Luxury retreat of yoga, bliss and relaxation - Koh Samui, Thailand

Thailand's mecca for holistic, spa and wellness holidays can be found on the beautiful island of Koh Samui in the south, a tropical paradise for both purists and hedonists alike. From yoga and detox to fine dining, massage, relaxation and romance, this island serves it up in cosmopolitan style.

Combining the very best elements of a yoga retreat with all the sophistication of a luxury villa escape, Villa Michaela is offering a fantastic 7 night yoga retreat from 7th - 14th October this year for couples wanting to immerse themselves in a total mind and body experience in a stunning seaview villa. 

Your teachers Teresa and Kes Kennard are the founders of The Yoga Retreat on the neighbouring island of Koh Phangan, and they have been living and teaching yoga in Thailand for almost a decade. Together they will bring their combined knowledge of ashtanga yoga, meditation and pranayama to guests of Villa Michaela with daily classes in luxurious surrounds. There is also an in-house spa where you will be treated to daily massage plus a sauna, an infinity-edge pool and expansive decking for your relaxation, as well as a full time Thai chef to prepare delicious dishes for your stay.

The cost is USD $3,900 for two people sharing a master suite, or you could get your friends or some other couples together and book the whole house out - with a maximum number of only 10 guests, you're assured a really intimate ambience.  Reconnect to your bodies and to each other with the perfect holistic holiday in paradise. You're in for a truly special and transformative island experience! 

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.