Vikasa Yoga Retreat

Stayed for 3 nights as a solo traveler. The yoga caves are small but very pretty, modern and clean. No ensuite but the toilets and showers are 10m from the rooms and very clean -- still...not the most fun to get up in the middle of the night. 3-4 yoga classes each day and really impressed that the teaching is quite advanced. Classes have a whole range of skills ability, most people seem fairly beginner. The complementary Cafe breakfast is incredibly yummy (scrambled tofu!) and filling, and such a view! In 3 days / a shorter stay you probably won't talk to anyone, people are smiley and friendly but don't engage beyond that.

We attended an independently organized retreat held at Vikasa. The yoga retreat itself was wonderful - vikasa failed to impress. There were several positive aspects that stood out: the grounds are well done and our yoga shala had an amazing view over the water. That said: 1. Slow to no response from staff Poor (or no) response via app. Reception staff informed us the app was the most efficient method to communicate with reception front and spa. Multiple members of our group contracted a 24 hr stomach flu during the retreat. They requested room service because they could not leave their room due to illness. After 30 min - and multiple messages - they received a response and were charged 200 THB for crackers and a slice of bread. Sent several unanswered requests to the spa. Recommended going to Crystal Beach or Lamai for massage - 1/4 ($500 vs $2,000) cost and support local business. There is no phone in the room and we had at least 200 uneven stairs in the sun to the reception and cafe area - not convenient - but required to receive a timely response from staff. 2. Rooms The bed took up the entire space in our Lotus Pad Plus. There was absolutely no room to move or anywhere to sit inside except on the bed. Important during mosquito peak hours when sitting on the porch is unbearable. Despite an entire section in the Vikasa information book describing their independent coffee business there is no coffee in the room. We got instant from the mini mart across the street because the cafe did not open until 8:00 am and our morning practice started at 7:00 am. 3. Meals for group activities Meals were basically the same every day. You need to track down a server to order an egg with breakfast and a main meal (from 1-2 selections) at dinner. We heard the (not included) cafe dishes were amazing - the group buffets could use improvement and variety other than rotating salad dressings and juice or tea. There are many options for yoga retreats in Thailand and on Samui - would not recommended Vikasa.

Vikasa view is beautiful and a perfect location. However the customer care is poor. I was double booked on my first night and was not refunded the full amount as they charged me for sharing a twin room which I did not use!!!!! That someone else had paid a solo occupancy for!!!’ As it was their error I’m at a loss as to how they can charge for room I did not use! Plus they didn’t even talk to me until the last day despite attempts to speak to Vicky the events manager.