Dream Destination: Kamalaya, Koh Samui

Our dream destination for today is Kamalaya, Thailand's award winning Wellness Sanctuary and Holistic Spa, found on the picture perfect tropical island of Koh Samui in the Gulf of Thailand. A truly spiritual retreat, yet created with the utmost of luxury and comfort in mind, Kamalaya offers yoga, detox and health programs that make for a life-enriching holiday to nurture the body, mind and soul. And all of this to be found at one of our favourite island destinations in South East Asia makes this a seriously enticing option for the next big trip to Thailand!

Centred around a monk's meditation cave that has served generations of Buddhist monks, Kamalaya is set over a hillside that is dotted with cosy rooms, sea view and pool suites and villas, beach front villas, and the incredible Rock Top Villa which is built in to the rocks to fully embrace nature on two levels. Kamalaya has a team of naturopaths and lifestyle specialists on hand to tailor your personalised wellness experience - be it detox, yoga, stress and burnout, fitness, weight control ... or just simple, complete relaxation. 

For couples seeking peace and time out, to really embrace the serenity together that comes with a healthy lifestyle in a pristine environment, Kamalaya presents a unique opportunity. This is the kind of place where you can both re-connect with yourself and with each other, on a very different energetic level. And taking that peace of mind and an open heart home with you can only nourish and nurture your relationship. 

Escape to Bordeaux with One World Retreats

Holidays for Couples featured One World Retreats in our April 2010 issue, after this writer experienced their incredible 'Escape the World' retreat in Ubud, Bali. Now hosts Iyan Yaspriyana and Claude Chouinard are taking their unique luxury yoga and lifestyle concept to France, with the first 'Escape to Bordeaux' retreat scheduled to be held in a charming ‘Château’ in the countryside of Bordeaux near the famous St-Emilion village, September 17th - 24th of this year. 

While the program is an opportunity to relax and get in touch with the deeper self, it is also an occasion to discover the beautiful region of Gironde and its vineyards at a time when grapes are being harvested. The retreat is also an opportunity to experience the culinary art of the French and of course Bordeaux’s famous wines.

The all inclusive retreat offers you seven nights accommodation at the Château, transportation to and from Bordeaux, healthy and (we can attest!) delicious meals, a massage, daily morning and evening yoga and meditation sessions, a series of 'Follow your Dreams' sessions, local tours of the village of Créon and the castle's own forest, wine tastings, cooking class, bicycle tour through the city of Bordeaux, and much more.

You can find out prices and more information at their website. And read more about One World Retreats in our story on the 'Escape the World' retreat in Bali, right here.

Yogic Dreaming

Yoga has been a cornerstone of my life for the past five years and, frankly, without my regular practice, I'm a little bit lost in the world. So when I was shown a copy of Great Yoga Retreats, published by the good folk at Taschen (my favourite series of specialty tomes!), I couldn't help but start planning my next yoga escape. 

Great Yoga Retreats travels across the globe - from India and Bhutan to Tuscany and Mexico, and all the hidden gems found in between - to show us some of the most amazing specialty resorts, retreats and holidays that cater to the modern yogi. These are places where you can totally immerse yourself in your preferred practice, meditate on beauty, quiet, peace, and completely escape the world for a little slice of tranquillity. Albeit in a little bit of luxury! 

Speaking from personal experience, I've done a lot of yoga retreats in my time. Some have been in five star locales where you are, quite literally, pampered from crown to toe (even whilst balancing on them!). Others have been more simple affairs in rustic huts and on a shala built in to the jungle. All of them have been equally special,  and given me equal soul nourishment in their own unique ways. 

But the collection of yoga retreats in this book are nothing short of stunning. I'm already imagining the bliss of doing Sun Salutations in such exotic surroundings. It may not make the yoga any easier. But if you're blessed enough to experience a stay in one of these places, it sure could give one the space to breathe deeper in to it!

You can find this and other Taschen books in most good bookstores and specialty retailers, or purchase them online from the Taschen website which has the full catalogue of titles.