Jungle Yoga Sanctuary, Khao Sok National Park, Thailand
Yoga Retreat at Jungle Yoga Sanctuary, Khao Sok National Park, Thailand
18th December 28th December
"Yoga in one of the most beautiful and pristine places on Earth."
Jungle Yoga Retreat Wildlife Sanctuary
This retreat is on a remote, beautiful lake in a national park with floating bamboo bungalows for accommodation. It's an extraordinary location surrounded by a prehistoric jungle and giant limestone mountains. And we had to be there to believe it, but being on the lake does mean there are NO mosquitos or flies and it keeps the temperature nice and cool!
With its spectacular views and magical setting, the Jungle Yoga Retreat lies in the midst of a national park, yet only a few hours away from Krabi or Surathani airports.
Conveniently located in the middle of nowhere, this beautiful and peaceful, natural environment, with it's pristine lake and amazing vistas offer an ideal place for spiritual practice and relaxation. A world away from everyday life, here is the opportunity to restore both your physical and mental balance in the most magical of settings.
Our Last Retreat in June 2008
The retreat in June was such a huge success that we have already organized with Dick and Beth to do another one this December! We went in the off season which meant a few tropical rain storms (very exciting!).
Our hosts Dick and Beth have an encyclopaedic, David Attenborough-style vigour for the jungle and their knowledge of the area and the wildlife combined with their jungle stories and unwavering enthusiasm makes it all come to life!
It really is a magical place we can't wait to experience it again. To read some testimonials and visitor accounts and pictures from the last trip, have a look at the news & photos page on the website.
The Retreat Venue
Jungle Yoga Retreat is conveniently located in the middle of NOWHERE. After a two-hour bus ride, one-hour boat cruise and a 20 minute walk through the jungle, (thankfully bags are carried on the back of a bike) you find yourself in one of the most tranquil spots on the planet. In the land where time forgot, there are a colony of traditional hand-woven bamboo huts, dining room, hammock lounge, yoga shala and interconnected bridges form a floating village for your stay. This floating paradise is surrounded by hundreds of miles of dense jungle and limestone mountains that stretch from China to Burma. Your floating bungalow has two small balconies that offer spectacular cliff and lake views, and a nice spot for a hammock nap or wildlife viewing and listening.
The Yoga
We will practice yoga on the large floating yoga shala, which can be taken into remote bays, the middle of the lake or moored by the bungalows.
There will be 5 hours of yoga each day in 2 sessions, in the morning and the afternoon. This includes some meditation as well as pranayama. In addition to the yoga there will be yoga philosophy and discussion in the afternoons led by Fredrique, an expert on Yogic verses and Sanskrit and more.
This will be an opportunity to refine your practise and get into asanas that would otherwise take a year to do in a class!
Other Activities
There are kayaks for everybody for exploration of the lake, pristine water for swimming and entertainment provided by nature and starlight. The Sanctuary wildlife includes gibbon apes, langurs, giant hornbills, serpent eagles and lots of other rare birds and animals which can all be observed by sitting on the deck or by taking a kayak into the lake and small canals.
3 delicious Thai meals are served, consisting mostly of fresh fish from the lake, brown rice and fresh vegetables and fruit. We can also cater for vegetarians if you let us know in advance. Tea, coffee, hot chocolate and fruit and snacks are also available throughout the day. The food is fantastic!
A certified Thai Massage Therapist (she is brilliant!) will be on site and this is one of the only things for which is extra - everything else is included. Cost for massage is 600 baht per hour (approx. 9pounds).
There is no electricity so lighting in the evening is provided by kerosene lanterns adding to the lovely ambience. The moon and stars are so bright that night swimming and kayaking are frequent activities.
You can swim and relax in the sunshine kayaks (there are enough double kayaks for all to share) and explore the jungle and listen to the sounds.
There is a lot to do (or not do) in a very beautiful place.
See the pics and personal experiences from the last retreat.
For more information and pics please also see www.jungleyoga.com
Cost and Booking
The cost for the retreat is 630 per person. This includes accommodation in private huts, 2 yoga sessions per day, all delicious meals, snacks and teas.
The price above includes: group transfers between airport (Krabi) and venue at set times, yoga tuition, accommodation and full board (3 meals per day) and use of kayaks and excursions.
Not included: flights, travel insurance, separate transfers other than as specified & massage treatments.
This retreat venue is near beaches of Krabi and Phuket or Koh Samui and Koh Pangan if afterwards/before the retreat you would like to spend time relaxing on a Thai beach (we will).
For more information and to book a place please email us at les@bendyles.net or skype call bendyles
A non-refundable deposit of 150/190 is required to book your place. The balance is due upon arrival at the lake.