"We stayed fin Vikasa for Yoga Vacation and had a wonderful time. The Place is absolutely fantastic, great view and very well equipped. From everywere in vikasa there is an unbelieveable oceanview. The accommodation was lovely and with a balcony overlooking the ocean. The food was delicious and the buffets have a great selection of healthy and tastfull dishes."

"The rooms have a fabulous view, spacious and clean. The staff are unbelievably accommodating and pleasant. Expecially Jun is very helpfull and tried all to give us a good time."

"We can recommend the place absolutly!"

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"I stayed for 5 days Yoga Vacation and had such a beautiful time. The Resort is absolutely fantastic, great location, simple charming Bungalows and very well equipped. The Yoga and Meditation classes were great, especially the ones in the early morning with sunrise on the Yoga platform with unbelieveable oceanview. The food was amazing, massages very good and all staff all times very helpful and friendly. I will come back for sure one day. "

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"I loved the yoga, the location, and the atmosphere of Vikasa. "

"The instructors were so knowledgeable and offered adjustments when needed and the staff always greeted you with warm customer service. The Life Cafe was my favorite part! Wholesome and clean food to compliment the experience. "

"Vikasa was such a great time and I highly recommend it for anyone who wants that exotic getaway with deeper intentions. "

"The only reason I gave it a 9 was because of all the stairs or difficult hills at the resort. While I personally had no problems with this, I fear that it may make it problematic for people who struggle with injuries or certain disabilities from being comfortable going to and from their room. "

"Again, I loved my stay and would return any day!"

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" It was absolutely amazing, definitely a 10! I would have been easy for 1-2 weeks, great location, great food, great hours / offer and very friendly staff - feel completely comfortable, recharged, balanced and healthy! And since then do yoga and to keep me healthy and balanced."

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"My yoga retreat was amazing and Vikasa is absolutely beautiful especially the yoga shala. I am not vegetarian and the food was so delicious, I literally still dream about their cashew cheese, fresh juices and porridge. The yoga instructor's are top notch, management team is friendly and the walk to the yoga shala every morning was breath taking. I would not recommend staying in the yoga cave if you are a light sleeper (garden bungalows have much more privacy and less noise). You can hear the chairs and noise from the main dining hall and it's very loud. In addition, they have daily or half day excursions which I highly recommend. I did a half day excursion to the water fall with Ronnie and a few other people and we had a blast. Definitely this place deserves a 10. I will be back for sure. "

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"I stayed almost 3 days at Vikasa Yoga Retreat and I had a good surprise regarding the classes. I have been practicing yoga for the last 5 years and I can say that I experienced some postures that I had never listened before. The first class in the morning (with pranayamas, meditation and postures) were the best ones! It is indeed the high point of being at Vikasa."

"Another great point that I would like to highlight its the food, I have beento 8 places in Thailand during this trip and for sure the food at Vikasa it was the tasteful and colorful one, all fresh and delicious. The staff it was also very thoughtful always trying to serve as the best manner."

"The only contradictory thing about all this is related to the cleaning and maintenance of the chalets/rooms. Unfortunately the chalet that I stayed was not in good maintenance (with wall showing hole covered with concrete, not painted, old etc.). The other thing was related to cleaning: the chalet and yoga room were dirty, even for Asian standards. The floor at the yoga room was sticky, at the chalet I saw some small things that showed that the place was not cleaned properly like: dirty floor, dust and dirty lid. I even not slept well my last night due to a mice that ran all night at the roof making a huge noise. It's really a shame because I loved the purpose of the retreat about uniting yoga + relaxation. Even though I highly recommend Vikasa for yoga lovers, I hope Vikasa staff will change the cleaning conditions of the place in the near future :)"

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"Vikasa is the safe place for anyone who is looking for emotional experience, meeting true friends from all over the world, having an amazing few from your room and the best, fresh, delicious food from the Vikasa Life Cafe. I've been staying here for the Yoga teacher training and summarizing it in few words - it is life changing and heart worming."

"Thank you very much, to the whole team, from teachers to reception and cleaning personal. You made the stay perfect. A very special thanks to Alex, who supported me during the training and while I came with strong pain in the lower back, he helped to get over it within one week."

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"I went to Vikasa Yoga Retreat for 5-6 days and I was absolutely surprised when I arrived. It's a huge complex with nice zen bungalows. I would really recommend the bungalows. The yoga was great. It's possible to do 4 sessions a day, but most of the people do 2. I loved it to start the day with meditation and yoga and then to have a fantastic buffet breakfast. After breakfast you could do whatever you wanted to. There's a nice beach with nice fishes and coral so it's nice to rent a snorkel set. There's also a nice swimming pool with a beautiful view. And at 4 or 6 the next yoga class starts. After that again a nice and healthy buffet. Many people come by themselves so it's easy to meet people. I absolutely had a great time at Vikasa. I would absolutely recommend it!"

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"I had a fantastic experience at Vikasa. The yoga was great and the food was amazing and varied during the days I was there. The staff was helpful and service minded. I booked a Zen bungalow, it was newly redecorated and so nice. Basic, but all you needed, including A/C and fan. No view as such but very close to the pool. "

"Vikasa is set on a hillside so be prepared to climb stairs, but the views and the food are worth the climb. "

"There is no easy access to the sea as there is no beach only rocks, but the pool was nice and 10 min walk you can get to a beach. However, the walk is along a very busy road. "

"The wifi worked really well everywhere on the premises. "

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"Vikasa was my first ever yoga retreat experience. Therefore, I might lack the ability of comparison. However, the quality of each and every yoga lesson leaves me speechless. No matter what yoga style, teacher or level of difficulty – I enjoyed every single class. Beginners lessons were great to get into details how to thoroughly do poses and align correctly. It was always exactly the perfect level of challenge by learning about own edges and limitations."

"Besides the physical effort it was especially a mental learning experience. The meditation and breathing practices had an amazingly inspiring and grateful impact on my feelings and emotions."

"All of it to be thanked to the great teachers, who authentically embody and pass on the mindful yoga lifestyle. With everyone putting across their individual spirit and personality."

"In fact, I will be coming back myself next year and might even consider to take the teacher training course at Vikasa maybe some day."

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"I have had a very good initiation into yoga retreats visiting Vikasa yoga retreat on Koh Samui island and I am sold.... I had been travelling from Europe, after visiting my family and heading back to Sydney Australia, where I currently live and work, I thought this would be a great stopover holiday."

"There is yoga/meditation from 7am. I even had a singing bowl meditation session which was mind blowing . There is no pressure to join in any classes and classes are aimed at all yoga levels not just super advanced yogis and yoginis who can stand on their heads."

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"The food was fantastic and I was introduced to meals I have never eaten or heard of before.... At one sitting I indulged in two bowls of mango sticky rice, it's a pudding and very delicious satisfied my sweet tooth and my carbohydrate cravings."

"The retreat is built on the side of a cliff looking over the gulf of Siam and so there are a lot of very steep inclines, and stairs to climb, great for exercising the calf muscles, the staff get around on mopeds which looked like fun... The retreat also has access to a beach and I had an afternoon sitting on the rocks taking photographs of the shoreline of the gulf of Siam . Beautiful and serene in every way."

"Staff were very friendly, helpful and spoke English, thank goodness, because I don't speak Thai yet. The accommodation was classically simple, very comfortable and private, they used lots of natural materials to make the furniture which I liked."

"They also offer alternative therapies you can indulge yourself in, from Rieki to Massage. The Rieki session I had at Vikasa was powerful and left me feeling very present. A big thank you to Jason Milne . The massage addressed an issue I have had with my neck for months, she was such an intuitive masseuse. Fantastic experience."

"Availability of an excellent quality Wifi connection was not something I was expecting, so a very pleasant surprise."

"This being my first yoga retreat I would give Vikasa 8/10. And I would definitely come back and bring my sisters next time."

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"It's a very good choice to stay in Vikasa resort. The restaurant, room , location , and yoga class are super awesome. Plus the teachers are professional as well. Because I take all kinds of yoga classes and I have been practice yoga for 2years. That's why I recommend Vikasa resort. "

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"From start to finish, my experience with Vikasa Yoga Retreat was a smooth and stress free one. When I emailed questions prior to booking, someone would always reply very promptly. I opted for the airport pick up option, and was greeted by a friendly driver, who took me to the retreat in a very comfortable car. All the staff at Vikasa were approachable, friendly and welcoming. I wasn't so sure if I would "belong" here as I'm quite new to yoga, but any doubts quickly vanished as this place caters for all levels."

"I decided to stay in one of the Ocean Bungalows. Although it's simple, I loved it. It has its own bathroom, balcony with beanbag and good air con. "

"The classes were excellent - you're given a timetable for the month and there's at least 4 or 5 a day to choose from. You can go to as many as you like. And it's not just yoga, I done Pilates and meditation also. I was really impressed with the classes. And the location is excellent - in a tent overlooking the sea. "

"You are provided with a brunch buffet and dinner buffet everyday. All the food was delicious, it's all homemade, healthy, vegetarian. "

"If you want to visit nearby Lamai and Chaweng, they're just around 15 minutes drive away. You can reach them easily by just walking outside the resort and catching one of Koh Samui's version of the tuk tuk. I loved my stay so much here that I ended up staying an extra night. I have been recommending here already to my friends, I cannot fault this place."

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"The staff are great, constantly smiling and helpful with any query I had; and their language skills are brilliant. The yoga/meditation instructors all had their own unique style and it was a great surprise as to what I was turning up for that day. I wish I spent longer here!"

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"Vikasa is in a beautiful setting...doing yoga looking out onto blue sea is quite an experience!"

"There are so many different types of classes, and for all different levels. And also other classes such as singing bowls, gong therapy (interesting experience...not my cup of tea!), and a talk on tantra. You can do as much or as little as you like. The staff are really helpful, and provide you with lots of info about the classes and other options available. I had a Thai yoga massage, and did a float tank (off site, about 15 min drive away). Both were really great!"

"Oh...and the food is yummy! Worth going just for that! I stayed in a Yoga cave, very comfortable and with awesome views. "

"Definitely recommended...it may be a little more expensive than other retreats, but is absolutely worth it!"

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"It was really good in Vikasa."

"Vikasa achieved my best expectations. I selected superior ocean room, and it was wonderful. Everything was extremely clean. The bed was big and comfortable and bathroom was ok (maybe not like occidental hotels..). What I never know is why rooms never have blinds! the sun was shining before 6AM. The yoga and meditation classes was very complete, and you can choose between a huge schedule of different yoga classes (5/6 daily). But if you are beginner you don’t have more than 2 per day. So there are strongly recommend to have some experience if you are thinking to go.But the best was the massages!! wonderful!! maybe more expensive (around double) what you can find out from Vikasa, but otherwise it really cheap for an occidental tourist."

"Definitely, I strongly recommend you to go!!"

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"I unfortunately only took a few days off during a business trip to Bangkok to hide away to the Retreat, from Friday midday to Monday morning. I think minimum a week would have deepened the experience significantly. But nevertheless it was a very unique and healing experience and absolutely worth it. I loved the special style of each teacher, enjoyed especially the Simon Yoga and Serge´s Pilates !! and participated in two different very special evening meditations. One I immediately integrated into my daily practice, the candlelight gazing. And I got a high motivational push to work a lot more on/with my body. The incredible role model the teachers present with their great fitness is a real inspiration. I loved my small but cozy bungalow (standard) with the great ocean view, enjoyed Thai massage at the Crystal beach and was more than happy with the great healthy food and wonderful place in general. Yoga with ocean view, cannot imagine a better place ! I can highly recommend it - if you like the idea of being fit :-) the classes can be quite tough for a currently untrained body like my one if you take it seriously :-) and I hope to be back soon !! Thanks to everyone, nice staff, thoughtful teachers and in general relaxing atmosphere."

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"It was super!!!! I really have no complaints but a big THANK YOU!"

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"The retreat was just amazing. Amazing facilities. .. amazing and friendly staff. The yoga teachers were all very professional and patient. The location was smth great as well, very easy to go to the beaches around. I am definitely coming back and will tell other people to go. The vibe there is just amazing. Keep it up Vikasa."

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"I spent 8 days at Vikasa Yoga retreat in February 2016. Wonderful place to practice yoga, relax, meditate and admire nature perfection. Wide variety of yoga classes on open air, professional teachers, excellent sala (white sala) for practice. Balanced vegetarian meals for healthy fit. Very nice and attentive staff!"

"Our room with beautiful sea view was ideal place for complete relaxation."

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"I had a good time at Vikasa. The staff was all very friendly and helpful. I stayed in one of the zen cabins, which was very good value for money. Simple but providing in everything that I needed. The yoga classes were all good, although some better then others. There was a wide variety in the types of yoga, which gave me the opportunity to try a lot of new things. "

"All in all I had a good three days and would definitely recommend Vikasa to every yogi or yogini wanting to go on a retreat but being a little bit on a budget."

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"I really enjoyed the holidays in Vikasa and all the things there are amazing. I love the ocean view there especially during the meditation and yoga classes. The place and facility are wonderful and teachers are very professional, nice and patient. Although I am a beginner of yoga practice, I could fully feel and enjoy the meditation and the yoga spirit."

"Besides meditation and yoga, the food and spa there are also perfect!"

"The Vikasa restaurant provides very healthy and really yummy food for the yoga holiday people during the brunch and dinner time without any extra charge. The restaurant is at the top of the hill facing the ocean, a simple and beautiful place."

"The Vikasa Spa, the spa on the rock! I took four spa treatments on this yoga holiday and again, loved it very much. The Vikasa Spa therapists are professional and patient. However, unfortunately, there are only two therapists there and for some days, there is only one therapist can provide the SAP treatment. So, the reservation is essential."

"This yoga vacation brings me lots of energy, and I feel myself healing from this serene environment. I would like to recommend Vikasa yoga retreat to someone who likes to have a trip to stay in a place for calm and peace. "

"Last but not least, BookYogaRetreats is a very good website for the related information and the connection! Thank you very much!”"

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" I have spent one week at Vikasa and from the first moment on I felt like home. The room was very clean and with a great view. The view from the hotel is simply breathtaking. The yoga classes as well as the teachers were great. However, if you are a beginner, the classes can be quite challenging. But you can really notice the progress you're making. Also the food is very tasty and varies daily. The staff is very friendly and always looks after you very well and makes you feel like home. I'm really grateful for all the people I have met, because you become like a small family. I definitely recommend Vikasa if you're looking for a great yoga retreat or if you just want to disconnect and find yourself. I will definitely come back, it was a great experience!! "

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" I really enjoyed my stay at Vikasa. The venue is beautiful, the food is delicious and people are very nice. Staff was very accommodating when I chose to change from Zen bungalow to Standard Bungalow and did not even charge me the remaining balance. They were so nice! I will definitely come back and will recommend Vikasa to my friends. "

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" I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at Vikasa. I am pretty sure I will return at some point, and will definitely recommend to anyone, especially those who enjoy yoga, and also those who would like a quiet, relaxing vacation to cleanse their minds. Everything matched my expectations -- from accommodation, to food, to facilities, to classes, teachers.. so yes, for me, it's 100%. "

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" I had a very pleasant stay at Vikasa Yoga! Amazing place and very nice atmosphere! Also a lot of different yoga classes to choose from as well as other inspiring classes such as meditation etc. The only comment I have is the fact that there is no one who asks you how experienced you are in yoga. The classes are mixed with all levels and for me as a beginner it would have been nice to have someone know where you are at in yoga experience to help you get the best out of the classes. Other than that it was perfect! The food was the best, people are amazing, all very inspiring !"

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" Is a great place to connect with nature and yourself but not disconnect to the world at the same time. The yoga instructor is approachable and only expect you to do the extend of your ability. They believe you should listen and respect your body. Thank you. "

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" Resort: Beautiful Resort, so nice with beautiful view. Spacious room and very comfy bed Yoga: The Salas are great, teachers great, they always reminded us that there is no competition and that we should just focus on ourselves and not look left and right (I tend to go further than it is good for my body so that was very helpful for me), good variety of stylesMassage: I had Swedish Massage (fantastic) and a Sports Massage (for me that was not deep enough, still too soft)Food: OMG OMG OMG, the food was soooooooo good!!! I always eat double portions, it was just too yummy!!I will definitely come back for a weekend stay!. "

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" I absolutely loved Vikasa! The yoga classes were excellent, the teachers at Vikasa have a wide variety of knowledge, brilliant techniques and are very inspirational. The resort itself is breath taking, the staff are lovely and I can't wait to go back and visit them! Finally I have to say the food was incredibly delicious and healthy! I will definitely be going back for a visit! "

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"I had a really great time at Vikasa. From the moment I got there, the staff were warm and attentive and keen to ensure I had a good stay. Their driver picked me up from the airport and was a great first impression as well, he waited in the heat whilst my plane was delayed and I really appreciated it.The classes were really good for someone keen to improve their yoga practice, with a range of instructors all with different styles, and I learned something new from each one of them. The meditation was also an interesting addition to a usually fast paced lifestyle and was a great start to each day. The time went so quickly and I met some fantastic people at Vikasa who I will be keeping in touch with. I am sure I will return at some stage in the near future."

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" My yoga retreat was lovely. Overall I have only positive comments. Good atmosphere, good food and nice location. I can definitely recommend it"

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" This holiday is been special. Something different. I had never been in holiday alone and neither in yoga retreat. I decided to go becouse few people suggested to me. So I booked the flight, I booked 7 days in Vikasa resort and the programm with Bettina. good choise! Bettina in some way changed my life, she understood some my prolems regarding the energy and what i need to bring little more peace in my life. She taught to me some breathing and yoga exercises, also now in this big caothic and stressfull city as is London, still to fell those peace's and freedom's sensations that I felt when I was in Vikasa Resort with her and all the other theachers. The place is wonderfull, quite and clean, on the hill in front of the sea. The food is very very good and healthy ( I've lost 3 kg in a week) and the staff is always smiling and friendly. I wish to came back soon in this paradise!"

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"My partner and I began our 5 week holiday at Vikasa, Thailand, staying for just one week and oh how we wish we could have extended for the full 5 weeks! The cute little bungalows are nestled on one of the prominent hills facing the East coast of Koh Samui boasting some of the best views and always receiving a cool ocean breeze. The rooms are a little outdated however kept clean, tidy, and have all that you need (including a balcony on each to sit back, relax, read, or let the afternoon sun fade away)."

"My partner and I have never done Yoga, however we now have a new found love and respect for the all that it involves. The teaches, not that we can compare however, are the most genuine, accommodating, understanding, and helpful through the bends and stretches of our bodies. To wake up and head straight to a yoga class, with the most stunning view whilst you watch the sun rise, has to be one of the best experiences we have ever felt!"

"The food: I could write an essay on just how AMAZING the food was!! Included in the package was the buffet breakfast and dinner. My partner loves his meat however the spreads on both the lunch and dinner buffet were nothing short of outstanding. My partner and I both work in the Hospitality industry and can wholeheartedly say that this was some of the best food we have ever eaten - Plus, not to mention the healthiest!"

"Now I am not one to return to the same destination as the World has so much to offer, however after spending 7 days at Vikasa, my partner and I are already planning our return. HIGHLY recommend this for everyone!"

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"Well, what can i say? Every person seeks something different. I personally ended up with my local Yoga studio last year for a week at VIKASA and what a week it's been! All in all was PERFECTION! Particularly the buffet food (breakfast and dinner) I ended up going this year AGAIN and am now planning my THIRD visit to VIKASA. The yoga is nourishing and classes are led by passionate and experienced teachers. The variety is also fab!"

"As to accommodation, one can choose between the very cute (single occupancy) ZEN bungalow, over various other bungalows and rooms (as i understand, they are expanding, so there might be more rooms available and different options again)."

"Vikasa is positioned at a spot, which is not directly on a beach (but VERY close to the beautiful Silver beach) which I personally love, as you won't get too many tourists with families, which makes it very peaceful."

"The LIFE Cafe is amazing! There is an extensive menu of raw, organic, vegan and vegetarian options availble. The food is organic, locally sourced and super fresh, PERFECT for a detox! The staff is super friendly and helpful. Keep it up VIKASA! I'll be definitely coming back!"

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"I really enjoyed my stay at Vikasa Yoga Retreat. I booked Vikasa last minute, and was only left with the option of booking basic accommodation. Based on previous reviews, I was worried about construction noise/ disruption, lots of stairs, and bug-infested rooms. I was pleasantly surprised! "

"When I arrived at Vikasa, I was greeted by friendly, helpful staff. They gave me a free upgrade to a superior beach bungalow located steps from the beach. My room was perfect! Clean and comfortable. Yes, there was a little construction noise, but not enough to bother me. And I actually enjoyed the stairs, a good cardio workout to compliment yoga and meditation classes. I booked a massage treatment at the spa, and highly recommend it! I attended all yoga, meditation, and special interest workshops and was never disappointed. "

"Go with an open mind, empty stomach, and you won't be disappointed!"

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"I read mixed reviews about Vikasa but the only way to really find out was to check it out myself. The reception staff were very helpful from the start and Harry the bellboy was so nice. I stayed in an ocean bungalow far off to the side close to the white shala. I loved not having neighbors to one side and the view does not get old. Waking up to see the endless ocean was breath taking. The room was nothing fancy but had everything you needed with a super comfortable bed. "

"I actually enjoyed having to hike up and down the stairs. If you are coming to a yoga retreat to maintain or improve your health and complain about having to walk five minutes while having the ocean as a backdrop then...no comment. To each their own. "

"All the yoga and meditation classes were great. The teachers were all different and brought their own style to class which I really enjoyed. A lot of big yoga centers control their teachers and try to make them more uniform but not here. Teachers have a more flexible time frame instead of being forced to cram their classes into one hour. Vikasa seems to allow their teachers to truly come into their own. "

"Massage was great. You won't find a better, more relaxing place for a massage. The buffet was delicious and healthy. I definitely went overboard a few times and couldn't help myself. The kitchen staff and cook were always smiling and provided good service. Everyone looks very happy to be working there which gives off a nice vibe."

"Overall, amazing from start to finish. Don't take my word for it. Do try it yourself and you won't be disappointed."

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"I stayed in the yoga cave - AMAZING VALUE and did a yoga vacation for one day (all I had left). My trip to Thailand was primarily for diving. I came here to give myself some extra time before flying. The yoga, meditation, pilates classes were all so great - except the mosquitoes, they were annoying. Brunch and dinner are so delicious and the variety is very healthy and the buffet makes it as filling as you want it to be. Staff are super kind and helpful. The cafe is very expensive but I suppose that's normal for resorts and since they include brunch and dinner .... go to the 7 eleven/across the street if you need a snack. Thought the stay was a steal for one day yogacation."

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"This was honestly one of the best weeks of my life. First time to Thailand, travelling on my own as a 26 year old girl, not really much of a yogi but I came away having had the most incredible time! Just book - you absolutely won't regret it!!!"

"Where to start....firstly, the welcome when I arrived was wonderful, I was given a cold scented towel, a fresh cold coconut and an introduction to the retreat. The views are outstanding and after 20 hours travelling you literally feel like you've arrived in paradise."

"The food is beyond amazing, so healthy and fresh and the people working there are so charming and lovely. Sipping a papaya shake after a morning yoga class whilst watching the sea from the balcony is one of my favourite memories."

"The classes are absolutely fantastic, the teachers are so serene and knowledgeable and with a good choice of 1 hour classes or the Vikasa Complete 2 hour classes you are getting such incredible value for your money. In between classes you can head to a nearby beach, relax by the pool or just chill out in the beautiful location."

"I stayed in a Yoga Cave which was perfect, you can also stay in a little bungalow hut which is just as great but no aircon. It's very humid there (depending on when you go) so coming into an aircon room after a busy morning is real bliss."

"I only had 7 days but I met some amazing people and felt so utterly amazing after the week (even though I went to Koh Tao and ruined all my hard work with too much partying on the beach!) go, relax and come back feeling energised, happy and calm. Thank you Vikasa for such an amazing experience, I'm coming back next year!"

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"Best place on earth to focus on yourself and be you who truly are. Amazing service, very nice accommodation, delicious food, best staff, extraordinary spa with professionals, and of course the best yoga teachers!!! These four weeks have been a real change in my life. I can only recommend Vikasa. Thank you and love you!"

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"The Room: I visited Vikasa from 22 - 25 April, stayed in an Ocean Room - Superior... And I had an amazing stay! The room did not disappoint, I woke up to a beautiful ocean view & sunrise everyday and all amenities were top standards. I did not experience any construction noise nuisances like I could see in some reviews. The staff was lovely, very helpful, the only thing maybe that I would recommend is to just take one of the airport cabs from the airport, I booked through the hotel for 600 baths and confirmed with a few emails my arrival time but they still were over 30 min late (after I called to check) - All good in the end but and I used their drop off on the way back without any issues. Yoga: I am very new to yoga (only had 2 classes before going) and yes the classes were challenging but all teachers were very helpful, showing multiple movement variations for every level. I was surprise of what I was able to do after only a couple of days there! There is a lot of different style classes as well, so you can find what suits you best, and the teachers are very approachable and relaxed. The meditations classes were very interesting as well! My time there inspired me to take my newly found yoga practice back home :) The food was quite nice, I am vegan and there was always lots of options for me to choose from. The food was very much like the one I would cook at home: fresh & organic products. The massages are a bit pricier that what you can find on the beach etc.. but you cannot beat the quality and the setting (and it is still heaps cheaper than in Australia so I thought it was worth it!) The surroundings are just beautiful, as described. The vibe is enchanting, relaxing and inspiring. I was traveling solo and met a lot of great people from all quarters of the world which was very interesting. I will definitely be back! Sooner rather than later! =)"

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"Returning to Vikasa for the second time given the wonderful experience I had last year. Coincidentally I had the same room from my last visit. Room 105 has amazing view and probably one of the biggest room in the resort I suspect. The bathroom has been upgraded since my last visit but it's time to look into the aircon and the flooring. Vikasa has made some changes to their classes and it includes two meditation classes (morning / night) and 3 yoga classes. Class starts as early as 7am and last class is at 9pm. They cater to all levels which is great. Unfortunately I'm not able to attend all the classes as I'm nursing a hamstring tear but my friends enjoyed them. Food is amazing as usual. Lunch is not included but the restaurant has a great ala carte menu. Staff were friendly and helpful. Special mention - front desk manager, Jun. We were trying to get rooms close to one another and he was very patient and accommodating and tried his best to assist. I'm definitely coming back to Vikasa again and hopefully they have upgraded the A/C."

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"I spent six nights in Vikasa and would definitely come back. The view especially from the restaurant and my ocean room was absolutely mindblowing and the food and smoothies were delicious. The location between Lamai and Chewang is also good, and about 10 mins walk from another nice beach. As a person who loves airplanes, it was awesome to be located opposite of the airport. There's a minimart, funky bar and ATM across the road, but the last one was out of order."

"I travelled alone, but luckily got to know lovely people right from the start of my stay and I was delighted to get company for the duration of my entire stay. We also explored the island a bit, but one doesn't have to go anywhere to get one's senses nulled - if only you can stand a lot of stairs or walking a hill. "

"This was my first yoga retreat, but at least compared to the classes at home, yoga was excellent and all teachers were really professional. However, the big white yoga sala is close to the road and there are washing machines under the floor. It was quite annoying to feel and hear them being on during the classes. I also felt sorry for some beginners who left one class, which was supposed to be relaxing Alignment and turned out to be ashtanga. Only because the teacher said she is an ashtanga teacher."

"I was lucky to get an ocean room from the corner, so no one walked in front of my windows. But if you want privacy, these rooms are not for you. I also heard that two people staying in villas got their rooms changed due to some inconveniences. For me the clearest downside was the staff in the restaurant: they didn't speak English very well and some of them did their job without any joy and in a quite lazy manner. "

"All in all, my need to relax, do yoga as much as I wanted, sleep full nights, eat and drink well, meet unique persons, take sunbathes on the beach and at the lovely pool were completely filled. I've already recommended this place for my yogi(ni)-friends. :)"

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"Located on the shoreline of beautiful Koh Phangan, Thailand, this resort offers a wonderful yoga immersion that combines asana, pranayama and the other spiritual principals of yoga. The rooms are beautiful with views of the mountain, the gardens and the sea. The staff is warm and very helpful. The resort offers excellent healthy and creatively prepared local food and other fare for vegetarians, vegans and pescatarians."

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"I've been to yoga retreats around the world. From India to the Bahamas. This retreat ranks among the best. My yoga class today had two instructors to help make sure everyone got personalized adjustments and assists. The teachers are excellent. There is also a great free gym across the street for other workouts. Plenty of classes and workshops to choose from. The beach is lovely. The accommodations are amazing with ocean views. The food is superb!! The best I've seen! Don't hesitate. Book it. Worth every penny."

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"This was my first yoga holiday and I loved every minute of it. There was an extremely relaxed vibe and because you can arrive any day of the week there was a lot of flexibility about what classes you could take. Also this meant that there were lots of different people always coming and going meaning you were able to speak with a broad variety. I stayed in an Ocean Room - I wouldn't say it was the height of luxury but it was clean, had an amazing view and the bed was super comfortable. The food at Vikasa was excellent as well and the staff really friendly and helpful. Really easy to flag a taxi from outside to go and explore the rest of the island as well. I had nothing to complain about and really enjoyed my time here."

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"I have lived on this island for more than two years and this is one of the best places on the island to do yoga, have a healthy and tasty meal, enjoy great accommodations or simply visit some friends and take breathtaking pictures. All the staff is really great and very kind. The energy is amazing. You will love to spend some time in this paradise. Namaste."

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"The roadside sign and health shop enticed me off my scooter as I was buzzing past. Natural beauty, calm and peace reign here! Oozing respect, it offers a range of accommodation in beautiful natural surroundings with stunning ocean views (residents I spoke to were happy, if not joyful). The menu and buffets are nutritious (try the scrumptious energy balls). There are medium-sized four-poster pavilions set right on the cliff rocks so you can enjoy the sounds of the ocean as you have your massage. The small-sized pool overlooking the ocean is lovely for a dip or to laze beside and read a book. I returned from passing by, to check into Vikasa for what was my second to last day on Koh Samui. I was greeted with smiles and professionalism. There were no brochures at the desk, but the website, if you have access to a laptop or tablet, is informative and inviting. My day package included the yoga classes offering for that day and I enjoyed them; a perfect setting. I was glad though that I had been stretching and toning over the last week. This was also really helpful in climbing up and down the staircase. No lift. How I wish I'd booked into Vikasa for my week's stay. It left me with a positive impression of the island and wanting to return!"

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" I did not have an accommodation at this place but I participated to the yoga classes. I really enjoyed my visit at the yoga classes. Place provided yoga mats, mosquito repellent and small towels. The view from the yoga hall is breathtaking. You can buy for example 3 classes for 1000 THB."

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"I went into the Universal yoga training having already completed two other trainings. However, I would say that this one is incomparable. With the extensive amount of information and the in-depth exploration of yoga that teacher Andrey Lappa offers. "

"Prior to practicing Universal yoga, I felt limited by fixed sequences and asana variations as I progressed. Since learning the UY system my personal practice, teaching and understanding of yoga have completely transformed. Universal Yoga provided me with the method or backbone of sequencing, which I could then freely apply with creativity to produce new sequences that are applicable and effective for the individual."

"UY has helped me develop awareness and consciousness. The physical asana practice is consciously crafted in a way that tackles the more subtle layers, creating an energetically balanced effect. All this I have learned from the UY system and I am eternally grateful to my teacher Andrey Lappa. I've stayed at Vikasa three times as a student and a teacher and every time I go back it feels like returning home. The staff are warm and friendly; the food is healthy and delicious and the people are easy going and relaxed. The energy there is just vibrant and up-lifting. It is a place I would always recommend to my friends."

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"The unique system of Universal yoga and Shiva Nata not only changed my personal practice and the way of spreading yoga in the modern world, but also slowly revealed the deeper aspect and the real goal of yoga through the transmission from guru. Although my story of yoga started not long before I met Andrey, within a short period of time the deep information guaranteed that there would be more than just yoga asanas to be explored in the world of yoga. I was able to really understand what union is and why yoga is 'universal'. No one can explain that better than Andrey Lappa. I love being balanced; I love playing with right and left; I love challenging my brain and my love and passion for yoga led me to a fate of meeting with my guruji Andrey Lappa who can give me all of that in one practice and whom I believe can guide me through the secret realms of yoga and freedom."

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"Universal yoga is the most complete form of Hatha yoga practice available to the modern 21st Century practitioner. It's not a method that's an edit short form of some common asana yoga system. It's the pure distillation of effective methods from realized yogis and Buddhist high monks. Andrey Lappa holds his degree in Ph.D and so his methods are purely scientific with effective means to achieve the goal of Hatha Yoga which is Kundalini awakening. The crucial step to the final goal, Raja yoga. Universal yoga is not a style. It is science. And from this science the trainees will learn all effective means to teach all aspects of yoga for the modern 21st century practitioner. "

"Being a 500 hour certified teacher of Universal yoga and three times training facilitator for this course, I highly recommend it to all learners that yearn for real teachings of Hatha yoga. It is exciting news that Universal Yoga teacher training will be available in Thailand for the first time and hosted by world famous Vikasa Yoga School. I encourage all practitioners to take this training and learn ways of practice that will blow your mind."

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" A lovely place with stunning view, friendly staff, great yoga class, and yummy healthy organics food! I will love to come back again for longer stay!! Thank you, Vikasa."

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"We are a couple from Hong Kong who stayed at Vikasa for 4 days. We went for yoga classes everyday. The classes were taught by very professional teachers who were friendly and helping. Classes had a variety of levels to suit guests of different levels. We were really able to relax and enjoy ourselves in the classes which were taught in a yoga shala facing the ocean. The food was likewise great but may not be suitable for meat lovers as most are vegetarian. However, you do have to go early for the food otherwise there may not be much left when the dining session past halfway. Room was clean. Highly recommend for yoga lovers and those who are looking for peaceful getaway."

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" I really loved my time at Vikasa, it was just what I wanted and what I needed at the time. A restful ocean view, simplicity, and a like minded group of people. The yoga and meditation provision was great and unlike other places I have been, very accepting of a whole range of levels. The teaching was high class, non esoteric and the teachers were delightful and supportive. Food was simple but plentiful. Do not expect luxury, but expect reality. Reality of intention and reality of delivery. I highly recommend it if you are looking for a chill out and also to learn more about yoga in a supportive way "

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"The ocean view rooms were nice enough. But love the yoga, meditation sessions as well as the beautiful views over the ocean. I really liked the complimentary access to the gym right opposite too.. it was unexpectedly huge! "

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" I stayed at Vikasa in September of this year and wow! What an amazing experience! The yoga was incredible, with an amazing group of yoga teachers teaching a range of different yoga styles. The best yoga classes I have ever attended! I loved the whole set up with its weekly timetable of classes which you could choose to go to or not - I went to pretty much every class in the 9 days I was there and found each teacher to be of a really high quality; I really enjoyed experiencing all the different yoga styles, all of which where fabulous in different ways.The location was simply perfect with stunning views of the ocean and the accommodation was really lovely and authentic feeling (I went for a beach bungalow), with a balcony overlooking the ocean; the food is delicious and the buffets have a great selection of healthy dishes. The spa was in the most perfect setting, overlooking the ocean and the masseuses are top class! The place seems to draw really great people as everyone I met there was lovely. The feel/vibe/energy of the place is beautiful and I can't wait to go back!Prior to this trip, I had previously practised yoga for about a year, once a week at the gym - I had enjoyed it, but since this trip I have fallen in love with both yoga and Vikasa! I also opened up my body and deepened my practise more in the 9 days at Vikasa than I have in the previous year practising yoga! Unbelievable! "

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" I started my trip to Thailand at Vikasa for 4 days, left and came back for another 5 weeks. The yoga instructors are phenomenal, they all have different teachings which equally impacted me. The food and restaurant staff are amazing, there are 2 organic buffets. The view, trees and rocks are perfect. It was a life-changing trip that I am very grateful for. "

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"I just had 5 nights in an Ocean View room and loved it. The room was large and spacious and the view was incredible. You could just sit and stare at the view for hours. Air conditioning and WiFi worked well. Yoga teachers were all excellent and offered a variety of classes. Food was vegetarian and somewhat repetitive, but you can always order off the menu if you want something extra. Girls at the front desk were extremely helpful, especially Pinky! Just be aware that there are a thousand steps to climb everyday, which with the right frame of mind can be a good thing and add to the whole "fitness" experience. On the whole, I loved it!"

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"Vikasa is a beautiful place in many ways. If you want to rest, get refreshed, and get fit at the same time I cannot recommend it highly enough. I stayed for 7 days and I will return. The instructors are unbelievably good, technically amazing, strong, etc. On top of that, they also teach the holistic side of yoga. Food is excellent. Rooms are good and clean and the service and staff are excellent."

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"I stayed at Vikasa for 6 nights for a Pilates course. Loved the whole concept of the resort. Food was great, staff was friendly and room was spacious. Lots of walking and stairs climbing, great for those who are into fitness and planning to get some exercise walking and climbing.I only have a few things to point out. My room doesnt have wi-fi, so it is a walk and climb to the restaurant. The weather was pretty humid and hot there when I was there just 1 week ago (17th May-23 May 2015). The air conditioning in the room was above the entrance door and bed was at the other corner blocked by bathroom wall. I hope this can change as I was having a shower almost 5 times a day.While we were doing our Pilates course, we had 5 days in a row of yoga participants coming to the wrong shala for their meditation or yoga classes. So, a notice board at the foot of the stairs pointing to which shala the classes would be conducted would be great. The shalas were not labeled except the big one, or small one, or the white one.I was taken down to my room with a motorbike and no walking directions given to me. Being a single female staying there, trying to get up to the restaurant at night for dinner was not fun. Turn right or turn left? Can I go up through these stairs? A directory in the room would have been great, e.g. which direction to head up to the restaurant, to the shala, to the pool, etc."Overall, I had a great peaceful time and Vikasa and will return again for sure. Thank you for making this experience great!"

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"My friend and I came to Vikasa spontaneously during a trip to Thailand. When we looked for a easy accessible / not outrageously pricey yoga location on the internet, Vikasa clearly stood out. And on arrival the glossy photos were actually topped by the stunning location. 10 out of 10 for that.But as much as it a beautiful place, it has not yet become the efficient business venture it has set out to be. Although the staff was all very friendly, they did not always know what was happening especially with the yoga side of the business. Classes were moved between shalas and information did not flow smoothly.The yoga and meditation classes on the whole were great. Of course everyone has preferences and for us Simon was the best teacher, as he realised the skill level in the class and adjusted to it. Others were more focussed on the programme itself, which was quite challenging to follow ( for beginners anyway).I have to second some previous reviewers with regards to the attitude displayed in the communal areas by some of the instructors. It felt like intruding, when we approached them for some help or a chat - an elite not to be disturbed. That did not really overshadow our stay, as we found some like minded travellers to enjoy the food and view.All in all my summary would be that I would happily return, but on the same would love to work on some business improvements. I think the vision of the owner needs to translate into more day to day things to match the location."

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"Having spent a month here, I didn't want to leave the fabulous family I had come a part of at YTT. The rooms have a fabulous view, spacious and clean. The staff are unbelievably accommodating and pleasant. The food in the Vikasa life cafe is so wholesome, healthy, fresh and I believe organic too. The yoga style is something I have never experienced before, takes over body, mind and soul. The teachers know their yoga as they don't do asana but rather practice yoga living. It's inspiring. The place itself is so peaceful yet full of life and energy and not far from Chaweng town or other neighbouring towns and places. A must do if you want to chill out and switch off from the busyness of life! I cannot wait to go back!"

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"It was almost by chance that I booked the yoga retreat at Vikasa and once there, I realised the I great choice I had made. The teachers are top notch, the staff helpful and friendly, the people there, open and willing to share their experiences with yoga training. On top of that, of course the scenery is breathtaking. I had a view of the ocean from my room and for the first time in my life I woke up at 5 am happy as a clam! I totally recommend and surely will be back."

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"This is a very special place at Samui. The front desk staff is just extremely hospitable. The place has some unique atmosphere. There are amazing secret corners in front of the sea where you can just relax, do some meditation or just let the time pass by while you feel like you are in another dimension. I had an amazing experience thanks to Kerry, who is one of the most inspiring human beings that I have ever met. 100% recommend it!"

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"We stayed at a Cliff View room what was no problem at all. The Cliff View is the hotel next door and the additional distance to the yoga classes or the breakfast/dinner/reception area is a minute at the most. While there are some benefits like access to another infinity pool, daily room service and comfortable beds, the Cliff View hotel area seemed a little run down and deserted, and we would have rather stayed at the Vikasa. Both hotels are located between two major beaches on a cliff with beautiful views and great photo opportunities. You can easily get to the beaches by taxi, tuktuk or scooter. Good scooters and very bad helmets can be rented at the hotel.The food at the Vikasa is very delicious. Freshly squeezed juice from different fruits every day and different kinds of never-heard-of-but-very-tasty teas. The buffet style breakfast and dinner varied every day with the one constant being massive amounts of fresh fruit. For the carnivores: If you can't make it without meats for a few days: the buffet usually includes a shrimp or fish dish and you can always order la carte.There is probably no point in rating individual yoga classes since everyone is looking for something different, hence just a few general comments: We enjoyed the combination of pure meditation classes early in the morning and other classes afterwards but felt that 3 yoga classes offered each day didn't really give a choice of what class to take. More classes would make the difference between a hotel with yoga and a yoga hotel. Also, we would have appreciated an earlier start with a first class at 7 am."

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" I did my yoga teacher training here. I loved every bit of it. The teachers, staff, and everyone was wonderful. The food is amazing. The view makes you feel that you are in heaven. The rooms are so comfortable and clean. You should also try Vikasa Yoga Style. "

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" The location is spectacular. It's away from the buys towns, so it feels really chill, but you can get out and see some action in less than ten minutes and for a 1 USD or 2 USD a ride. The yoga is really strong. I've been practicing for a while and my husband is fairly new to yoga. We both got a lot out of the classes. The food is unreal. So healthy and so delicious. We did the "yoga vacation" where we paid upfront for the room, yoga, and two buffet meals. We were a little skeptical but it was amazing. One thing to consider is there are LOTS of stairs. I loved it, because it was like an extra workout. But this is not the place to go with a sprained ankle. Lastly, the owners and main guys we dealt with are these very cool Russian dudes who were in ridiculous shape and very helpful and cool. I can't explain how happy we were to stay here. It was so special. "

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" I attended the TTC in July/August 2013. My teachers were Kosta and George. In my opinion, they are the best teachers I have ever had. They explained things so clearly and demonstrated asanas wonderfully( I'm sure Ill only aspire to many of them). The TTC was a wonderfully supportive course for both teachers and students helped one another. If you are looking to become a yoga teacher or want to develop your practice, I would recommend that you seriously consider Vikasa. "

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" I can't wait to go back to Vikasa again! It's in a great position - a few facilities nearby and walking distance to a gorgeous beach, but quiet and away from the hustle and bustle. The views are stunning, the yoga and meditation classes are diverse and plentiful, and the healthy food on offer is just fantastic. There is a good range of accommodation to suit all budgets and the cafe area with open sides is a wonderful place to relax. The vibe is laid-back yet everything still happens when it's supposed to. It's very well organized. Excellent value for money and I can't recommend it highly enough! "

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" I came to know about this place through a fitness instructor. The moment you step your feet into Vikasa, you feel the sea breeze and hear the ocean. Here, I get to practice yoga and eat fresh and healthy food. The rooms are clean and basic. Meeting people of the same interest Practicing yoga with very good instructor/ yoga teacher. "

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