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The yoga Retreat

About

Tucked between Haad Salad and Mae Haad beaches on Koh Phangan, The Yoga Retreat Phangan has been a cornerstone of the island's yoga community since its founding in 2000. The retreat sits within lush jungle surroundings, just a short walk from the sea, and centres around a wooden yoga shala open on all sides to natural light, ocean breezes, and the sounds of the surrounding forest. It is a setting that lends an unhurried, grounded quality to every practice held within it.

The retreat was founded by Teresa and Kes Kennard, both highly experienced teachers with deep roots in the Ashtanga tradition. Kes holds authorisation from R. Sharath Jois, grandson and student of Ashtanga master K. Pattabhi Jois, having trained directly at the source in Mysore, India. Teresa brings a complementary background in dance theatre, having trained at the Laban Center in London, alongside qualifications in Hatha Yoga and Advanced Ashtanga Vinyasa. She is also a Master Teacher of the Reiki and Seichem Tera-mai system of natural healing. Together, they have spent over two decades sharing their combined knowledge with students from around the world who make their way to this corner of southern Thailand.

The weekly schedule reflects the depth and variety of their teaching, with daily morning Mysore Ashtanga sessions running Monday through Friday alongside afternoon classes in Hatha, Meditation, Vinyasa, and the Ashtanga Primary and Half Series. Beyond drop-in classes and class passes, the retreat offers extended stays ranging from three nights to thirty, seasonal healing retreats with detox programmes, and a 200-hour Ashtanga Hatha Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training recognised by Yoga Alliance. For those wishing to go further, annual trips to practice at KPJAYI in Mysore are also organised.

The facilities support a genuinely holistic stay, including a natural pool, herbal steam room, and ice bath. A wholesome café serves raw, vegan, and Thai dishes, and massage therapy alongside somatic-based holistic counselling is available by appointment. Whether attending a single afternoon class or undertaking an extended programme, students at The Yoga Retreat Phangan find a place where serious practice and genuine hospitality sit comfortably side by side.

Reviews

Google
★★★★★4.8(160)
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Soren Ammundsen
★★★★★

Just finished a 1-week Astanga retreat here and it was a great experience! Excellent and very experienced teachers, friendly people, calm surroundings 🙏🏻 I progressed my practice significantly and practiced both pranayama and meditation techniques 👍🏻 Highly recommend ❤️

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Roksolana Dinter
★★★★★

I spent an amazing week at a yoga retreat with Kes and Teresa. They are extraordinary people and very down to earth at the same time. Don’t miss the chance to listen to their inspiring stories. This is not a luxury yoga retreat like many others on the island. It is much more authentic - still comfortable and with a real sense of peace. You don’t have to worry about anything except waking up in the morning and stepping onto your mat. I had practiced Ashtanga before, but doing it daily in a hot climate, guided by an experienced teacher, brings it to a completely different level. Highly recommended - and I already want to come back ❤️

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Chris Jeal
★★★★★

Having never practiced yoga before, I was a bit apprehensive, but really wanted to try! Teresa and Kes were awesome, guiding everyone at different paces. Classes were busy, which shows just how great they are! I really enjoyed the yoga and it lead me to find a peace and tranquility I didn't know I needed! The retreat itself has wonderful staff who are there from morning to night for anything you could want. From drinks and food to ordering taxis etc. Everything sorted for us! Rooms and facilities are clean and comfortable! There is a lovely restaurant as you walk in, serving healthy and nutritious foods and drinks! Great feeling to cleanse the body as well as the mind! I highly recommend to anyone who is either already experience in yoga or a newbie! Fantastic 4 days! Thank you both for a lovely visit!

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Richard Schofield
★★★★★

A little bit of paradise . Kas and Teressa run a great show . I felt truly recharged and a better yogie for it . I had my own little shack with bathroom . Felt like how the island was 10 years ago Highly recommend, you won’t be disappointed.

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Hattie Worboys
★★★★★

I arrived feeling like a washed out blob from mid-winter London and have left feeling like a healthy, vibrant human. Healthier in all ways. There’s no smoke and mirrors here. No over selling of anything. The rooms are homely. I especially benefitted from the morning Mysore Ashtanga and meditation. The yoga teaching is excellent - Teresa and Kes really know what they’re talking about and live the life fully and are warm and friendly. Lovely unintimidating and community atmosphere. You feel comfortable just being as you are. Thank you 🙏❤️🙏

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