me for laundry, and the retreat was really expensive. The lessons were pretty repetitive, with lots of relaxation and meditation. Sometimes I couldn’t even keep up with them. There was a Christmas party, a women’s circle, and we went swimming at Zen Beach. I did get compensation after I complained.
Helpful ReviewInes Simoa
November 21, 2023 at 12:00 amThe yoga classes and workshops are incredible at this place. All the staff are amazing and polite, adding to the welcoming atmosphere that Valerie brings, making you feel right at home. It has been one of the best experiences in my life.
Helpful ReviewKatharina Fleck
November 7, 2023 at 12:00 amAnanda is an incredible place to either enhance your knowledge of yoga or begin your yoga journey from scratch. Throughout my stay, I felt comfortable, learned a lot, and had the chance to truly rejuvenate. One thing I found particularly fantastic was how you can structure your day however you want. They offer a wide range of yoga and meditation sessions to choose from.
Even though I didn’t take part in yoga teacher training, I can easily imagine that Ananda is the perfect place for it! You really get excellent value for your money here. The food at “The Shell” at the beach was exceptional, and the staff was always attentive and caring. All the yoga instructors are amazing and each has their own unique style. I also loved that they offer workshops to help you delve deeper into your practice.
Let’s not forget about the luxurious amenities like the pool, massages, steam bath, and the refreshing ice bath! Thanks to everyone at Ananda for making my week so wonderful. I will definitely be back someday! Oh, and I’ve already recommended this place to all my friends and travel companions! 🙂
Helpful ReviewDenise Kampitsch
August 10, 2023 at 12:00 amThe street and a few restaurants nearby can sometimes be noisy. We absolutely loved our yoga retreat at Ananda 🙂 We stayed for 5 days and received so much more than we anticipated. They offered a wide variety of yoga classes and workshops, and the teachers were amazing. The food at the shell was excellent, and we adored the staff there. We highly recommend Ananda Yoga and Detox Center for an immersive yoga experience and positive vibes on Koh Phangan. We’d definitely come back! Thank you for everything ?!
Helpful ReviewJittinan Kitsumritiroj
July 23, 2023 at 12:00 amUnfortunately, you can’t swim at the beach. The yoga classes and workshops are amazing. They offer a variety of content and are very informative. The staff is really nice and helpful.
Helpful ReviewOlivia Grillenberger
June 28, 2023 at 12:00 am– We would have liked to have received a better orientation to the program since we felt a bit lost as beginners, not knowing which courses to take and what to expect.
– Unfortunately, the rooms were very dark, so we didn’t enjoy spending time there.
– The staff was very friendly, attentive, and helpful.
– There is a wide range of activities available.
– There are many cozy spots to hang out, especially the restaurant right by the beach.
– The food is super delicious and there is a wide variety to choose from.
– The daily massages are like a dream.
– Cleanliness is always taken care of, especially with the yoga equipment, which is in excellent condition.
Helpful ReviewAntje Merkau
May 24, 2023 at 12:00 amThe daily schedule was too packed for me as an older beginner. I had to skip some things because I lacked the energy. Each teacher was different, but they were all very good and friendly. The food is delicious and healthy. It’s an amazing place.
Helpful ReviewLea Messner
May 15, 2023 at 12:00 amAfter two weeks of traveling through Thailand, we found it incredibly relaxing and recharging. The accommodation was clean and nice, and the yoga program was extensive. We had the opportunity to learn from many different yoga teachers who offered various levels and methods of instruction. Meeting Sabina was a highlight as she helped us master the basic yoga positions. We also want to thank Paola for her cheerful demeanor and warm personality. It was a pleasure being a part of this experience, and we will definitely recommend it to others.
Helpful ReviewMaite Montero Nahoum
April 17, 2023 at 12:00 amThe staff at the beach were so welcoming and attentive. They offered a variety of classes and created a calm atmosphere.
Helpful ReviewCora Supenski
January 30, 2023 at 12:00 amThe rooms at the resort in Thailand were pretty good by their standards, although a bit musty during the rainy season. They had everything I needed for accommodation, but they weren’t anything fancy. I actually wished that there was a better beach nearby, but it turns out I had to drive about 20 minutes north to find one.
However, my experience with the yoga teacher training at Ananda Yoga and Detox was absolutely worth every penny. Valerie, the instructor, has an amazing wealth of knowledge and a deep love for yoga that shows in her teaching. I was truly impressed by how she managed to run the program and handle the resort, all while connecting with each of her students. Alona, another instructor, was incredibly dedicated to our yoga practice and genuinely cared about each of us. Britt, with her laid-back and approachable nature, was always supportive and uplifting. Thanks to them, I left the training feeling confident in my ability to lead successful yoga classes.
Helpful ReviewLotte Noergaard
January 20, 2023 at 12:00 amMaybe there’s just one small thing to improve: one of the female staff in the Shell lounge seemed a bit impolite and like she wasn’t enjoying her job. She didn’t smile, make eye contact, or provide many answers when we asked about the food. On the bright side, the instructors were all really fantastic. Plus, the food was delicious and the surroundings (the garden, pool, etc.) were amazing.
Helpful ReviewIsabelle Mitura
December 27, 2022 at 12:00 amI absolutely loved it! The training was fantastic, and I not only improved my own practice but also learned a lot about teaching yoga. The teachers were highly qualified and did a great job explaining the material. The location was amazing, right on the beach with a view of the sunset. And the food was absolutely delicious! I looked forward to every meal, and they always made sure to accommodate my vegan diet with incredibly tasty options.
Helpful ReviewAngels Aviño
November 18, 2022 at 12:00 amI didn’t get a chance to share my accomplishments, but I’m so happy to have enjoyed this retreat on a peaceful island. The location, the bar, the accommodation, and the friendly people were all amazing. It was such a wonderful experience!
Helpful ReviewRomana Kozáková
November 7, 2022 at 12:00 amI was really looking forward to a proper yoga experience, but unfortunately, it felt more like a resort with an optional yoga class. If you’re expecting a traditional retreat, you might be disappointed, despite the title. They ended up cancelling all five of the ashtanga mysore classes without providing a replacement teacher, which drastically reduced the number of classes available, especially for advanced yogis like myself. There was no compensation for this, so I left feeling quite disappointed.
The check-in process was really confusing since the manager wasn’t on-site to give clear instructions. When I arrived at my room, I noticed there were a lot of spider webs and the bed was left unmade, so I had to do it myself, hoping it was clean. Towards the end of my stay, they even forgot to refill the toilet paper. It was surprising to see this lack of quality considering the resort seemed pretty empty.
The staff was a mixed bag. Some were super friendly, but others seemed annoyed and didn’t even bother to say “hi”. The service in the restaurant was decent, but incredibly slow. Since I had to eat there three times a day for six days straight, I noticed they often forgot or mixed up orders.
Now, let’s talk about the massages. They were included in the package, with one per day. During my fifth massage, the the masseuse forcefully blocked my neck, which was concerning. The next day, I asked the staff at the detox bar twice to pair me up with a different masseuse, but they promised they would and never did. So, I ended up having to stick with the same lady for two more massages, or risk skipping it altogether.
Overall, it wasn’t a terrible stay, but if you’re looking for a yoga retreat, I don’t think it’s worth the money. The place itself is really nice, with basic but clean rooms, and the resort has a welcoming atmosphere. They have two shalas, a herbal sauna, a nice pool, and plenty of areas to chill and relax. The restaurant also serves great food. It’s just important to note that the area is pretty quiet, so having a scooter to get around is a good idea.
Helpful ReviewKelly Bornemann
October 13, 2022 at 12:00 amThis place was absolutely wonderful! The staff was incredibly helpful and accommodating! I did the detox and I felt amazing afterwards. It was actually easier than I expected because they keep you so busy that you won’t even have time to think about food! I loved staying in the elevated bungalow and I will definitely be back for round two, three, four, and more! Thank you so much, guys!
Helpful ReviewElly Gts
September 5, 2022 at 12:00 amThe rooms were dirty.
Helpful ReviewAisling Maria Deasy
August 1, 2022 at 12:00 amLeaving Ananda was heartbreaking. The teachers here shared an incredible amount of knowledge and were extremely supportive. By the end of the 4 weeks, Ananda had become my home. I feel so grateful for the amazing experience they provided me and for all the wonderful people I had the chance to meet.
Helpful ReviewBarbara Peters
April 13, 2020 at 12:00 amIf you’re looking to teach yoga, this is the place to be! You’ll leave with the skills to confidently lead your own 90-minute yoga class. Jonny, our incredible teacher, shares his passion and knowledge throughout the course. Plus, the food here is amazingly healthy and delicious. And don’t forget, we also have a pool and sauna at the Resort. The staff is extremely helpful too!
Helpful ReviewNikhil Jacob
December 28, 2019 at 12:00 amThe yoga retreat seemed a bit expensive compared to other options on the island if you break down the cost of yoga, food, and accommodation. However, it was definitely worth the money considering the breakthroughs I had, the amazing people I met, the beautiful location, the great vibe, and all the wonderful memories I made. It would be even better if the evening yoga session ended before sunset so that everyone could have a chance to see the sunset at the beach. The people here are truly amazing, the location is excellent, the atmosphere is really nice, and the overall vibe is just perfect. The staff is very dedicated to those in the detox program, and the yoga instructors have a lot of experience.
Helpful ReviewMiriam Jaskolski
September 26, 2019 at 12:00 amMelissa’s Yin teacher training exceeded my expectations by a lot. I’ve learned so much and now I feel prepared and ready to go out there, share my gained knowledge, and be a confident yoga teacher.
Helpful ReviewAlexandra Anda
June 6, 2019 at 12:00 amThere are so many options around the world, it’s hard to choose! Another yogi recommended Ananda to me and I am so happy I made the trip all the way there for my YTT. The teachers at Ananda are excellent, disciplined, and kind in a beautiful setting. The program is demanding but definitely worth the investment!
Helpful ReviewBenedicte D.
August 30, 2018 at 12:00 amEveryone at Ananda is lovely and always available. Our food is vegetarian, organic, and absolutely delicious. This place feels like a little piece of heaven, and the yoga shala is incredibly inspiring. You won’t find a better value compared to other expensive, trendy, and fashionable yoga places on the island.
Helpful ReviewGiada Brino
May 1, 2018 at 12:00 amThe position is far away from beaches where you can swim, but the one in front of it gives a beautiful sunset. We offer yoga lessons, food, massage, and accommodation.
Helpful ReviewMatthew Waxman
April 2, 2018 at 12:00 amI was hoping the rooms would be better, but considering the standards on Koh Phangnan, they’re surprisingly nice. At Ananda’s teacher training, you’ll have the opportunity to bond with fellow Yogis and see the best in each other. It’s not as strict as a Sivananda Ashram, but there’s a wealth of information available if you’re willing to put in the effort. The food, pool, steam room, and staff are all fantastic. This program goes beyond just poses; it’s carefully designed to equip you with a wealth of knowledge that will help you become a skilled Yoga teacher in every aspect.
Helpful ReviewElio Wehbe
August 7, 2017 at 12:00 amOverall, the experience completely changed my life. The program pushed me hard, but it benefited me tremendously, both physically and spiritually. It cleverly and effectively combines all aspects of yoga. When I finished the program, I felt confident in my ability to start teaching, and I was also incredibly excited about it.
Helpful ReviewUte Laser
June 13, 2017 at 12:00 amThe additional classes like pranayama, meditation, anatomy, and special classes (such as pregnancy) definitely need some improvement. The room cleaning was not done well. Although the food was very good, it lacked variety, which is quite disappointing considering it was a long-term stay. These issues reflect the downside of a low-cost TTC unfortunately. Overall, everything was as expected, but I had hoped for a deeper and more extensive experience with all aspects of yoga. However, I must mention that the yoga classes and alignment were excellent.
Helpful Review