Paul Joseph2013-05-25T05:44:22-04:00Paul Josephhttp://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/author/index.php?author=paul-josephCopyright 2008, HuffingtonPost.com, Inc.HuffingtonPost Blogger Feed for Paul JosephGood old fashioned elbow grease.How Yoga Has Changed My Lifetag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2013:/theblog//3.33130452013-05-23T19:00:00-04:002013-05-23T12:31:22-04:00Paul Josephhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/paul-joseph/lower back and was trying to avoid a back operation by having weekly osteopathy which really helped. I was unable to stand for long periods of time without being in pain and had to give up my favourite sports as well as regular gym sessions.
Before my accident I had always been a gym junkie - working out six days a week with weights, never stretching and straining myself. After six months of seeing a good osteopath I was recommended Pilates, although I fully appreciate it's an effective rehabilitation exercise, particularly using the reformer machines, I could only experience the mat work and it just wasn't right for my particular injuries so I tried yoga instead. Even though I was inflexible at the time, I preferred it and within a few months I was hooked and felt my posture and alignment improving.
Performing an eight angle yoga pose at Carlisle Bay in Antigua
After one year of continuous yoga practise, my body was stronger and more flexible and I could finally touch my toes with straight legs, which gave me a real sense of accomplishment on how far I had come. Each time I completed a yoga session my pain incrementally became softer and easier to manage, and eventually my whole body stronger. Yoga's given me the tools to tune into what is happening on the inside as well as the outside and the ability to switch off and focus. The endless benefits and learning how to become so calm is more powerful than any gym workout, being able to make clear decisions has improved every area of my life in the last ten years.
I began yoga with an excellent teacher who had taught for 25 years and up until now I've been taught by a range of yoga teachers of various nationalities and experience levels who have all offered a unique perspective. What comes with yoga is a whole new healthy lifestyle, you become more in tune with what's important in life and as a result, I became interested in alternative medicine and other forms of holistic wellness such as herbal remedies, acupuncture and meditation, all which complement yoga and lead to a more spiritual lifestyle.
From 2006 to 2010 I worked long hours in a busy PR and marketing agency in London, but managed to specialise in working with health and well-being clients. I always made time for my yoga practise every week as it helped me to reconnect and de-stress from my job at the time. I also do a lot of resistance and interval training to keep fit such as kickboxing and circuits, as exercise and yoga complement each other well, especially as your muscles get tight so stretching is vital. I would not want to ever be without my yoga in any given week, it more than sustains me and brings about a clear mind and calmness which helps in my daily life of a hectic work schedule, long hours and travel.
I still practise yoga and plan to for the rest of my life, it's a personal journey and my body changes with continuous practise. I'm now very flexible and can do lots of the advanced poses; such as the crow (Kakasana), figure of eight (Astavakrasana), the wheel (Cakra-asana), arm balances and legs stretched out to the side. I never thought I'd be able to do half the poses I do now, but it just happens one day when you are least expecting it as your body adjusts progressively.
There are many different styles of yoga with Hatha as a starting point. Although I particularly feel challenged by Ashtanga and I do Vinyasa and sometimes Bikram, yoga is a lifetime journey and I have come to appreciate all forms of yoga. There are many styles to embrace and I've now eventually come to enjoy types of yoga that I didn't think I would. Breathing is one of the most important aspects and I've tried a lot of Pranayama which is a powerful deep breathing meditation technique to help calm the mind, balance emotions and reduce stress.
I have thought a lot about becoming a yoga teacher over the years but it's something I know I can do any time in my life. I decided to use my experience and interests to create a luxury wellness travel company called Health and Fitness Travel, which I launched with my friend in December 2010. The company specialises in tailor-made healthy holidays worldwide and I now get to travel to the most amazing destinations in the world, and practice yoga with some of the most inspiring teachers.
Working for myself has allowed me to practise more, as well as sell the most amazing yoga holidays which has opened my mind to a new way of healthy living. With many years of regular practise, I have grown as a whole human being and my thought process and appreciation of life and care and sensitivity to people, has enriched me and my lifestyle.
Practising yoga on a regular basis has improved my mental and body awareness, flexibility, concentration levels and complete inner peace. Yoga will always be a part of my lifestyle and I'm so glad I discovered it, even though it wasn't through the best circumstances, it's turned out to have led me down a path of self-discovery and long term happiness with the direction I've taken.]]>Why Wellness Holidays Are the Hottest Trend in Travel and Where to Gotag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2013:/theblog//3.31548312013-04-25T11:47:21-04:002013-04-29T08:30:32-04:00Paul Josephhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/paul-joseph/wellness holidays have grown in recent years with a surge of people traveling abroad to stay healthy. Many spa resorts will no longer be positioned as fitness amenities but lifestyle choices offering vegan and gluten-free healthy meal options. The wellness travel industry and consumer needs have evolved from pampered indulgence to personalised, functional health and fitness.
Holidays offering tailor-made healthy programmes where clients can be flexible and choose what they want to do are most popular which is why I created our Fusion Fitness Holidays to fulfil this need. Combining a healthy holiday with culture is another emerging trend now with us launching our brand new Discover Recover holidays which offer a unique opportunity to unite your perfect travel experience of wellness with culture.
Enjoy a range of spa treatments on your healthy holiday
The wellness holiday industry has been increasing in popularity and will continue. We have become more aware of the importance of staying fit and healthy and our holidays reflect this trend. People don't want to sit on a beach sunning themselves for 10 hours a day; they want to return home with lasting benefits, long after the tan's faded. Due to our sedentary daily lives which can leave us open to health problems in later life, we want to stay active on holiday and use what time we have to boost our health and well-being.
The typical wellness traveller booking these types of holidays are 30+ men and women who lead busy lives and are successful business people. They work hard but have little time to focus on their health and fitness, so seek a holiday to rejuvenate and get back in shape. These people see these types of holidays as a necessary part of their lives and invest in their health and well-being. A high proportion of our clients are single travellers and our holidays are perfect for travelling on your own. Like any machine used on a daily basis, our bodies needs care and attention to ensure they stay in good working order, so these types of healthy holidays are also perfect for a body MOT.
Here are some of my wellness holiday recommendations on my favourite places for stress relief, fitness, weight-loss, detox, spa and yoga.
Where to go for stress relief
If you're looking for somewhere spectacular to de-stress, completely unwind and reconnect with nature, I recommend Zighy Bay in Oman, set in its own secluded bay. The contrast of the spectacular mountains and sparkling beaches makes it the perfect location to recharge your batteries and there are a number of activities, holistic classes and spa treatments to choose from. Enjoy a real sense of relaxation for total renewal.
A private yoga class at Zighy Bay
Where to go for fitness 38° North Fusion Fitness at Aguas de Ibiza is the perfect place to shape up whilst enjoying some renowned Ibiza sunsets. From kickboxing to rooftop yoga classes, hiking to mountain biking, there is a full schedule of group exercise and personalised training for maximum results. If you are someone who is looking for a hard core workout week, then this fitness holiday is for you as it can be tailor-made to suit your preferences. You can also unwind with spa treatments, meditation and enjoy healthy meals.
Where to go for Detox Kamalaya in Thailand is fantastic for a detox holiday. Guest teachers and practitioners fly in from all over the world to this spectacular wellness sanctuary in Koh Samui. The spa therapists are world class and the food is so healthy but delicious. Introductory, basic and comprehensive detox programmes are available to choose from which feature a range of holistic therapies for cleansing to increase energy and vitality. On arrival it's like entering a different world, somewhere truly magical and calming where you end your holiday feeling totally restored in mind and body.
Where to go for weight loss Longevity Wellness Resort nestled in the green mountains of Monchique has a structured weight management programme that is designed to guide you towards achieving and maintaining your ideal weight. They are also a pioneer in preventative anti-ageing medicine with an extensive timetable of wellness workshops and group activities from yoga and boxing, to nature hiking. The Longevity team will give you the tools and help to aid weight loss, helping you to manage your weight with a healthy diet.
A spectacular view of the Algarve coastline
Where to go for yoga
If you're a fan of yoga, sunshine, delicious healthy food, fresh fruit smoothies and incredible juices then try Absolute Sanctuary, in Koh Samui, Thailand. This stunning Moroccan-inspired boutique resort offers five yoga classes a day including pranayama, meditation, Yoga flow, hatha, Ashtanga, yin, detox and hot yoga. The jungle studio, where all the classes take place has huge windows, so natural light can flood through, allowing you to enjoy a beautiful view. As well as the unlimited yoga offered in their yoga holiday programme, you also get the luxury of a daily aroma or Thai stretch massage at the spa.
Where to go for spa
My favourite spa holiday is The BodyHoliday in St Lucia, the all-inclusive wellness resort at the northern end of this beautiful island has an impressive amount of holistic, fitness and sports activities with one daily spa treatment included. Having been voted Best Destination Spa in the world by Conde Nast Traveller readers, they offer a vast menu of spa treatments from Ayurvedic to reiki and extensive body and facial treatments with a specialised skin clinic. You will end your holiday feeling relaxed, rejuvenated and recharged.
Where has exceeded my expectations Ananda in the Himalayas, 3,000 feet above sea-level and surrounded by vibrant green flora and valleys, brisk mountain air, and stunning scenery promotes a holistic approach to healing the mind, body, and spirit through its philosophy of combining Ayurveda and yoga. Bordered by the River Ganges, this chic destination spa nurtures a serene atmosphere and is a beautiful property with friendly staff, great rooms and fabulous food. Spa treatments, yoga, and meditation sessions stimulate spiritual well-being with adventure activities to invigorate physical health.
Yoga on the terrace at Ananda in India
Where is new and worth a visit The Chateau Spa and Organic Wellness Resort is a new destination spa in Malaysia offering a daily schedule of activities including tennis, golf, yoga, mountain biking, horse riding, hiking and jungle trekking to archery, exercise and dance classes, meditation and organic farming.
Paradis Plage in Morocco offers a good mix of yoga, surfing, spa and hiking. It's not luxurious but offers good value and a relaxed atmosphere with spacious accommodation. The yoga studio on the beach is a perfect space to enjoy classes every day and the spa has two hammams.
Buccament Bay, located on the stunning Caribbean island of St Vincent surrounded by lush green mountains, and a beautiful white sand beach offers sporty holidays with a tennis, football and cricket academy to hone your skills or enjoy healthy lifestyle retreats to enhance your well-being.
Paul Joseph is co-founder of Health and Fitness Travel]]>My Wellness Sanctuary for Health & Fitnesstag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2013:/theblog//3.29621122013-03-27T10:26:13-04:002013-03-27T15:27:31-04:00Paul Josephhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/paul-joseph/Absolute Sanctuary driver and taken to this healthy hideaway, located in a quiet part of the Island. Absolute Sanctuary is Thailand's premier detox and yoga resort and just five minutes from the airport, a stunning Moroccan-inspired boutique resort for those seeking a holiday to rejuvenate, unwind and lead a healthy lifestyle.
I had chosen the Absolute Sanctuary Fitness programme which comes with daily personal training, yoga and spa treatments. As soon as I arrived I was greeted with my itinerary, information booklet and a drink, and shown to my room which overlooked the infinity pool and sea. The resort has 38 rooms, all decorated in bright yet calming colours with the option of either a sea or pool view. Mine had its own private terrace, en-suite bathroom, air-conditioning and TV, along with a yoga mat if I wanted to do self-practice in my room.
The view from my deluxe sea view room
My first day started with a comprehensive wellness consultation after a healthy but delicious breakfast. My wellness consultant Sentha was a visiting practitioner from Australia, who has over 20 years' experience in the practice of Cranio Sacral Therapy, Reiki and yoga teaching. She was very interesting and made me aware of what I needed to improve in my lifestyle; I left with good intentions and armed with information. I then had my fitness assessment and met with Uli who was going to be my personal trainer for the week. Uli is from Germany and has been in the fitness industry for many years; I immediately connected with him and knew I was in safe hands. Although he was going to work me hard, I knew I would get results.
Uli designs a programme to help improve overall fitness or simply to get someone started on a fitness regime. Fitness sessions are tailored to address individual needs and include both indoor and outdoor sessions with a mixture of cardiovascular workouts, strength training, boot camp and Thai boxing. My personal goals were to get stronger, leaner and fitter. My workouts with Uli involved interval resistance training - short bursts of intense exercise to increase my metabolic rate. A typical routine would normally consist of press ups, lunges, squats, mountain climbers and burpees, with a short rest in between so my heart rate didn't drop. I always took a well-deserved rest afterwards by the pool with a coconut juice.
Uli and I at the end of my fitness holiday
Every day before my workouts I had a power blast shake (vital greens, coconut water and other healthy ingredients) to give me an energy boost - it worked! Absolute Sanctuary has a brilliant menu of healthy and tasty smoothies and juices. One of my favourite juice blends was Happy Belly (pineapple, ginger and coriander) and Tropicana (papaya, banana and coconut).
Absolute Sanctuary is very well-known for its yoga holiday programme; they offer 5 classes a day so between my spa treatments and fitness training, I had a hard time choosing which classes to do. I absolutely adore yoga and practice regularly back home. Our teachers Kez and Jana are encouraging and motivating, and classes included pranayama, meditation, Yoga flow, hatha, Ashtanga, yin, detox and hot yoga. With sweat dripping down my face and body, I kept wishing I had another towel to wipe it away, but Kez tells me wiping off sweat will only disrupt my practice and encourage more sweat production for my body to cool down. He was right, and by day three I went through the full 90 minute class with only wiping my face and hands.
A yoga class at Absolute Sanctuary
Apart from yoga, group exercise classes were available to attend which include circuit training, Bootcamp and cardio fitness. Workshops I attended were for postural analysis, hypnotherapy and astrology. As part of my programme I had lots of daily spa treatments to unwind ranging from pressure point massage to a foot sanctuary. During my rejuvenation sports massage, my therapist slides her forearms over my back before digging her elbows into my shoulder blades; she was determined to banish my knots and tension away. I surrender to the pulling and stretching of a traditional 90 minute Thai massage in their open pavilion with herbal heat compress. It was my favourite treatment and by day 5 I was literally glowing, looked healthier and felt fitter.
Absolute Sanctuary caters very well for single travellers. On my first day I met some friendly guests around the pool and at lunch who were from the UK and Australia. Lots of clients were there on a detox holiday and having colon hydrotherapy, detox massages, juices and detox broth soups. It was good to see so many people looking well and sharing the same health and fitness experience.
All meals are served at The Love Kitchen restaurant, where they cook delicious and healthy cuisine which caters to everyone's needs whether on a detox, fitness or weight management programme. The local cuisine was very good and there were lots of dishes to choose from, including some very healthy deserts for the sweet tooth.
Before my morning yoga class at sunrise
Absolute Sanctuary offers a free daily shuttle service to the local beaches, choose from either Cheongmon or Chaweng beach. I took one afternoon off and went to the local beach near Bophut with some guests I met at the resort. We all went to the local market on the Friday for some night shopping, which was a good place to pick up some gifts and clothes to take home.
When it came to the end of my healthy holiday, I understand why our clients never want to leave. If after 5 days I can feel this good; fitter, healthier and less tired, I can only imagine that a two week stay would make me even more radiant. My final fitness consultation with Uli showed that I had lost some weight and gained some muscle - I felt stronger both physically and mentally. I also got to take home my personalised workout programme and I am now determined to keep up my fitness and yoga regime back home (with a few cheat days thrown in), so I can lead a healthy lifestyle. Whether you're looking for a de-stressing spa holiday, weight loss, yoga, detox or fitness holiday - Absolute Sanctuary in Thailand has something for everyone.
Paul Joseph is Co-founder of Health and Fitness Travel]]>Why Is Yoga So Good for You?tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2013:/theblog//3.28371752013-03-11T19:00:00-04:002013-05-11T05:12:01-04:00Paul Josephhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/paul-joseph/
Every yoga asana (pose) has a different name and includes standing postures, seated twists, backbends, arm balances, inversions and core holds. The downward facing dog for example, is in itself said to calm the brain, energise the body, improve digestion, strengthen arms and legs and be therapeutic for high blood pressure. Whilst these benefits come as a given with most postures, the practise of yoga as a whole gives many more benefits than you might think...
Eight reasons why yoga is so good for you:
1. Lowers stress and improves your mood
Some yoga methods use specific meditation techniques to focus the mind on your breathing that quietens the constant 'mind chatter', relieves stress and allows you to feel relaxed. Practising yoga can also boost oxygen levels to the brain, leaving you feeling happier and more content with everyday life.
2. Boosts confidence
Aside from the uplifting spiritual values, the act of meditation can actually boost your confidence. The process works by releasing tension from your mind so you can feel confident about your physical body. Without any forms of anxiety, you are able to establish an internal connection with yourself. This is consequently reflected in your perception of others and will help to better your relationships by improving compassion and awareness.
3. Lower risk of injury
Exercise, such as running, is usually a series of rapid, forceful movements, which means that effort is at a maximum and there is a higher risk of injury and increased muscle tension. Often, strenuous exercise also engages an imbalance of opposing muscle groups whereas yoga concentrates on balancing this activity. Yoga unites your body and mind and therefore allows you to move in a way that results in an injury free, healthier you.
4. Helps you lose weight
Being overweight is a sign that there are imbalances in your everyday life and one major contributor to weight gain is excess stress. Practising yoga enables you to bring a deep sense of relaxation to your body and your mind, helping you to de-stress and allowing you to lose weight naturally.
5. Increases flexibility
People often say that they are not flexible enough to do yoga. The truth is it doesn't matter how tight your muscles are as yoga asanas works by safely stretching your muscles and help you to practise it further. Moreover yoga also stretches other soft tissue in the body such as ligaments and tendons, increasing the range of motion in the joints and allowing you to move around more freely.
6. Improves muscle tone and strength
Many yoga asanas have a profound effect on your upper body strength, such as the downward and upward dog and the plank focuses on your core. Likewise standing poses strengthen your upper leg muscles and lower back. Essentially any pose will strengthen an area of the body if it is practised in the right way, without putting too much stress on specific muscle groups.
7. Benefits breathing and lowers blood pressure
If you are to practise yoga consistently, your lung capacity will increase as a result of the deep breathing process. This will then have a positive effect on more intense sports that you might be a part of, increasing your stamina and endurance. Furthermore, meditation and calming yoga asanas slow down your heart rate which in turn lowers blood pressure and have also been linked with improving the immune system and lowering cholesterol.
8. Improves your posture
By practising yoga you maintain a healthier weight, become more flexible and improve your muscle tone and strength. You will find that your posture will greatly improve because of this. Your abdominals and back muscles can now fully support your weight and you will be able to sit and stand tall, preventing niggling injuries, aches and pains.
The beauty of yoga is that it can be practiced pretty much anywhere, on your own or with other yoga enthusiasts. If you have been inspired to give yoga a go there is no better place to try it than on an amazing yoga holiday. With destinations spanning from Thailand to St Lucia, I round up five of my favourite yoga holidays so you can enjoy a luxurious healthy holiday whilst profiting from the extraordinary health and fitness benefits yoga has to offer.
This yoga holiday is an ideal choice for beginners and dedicated yogis alike who are looking for an invigorating healthy holiday. Up to 25 classes take place a week in a charming studio, and feature a variety of styles such as Hot Flow, Ashtanga, Yin, Yin-Yang, Pranayama & Meditation, Hatha, Pilates, Yogalates and a special Introduction to Yoga for beginners. This yoga retreat will help you find your balance mentally, physically and spiritually.
With a mixture of personalised yoga sessions tailored to your every individual need combined with a comprehensive spa holiday programme, this retreat in the Himalayan foothills makes an inspiring singles holiday for yogis. Stretch and strengthen your muscles through a series of ancient postures whilst the breathing training helps re-energise your mind and prepares you for an instant inner peace that will be installed in your everyday life.
The BodyHoliday, LeSport is an amazing health and fitness experience. The luxurious island resort provides a personal service of spa treatments, therapies and activities based on the four pillars of exercise, good diet, restorative beauty and relaxation. It offers the perfect opportunity to incorporate your love of yoga into an active fitness holiday, with daily yoga and pilates classes for all levels, along with multiple land and water sports at your disposal.
This Yoga Synergy holiday offers private one-to-one yoga sessions with tailored programmes suitable for both beginners and experienced yogis. Daily sessions are customised to your individual skill level and goals, and include instruction in asana, pranayama (breathing) and meditation. This personal yoga and wellness retreat will allow you to address physical limitations, deepen your existing practise or develop a regular home practise.
Parrot Cay is an exclusive private island of which you'll immediately realise that you have reached a very special place. Along with daily yoga and Pilates classes, as well as yoga on the beach, the retreat includes yogic philosophy group discussions to enhance your knowledge. You will be further inspired by Andrea, an internationally certified Vinyasa yoga teacher who, with her compassionate style, will encourage you to express your own individual practise.
For more ideas and inspiration, take a look at these luxury yoga holidays
Paul Joseph is Co-founder of Health and Fitness Travel]]>Review of Kamalaya - The Ultimate Healthy Holidaytag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2013:/theblog//3.27736462013-02-27T12:35:16-05:002013-04-29T05:12:01-04:00Paul Josephhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/paul-joseph/Kamalaya in Koh Samui. Voted as Destination Spa of the Year in Asia and Favourite Spa in Thailand, I was looking forwards to spending one week re-energising myself at this stunning Wellness Sanctuary and holistic spa.
On my arrival to Kamalaya, I was greeted with a cold flannel and drink, and I immediately felt like I had entered a different world, somewhere truly magical and calming. There are 59 rooms and suites ranging from luxurious beach villas to simple rooms, all different and decorated beautifully. My sea view villa was stunning and overlooked the lush jungle and beach; this really was a room with a view and an idyllic place to unwind.
At the centre of Kamalaya is a cave which has been used by Buddhist monks as a place to meditate for hundreds of years. The resort has two restaurants serving the most delicious healthy cuisine I've ever tasted, a library, swimming pools, fitness centre, yoga pavilion and plenty of space to relax in with the most spectacular views. My first night at Kamalaya was actually my birthday and I was given a surprise healthy chocolate cake by the staff after a wonderful dinner. I then reclined back to my room to sleep.
My first day was spent doing a morning yoga class at the yoga pavilion overlooking the sea, followed by a healthy breakfast of a fresh wheatgrass shot, fruit and poached eggs, which became my daily routine every morning. I began my wellness programme with a Body Bio impedance Analysis which is what all clients have at the start of any wellness programme. Electrodes were attached to my fingertips and the results showed how healthy my cells are, body fat, hydration levels, metabolic rate and body mass index. I was pleased to hear my energy levels were very high and my body cell and lean body mass were good.
I then had my wellness consultation with Laurel from Australia, the resident Naturopath who was very thorough and helped assist me in putting together my tailor-made package - the Kamalaya Balance and Revitalise comprehensive programme. This included lots of lovely treatments from Ayurvedic massages to Reiki and Thai massage, as well as personal training and private yoga lessons. I also decided that some detoxing was needed and took Magnesium, Turmeric, Zinc, Chromium, Probiotic and Fibre supplements each day. I ate mostly from the detox menu but did indulge with their chocolate mousse occasionally, which was the best chocolate mousse I have ever tasted!
It was after my first 24 hours at Kamalaya that I started to feel so calm and relaxed. Out of all the spa treatments on my schedule, I thought the Traditional Asian foot and Traditional Asian hand massages may have been just a simple hand and foot massage, but they were two of my favourite treatments I had. Words can't describe just how wonderful these treatments are, both based on reflexology pressure points, I was left feeling totally rejuvenated. All the Ayurveda therapies were wonderful, the Shirodhara was another favourite of mine, warm oil was poured continuously over my forehead (considered as the third eye) in order to clear my mind and cleanse my soul - it worked!
My initial Chinese medicine consultation with the doctor was very interesting and I had acupuncture treatment with cupping, which really helped with my digestive and sinus problems. The Chi Nei Tsang treatment, a powerful abdominal massage really helped to unravel my energy blockages and promote circulation. It was slightly uncomfortable at first but very beneficial and I felt good afterwards. The spa at Kamalaya is exceptional, every time I arrived for a treatment my therapist was waiting to meet and greet me. With so many different treatment rooms, both indoors and outdoors and serene views to look at whilst being pampered, this is now one of my favourite spa holidays.
My personal training was focussed on cardio and strength training as well as Thai boxing, the trainer was very good and each session ended with a 10 minute super stretch which I loved and something I always looked forwards to. Fitness holiday training is imperative to me as I don't always have as much time to focus on my fitness as I'd like. I enjoyed all the yoga holiday classes with Nok and Siri, both were inspirational teachers who I learned from and the yoga Pavilion at Kamalaya is a really serene place to practice every day. I highly recommend the personal yoga lessons, it's amazing what you can achieve and learn in just one hour.
Kamalaya has a comprehensive holistic weekly activity schedule which is given to guests on arrival. I was able to schedule what I wanted to do around my wellness programme, this included morning power walks on the beach, Tai Chi, Yoga, Pilates, Circuit training, Cardio Combat and Stretching. The fitness trainers Sunny and Em at Kamalaya are energetic and fun, I felt so motivated because of them. There are also health lectures and cooking classes to attend so you can learn how to create delicious dishes that you may have enjoyed at Kamalaya. Apart from one rain shower, the weather was perfect all week of around 30+ degrees Celsius. The beach at Kamalaya is very secluded and peaceful; I am always greeted by Krit, who has a smile on his face with my beach bed ready and a drink. When I can't sit still, I go swimming, walking or kayaking.
I also got to experience a personal Pranayama session with Smittha, who explains to me it's the 'science of breath' and the control of the vital force in the air we breathe. Pranayama consists of slow, regulated deep breathing which helps to calm the mind, balance the emotions and reduce stress and anxiety. Smittha took me through three stages; beginners Pranayama, complete breath Pranayama and Nadi Shodhana Pranayama. By the end I was nearly asleep and felt so calm, since I've returned home I'm now doing 10 minutes before I go to bed which is really helping me to sleep well. I highly recommend you try it.
Most evenings I joined the community table and met other solo travellers, mostly from the UK and Australia and we all got on very well. The majority of people who visit Kamalaya on holiday are single travellers so you are not alone, unless you would prefer to be then not a problem. I am fussy with my food and always want to eat well so I was pleased the food was fabulous at Kamalaya and I enjoyed it so much. All the soups were tasty and I recommend the Detox vegetable broth, green vegetable and Pumpkin soups. The Detox Mieng Kam was my favourite starter, a traditional Thai appetiser with a combination of fresh green betel leaves served with dried coconut, fresh pineapple, ginger, shallots and vegetables. My favourite main dishes were the baked snow fish with cucumber avocado mash and the roast duck breast with sweet potato roesti. Detoxing on holiday has never been so delicious - the food is so fresh and healthy.
You can be as busy or as quiet as you like at Kamalaya, the choice is yours. I would recommend choosing a seven day wellness programme over a 10 night stay or 10 days over a 14 night stay so you have longer to enjoy everything on offer. This really is a special place; the staff are wonderful and I understand why so many of our clients return. As I finished my seven day healthy holiday, I left feeling totally restored and calm. I was stronger physically and mentally, and I'll look forwards to returning one day to experience this again.
There are many spas on Koh Samui Island, but none that are as sophisticated and unique as Kamalaya. This is one seriously good spa holiday, guest teachers and practitioners fly in from all over the world and the therapists are world class.
This yoga holiday is an ideal choice for beginners and dedicated yogis alike who are looking for an invigorating healthy holiday. Up to 25 classes take place a week in a charming studio, and feature a variety of styles such as Hot Flow, Ashtanga, Yin, Yin-Yang, Pranayama & Meditation, Hatha, Pilates, Yogalates and a special Introduction to Yoga for beginners. This yoga retreat will help you find your balance mentally, physically and spiritually.
With a mixture of personalised yoga sessions tailored to your every individual need combined with a comprehensive spa holiday programme, this retreat in the Himalayan foothills makes an inspiring singles holiday for yogis. Stretch and strengthen your muscles through a series of ancient postures whilst the breathing training helps re-energise your mind and prepares you for an instant inner peace that will be installed in your everyday life. 
The BodyHoliday, LeSport is an amazing health and fitness experience. The luxurious island resort provides a personal service of spa treatments, therapies and activities based on the four pillars of exercise, good diet, restorative beauty and relaxation. It offers the perfect opportunity to incorporate your love of yoga into an active fitness holiday, with daily yoga and pilates classes for all levels, along with multiple land and water sports at your disposal. 
This Yoga Synergy holiday offers private one-to-one yoga sessions with tailored programmes suitable for both beginners and experienced yogis. Daily sessions are customised to your individual skill level and goals, and include instruction in asana, pranayama (breathing) and meditation. This personal yoga and wellness retreat will allow you to address physical limitations, deepen your existing practise or develop a regular home practise.
Parrot Cay is an exclusive private island of which you'll immediately realise that you have reached a very special place. Along with daily yoga and Pilates classes, as well as yoga on the beach, the retreat includes yogic philosophy group discussions to enhance your knowledge. You will be further inspired by Andrea, an internationally certified Vinyasa yoga teacher who, with her compassionate style, will encourage you to express your own individual practise.
Most evenings I joined the community table and met other solo travellers, mostly from the UK and Australia and we all got on very well. The majority of people who visit Kamalaya on holiday are single travellers so you are not alone, unless you would prefer to be then not a problem. I am fussy with my food and always want to eat well so I was pleased the food was fabulous at Kamalaya and I enjoyed it so much. All the soups were tasty and I recommend the Detox vegetable broth, green vegetable and Pumpkin soups. The Detox Mieng Kam was my favourite starter, a traditional Thai appetiser with a combination of fresh green betel leaves served with dried coconut, fresh pineapple, ginger, shallots and vegetables. My favourite main dishes were the baked snow fish with cucumber avocado mash and the roast duck breast with sweet potato roesti. Detoxing on holiday has never been so delicious - the food is so fresh and healthy.