Editor’s Choice Award: Samahita Retreat Offers Couples a Rejuvenating Getaway in Thailand

The Short Version: Couples often return from vacations exhausted by the tours, itineraries, and nights out on the town. But, when they travel to Samahita Retreat, located on the southern coast of Thailand, they come back rejuvenated. At Samahita Retreat, couples can find a unique blend of fitness, yoga, wellness, and detoxification programs to help them relax. Guests enjoy a vast beach without many tourists, modern facilities, delicious food, and special programs that leave them feeling revitalized. For its relaxing atmosphere that fosters a connection between couples, Samahita Retreat has earned our Editor’s Choice Award.

When it’s time to get away from home, couples have endless travel options. On cruises, they can drink piña coladas and double down on late-night desserts. Or they can opt for a trip with a packed itinerary that has them seeing six cities in five days.

But even those exciting trips can leave couples exhausted and drained when it’s time to return home. Some may long for a vacation where they actually get to relax and come back feeling rejuvenated.

Samahita Retreat, located on the beautiful island of Koh Samui in southern Thailand, is an ideal spot for couples who want to unwind and focus on health and wellness. The Retreat has welcomed visitors for more than 16 years and allows couples to spend quiet, quality time together that is revitalizing — not tiring.

Samahita Retreat is a relaxing destination where couples can focus on each other — and their health.

“The foundrs designed the center as a place for practice and transformation, where guests can come and learn tools that positively impact their lives back home,” said Anthea Grimason, Samahita Retreat’s Director of Strategic Marketing & Senior Health Coach. “It has always been health-focused, but we’ve also evolved and grown over the years.”

Couples can enjoy a variety of yoga and fitness classes at the Retreat, as well as specialized programs throughout the year. It all happens on a nearly 2.5-mile stretch of quiet beach, and modern facilities pamper guests and help them de-stress. Couples, families, and solo travelers come from around the world to enjoy the amenities as they focus on their bodies, minds, and each other.

For those considering visiting the Retreat for the first time, Anthea recommends signing up for YogaCoreCycle. The all-inclusive program offers a unique blend of daily yoga classes with fitness regimens that build core strength and cycle classes that get guests sweating. It runs throughout the year, and couples can participate in any sessions they choose while at the Retreat.

The morning begins with a silent sunrise cycle four days a week, followed by meditation, breath, and yoga classes, and then a brunch buffet. Afterward, guests can enjoy relaxation time or one of the Retreat’s popular excursions, including a snorkeling trip to one of the beautiful nearby islands.

Guests then participate in a core-centered workout, fun cycle, and a gentle, restorative yoga class before feasting on the dinner buffet. Evenings wind down with meditation classes and quiet time.

Guests can participate in the exhilarating YogaCoreCycle program while at Samahita Retreat.

The full program of up to five hours of classes a day is included in the guest rate, which varies based on accommodations. Guests can choose a private room, semi-private room, shared two-bedroom loft, or a one-bedroom suite. Taxes and use of all the amenities are also covered.

“The idea was not to be a hotel or holiday destination, but a place where people could come and do something different, practice yoga, fitness, or self-care, eat healthy food, and connect with like-minded people in a beautiful space,” Anthea said. “Being very health-focused, it attracts people who want to do something good for themselves.”

Along with its YogaCoreCycle program, Samahita Retreat offers specialized guest teacher retreats throughout the year. Many are perfect for couples, including “The Art of Connecting,” which encourages participants to connect with their bodies so that they can then connect with others. Participants can accomplish that whether within a relationship or throughout their daily lives. Special Christmas and New Year’s retreats are also popular among couples. The Retreat also offers a yoga teacher training program for those who are interested.

Anthea said the Retreat attracts people who genuinely want to live healthier lives by learning tools and practices that they can take home. Guests appreciate staying in a beautiful environment that offers excellent food and a calming vibe. A truly international place, Samahita’s guests come from Great Britain, the United States, Germany, Australia, Taiwan, and Singapore, among many other countries.

A common dynamic among traveling couples is that partners are interested in different types of wellness activities. For those couples, the resort’s programs and schedules are entirely customizable.

“The highly qualified teachers are there to cater to all levels,” Anthea told us. “It’s set up to let people create their own experience. The programs are good for couples because there is something for everyone. One partner may be into fitness and the other more into yoga, and here they can pick and choose what they want to do or try something new.”

Another popular couples activity is the Retreat’s detox program, which includes all classes in YogaCoreCycle, therapies, supplements, along with broths, juices, and tailored meals. Guests who go through the detox program with a loved one often find the support they provide each other benefits the experience, Anthea said.

Guests can choose from a three-day to a two-week-long detox program, which includes therapeutic treatments, infrared saunas, and private sessions. Often, people will come before their detox and stay a few days afterward to enjoy the YogaCoreCycle classes and buffet meals that are included in their stay.

The Retreat also offers a weight loss program that is available as part of the detoxification regime. On-site experts provide an effective combination of activity, relaxation, therapy, diet, and supplements.

In addition, Samahita Retreat recently added a Brain Health Upgrade program that includes biohacking and meditation as part of the self-care focus.

Totaly Self-Care is another popular wellness program that includes all classes and therapeutic treatments.

Guests enjoy all classes and therapy sessions overlooking a long stretch of beach with few tourists in sight. The atmosphere makes practicing yoga in one of Samahita Retreat’s four practice areas a calming experience.

Anthea Grimason, Samahita Retreat Director of Strategic Marketing, spoke with us about its airy, rejuvenating atmosphere.

One of the larger areas is designed for group retreats, self-led practice, meditation, and training courses. Its bamboo floors and large windows are light and airy. It also contains all of the yoga props that groups need. There’s even a beachfront yoga shala, where many daily classes take place, including yoga, TRX, and core classes.

Along with the yoga areas, the Retreat has a soundproof cycle studio that contains 21 top-of-the-line Schwinn Carbon Blue stationary bikes and an impressive audio system. While participants pedal away, they enjoy a stunning view of the ocean. In the mornings, the room’s doors are open for guests to enjoy the breeze.

Recently, the Retreat completed an on-site renovation and continue to evolve and add new programs based on years of experience and research. Health coaches are even available for continued support after couples leave.

“We see the transformations that guests go through and see how a space like this is much needed in the world,” Anthea said. “That motivates us to keep growing and improving.”

Samahita Retreat has a special offer for couples with a night free for each person when six nights are booked together.