Making your own way – Dave reveals why our yoga retreat in Thailand is great for solo travellers

“It’s a very sociable retreat where you can meet people from all over the world while you practice yoga with really great teachers.”

David from Spain has been to our Ashtanga yoga holiday in Koh Samui three times now. Why does he keep going back? Not only does he think the yoga teachers are the best in the world, he meets new friends and unwinds in a stunning part of Thailand.

Practice daily and evening yoga at this 8 day retreat right by the beach. Meals are included and you stay in luxury eco-friendly retreat from £632 per person.

Read more about David’s experience below…

What were the other people like on the holiday?
This is the third time I’ve been to this retreat and there’s a real mix of people there, it’s very international with people from Asia, the US, Australia and Europe. It was about 50-50 male-female which is unusual for a yoga retreat, there was a mix of singles, friends and couples. There were people doing detox and a lot of yoga beginners, but it’s not also good for people who are more experienced. Everyone is really nice and friendly.

What is it like going there as a solo traveller?
It was great. There’s a great chill out area where you can hang out and speak and talk to other guests, or just relax and do your own thing.

And the eating arrangements are perfect for solos, there’s a communal dining area so it’s very sociable so you get to speak to the other guests, it’s the perfect retreat to go to on your own.

What is the retreat like?
It’s very much yoga and detox retreat, it’s not like a spa. It’s about the lifestyle of yoga and not just yoga as an exercise, it’s got a holistic approach but not to the point that it’s so serious it’s annoying. It doesn’t feel restrictive due to the rules.

There are lots of treatments like massages and so on that are offered and the therapists are really good.

The yoga starts at 7am, but you can do a light yoga at 7.45 or Ashtanga self- practice which is supervised at 8am as well. Then there are restorative yoga sessions at 5.30pm.Brunch is served around 10am and the food is fantastic, it’s really healthy and organic and mainly vegetarian but really good.

During the day they do a boat trip once a day to an Island, and meditation sessions, guided walks and relaxing things as well.

What is the accommodation like?
The accommodation is fantastic; it’s a huge room with two levels, an attic section with double bed and double bed on lower floor so perfect for sharers. It’s modern but no frills, it’s simple and stylish and there’s no TV since it’s a retreat.

And the instructors?
The yoga instructors are really good, that’s why I keep going back there. And the people that run the retreat are really friendly they sit and talk and the owners and staff are so so friendly. There are lots of guest teachers coming in so it’s great for meeting others.

How did you feel when you got back?
Fully refreshed and energised and ready to get stuck into life again. The retreat is very good on education about Ashtanga and the teachers are really great. I do Ashtanga at least once a week at home and it’s good to learn new things.

These yoga holidays also make great singles holidays for solo travellers, as well as friends or couples travelling together. The friendly group atmosphere makes everyone feel welcome.

Click here to read more about this yoga holiday in Thailand.