4 Day Yoga, Tai Chi & Mindfulness Island Retreat in Koh Yao Noi, Thailand

Island Yoga on Koh Yao Noi has been running retreats since the mid-2000s, when the founders first heard stories of an unspoiled Thai island and decided it was the perfect place for a yoga community. The retreat centre is still based at a local family-run resort called Nature Lodge, and the whole operation keeps a deliberately low-frills, community-driven feel. There are no fancy spa facilities or five-star dining—just a clean, peaceful base surrounded by rainforest and a short walk from the beach.

A typical day starts before sunrise. At 6 AM the group gathers on the beach, about a hundred metres from the Yogi Cafe, for an hour of Tai Chi as the sun comes up. After that, there's tea or coffee before a 7:30 AM meditation session at the yoga shala, which varies between Japa Mantra, pranayama, silent sitting, and chakra meditation. The morning yoga class runs from 8 to 9:30 AM and is taught in an energising, dynamic style, open to all levels. Then comes a local vegetarian buffet breakfast at the cafe, and the rest of the day is yours until the evening yin-restorative class from 4 to 5:30 PM.

The teaching is led by Marina, who heads up the yoga program at Island Yoga. Marina trained in physical conditioning and ran a functional training gym in Madrid before travelling through Southeast Asia and settling into a life of daily sadhana in spiritual communities. Her classes blend Ashtanga Vinyasa, dynamic flows, and restorative and integration yoga, with a strong emphasis on breath and embodied awareness. Reviews single her out as an exceptional teacher, and her style suits everyone from complete beginners to experienced practitioners.

The island itself is a big part of the experience. Koh Yao Noi is still remarkably undeveloped compared to Phuket and Krabi, which are just a short boat ride away. You can rent a scooter and ride through the rainforest to local villages, explore quiet beaches, and eat at small local restaurants. Even in green season, the island stays quiet, and you'll fall asleep to the sound of crickets rather than nightlife. It's an easy place to disconnect, even though there is wifi available at the cafe.

What's included

- 3 nights accommodation in your choice of room - Daily vegetarian buffet breakfast - Water, tea, and coffee served throughout the day - Daily yoga classes (morning dynamic + evening yin-restorative) - Daily meditation classes - Daily pranayama (breathing) classes - Sunrise Tai Chi on the beach every day - 1-hour massage treatment - Group excursions and activities - Access to the swimming pool and beachfront cafe - Wifi connection

What's not included

- Flights - Travel insurance - Visa fees - Additional activities not included in the itinerary (e.g. sound baths, boat trips, kayak trips) - Lunch and dinner - Personal expenses