Yoga retreats offer the perfect excuse to step away from daily responsibilities to unwind and recharge. A few months ago, my friends and I set out to find the best retreat experience the universe had to offer. After endless searches we settled on Sattva Samui, which offered an irresistible package at an unbeatable price.
Located on Koh Samui Thailand’s second-largest island. Sattva Samui is a year round yoga and detox sanctuary. Famous for its palm-fringed beaches, lush coconut groves, and mountainous rainforests, it is the ideal destination for anyone seeking to deepen their yoga practice, meditate, detox, and explore the natural charm of the island.
The Retreat Package
Even though Sattva Samui typically offers a seven-day Hatha Yoga Retreat, they are flexible with shorter stays. Since we could only stay for four days, they prorated our rate. To secure our spot, we paid a 20% deposit upfront, with the remaining balance due upon arrival.
What’s Included in the Standard Package
•Two daily yoga classes
•Daily mantra meditation
• Individual consultations with yoga teachers
• Ayurvedic diagnostics and herbal detox
• Three excursions to eight amazing locations
• Vegetarian breakfasts and lunches
• Accommodation for six nights
While Sattva Samui hosts many Russian-speaking guests, they cater just as seamlessly to English speakers, offering all yoga sessions in both languages. If you’re looking for a custom package or a more personalized experience, it’s best to reach out to them directly.
As we loaded the car with our luggage and took our seats, our sleepiness and fatigue were quickly replaced by a rush of adrenaline and excitement as we looked forward to spending the next four days on the Island. The drive from the airport to the resort took around 30 minutes.
As we sipped our chilled coconut water during check in at Satva Samui, we were briefed on the retreat’s highlights, and what to expect. In no time, we settled in our allocated rooms, changed into comfortable clothes, and went for breakfast before catching up on some much-needed sleep that we had deprived ourselves the previous day in Bangkok.
We woke up just in time for lunch. Satva Samui serves vegetarian meals for both breakfast and lunch. They keep it healthy, balanced and interesting. I loved their salad bar and detox teas, which guests were allowed to help themselves to as much as we wanted.
We spent the rest of the afternoon beach bumming. I can’t remember the last time I was by the sea, so this was a great opportunity to let the sand be my seat and the waves hit my feet. At around 5 p.m., we made our way back to the resort to prepare for our first yoga practice.
Our yoga sessions for the retreat were scheduled at sunrise and at sunset. Satva Samui hosts the class on their rooftop deck with a (great) view: a vast expanse of sky that looked like it had been spray-painted by a graffiti artist, swaying palm trees, and the wide, open sea.
Our first practice was a Hatha yoga session guided by Gallina. She was tall and graceful in her poses. Looking at how she pointed her toes, I could tell she was probably a ballerina once upon time, before yoga stole her heart. The session was led in both Russian and English.
Though I haven’t practiced Hatha in nine years, I was more than willing to give my Vinyasa flow a break and go back to the foundation of my yoga practice. Naturally, my thoughts were redirected to my time in Sri Lanka—to My First Yoga Class, my first yoga teacher, and how so much that didn’t make sense then do now. As we settled into our last pose, I was filled with gratitude at how much I have evolved in my practice and as a person. Also, I couldn’t help but smile because I just survived my first yoga class in Russian.
After freshening up and changing into something more comfortable, we attended the daily mantra meditation held at 8 p.m. daily, then went for dinner on the beach. Nothing much happens on Lamai beach, in terms of nightlife, especially during low season, so once we were done with our dinner we headed straight back to the resort and called it a day.
DAY2
We woke up to the sound of birds chirping.
Or, let me rephrase that-I actually woke up to the sound of my roommate Sue’s alarm, only catching the birds after she finally managed to silence that relentless honking sound.
It was 5:45 a.m. I’m pretty sure we looked like zombies attempting to glide into yoga pants while battling the overwhelming urge to crawl back into bed. Somehow, against all odds, we made it to our mats for our very first sunrise yoga session.
We arrived just as the sky over Satva Samui began its magical transformation. Watching the dark clouds slowly melt away to reveal the warm hues of daybreak, my heart filled with pure gratitude. I couldn’t help but think: this is how I want to wake up every single day.
I snapped a few photos, unfolded my mat, sat still, and filled my lungs with air, taking my first truly mindful breaths of the day.
Our yoga instructor, Dimitri, was absolute bliss to practice with.
To end our session, he played a hang drum. As we settled into savasana, we were gently lulled away by the soft, warm harmonies drifting from the instrument. It was unpredictable yet incredibly calming washing away every last floating thought in my head until there was only quiet.
HANG DRUM TUNES BY DIMITRI
Eventually, we wandered back to the resort just in time for lunch and to get ready for our very first island excursion.
FEEDING ELEPHANTS
In the afternoon, we had the opportunity to feed and hang out with the elephants. But while I was thrilled to get up close and personal with these gentle giants, the experience ended up being bittersweet.
I’ve never liked seeing animals chained or tied in place, and watching one of them repetitively rocking and swaying back and forth completely broke my heart. Animals, like all living beings, deserve to be free. The only small comfort was knowing that at least no one was riding them that day.
NA MUANG WATERFALL AND DURIAN CHIPS
After feeding the elephants, we walked over to Na Muang, one of several cascading waterfalls on Koh Samui.
Because it had been raining, the natural pool below was pretty muddy. A few brave souls took the plunge into the freezing water anyway, but the rest of us opted to wander through the nearby market instead—browsing for souvenirs and sampling local delicacies like durian chips.
When most people think of durian, the first thing that comes to mind is its infamous, pungent smell. But surprisingly, the chips were delicious, and we barely noticed a stench at all!
COCONUT FARM
Our next and final stop of the day was a local coconut farm.
When I picture Thai islands, my mind usually defaults to sipping fresh coconut water while lounging on the beach, or heading out for island hopping, snorkeling, and swimming. After all, Thailand is famous for its endless stretches of pristine beaches.
Visiting an actual coconut farm had honestly never crossed my mind, making it a surprisingly interesting and delightful addition to our itinerary.
Coconuts play a huge role in the Asian economy and thrive in tropical climates. I’ve always loved everything about coconuts from their health benefits to their endless uses in food and cosmetics so visiting the farm was a great opportunity to learn about coconut farming and pick up organic products right from the source.
As we sipped fresh coconut water and tasted the different textures of coconut meat, our guide walked us through the entire harvesting process. We got a firsthand look at the tedious labor behind it all and learned that trained monkeys are often used to climb the high trees to pick the coconuts. That explained the little monkey living on the family farm.
GONG MEDITATION
Later that evening, we gathered for our usual sunset yoga, followed by a one-hour mantra meditation accompanied by a gong. Having only experienced gong meditation once before, I was eager to dive deeper into it.
It truly was a sensory adventure. The rich sound waves produced by the gong gently coaxed the mind to quiet down, effortlessly guiding us into a state of deep meditation.
“The gong is very simple. It is an inter-vibratory system. It is the sound of Creativity itself. The gong is nothing more, nothing less. One who plays the gong plays the universe. The gong is not an ordinary thing to play. Out of it came all music, all sounds, and all words. The sound of the gong is the nucleus of the Word.”
-Yogi Bhajan
Just when I thought our evening was winding down, the Satva Samui staff took the stage in colorful costumes, performing a fluid dance that made them look like a swarm of glowing fireflies. It was such a lively and joyful show to watch while sipping my complimentary papaya smoothie—though I’ll admit, I was secretly wishing it was a glass of Pinot.
DAY 3
By our third day at Satva Samui, waking up early to salute the sun felt completely natural. In fact, it had become our new normal, and I genuinely looked forward to it. As had become our routine, after breakfast we would head down to the beach, followed by a stroll along Lamai Street to wander through the shops in search of souvenirs.
It was a morning ritual I could have easily gotten used to forever. It really helped me understand why island life feels so slow-paced and why locals are so relaxed. There’s something about living by the ocean that shifts your whole perspective—it operates on its own clock, on “island time.”
Shopping on the Island
One of my favorite finds on Lamai Street was Karma Boutique. The shop attendant was exceptionally warm and patient, and the boutique was packed with gorgeous, chic pieces perfect for styling the ultimate island vacation look.
The Zodiac Garden and The Big Crab
We had three excursions lined up for our third day on the island, starting with The Zodiac Garden and The Big Crab.
As the name suggests, the first stop is a scenic hillside garden featuring statues representing all twelve signs of the zodiac. A short hike further up the hill leads you to The Big Crab, which opens up to a sweeping view across the island.
Both of these attractions are still a work in progress with construction ongoing, and they aren’t officially open to the public yet. However, visitors are currently welcome to wander around and snap photos alongside their respective zodiac signs.
Secret Buddha Garden
Tucked away atop the Tar Nim Waterfall peak lies the Secret Buddha Garden, also known as the Magic Garden. Here, surrounded by lush, peaceful jungle, you’ll find a captivating collection of statues in all shapes and sizes. Every corner of the garden, with its hidden sculptures tucked among the greenery, evokes a sense of quiet wonder and spiritual mystery.
The garden was the vision of Nim Thongsuk, an innovative durian farmer who began handcrafting the site in 1976 alongside a small team. Inspired by Buddhist folklore, he crafted statues on his family’s land, eventually opening the sanctuary to the public. Remarkably, Nim started this passion project at the age of 77 and worked on it until his passing at 91 hoping that everyone who stepped inside would find peace and embark on their own spiritual journey.
Even without a local guide to explain the meaning behind every statue, I was deeply moved by the passion, commitment, and love poured into the creation of this sanctuary. It ended up being one of the true highlights of my trip not just because it was unique, but because it felt genuinely magical. A gentle stream flowed right through the heart of the garden, its soft, cascading sound wrapping the entire jungle in absolute serenity.
Chasing Sunsets on Lipa Noi Beach
We wrapped up the day at Lipa Beach Resort on Lipa Noi Beach, located on the island’s west coast. Having the entire stretch of sand to ourselves felt almost surreal.
Though we only caught a glimpse of the sunset through the clouds, it was still a breathtaking way to end the day and cap off our stay on Koh Samui. I floated in the calm, warm water while a few friends played frisbee in the sea. Nearby, one of the resort staff members strummed a ukulele, with Tatiana joining in to chant along as the rest of us sat on the sand, gazing out toward the horizon.
It was one of those perfect, unscripted moments that stay with you forever the kind of memory I know I’ll look back on years from now, smiling as I show the photos to my future grandchildren.
DAY 4
We were up at the crack of dawn for our early morning flight back to Bangkok and our connecting flight home to Manila. As we made our way through check-in and immigration, we said our quiet goodbyes to Koh Samui and to what had been the ultimate rejuvenating retreat at Satva Samui.
Looking back, I had to smile thinking about how enthusiastic we all were when planning this trip. We were thrilled at the prospect of leaving our daily routines behind for a little while taking a well-deserved break from our kids and husbands to simply focus on ourselves. We honestly didn’t think we would miss home at all!
Yet over the last couple of days, our conversations kept subtly drifting back to our families. Around the dinner table, we found ourselves sharing video clips and messages about what our kids and husbands were up to. As wonderful as the getaway was, we were still mothers at heart with deep love and responsibility for our families. In the end, we were just as excited to return home and reunite with them as we had been to leave.
As our plane glided through the clouds on the final leg back to Manila, I closed my eyes and replayed the high points of our journey. I felt lighter in body, mind, and spirit filled with gratitude, joy, and memories that will warm my heart for years to come.
Or at least… until our next trip comes along.
Laura.
I love Samui! Was there earlier this year. I would love to do a yoga retreat there and have been looking into it. I live on the neighbouring island of Koh Phangan though which is a yoga heaven itself. I’m also a diehard Ashtangi so it would have to be an Ashtanga retreat. Have you been to Koh Phangan for yoga yet by the way?
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Hi Anna. Koh phangan was one of our choices before we settled for Koh Samui. Glad to know you live there because I am always looking for yoga retreats in the region. Koh Samui was absolutely amazing and would love to go back.
Thank you for reading. X
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