EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC OF KOH SAMUI…
Join me and my fellow instructor, Katie Schiffgen, as we travel to the exotic island of Koh Samui! We have been dreaming up this retreat for over a year and are so excited to finally see it come to life! We have chosen the picturesque island of Koh Samui and the beautiful grounds of Vikasa Retreat Center to facilitate a week of yoga, mindfulness, connection, and adventure.
Koh Samui is an ideal place for exploring yoga due to the outstanding natural beauty of the island. Most of Koh Samui is still considered unspoiled and unpolluted. Time on Koh Samui is an opportunity to relax, unwind, explore and focus on yourself. Enjoy the natural energy of palm trees, white sand, purple sunsets, turquoise waters, dense jungle, and exotic waterfalls. Despite being so easily accessible, Samui remains an idyllic island in the sun.
Each day we will enjoy at least two yoga classes (with a couple exceptions due to excursions), a peaceful morning meditation, delicious and fresh meals, and the company of open hearted individuals! Included in your package is a trip to an elephant sanctuary and a sunset cruise on one of the most beautiful boats in Koh Samui, The Red Baron. Come be inspired, transformed, or perhaps just come have FUN! There is something for everyone and we would love to have you join us!
THE VENUE
We have chosen to host our retreat at Vikasa Retreat Center. VIKASA is Sanskrit for becoming visible, expanding and shining forth. Vikasa is not a typical hotel… it was created with yoga at the source, so the whole concept of it is around yoga, proper nutrition, and a perfect environment for practice. The setting creates a transformational environment where people are physically and spiritually nourished. Where they are given the knowledge to become more mindful, conscious beings. It is often a life-changing experience and a beginning of new lifestyle. Vikasa’s goal is to inspire and empower everyone to create a happier, healthier life for themselves and others, ultimately contributing to the well-being of our planet and society. There is only one thing you may want to be aware of in advance…. once you arrive, you might fall in love with the place and never want to leave :)
Vikasa Life Cafe
Vikasa serves wholesome health-conscious meals in buffet style. They use tropical fruits, organic food and fresh local produce which is conducive to transformation, healing, detox, fitness or just healthy living. We will eat brunch and dinner on-site together.
Vikasa Bliss Spa
The Vikasa Bliss Spa offers a range of comforting services that will leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed. They specialize in authentic Thai massage, as well as offering Swedish and Indian styles as well. They use quality organic and locally manufactured products for our scrubs, facials and skin treatments. Bliss Spa is open-air and constructed on a stunning ocean cliff-side. Massages start at just $20.
Big Yoga Hall
We will be practicing each day in the Big Yoga Hall. The Big Yoga Shala is one of the landmarks of Vikasa, and practicing in it is an absolutely unforgettable experience. Surrounded by nature, with a cliff on one side, and ocean on the other, it is hard to imagine a place for practice more perfect than this one.
TUITION
Prices range from $1450 to $1650 as long as you reserve your spot before October 1st, 2022. $500 Deposit (per person) is required at the time of registration and the rest must be paid in full by January 31, 2023
Please pay Katie or Kim directly by:
Cash
Check
Venmo — @Katie-Schiffgen or @Kimberly-Dastrup
Paypal (Please use the friends and family option) — kt_calvie@hotmail.com or berlgirl@gmail.com
Credit or debit card (a 3.5% processing fee will be added)
We are happy to take payment in increments as long as the full amount is paid by January 1, 2019. Payment by debit or credit will incur a 3.5% processing fee. Credit/debit cards may be taken over the phone upon request.
You are welcome to contact either Katie or Kim for inquiries and booking.
Katie: 801-425-3446 or katieschiffgen@me.com
Kim: 801-380-2289 or berlgirl@gmail.com
Please be sure to specify your room preference at the time of booking. If you are traveling solo and choose a double occupancy option, we are happy to find a roommate for you.
What your tuition includes:
7 nights stay at the beautiful Vikasa Retreat Center
Daily healthy brunch and wholesome dinner served buffet style
Daily Yoga and meditation classes
Visit to an elephant sanctuary
Sunset Cruise — welcome drink and onboard buffet dinner
What your tuition does not include:
Airfare -- it is suggested you fly in and out of Samui Airport (USM)
Massages and spa treatments
Optional excursions or activities
Lunches and other snacks — you may venture out and explore or you are welcome to eat at the Life Cafe onsite
Gratuities for hotel staff
Yoga Cave (Single Occupancy): $1450 per person (add $100 if booked after October 1, 2022)
An affordable alternative for a solo traveler if you prefer having your own space. Bridging the gap between a hotel room and an authentic Thai experience, our Yoga Caves are small but very comfortable rooms that offer sweeping views over the sea and rocks below. Relax on your comfy bed facing out over the ocean and take in one of the best panoramas on Koh Samui. Sleep, read or meditate in peace. Modest in terms of size but still to our high standards, the air-conditioned Yoga Caves offer a quiet, personal place to stay for individual travelers. The yoga caves do not have bathrooms en-suite. There is a large shared and public restroom and shower facility located just behind the block of Yoga Caves. The showers have hot water and shampoo provided. A bathrobe is provided in each cave for your comfort.
Beach Bungalow (Double Occupancy): $1450 per person (add $100 if booked after October 1, 2022)
The Beach Bungalows bring guests close to Nature while providing every convenience. The rooms are quite modest, rustic both inside and out, yet clean and comfortable. They feature a queen-sized bed or two twins and direct beach access. A private terrace allows you to take in one of Samui’s spectacular sunrises. Bungalows come with simple interior bathroom with hot shower, AC, mini fridge, and a safety box.
Ocean Room (Double Occupancy): $1650 per person (add $100 if booked after October 1, 2022)
The Ocean Rooms offer every convenience. Rest and recharge in a king-sized bed and enjoy central location and proximity to all the facilities. Interiors feature some teak wood furniture and spacious bathrooms. A stay in one of our Ocean Rooms is restful, relaxing and inspiring.
YOGA
With a couple exceptions due to excursions or other activities, you can expect at least two 75-90 minute yoga classes per day. One will be a Power Yoga class. This will be a dynamic and energetic class and will require a basic knowledge of the physical postures... however, plenty of modifications will be given and there is ALWAYS room to listen to your own body and take it at your own pace. The other practice will be gentle and more restorative -- ranging from Yin to Restore to Soft Flow. Meditation will be held each morning for about 30 minutes.
Kim Dastrup
Kim has been a prominent yoga instructor in Salt Lake City since 2003. She teaches a style of yoga true to the tradition and spirit of an ancient and sacred practice. Her classes are suffused with intelligence, creativity, and compassion derived from her years of teaching and extensive training with some of the greatest teachers across the country.
Kim has facilitated retreats in Kauai, Italy, Greece, Spain, Thailand and Ireland.
Katie Schiffgen
Katie has been practicing yoga for over fifteen years and teaching since 2013. Her classes focus on breath, alignment, and strength as well as functional mobility. Her greatest hope in teaching is that she will inspire people to get to know themselves on a deeper level… to ask more questions, be more curious, pay more attention, and connect with that place deep inside of them that is their true essence.
Katie has helped facilitate retreats in Costa Rica, Tulum, Colombia, Greece, Spain, Sayulita, Thailand, Bali, and Croatia.
This will be the second time Kim & Katie facilitate this retreat together at Vikasa!
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
Koh Samui (Airport Code: USM) is easily reached via an increasing number of direct international flights and over a dozen daily 1-hour flights from Bangkok. Arrive easily with a direct flight from any Asian hub on Bangkok Airways. Vikasa is just a fifteen minute drive from the Samui Airport. We are happy to help you arrange a car to pick you up from the airport, just let us know.
If you’re traveling on a budget, and feeling brave, you can also reach the island via ferry from the mainland Thai city of Surat Thani. Be sure to check ferry times as the schedules are sometimes limited.
Plan to arrive any time on Sunday, March 12th. Check-in time begins at 2pm. Sunday, March 19th will be a day to arrive and settle in. No activities or yoga classes will be held on this day (dinner will be served).
Plan on departing any time on Sunday, March 19th. Check-out time ends at 12pm.
PASSPORT
All participants must have a valid passport. Your passport must have at least 2 blank pages and be valid for at least 6 months after your departure date. No Visa is required for Americans coming for tourism and staying less than 30 days.
Travel Insurance is strongly encouraged.
VACCINATIONS
All participants are required to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 to attend this retreat.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Full refunds will be given up until October 1, 2022. Cancellations after this date will forfeit the $500 deposit but will refunded the rest. No refunds will be given after January 1, 2023. No exceptions.
ADULTS ONLY
This is intended to be an adults only retreat. Please no children under the age of 18.
QUESTIONS?
Please feel free to contact Katie or me with questions anytime!
Katie: katiecalv@gmail.com or 801.425.3446
Kim: berlgirl@gmail.com or 801-380-2289