7 Day Yoga and Wellness Escape on Koh Samui's Cliffside

Vikasa's Vikation is a self-directed yoga retreat on a cliffside in Koh Samui, Thailand. The retreat is built around unlimited access to a daily schedule of yoga classes - including Hatha, Vinyasa flow, Yin, and dynamic classes - plus evening events like sound healing, gong baths, and ecstatic dance. There is no set itinerary, which means you can design your own week. The lack of structure is the point. Guests often use the time to deepen their practice, rest after a busy travel period, or simply step off the treadmill of daily life.

The physical setting is a major draw. The property is spread across a hillside with ocean views from the yoga salas, the restaurant, and many of the rooms. There's an infinity pool, a small private beach area, and a Vita Spa offering Thai and holistic treatments. The retreat's design encourages you to move between yoga, meals, the pool, and the spa at your own pace. This is not a bootcamp - the emphasis is on sustainable wellness routines you can continue at home.

The teaching team is a mix of resident teachers and visiting instructors. Michael teaches strong, flowy Vinyasa classes with an eye for alignment. Ann, a resident teacher, focuses on tradition and physicality, guiding students into advanced poses with attention to individual capacity. Niki, who discovered yoga in Sweden and now travels the world, brings an international perspective to her classes. The teachers are experienced, approachable, and used to working with a range of levels - from complete beginners to seasoned practitioners.

Koh Samui itself adds to the appeal. It's a one-hour flight from Bangkok and offers a blend of Thai culture, beaches, waterfalls, and jungle. During your stay, you can arrange island excursions to see temples, hike to waterfalls, or take a boat trip to snorkel. But because the retreat is self-directed, you're equally free to stay on the property and do nothing at all. The combination of a stunning coastal setting, high-quality yoga, and the freedom to shape your own days is what makes Vikasa stand out.

What's included

- 6 nights private accommodation (Lotus Pad or Prana Cabana) - Unlimited yoga classes (Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin, etc.) - Daily brunch and dinner at the Life Cafe - Access to infinity pool, private beach, and all facilities - WiFi - Weekly yoga workshops and evening events (sound healing, gong, ecstatic dance)

What's not included

- Flights - Travel insurance - Airport transfers (available at extra cost) - Spa treatments - Private yoga classes - Island excursions - Ice bath sessions - Life Cafe a la carte menu items