THE

ISLAND

Visionary’s Retreat

September 21 - 30

Koh Phangan, Thailand

Join me for ten days on Koh Phangan, a beautiful tropical island in southeast Thailand. We’ll meditate, move while being surrounded by nature in her purest state, swim in blue waters, enjoy delicious locally sourced food, and create a connection with life that will truly excite you.

Don’t be surprised if you find yourself smiling a lot, because this retreat unfolds within the sweet spot where the jungle meets the sea in a tropical oasis.

The INTENTION

I hand-pick all locations for my retreats because placing you in a setting outside of everything you’ve known — surrounded by new perspectives, like-minded people, and life-changing experiences — is at the heart of my work. I want the experience to challenge and inspire you to think deeper, open your awareness to new sensations, step away from your daily routine, and reconnect to life by encouraging creativity through movement, words and sensory indulgence. This experience is solely dedicated to You and your wellbeing on one of the most energetically powerful islands in the world. An island known for its yin-yang energy, Koh Phangan was my home for over a decade and is where I personally unpacked my desire to become a space holder.

This little island is a place that stays with you, as it has stayed with me.

The EXPERIENCE

This retreat is influenced by my current interests, reading, and studies, and will include new core workshops in addition to our usual favourites, such as Night to Light beach meditation and Dharma talks.

All group sessions will be facilitated by either me or Dr Sascha Kowalenko of The Silver Lining Collective. Optional one-on-one sessions will also be available with healer Ella Rankine.

Whether you want to deepen your knowledge of yoga, tap into your creative story, or just relax and go with the flow of a well crafted program, we are here to hold space for you.

The LOCATION

Ocean Experience is a beautiful beachfront eco-retreat in the north of Koh Phangan that balances simple luxury with down-to-earth living. Comprising six bungalows, a restaurant and wooden yoga shala that boasts a 360 degree surround-sound experience of nature, this modern Thai-flavoured retreat is tucked away from mass tourism in a private tropical oasis, nestled between sea and jungle on Haad Khom Beach. The family-run centre was born out of the pioneering lineage of the first sea-faring explorers to discover the island 150 years ago, when it was nothing but pure jungle, sand and stars. Bovy, a descendent of the original owners, runs the centre and shares the same passion for nature and bringing people together as I do.

The ARRIVAL

I suggest you fly into Koh Samui and spend a night there. Wake up early and make your way to Koh Phangan, which is only 30-40 minutes away by ferry.

You could also arrive a few days before the retreat and settle into island life before making your way to us. Ask me about hotel recommendations.

The WHY

I started running retreats as a way of inviting yoga students to change their relationship to life, to reframe their practice from a solitary experience in a studio to a community experience shared with others. My intention has always been to create a space where you feel welcome to share your story.

The island is waiting for you.

Katie x

 

What’s included

Accommodation for 10 days

All group sessions with Katie and Sascha

Yoga, meditation, breathwork and journaling sessions

One complimentary Thai massage

Bottle Beach excursion

All meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Filtered drinking water

Transfer from venue to Thong Sala or Haad Rin on departure day


*Not included: Airfare, snacks between meals including fresh coconuts and coffee, additional services

*Available at extra cost: private sessions with Ella, additional massages, taxis to shopping locations which will be arranged on several days.

The Yoga Shala

Nestled between the sea and jungle, the wooden yoga shala hosts a 360-degree surround sound experience of nature in her purest state. Wrapped in mosquito net and crafted with wood for the greatest comfort.

Yoga mats, blocks and straps are provided by Manduka.

There will be a 6am Vinyasa class offered for the seasoned practitioner followed by a Hatha class at 8am for all levels.

Our time together

6am ‘Night to Light’ beach meditation

6.30am Vinyasa for the seasoned practitioner

8am Hatha Yoga for all levels

9.30am breakfast

Free time

12.30pm lunch

Free time

4-5.30pm Session

6pm Dinner

7pm Led self-inquiry practices

Each day looks a little different.

Free time can be spent swimming, reading, lying in the sun, enjoying a massage, healing session with Ella, exploring the local area or taking a nap.

Yoga will be offered daily except for day seven when self practice will be encouraged.

You can do it all or just spend the day on the beach.

Land to Table

We keep it simple when it comes to food - eat more of what feels and tastes good.

Bovy’s team cook with passion and true love for food, using only local, natural and fresh produce.

Ingredients are sourced locally and the menu will be plant based with the addition of eggs, fish and chicken.

Vegan options will be available upon request.

Every meal is enjoyed at an open-air table and you can expect simple luxury on every plate that comes your way.

Accommodations

*all prices are in AUD

*a deposit of 40% is required to secure your place.

Pacific Egret Palace

Beach front nest. Only steps away from the sea, this bungalow is modern and earthy. With high majestic ceilings and caramel wooden floorboards, soothing airflow is created by the sea breeze.

2 bedrooms

2 bathrooms

Each room comes with 2 single beds

Capacity: 4 people

pricing

$4,800 per person

✨ LAST 2 BEDS REMAINING / TWIN ROOM WITH ENSUITE ✨

Brahminy Kite Castle

A tropical home away from home. The combination of warm wooden walls, colorful home furnishings and the indoor-outdoor bamboo shower will relax you in no time.

SOLD OUT

Sunbird Sanctuary

Room to breathe. A spacious bungalow with a wide wraparound terrace with a nook for lounging, a hammock and dark wooden interiors, this is one of the bigger bungalows on offer and perfect for the alone time lover.

SOLD OUT

Greater Drongo Den

Two beating hearts. Warm lighting to warm wooden walls, cozy vibrations flood your senses with sea breeze and the sounds of ocean right outside your doorstep. This beautiful space is 2 separate bungalows under the same roof, separated by a split balcony for privacy.

SOLD OUT

Peaceful Dove Nest

Good things come in small packages. White wooden walls of pure light. Swing on the outdoor hammock as the tide rolls in and rolls out. This is the smallest bungalow on offer and is more jungle vibes than beach lover.

SOLD OUT

Hoopoe Hut

Your very own beach hut. Striking a balance between natural design and luxury, this home gives you permission to surrender and slow down. Delight in the sea, sand and stars from the comforts of your private outdoor seating. 

SOLD OUT

To Book

A 40% non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your space with the balance to be paid by August,1st 2024.

The deposit is non-refundable.

All prices are in AUD and inclusive of GST.

Please make sure you have read our Terms + Conditions before making a booking.

Questions or to secure your place please send an email to hello@katiewestyoga.com.au

Facilitators

Katie West

Australian born and raised, Katie is a senior yoga teacher, teacher trainer and mentor who began her studies of yoga and meditation in her early twenties while living in London. A lover of travel, she continued her studies in all corners of the world, under many masters in several traditions of yoga, movement and shamanic practices.

During a decade of living on the beautiful island of Koh Phangan and teaching at Siam Healing Centre, Katie also ran yoga retreats in other international locations, and worked alongside renowned retreat centres throughout Asia, including Hariharalaya Retreat Centre in Cambodia.

Currently home in Brisbane, Australia, Katie offers regular studio classes and Women’s gatherings, is a lead teacher on a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training program, and runs retreats in India, Thailand, Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet as well as Australia. Her teaching is informed not only by her extensive studies, but by her personal experiences of recovery from breast cancer. Her classes invite students to move deeper into exploring the fabrication of life, weaving together energy work, ritual, breath work, meditation, storytelling and a healthy dose of humour within an inclusive and nurturing space.

Katie is currently studying Biomedical Yoga Therapy with Celia Roberts BSc.

Dr Sascha Kowalenko

Sascha has lived a rich and full life as a woman, daughter, sister, mother, partner and friend. Professionally, Sascha is a clinical psychologist of over 20 years experience. Putting together life and professional experience, Sascha skilfully and intuitively enables Healing, Growth and Transformation through psychological and neurobiological understandings, practises and processes - in her therapy and coaching practise.

In her sessions, Sascha will facilitate some activities to develop an even deeper understanding of yourself so you can support your life growth and healing journey.

Ella Rankine

Ella Rankine is a Reiki Master and Advanced Theta Healing Practitioner, as well as being trained in various other modalities. Ella’s journey into holistic therapies began over 20 years ago on the beautiful island of Koh Phangan, Thailand and still resides on the island today. During this time here facilitating workshops and providing private healing sessions with both local residents and clients from abroad. Ella draws her knowledge from these various therapies, and years of teaching and practical experience.

Ella will be available for one-on-one sessions.

  • Travel insurance is mandatory and we strongly recommend taking out your policy at the time of booking. This is to protect your investment should anything happen and you need to cancel your booking. Certificate of Insurance to be provided to Katie along with International flight details prior to arriving in to Thailand.

  • Absolutely! All levels are welcome, including beginners.

    There will be a 6am Vinyasa class offered for the seasoned practitioner followed by a Hatha class at 8am for all levels.

  • You must ensure you have the required vaccinations which meet the requirements of immigration and other government authorities for all locations of your booking. Any fines, penalties, payments or expenditures incurred as a result of such documents not meeting the requirements of those authorities are your sole responsibility. Please consult with your GP for up-to-date travel and inoculation advice before your departure date.

    Your health is your responsibility so please come prepared.

  • Best option is to fly into Koh Saumi Airport (USM).

    I suggest staying overnight on Koh Samui and traveling to Koh Phangan the following morning or arriving a few days before the retreat and settling into island life.

    It is important that you do not book a departing flight any earlier than 2pm from Koh Samui on Monday, 30th. This is to allow time for the ferry transfer from Koh Phangan.

  • Thailand can be hot and sunny! Although September is usually less humidity the past 4 years has seen dyer conditions with just the occasional rainy day or late afternoon tropical storm.

  • Many nationalities can visit Thailand without a visa under the Visa on Arrival rule or Visa Exemption scheme. These options allow visitors to stay for up to 30 or 45 days.

  • This retreat is for anyone who wants to dive deeper into the knowledge of yoga, own their story, needs time away from city and routine or anyone who is curious about life!

    The location of the retreat is held in a quiet part of the island and is isolated. You will need a bike or taxi to reach the closest shops situated in Chaloklum. If you are wanting to do sightseeing then it might be best to extend your time on the island. Taxis can be arranged at additional cost to Thongsala and Srithanu however this is a live-in retreat and it is hoped that you will embrace the program on offer.

  • You will make your own way to the venue and there are plenty of taxis available at the pier.

    If you are arriving a few days before the start of the retreat then your hotel or resort can arrange a driver or taxi.

  • Check in starts at 2pm on September 21st. The retreat officially starts at 4pm. Plan to be at the venue early to settle in and join us for the welcome circle, opening ceremony and dinner.

    The retreat ends on September 30th by 9am.

    For anyone wanting to leave the island and fly out of Koh Samui on the 30th a transfer to Thong Sala Pier will be arranged to ensure you catch the morning ferry.

    It is important that you do not book a departing flight any earlier than 2pm from Koh Samui. This is to allow enough time for the ferry transfer.

    For everyone else, check out is 11am and a transfer to Thong Sala or Haad Rin will be provided.

  • Yes. If you are traveling on your own and would prefer to share a room, I will match you with a roommate.