ADAM KEEN ASHTANGA RETREAT IN THAILAND
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 24TH TO MARCH 2ND, 2024
Ashtanga Retreat in Thailand on Koh Samui with Adam Keen
OVERVIEW
We are delighted to announce Adam’s first time teaching an Ashtanga retreat in Thailand. We will host a private group for one week of Ashtanga classes and workshops at the beautiful Samahita Retreat Centre, right on the beach in southern Koh Samui.
Everyone is welcome to join us as we focus on the following:
- Exploring how to make the practice work for you whilst maintaining a commitment to the traditional method.
- Connecting to yourself more deeply through your breath.
- Learn how to work with injuries and obstacles.
- Finding a renewed enthusiasm for a daily practice that nurtures rather than punishes you.
- Above all, it’s a chance to recharge yourself and reinvigorate interest in your practice.
A holistic attitude will be conveyed in all we do together, from the practice classes and workshops to the philosophy. This is an inclusive space, and everyone will be treated and embraced as they are without pressure to be anything else. There will be Mysore-style classes and workshops as well as plenty of time to relax and enjoy the stunning setting and treatments on offer at Samahita.
All levels of practitioners are welcome – from beginners to advanced.
Mealtimes are a communal affair where you can comfortably sit wherever you wish. You can have brunch directly after morning class or you might prefer a swim first, or herbal steam before heading down for your evening meal. Guests from all the programs happening at the centre mix comfortably and this is one of the special charms of Samahita - a wonderful ‘collection’ of beings.
RETREAT SCHEDULE
Please note that the centre aims to keep a peaceful and calm environment in the mornings with silent time until 10 am.
| 6.30 am | Morning class |
| 9:45 am – 1.00 pm | Brunch buffet |
| 4.00 pm – 6.00 pm | Afternoon workshop |
| 6.00 pm – 8.00 pm | Complimentary herbal steam room available |
| 6.00 pm – 8:00 pm | Dinner buffet |
| 7.30 pm | Evening program or quiet time |
Sunday to Thursday 6.30 am: Mysore
Adam gives yoga assists that are safe, and non-intrusive, he does not believe in forcing people into postures. He uses energetic pointers and resistance stretches so everyone can progress naturally and safely as their bodies dictate. The class is based on an exploration of how you can find profound work in what you are doing.
All practitioners will be approached individually so that the system is made to work for you instead of you for the system. Adam is happy if you need practice sheets, or he or Theresa will show you the postures. This is a great way to begin an Ashtanga practice.
Friday 6.30 am: Led Primary
SUNDAY 4.00 – 5.30 pm: The New Fundamentals
Outside of pushing ourselves into increasingly demanding shapes, what are we meant to be doing in them? Moreover, how do we most skilfully approach the asanas, so they convey the kind of peace we are looking for, as opposed to a battle with our own bodies?
In this workshop, we will explore in detail the fundamental technique basis of Ashtanga yoga known as The Trishtana; posture, bandha, and Drishti, and how they relate to each other – if used most carefully- to produce a profound, flowing, and freer experience of Self.
MONDAY 4.00 – 5.30 pm: Taking It Forward
If we are looking at finding one experience in yoga – why are there so many different postures and (apparently) linear series there to challenge us? Why do we need to work so hard?! In this workshop we will expand the general principles of technique to looking at particulars; to see how and why we use different postures when we are ultimately working towards an experience of peace.
TUESDAY 4.00 – 5.30 pm: Principles of Strength: Arm Balances and Jump Throughs
Whether you can jump back or not, arm balance well or not, there are ways to do this more sustainably. Strength is less prioritised than flexibility in the practice, but it is also, perhaps, less well understood. In this workshop, we will cover the foundations of how to build strength in the practice without injuring the shoulders or wrists as so often can be the case. Here, there are a few basic tips that can be applied for everyone, wherever you are on their journey with strength; so you keep inspired by seeing clear progress with this.
THURSDAY 4.00 – 5.30 pm: Backbend with Ease and Comfort
Backbends are a bad translation of the original Sanskrit term dhanura or bow. In understanding that you are not meant to be bending your back, but bowing your body, everything can change. This then involves more focus on stretching the front of your body as opposed to what we often are found to be doing – pushing into our already over-used lower back area.
In this workshop, we will also look at the early postures of the Intermediate series and how to do these simpler bows in order to develop the big bow that we all know and love that comes at the end of all of our practices.
FRIDAY 4.00 – 5.30 pm: A Little Basic Yoga Philosophy, Summary And Q&A
Finally, why do we do what we do? We all enjoy it, but where did this practice come from and where does it fit into the wider tradition of yoga in all its other forms? We will take a wider look at what we are doing in asana to see how we may in fact approach it in different ways. Moreover, how we might be inspired and guided in practice by knowing a little more about its ancient (as well as its’ modern) origins.
Space will be left also to clear up any confusion and go through any remaining questions.
PHILOSOPHY ON FOOD
Vitality and quality of life are directly influenced by the food you take which impacts your energy levels. It affects practice and activity progress. Following the principle of Ayurveda and thus yoga is that food should be both delicious and nutritious. To keep it natural means all homemade without processed food, local ingredients as much as possible, organic if available, and a well-balanced mix of ingredients. Equally, no sugar, no iodized salt, no MSG or related products, and only the use of stable and healthy oils and fats.
The experienced team make all the food with care and love. They ensure everything is homemade and fresh while catering for a wide variety of diets including give raw and vegan options while also catering for those who like to eat fish and dairy. All possible allergens will be displayed.
The offering of food across buffets includes fresh juice daily for the brunch buffet, homemade soy milk, coconut milk, cow milk, brown rice milk, and a homemade electrolyte drink along with the following:
- A full breakfast buffet with homemade bread, muesli, and granola
- Fresh fruits from Thailand
- Homemade selection of nut butter and jams
- Fresh and organic salads, sprouts, and seeds
- Homemade healthy salad dressings
- Raw dishes, salads, and pastes
- Fermented probiotic-rich veggies
- Vegan milks, dairy milk, and homemade electrolytes
- Freshly made juices and Thai herbal tea mixtures
- Black tea and brewed Hilltribe Coffee
- Freshly made egg options of your choice
- Delicious variety of lunch and dinner items, Thai and international
- Vegan, vegetarian and fish options
Coffee, Juice & Treats Bar
- Organic hill tribe Thai coffee barista style
- Bulletproof (Keto) coffee
- Mocha, matcha and vegan bulletproof coffees
- Tea, chai, and matcha green tea
- Freshly squeezed juice combinations
- Wheatgrass and Gotu Kola Shots
- Freshly made smoothies
- Probiotic drinks
- Whey protein, vegan protein, MCT oil, cacao
- Homemade chocolate treats
- Homemade energy balls and granola bars
- Gelato homemade Italian-style ice cream
- Take-away homemade spreads and treats
- A LA CARTE food menu
These items are available to order directly at the bar and will be added to your room bill for settlement at the end of your stay.
THERAPIES & TREATMENTS PROGRAMS
Therapies and treatments are available to book when onsite. The range of therapies is designed to address the special needs of your skin, muscles, joints, and deep tissue, and the optimal functioning of your cellular health. It is worth the time to indulge and take care of yourself. You can enjoy a range of massages, facials, scrubs, and skin treatments.
- Therapeutic Massage
- Deep Tissue Massage
- Aromatherapy Massage
- Sabai Massage
- Traditional Thai Massage
- Foot Reflexology Massage
- Herbal Facial Treatment
- Galvanic Facial
- Detoxifying Body Scrub And Wrap
- Chi Nei Tsang Abdominal Massage
- Manual Lymphatic Drainage (Mld)
- Float Therapy
- Infrared Sauna Therapy
THE BEACH
The retreat centre is set right on a non-touristy beach. The tide moves with the moon on a daily and monthly basis, revealing a wider open beach or deeper swimming waters, highest at the end of the year and lowest in the middle. The beach covers a long stretch of about 4 kilometres spanning spectacular sunrises each morning to incredibly colourful sunsets in the opposite direction. A walk west leads you to the Golden Pagoda, one of Samui’s oldest and most treasured Buddhist shrines.
GUEST ROOMS AT SAMAHITA RETREAT
Samahita was purpose-built to function as a retreat centre dedicated to your vitality, well-being, and relaxation. Their variety of private and shared room options reflects that. The rooms are set back from the main beachfront facilities perfect for quiet contemplation and relaxation. Eco-friendly buildings make use of cross-ventilation, natural lighting, and rainwater harvesting, and offer both mosquito screens and fans and air conditioning. There are rooms for single travellers, couples, or friends, as well as loft-style accommodation that is ideal for families or two people sharing. Regardless of which room you stay in, the beach, pool and practice spaces are seconds away.
PRIVATE/SINGLE ROOM €1,350 (photos below)
- 35 sq m with a private balcony and ensuite private bathroom
- large shower area with room for clothes hanging and drying
- bio-sustainable hand soap, shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel
- hair dryer
- queen-size bed, bedside lighting, and comfortable private seating
- large writing desk (2.5m), desk lamp and bookshelves
- lockable storage cabinet (up to larger size laptops) and a room safe
- hot-water kettle, mugs, medium-size fridge
- built-in wardrobe with sufficient space for luggage
- ceiling fans, mosquito screens and air conditioning
SEMI-PRIVATE €1200 (photos below)
- 2 private bedrooms of 25 sq m sharing a bathroom
- each room has a private balcony
- if you would like to share with someone you know let us know by email, otherwise we will pair you up with another student of the same gender.
- bio-sustainable hand soap, shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel
- hair dryer
- queen-size bed and bedside lighting
- medium writing desk (1.5m), desk lamp and bookshelves
- lockable storage cabinet and a room safe
- hot-water kettle, mugs, medium-size fridge
- built-in wardrobe with sufficient space for luggage
- ceiling fans, mosquito screens and air conditioning
SHARED TWO-BED LOFT €1,050 (photos below)
- A shared open space where one bed is elevated at a loft level to offer some privacy for you both, and there is a common space for lounging.
- 50 sq m total plus a private balcony with table and chairs
- private bathroom for shared occupants
- bio-sustainable hand soap, shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel
- queen-size bed and bedside lighting
- hair dryer
- large writing desk (2.5m), desk lamp and bookshelves
- lockable storage cabinet and a room safe
- hot-water kettle, mugs, medium-size fridge
- built-in wardrobes with sufficient space for luggage
- ceiling fans, mosquito screens and air conditioning
- if you are coming with a friend and would like to share send us an email with their name, otherwise we can pair you up with another student of the same gender
A non-refundable deposit of €400 is required to secure your place and the balance will be due by January 31st, 2024.
- Check-in time is 2 pm on Saturday, February 24th.
- Check-out time is 12 pm on Saturday, March 2nd.
Add Extra Days Pre / Post Retreat
You are very welcome to stay extra days before or after the centre subject to availability. You can book directly with the Samahita reservations team: info@centeredyoga.com
What is Included?
- Six classes, Mysore and led, and five workshops
- Accommodation in the room style of your choice
- Six brunches and dinners
- Guided walk to local temple: Tuesdays, 1-3 pm (weather permitting)
- Herbal steam room: Every evening, 6-8 pm
- Approaches to meditation guided class certain evenings 7.30-8 pm
What is not included?
- Flights to and from Koh Samui
- Your own personal purchases and services used such as massage, therapy and juice bar snacks are an extra charge and added to your bill. There is a full Thai staff team at Samui to help you.
- It is common practice for guests to leave a tip upon departure though it is a personal choice. 200-300 Thai Baht is typical for a week’s stay, and it is divided up among all the staff. They truly appreciate this kind gesture.
ADAM KEEN
Adam has taught Ashtanga yoga for almost 25 years. Coming from an academic background in philosophy and a professional one as a chef, he is knowledgeable, practical, and relatable in his approach. Many consider him humorous too.
Adam is one of a few students who completed the Advanced A series in Mysore with Sharathji and received Level 2 Authorisation in 2012. However, he is equally at home teaching all levels and gives all students the same attention and interest. He is democratic in his approach and kind and believes that the practice should not feel like an exam.
Instead, it is his firm belief that the practice can remain traditional and be suited to the demands and needs of each body without contradiction. This means that everyone will be considered on their terms as they need as opposed to being fitted into a generalised template.
Adam and his wife Theresa run the online yoga platform Keen on Yoga from their current home in Bali. He hosts the Keen on Yoga Podcast & YouTube channel, interviewing many of the world’s most renowned Ashtanga teachers and philosophical academics.