Rise
The Rise program provides a yoga-based kick-start to the healing process, in an empowering and nurturing way. Learn how to rise from the mud like the lotus you are and embrace your shining future.
Invest In Your Personal Evolution
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 and vibe out to the rhythm of Thailand.
Balanced Transformation To-go
Leave feeling empowered to start a new path with new balance, confidence and lasting healthy habits to take home.
Learn At Vikasa Yoga Retreat
There are so many ways to tackle recovery from the stress of everyday life. We believe each life path is unique and each approach to rising from the rubble should be unique as well.
That’s why our personal program coaches work one-on-one with you to make a realistic and tangible action plan based on your goals. Our expert coaches teach the holistic benefits of a healthy diet, regular exercise, and meditation to achieve a more positive mental footing and lasting results.
Our personal health coaches will ask the big questions which help you recognize unhealthy thought patterns and behaviors and help you make better decisions to accomplish your goals. Regular yoga practice will calm the nervous system and allow the flow of pranic energy to return. This is a key way to control stress, which can manifest itself physically as well as mentally. The breathing techniques of pranayama help to reach a state of tranquility.
A common effect of personal programs is deeper, more refreshing sleep and a reduction in anxiety levels. Rise focuses on a set of meditation techniques that can be incorporated into your daily routine to achieve generally better mental wellbeing. While we do provide a welcoming environment for growth and transformation, we are not prepared to deal with severe physical addiction or medical situations. Our approach is meditation, not medication.
Happiness is a choice. It is within your reach to start afresh and lead the kind of life that best nurtures your wellbeing.
At some point everyone takes a blow that is hard to recover from, whether losing someone that is close, a professional or romantic setback, or an unexpected life-changing event. There is no shame in taking things to heart; our sensitivity and our emotions make us human, and we should embrace this. However, we can always learn to look after ourselves better. While conventional support systems can help you get back on your feet, Rise will provide private coaching and support to equip you with a new-found resilience and the tools to maintain it, no matter what the future holds.
A key aspect of the Vikasa approach is the like-minded community that you find at our retreat. The blissful surroundings and a supportive, friendly network people can help you to embrace a more positive outlook. This can assist a decision-making process that meaningfully assists your journey of personal development. It can be difficult to let go of lifestyle choices and groups of friends that do not support you in seeking to optimize your personal value system; it is more difficult to do this alone. Some people may even be negative about your decision to move forwards with your life. They encourage you to dwell on the past or to indulge in short-term fixes for long-term issues.
The Vikasa community helps to build and share, with spirituality and yoga at the core. Assessing your environment and how you respond to it will be a key component of the new approach you learn. You can make it into what you want; learn to make this a place where you feel optimistic, secure, and love yourself.
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 processing the profound shifts happening in the world or in your personal world?
Like The Lotus, Still I Rise
Learn to apply yoga, breathing exercises, pranayama, and meditation as habit-forming defenses against life’s challenges.
Find mental and emotional calm in the middle of a storm. Whether you are processing the shifts of a changing world or your personal world, sometimes it can be difficult to see a way forward. The practice of yoga within a holistic lifestyle provides tools that instill a feeling of calm purpose, forming a foundation for lasting inner peace. By providing tools to help you meet life’s challenges and a nurturing support network, the Vikasa lifestyle can help you rediscover your strongest self.
‘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 heavenly yoga retreat in Koh Samui provides an idyllic setting in which to achieve this change in both private and group settings. More importantly, you will have Vikasa in your heart – a new philosophy and lifestyle to take home and incorporate into your daily life. If you are curious about yoga, mindfulness and overall searching for a better lifestyle, the Vikasa Rise program is for you.
The time to treat yourself better is now.
It’s been said that change is inevitable. Never before in history has the world experienced change at such an exponential rate. Every one of us is affected in some way. Most of what is happening is beyond our control, however we believe that the best approach to determining your own future is to embrace that which we can control. This approach is founded in learning to love yourself, processing reality in a healthy way, maintaining a positive mindset and learning to let go of that which does not serve our goals. The coping mechanisms we impart are based on a nurturing, healthy yoga philosophy and lifestyle.
By treating your body better, and learning how to use yoga to balance the physical with your mental and emotional state, you can filter out the negative and embrace a new reality. The breathing and meditation techniques that are taught in Rise enable control over stress and anxiety. Breathe deeply, calm the mind; filter out the negative thoughts that are holding you back. Take control of your happiness using the tools that you learn in our nurturing and supportive environment. Learn how to rise from the mud like the lotus you are and embrace your shining future.
Healing Yoga Retreat with Personal Coaching in Koh Samui
The Rise program is recommended for stays of 7 nights or more. This program is available year-round and the rates are all inclusive of your room, meals, program, learning materials and selected spa treatments.
Rise Program
START FROM:
$1,689 / Week
Rates vary based on room selection.
- Daily personal 1 : 1 coaching sessions.
- 2 healthy abundant meals every day.
- Spa treatments and select therapies.
- Take home work book and materials.
- Welcome kit and swag bag.
What’s included:
Program Work Book
- Work Book Included
- On-site Assignments
- Take Home Assignments
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
- 1 x 90 private meditation
- 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
If you’ve been struggling with abrupt shifts or processing the recent changes of the world, it’s normal to feel apprehensive about embracing further change.
After all, when life is unpredictable it is human nature to cling to patterns as a false sense of control. Our health coaches are prepared to walk you through the process as you make shifts in your thought patterns, physical behaviors and attitude. Vikasa was designed for transformation. Breathe in the fresh sea air. Smell the tropical rain. Listen to the birds’ song. Absorb the warming rays of the life-giving sun. The Vikasa retreat on Koh Samui is the ideal setting to rediscover balance and optimism.
Learning yoga and feeling its benefits is fulfilling and rewarding. Engaging with the supportive community around you, many of whom are undergoing their own personal transformation, can make you feel welcome and supported, part of something bigger. Processing complex emotions can be challenging and can create feelings of exposure or agitation. Our team is here to provide support and help you to see the light at the end of the tunnel. But it’s not all down to you and your coaches. Relaxing treatments in the Vikasa Bliss Spa will leave you feeling relaxed and, well, blissful! The delicious fresh, healthy food at the Vikasa Life Café will reward your taste buds as well as your wellbeing. The process is truly enjoyable, and it works.
Feel a sense of achievement as you embrace a healthier lifestyle, and a sense of community with like-minded people on the Vikasa campus.
Arrive to Vikasa with a decision to try something new, meet new people, eat new things, learn something new and embrace the new. This is the mindset for transformation.
- Feel empowered, armed with control over your mind.
- Develop a personal routine which supports your goals.
- Interact with like-minded people in a safe community.
- Redefine the boundaries of your true comfort zones.
- Step into 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.
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
Happiness
Live in alignment with your intentions and actions.
Are you finding the impact of change has blown you off course or away from your goals?
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.
Are you ready to make a big lifestyle shift that incorporates more health and happiness?
Frequently Asked Questions
Browse the FAQ or get in touch with one of our instructors for personal assistance.
Rise will leave you empowered, armed with greater control over your emotional and mental state. If you ever feel anxious or overwhelmed, you can turn to asana and pranayma to restore balance and inner clam. In practising mediation and pranayama, you will be able to reach your true innermost self to find perspective and insight. You will be more able to cope with negative feelings and challenging experiences, finding new, healthier tools rather than short-term fixes like alcohol and comfort food. The new you will look to the future with optimism and self-belief, knowing you have the tools to face life’s rough patches. It’s true that time is the great healer, but this is best achieved my learning life skills to control the direction of the healing process.
The Vikasa lifestyle help you to learn how to distinguish better between positive and negative influences. Spirituality is a wonderful basis for the pursuit of long-term peace with ourselves, providing a platform for us to process life’s challenges. It imbues a sense of tranquility in even the most stressful situations, enabling you to project positivity to those around you. This leads to enhanced decision-making, empathy and self-love. By acknowledging our innermost feelings honestly and without external interference, we can truly understand our true selves and our genuine feelings.
Nutrition can also help, with ‘junk food’ and sugar withdrawal, as well as certain types of digestive bacteria linked to a range of mental health issues, from depression and insomnia to dementia. You are what you eat, but this doesn’t mean denying yourself to the point of misery. You can enjoy a healthy diet and the benefits of eating well at the same time!
Mental wellbeing is intrinsically linked to regular exercise – the benefits to hormonal balance as well as improved cardio-vascular and respiratory health. If you have been going through a tough time, this will help you feel a renewed sense of self-worth and control.
Yoga is accessible and you can do it anywhere. No equipment (besides a simple mat) is required and you can do it by yourself in the privacy of your own home or in a class with others. Routine is a great way to move forward in life, with a daily yoga being a cornerstone.
We also encourage Rise attendees to embrace creative pursuits. You don’t have to be a talented artist or musician. Simply focusing on giving life to an idea can be an incredible experience, a positive way to channel emotion and energy. The feeling of accomplishment and optimism it brings is great for emotional growth and transformation.
Everyone that comes to Vikasa for the Rise program does so for a different reason. We will help you find a new approach best-fitted to your specific personality and circumstances.
We can’t promise that you will have a life without challenges and set-backs, but we can give you the blueprint to a lifestyle that will leave you better prepared.
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 Rise 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.
