Vikasa Yoga Retreat

A beautiful space, great cafe, nice rooms…but…totally inconsiderate / incapable service (middle management). We were accidentially double charged for a massage treatment. It has now taken three rounds of emails and promises, and still no refund. We are back on the islands for 3rd year in a row and sad that have crossed this place off our lists and had to finally publicize this review, after giving them one year (!) to cure this simple issue

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.

Returning to Vikasa has been a truly transformative experience. I first came here for a Vikation and was drawn back for the Yoga Teacher Training, and I can say with certainty that Vikasa is so much more than just a retreat—it’s a destination for evolution. From the breathtaking views to the thoughtfully curated experience, every aspect of Vikasa is designed to nurture holistic well-being. The food is not only nourishing and delicious but crafted with care to support a balanced, mindful lifestyle. The entire destination exudes a sense of serenity, making it the perfect environment to disconnect from distractions and reconnect with yourself. But beyond the beauty of the surroundings, what makes Vikasa truly special is the people. There is an energy here—one of warmth, humility, and genuine connection. The community fosters an atmosphere of acceptance, inspiration, and growth, encouraging you to look inward and expand outward. A heartfelt thank you to Kosta, Niki, Michael, Alex, Mikey, Seal, Kara, Sasha, Yuthis, Boris, Jay, Victoria, the Karma Yogis, and the incredible staff, including Kookai, Zee, Nyi, Phyu, Shane, Neuing, Ankor, Kulala, Mio, Nice, and so many others who make this place run so seamlessly. The Yoga Teacher Training at Vikasa is a deeply enriching journey. The program is comprehensive and holistic, led by teachers who truly care—not only about sharing knowledge but about each student’s personal and spiritual growth. They provide a structured yet heart-centered learning experience, ensuring that what we gain here extends far beyond the mat. There is something truly special about the energy of this destination. It’s an energy that stays with you, a spark that each person who comes here can carry forward into the world in their own way—hopefully creating more space for peace, love, and yoga in our universe. Thank you so much to everyone who has been part of this journey, hope to see you soon. ❤️

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.

I've done 3 YTTs in my life so far. 1 in Europe (Germany) 1 on Koh Phangan and now 1 here on Koh Samui at Vikasa. I teach a lot myself, travel full time around the planet and see a lot. Compared to the previous YTTs I took and the standard of teachers I saw around the world Vikasa is really outstanding. When I take a YTT it's not that much of a vacation to me, it's about learning. Therefore it's most important to me that the teachers are great. Vikasa offers 5 different head teachers supported by 4 assistances. All teachers have their own unique style of teaching and present different parts of the YTT correlated to their talents and strength. Outstanding to me were the physical classes with Rama, the pranayama sessions with Kosta and the experiences with Nikki. The Schedule also covered some really interesting parts such as yoga biz (online and offline) as well as excursions to a waterfall and a sadhana beach day. For the vacation aspect: The location of Vikasa is ideal to just disappear for a while in a yoga bubble. The venues are ideal (ac/fan/open sala etc.). The pool is famous for stunning sunrise pictures. The food at the life cafe is also great. I stayed the 5 weeks with my partner and we had one of the Lotus pad bungalows next to the pool. You are surrounded by nature and I slept like a baby. The staff cleaned the room once per day and everyone around the entire place was super friendly and helpful. We had our graduation party on a boat which is another extraordinary point. I never had such a fun graduation event. If I'm about to recommend someone to take a YTT, it will be here at Vikasa. Thanks to the team, the teachers and the founders for building this beautiful place that brings so much growth and help to thousands of yogi. I enjoyed my stay a lot and I'll be back for sure! Namste :)

Ahhhh Vikasa you’re soooo close to being a total gem but you’re falling a bit short for me. So first off anyone reading this should know I I was a guest for 3 nights so not part of any group. “Independent solo traveler” looking for some connection, healthy living and peace & quiet. Why this is important - there seemed to be numerous groups staying at Vikasa on retreat while I was there. So they had their own tables / vibes / group dynamics and will also have their own reviews. They looked they there were having fun (as a solo traveller felt a bit left out). Soooo why I think you fall short … - I think for me it was the lack of connection. Perhaps it was unrealistic to think I could connect in 3 nights but some things that might help … // more communal tables encouraging this with the “drop in group” // phone and laptop free zones … I was VERY Sad to see laptops and phones out and people with earphones on and in zoom calls // More connected conversations ‘ & group activities - I went to both on the evenings but they were VERY surface level (hike was also organised but it was rather expensive per person for a hike?!) Another thing that was a bit of a reminder that this is a resort and place to make money was the fact that everything was just that more expensive than in the outside world - if you order a taxi with reception 450 vs 300 , smoothies 230 vs 100, Massage 800 vs 300 . I guess it’s hard to be authentic & also make money but it was very noticeable when you when out to town. Someone said ya but that’s only xx in GBP but I think it’s just the principle feels a bit off. Finally there was construction on site which really annoyed me. I asked for a quiet room and got the room right by the drilling. It was also very noticeable at the pool. I just wish someone would have given me the heads up on this. Finally would I recommend this resort - yes and no. I am hopeful that they will make some changes to elevate the space. But in its current form it’s ok but not a must visit retreat just yet if you have the time rather just commit and book into a week long retreat either here or somewhere else would be my recommendation. So you can get that structure and community.