
Begin
Yoga is a gateway to a new lifestyle. The Begin program is designed to support yoga beginners as they create a solid platform for a healthier, more fulfilling lifestyle.
Personal Evolution
Invest In Your Personal Evolution
Time spent growing is always well invested.

Show up and trust the process
Personal programs don’t require you to make plans or decisions like you would on a holiday. We take care of everything.

Spend 7 Or More Days in Thailand
Spend a week or more immersed in your personal goals without distraction in an inspiring tropical environment.

Balanced Transformation To-go
Leave feeling empowered to start a new path with balance, confidence and lasting healthy routines to take home.
Learn At Vikasa Yoga Retreat
Our unique personalized program that introduces you to the techniques and teachings of authentic yoga: asana, pranayama, and meditation.
Asanas are the physical postures that open energy channels and psychic centers in the body. The practice of asana is a way to increase the pranic flow of energy, while gaining strength and flexibility. We have a host of experts in the Begin program to provide wisdom and encouragement along every step of your journey.
Prana is the energy of life. It is vitality that spreads throughout everything that exists. ‘Vikasa’ is Sanskrit for becoming visible, expanding and shining forth. The Begin program will teach you the essence of practising Pranayama through private one on one sessions. Your private instructor will teach you how to control the flow of life energy within the body through controlled breathing techniques. This is the foundation for your personal evolution and spiritual growth.
Meditation is a precise technique of quieting the mind through effortless focus, to attain a state of conscious awareness. The Begin program will provide you with the knowledge and application of techniques you need to be able to meditate in your daily life. Learn how to incorporate meditation in your routine in a realistic and practical way. Gain greater mental clarity, higher levels of focus and let go of intrusive thoughts that don’t serve you on your path to evolution.
The Begin course will introduce you to the key philosophical concepts and mental science underlying a sound yoga practice.
In addition to learning how to practice yoga, it is important that you have a firm grounding in why we practice it.
A good analogy for these concepts is reading glasses. Each pair has a specific prescription for the lenses that fit into the frame. The lens determines how the user sees objects, so if we change lenses, we can see the same object in a different way. The concepts are the lenses through which you perceive your environment and the people around you.
Our coaches will help you understand the need for integrating yoga philosophy into your daily modern life as you become familiar with key concepts such as:
- “Klesha”, poisons of the mind or mental states that cause anxiety, fear, regret, doubt, anger, and guilt. Understanding the kleshas helps to provide a foundation for meaningful yoga practice.
- “Raja yoga”, also known as the yoga sutras or eight-limbed path, the mental science that complements the physical practice of hatha yoga.
The Begin program at Vikasa Yoga Retreat is recommended for stays of 7 days or more, and it’s available year-round. Join our team of yoga professionals and begin your journey towards better health and wellness through the holistic practice of yoga.
Asana
- What Is Asana?
- Why Is It important?
- Benefits and Inspiration
- How To Safely Practice
- Introduction to Tantra
- Science Behind Sequencing
- Basic Pranayama Breathing
- Intro To Intelligent Freestyle
- The Eight Limbs of Yoga
- Traditional Hatha Yoga
- Intro To Yin Yoga Sequencing
- What Are The Seven Chakras?
- Intro To The Vikasa Yoga Method
- Food, Nutrition, Digestion
Pranayama
- What Is Prana?
- Intro To Yogic Philosophy
- Breathing Variations
- Intro To Nadis
- Pranayama Techniques
- Relaxation Techniques
- Mindfulness Techniques
- Intro To Mantras
- What Is Purification?
- Why It Is Important?
- Pranayama and Lifestyle
- Self Inquiry and Relisation
- Letting Go of Stress
- Practice and Endurance

Meditation
- What Is Meditation?
- Why Is It Important?
- Focus and Stability
- Awareness In Space
- Awareness In Body and Mind
- Practical Meditation
- Lifestyle Impact
- Health Benefits
- Regular Practice
- Setting Environment
- Breath and Thought
- The History of Meditation
- Getting Into Flow
- Intro To Kundalini
Are you intimidated by large group classes or maybe you just prefer personal coaching?
Every Yoga Journey Begins With A Single Step
Yoga is more than a hobby or an activity that you do at the local gym. Yoga is a gateway to a new lifestyle. It can provide a path which allows you to unlock your full potential in all aspects of your life.
The Begin program provides a one-on-one immersive introduction to the techniques and teachings of traditional Hatha Yoga, The Vikasa Method, Pranayama and Meditation. These are tools to create awareness, gain clarity and discover a sense of holistic wellbeing. You’ll work together with your lifestyle coach for 7 days in tropical paradise on a quest to achieve tranquility and balance.
‘Vikasa’ is Sanskrit for becoming visible, expanding and shining forth. Inspired by the notion of personal integration and evolution, Vikasa was created as a safe space to try yoga for the first time. Our open arms policy welcomes all levels and all people. Our breathtaking yoga retreat in Koh Samui provides an idyllic setting in which create meaningful and long-lasting change. Your time at Vikasa will inspire you to take a new philosophy and lifestyle home and incorporate into your daily life with great benefits. If you are curious about yoga, mindfulness and are seeking a better way of living, the Vikasa Begin program is for you.
The time to take care of yourself is now.
If you’re looking for a lifestyle shift that not only equips you with the skills and knowledge to improve your health, but also inspires confidence to follow your dreams, then the Begin program is the perfect place for you to get started.
One-on-one coaching is the perfect way to be sure you’re starting out right with the proper technique and the tools to thrive. Let yoga be the first step towards holistic health. Through the practice of yoga with your private instructor, you can discover a feeling of calm and sense of purpose, forming a foundation for lasting happiness.
In recent years, yoga has been universally recognized for its health benefits especially when integrated as part of a holistic healthy lifestyle. In many cases, modern medicine alleviates symptoms but does little to address the underlying causes of physical or mental illness. Adopting a healthy lifestyle and integrating yoga can help to keep you free from stress, illness and common lifestyle imbalances.
The best way to start this journey is by learning one-on-one with a health professional, and what better place to do so than on a tropical island? The private instructors who will support you on the Begin program are all Vikasa Academy graduates, who provide personal coaching to ensure a safe practice, proper alignment and solid foundation. Learn poses and techniques that bring your mind and body into balance. You’ll learn to create sequences which are customized for you and take home a detailed work book so you can easily continue the journey beyond your time with us at Vikasa.
Beginner Yoga Program With Personal Coaching in Koh Samui
The Begin program is recommended for stays of 7 days or more. This program is available year-round and the rates are all inclusive of your room, meals, program, yoga, learning materials and selected spa treatments.
What’s included:
Program Work Book
- Work Book Included
- Physical & Subtle Bodies
- The Koshas and energy fields
Yoga Classes
- 1 x 90 mins - Intro to Hatha
- Unlimited group sessions
Spa Treatments
- 1 x 60 min choice
- 1 x 90 min choice
- Optional add-ons
Private Coaching Sessions
- 1 x 90 mins - Intake Session
- 2 x 60 mins - Private Coaching
- 1 x 90 mins - Review Session
Meditation Sessions
- Unlimited group sessions
Excursions
- Optional add-ons
Covered Topics

Asana
Safely practice beginner poses.

Pranayama
Breath, practice and techniques.

Meditation
Practice awareness and find focus.

Bandha
Learn the basics of energy control.

Sequencing
Intro to freestyle to start your flow.

Alignment
Help you safely align.

Philosophy
Introduction to the world of yoga.

Anatomy
Basics of the science of the body.

Stress Relief
Learn techniques for a relaxed life.

Lifestyle
Learn by living in 7 immersive days.

Nutrition
The fuel a yoga body needs.

Self Love
Cultivate and reconnect to self.

A Koh Samui Wellness Retreat Designed For You
Curious about our wellness retreat? Get a taste of the Vikasa Lifestyle before you arrive for your personal coaching program.
Start familiarizing yourself with our approach to living your healthiest and most authentic life. Get tips on healthy eating, stress management, gratitude practice and more. You’ll be well on your way to wellness with a head start in the right direction. No preparation is needed before the Begin program, however, it’s never a bad time to start eating right and implementing small changes. We believe that shocking the system with a huge lifestyle change may be less beneficial than implementing small daily adjustments.
Our programs are designed to give you a lasting shift in behavior with a solid game plan for when you return home. Your success is our success and we want to see you follow through with the promises you make to yourself. We are here to support your journey but the person who has to take the first step, is you. Download the Vikasa Lifestyle Guide and begin your journey to better health and wellness.
Download the free Lifestyle Guide
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Enjoy The Experience
The overall experience on the Begin program will provide you with new levels of energy and happiness that come from within – rather than from external sources.
It can be a little daunting when starting something new. It can be your first day in a new job, a first date, or traveling overseas. Usually, the first step is the most difficult. During the Begin program, your coach will be there to hold support you and guide you through the week. The Vikasa team are some of the warmest and most welcoming people you’ll ever meet. We provide a safe space and an open-minded, judgement-free zone so you can relax, unwind and evolve.
Slowly as you open up to the doors of change, you’ll feel a sense of rejuvenation as you reconnect with your innermost self. Vikasa Yoga Retreat provides an idyllic setting in which to embark on such a transformational journey. You will find yourself shedding old habits, processing stored emotions and embracing positive change. This can be an emotional ride, but during the week you will find yourself embracing your new sense of freedom, ease and peace.
Feel a sense of achievement as you embrace a healthier lifestyle, and connect with a community of like-minded people at Vikasa.
Arrive to Vikasa feeling open to trying something new, meeting new people, eating new things and embracing the energy of change. This is the mindset for transformation.
- Begin your practice and explore yoga from square 1.
- Enjoy an immersive experience in an exotic location.
- Interact with like-minded people in a safe community.
- Redefine the boundaries of your true comfort zones.
- Step onto a new path of transformation and evolution.
- Discover your new home away from home at Vikasa.
- Focus solely on your growth in an idyllic environment.
The Long-Term Benefits

Strength
Improve your physical condition strength and health.

Flexibility
Prevent injury and feel lighter by becoming more flexible.

Calm
Learn how to manage your mind and the stress of daily life with calm clarity.

Vitality
Your overall energy, endurance and enthusiasm will increase.

Metabolism
Enjoy the daily rhythm of an optimized digestive track.

Awarness
Become sharper, wiser and more aware of your body, mind and decisions.

Community
Feel the welcoming embrace and make new friends.

Sleep
Improve the quality of your sleep cycles for optimized energy.

Happiness
Live in alignment with your intentions and actions.
Are you curious about yoga, meditation and wellness but you don’t know where to begin?
Guest Experiences
Check out these testimonials from our past guests to get a sense of the transformation they experienced.
For a more detailed review, you might consider reaching out to our alumni network to ask them first-hand about their experience at Vikasa.
About Vikasa Yoga Retreat
Vikasa is truly a paradise location which adds an extra dimension to your yoga practice as a whole.
The environment is conducive to relaxing where you can disconnect from the hustle and bustle and focus inwards on your practice and spiritual growth. Here at Vikasa our core values are the three ways in which consciousness expands. This expansion starts with the self, it grows through our minds, bodies and energy until we are powerful motivators of connection and manifestors of change through our communities and throughout our world.
Vikasa is the ideal healthy lifestyle venue for a yoga training, due to its balance of secluded island paradise, freshly-prepared food and a yoga sala constructed in a beautiful setting and designed to get the best out of students – making it the perfect environment for study.
We are a relaxed establishment where you can unplug and reconnect to something deeper in a meaningful way.
Vikasa Yoga Retreat in Koh Samui offers several types of accommodation ranging from simple eco-friendly bamboo bungalows to full-sized rooms. We are not a one-size-fits-all kind of place. Our rooms are democratically priced because we believe this range of accommodation allows for a wider range of students to experience Vikasa.
Tips for choosing your perfect room: If you like to stay close to the beach, check out our red-roofed Prana Cabanas. If you prefer a garden location with a village feeling, try the Zen Bungalows. If you don’t want to walk down too many stairs, the Yoga Caves could be a good option. If you need a bit of extra space and a central location, Lotus Pads are a good place to start.
Yoga Retreat With Accommodation In Koh Samui
Our rooms celebrate simplicity. We have minimal decorations to create a feeling of zen. You will notice some of our room options have a “+” which means they are a little bit bigger than the standard category.










- Available
Yoga Cave Plus
Rest and recenter in a compact yet calming space that combines comfort and simplicity. Restful tones and natural materials channel through.
- Rooms with ocean view
- Single bed (single occupancy only)
- Shared bathroom (hot shower)
- Budget rooms
Promotional Rate:
$3,500
All Included
Standard Rate:
$5,180
All Included










- Available
Prana Cabana Plus
With Vikasa's private beach just steps away from your cabana, you'll have direct access for early morning swims or late night moon gazing Discover.
- ocean view
- Near the beach I air-conditioning
- Hot shower
- Terrace
Early Bird Rate:
$3,500
All Included
Standard Rate:
$5,460
All Included
- Available
Prana Cabana Plus
With Vikasa's private beach just steps away from your cabana, you'll have direct access for early morning swims or late night moon gazing. Discover how nature can help ground you and make you feel at home in this small corner of paradise. Rise in the morning to the sound of the waves. These mid-sized free-standing cabanas offer all the basic creature comforts in a truly unique way. You'll feel miles away from home and closer to yourself than ever before.
- cosy space
- ocean view
- Near the beach
- air-conditioning
- Hot shower
- Terrace
Early Bird Rate:
$3,500
All Included
Standard Rate:
$5,460
All Included










- Available
Lotus Pad
Renew your flow each morning gazing over the calming waves or nestled in the rejuvenating tropical gardens; these pads offer a serene space.
- Rooms with garden view
- Queen or Twin bed
- En-suite bathroom (hot shower)
- Private balcony with bean bag
Early Bird Rate:
$3,500
All Included
Standard Rate:
$5,460
All Included
- Available
Lotus Pad
Renew your flow each morning gazing over the calming waves or nestled in the rejuvenating tropical gardens; these pads offer a serene space that centers around the plush king bed oriented towards the beautiful, expansive views. Each room is accented with local elements and eco-friendly toiletries. Most lotus pads have a private terrace to soak up the fresh island air, meditate, relax and take in the stunning natural surroundings. They’re conveniently located between the cafe and the yoga salas so you can recharge between classes
- ocean or garden view
- air-conditioning
- hot shower
- terrace
Early Bird Rate:
$3,500
All Included
Standard Rate:
$5,460
All Included










- Available
Prana Cabana
Nestled right where the beach meets the jungle, you'll have the best of both worlds. These cabanas are a short walk from the beach, perfect.
- Rooms with ocean view
- Queen or Twin bed
- En-suite bathroom (hot shower)
- Private balcony with bean bag
Early Bird Rate:
$3,500
All Included
Standard Rate:
$5,460
All Included
- Available
Prana Cabana
Nestled right where the beach meets the jungle, you'll have the best of both worlds. These cabanas are a short walk from the beach, perfect for that mid-afternoon dip in the sea. Experience our most rustic and minimal accommodation and be free from distraction as you unwind and take in the inspiring surroundings from your own private terrace. Skip down to Vikasa's private beach and unwind with the sand between your toes. You'll have everything you need, and nothing you don't. Release yourself from the fuss of urban life and get back to basics.
- cosy space
- near the beach
- air-conditioning
- hot water shower
- terrace
Early Bird Rate:
$3,500
All Included
Standard Rate:
$5,460
All Included










- Available
Lotus Pad Plus
Awaken to the blissful ocean breeze and embrace sunrise with uninterrupted ocean or garden views. Comfortable furnishings flow around.
- Rooms with ocean view
- Queen or Twin bed
- En-suite bathroom (hot shower)
- Private balcony with bean bag
Early Bird Rate:
$3,500
All Included
Standard Rate:
$5,460
All Included
- Available
Lotus Pad Plus
Awaken to the blissful ocean breeze and embrace sunrise with uninterrupted ocean or garden views. Comfortable furnishings flow around the centrally positioned king bed, complete with high quality mattress and bedding. Curl up on your private terrace with a book and cup of complementary in-room tea. Enjoy complementary eco-friendly toiletries and a spacious, uncluttered bathroom. Lotus Pad Plus is our most complete and comfortable option, a perfect choice to recharge, unwind, and feel like yourself again in the unmatched natural beauty of Samui Island.
- Rooms with ocean view
- Queen or Twin bed
- En-suite bathroom (hot shower)
- Private balcony with bean bag
Early Bird Rate:
$3,500
All Included
Standard Rate:
$5,460
All Included






- Available
Yoga Cave
Rest and recenter in a compact yet calming space that combines comfort and simplicity. Restful tones and natural materials channel through.
- Rooms with ocean view
- Single bed (single occupancy only)
- Shared bathroom (hot shower)
- Budget rooms
Promotional Rate:
$3,500
All Included
Standard Rate:
$5,180
All Included
- Available
Yoga Cave
Rest and recenter in a compact yet calming space that combines comfort and simplicity. Restful tones and natural materials channel through the room drawing your thoughts inwards, and your gaze outwards to the sea and meandering coastline. Caves are modest in size with a single twin bed designed for solo journeys. The space may be small but you won't feel caved-in as sweeping ocean views give a sense of infinity. Each Yoga Cave is climate controlled and has access to the shared but clean bathroom facilities right next to the block. Bathrobes and basic toiletries are provided.
- Rooms with ocean view
- Single bed (single occupancy only)
- Shared bathroom (hot shower)
- Budget rooms
Promotional Rate:
$3,500
All Included
Standard Rate:
$5,180
All Included






- Available
Zen Bungalow
Immerse yourself in nature in an authentic Thai style bungalow built from natural local materials. These cute free-standing bungalows are uncluttered.
- Rooms with garden view
- Single bed (single occupancy only)
- Private bathroom (hot shower)
- Eco-friendly
Early Bird Rate:
$3,500
All Included
Standard Rate:
$5,460
All Included
- Available
Zen Bungalow
Immerse yourself in nature in an authentic Thai style bungalow built from natural local materials. These cute free-standing bungalows are uncluttered to nurture a clear mind, with the comfort and convenience of a private bathroom with complimentary toiletries. This is the ultimate escape from uninspired hotels and overbooked resorts that zap your energy, and instead creates a personal space ideal for the solo traveler that carves their own path. With a private hot shower and climate control, these bungalows give the full jungle experience without sacrificing comfort.
- garden view
- air-conditioning
- hot shower
- Eco-friendly
Early Bird Rate:
$3,500
All Included
Standard Rate:
$5,460
All Included
Frequently Asked Questions
Browse the FAQ or get in touch with one of our instructors for personal assistance.
Private yoga coaching will introduce you to a new dimension. Beginning yoga with a personal program will transform a seemingly standard yoga mat from a random rectangle of rubber into a magic portal that keeps you grounded, connected and open. It’s a safe place that doesn’t take up much space, rolls up in the corner, and can teach you more about yourself than you imagined.
Thousands of years ago sages of ancient India developed techniques we now call yoga to create a connection with their innermost essence. This is now practiced worldwide as a way to control stress, and to maintain balance and focus. Even among experienced practitioners, there are a range of opinions on what yoga actually is, but all views agree that at yoga’s core is spirituality. There are multiple physiological, physiological and spiritual benefits of keeping pranic energy moving freely within the body.
After completing the program, you’ll have a new philosophy and routine to take home and incorporate into your daily life. The practice of asanas will increase flexibility and improve muscle tone; you will feel physically fitter. Other well-documented benefits include improved respiration, a balanced metabolism, and an enhanced immune function. Weight loss and improved cardiovascular health are also common benefits to yoga practice. Pranayama will help to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. You may find that you achieve a deeper, more refreshing state of sleep. This will still the mind and enable you to find a state of tranquillity, which allows us to glimpse our true essence. Meditation has been proven to slow the aging process, freeing the mind from stressors, leading to a state of deep peace. meditating is associated with greater relationship satisfaction, as well as better communication during conflict. But perhaps most importantly, you’ll get excited about this new chapter in your life. A chapter where YOU come first in your most connected, centered and prepared version of your SELF. This will empower you to take on new challenges head first and have a greater impact on your tribe and your world.
Potential physical health benefits include:
- Increased flexibility, muscle strength and tone
- Reduced muscle tension and inflammation
- Greater energy and vitality
- A balanced metabolism
- Weight reduction, a higher metabolic rate
- Cardio and circulatory health
- Injury prevention
- Increases body awareness
- Increases immune function
Physiological Benefits
- Greater focus
- Calmed central nervous system
- Sense of community
- Prevents depression, anxiety and sleep disorders
- Improves mood and behavior
- Stress control
- Improves memory
- Decelerates the aging process
Prana powers our hearts and activates bodily functions, with breathing being the most obvious manifestation of prana flow.
This will help you to balance hormone functions which help to control all of our emotional responses. You will find it easier to release stress and experience serenity of the mind. Crucially, you will get a glimpse into our true essence—the being that exists regardless of breathing —in the stillness and awareness that remains between each breath.
We will also provide instruction on Shatkarma, the six cleansing actions in hatha yoga used for purification. The build-up of mucus, bile, and gas can cause a range of ailments, from colds and digestive complaints to hormone imbalance and emotional tension. Learning shatkarma practices under the supervision of a guru as part of the Begin will help your overall approach to mental and physical health.
Aside from the obvious benefit of enhanced focus, meditation also enables us to look for the answers that are only available with access to the higher mind (intuition and unlimited source of creativity).
There are also social benefits, as you will become part of an enlightened community, and you will be able to remain calm when communicating.
It may be difficult initially to adhere to a smooth rhythm of breath at the beginning. With practice, it will become easier. Through pranayama, we gradually control the mind and its balance with the physical world.
The course syllabus includes instruction on different types of meditation such as mindfulness meditation, chakra meditation, yoga nidra, kundalini meditation and vipassana meditation.
It also covers meditation postures such as Sukhasana (easy), Vajrasana (thunderbolt/diamond), Swastikasana (auspicious), and Padmasana (lotus).
Vikasa is located on Koh Samui, which is an island in the Gulf of Thailand. Vikasa is in the south east corner of the island, in between Chaweng Noi and Lamai. Vikasa is a 20 minute drive from Koh Samui International Airport (USM) and a 35 minute drive from the Nathon and Lipa Noi ferry terminals.
The best way to get to Vikasa is to fly into Koh Samui International Airport (USM). There are daily flights into Koh Samui from Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and others. We will arrange your pick up from the airport.
This will depend on where you are from. For details of Thailand’s visa arrangements with specific countries see here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_Thailand
Although tourist visas are generally required, there is an exemption for travellers from 30 countries (Australia, UK, USA, France, Germany, Sweden and others) who wish to travel to Thailand for 30 days or less. If you are a citizen of one of these countries you do not need to obtain a visa. Note that if you plan to stay for longer than 30 days, it is possible to obtain a short extension from the immigration office on Koh Samui at some point during your stay.
If you are not a citizen of one of the countries with which Thailand has specific visa exemption or waiver arrangements, you will need to obtain a 30, 60 or 90 day tourist visa before arriving in Thailand
Yes, the Begin program is suitable for participants of all levels including complete beginners.
Yoga clothes, tropical climate clothes and swimwear. Yoga mats and props and towels are all provided. You may want to add an excursion to your program such as a waterfall hike, in which case a pair of sneakers would also be handy. If you want to use the Sky Gym during your stay you’ll need gym clothes too.
The programs are facilitated by specially trained Vikasa staff with significant expertise in their field. You will receive input from a number of practitioners during your stay.
Koh Samui is a beautiful tropical island located in the Gulf of Thailand. It is approximately 90 minutes from the mainland via ferry, but is easily accessible via airplane. It has a population of around 70,000 people and has key infrastructure such as a small international airport, good medical facilities (including hospitals), banking facilities (including ATMs), good wifi coverage and good roads. It is possible to drive around the entire island in around 90 minutes, and visitors generally either travel via scooter or taxi as walking is difficult. Vikasa is located between Chaweng Noi and Lamai in a quiet area of the island. It is possible to walk from Vikasa to nearby beaches, but guests generally stay on the Vikasa premises or rent scooters or taxis for trips to nearby markets and shopping malls. The weather is generally hot year round, with temperatures often around 30 degrees celsius.
We recommend that participants download the free lifestyle guide and read up on the Vikasa Lifestyle before arrival. If you don’t have time to read it that’s ok too, we will review some content during your program.
Are you ready to make a big lifestyle shift that incorporates more health and happiness?
Are you ready to reach your personal goals?
Achieve tranquility of the mind, body, and spirit.
Focus on personal development and transformation via personalized one-on-one coaching.