The Island
Koh Phangan, Thailand
Seven Days
harmony between energy and nature
September
1st-7th
The
Intention
Welcome to The Island, where the rhythm of nature and the flow of energy come together. Nestled on the shores of Koh Phangan, I invite you to slow down, breathe, and reconnect. Let the ocean’s movement mirror your own, while the jungle stirs your senses with its vibrant life. Each moment here is a chance to return to harmony, leave behind the weight of routine, and step away from a world that feels like it’s constantly unpacking. Now in its third year, this retreat offers no deadlines, no distractions—just the freedom to be yourself and experience the magic this island has to offer. It’s why so many return year after year, continuing to fall in love with Koh Phangan’s unique energy and beauty. This retreat is open to both men and women, creating a supportive and inclusive space for everyone.
The
Experience
Our days will unfold amidst the tranquil beauty of Koh Phangan, where you’ll be immersed in the island’s natural rhythm. Daily practices of yoga, meditation, breathwork, and somatic practices will guide you to reconnect with your body, mind, and spirit, while time flows at your own pace—whether you’re reflecting quietly by the sea, exploring the jungle, or journaling beneath the shade of a palm tree. With moments of stillness, self-discovery, and connection with like-minded souls, you’ll also enjoy delicious meals infused with the island’s fresh, local flavours and rejuvenating massages that will melt away any tension. Heart-sharing circles will offer a space to connect deeply with others and share meaningful experiences. You set the tempo here—time is yours to explore, rest, and rediscover the essence of who you are.
The
Inspiration
Koh Phangan, with its rich history as a sacred island, invites you to immerse yourself in its spiritual energy. Once a haven for fishermen, it is now a sanctuary for those seeking peace and renewal, a place where souls come to rediscover balance. I am deeply inspired by this land, and I believe that gatherings rooted in place are those that transform. Knowing yourself can’t thrive on coffee and routine—it needs space. Sun-drenched mornings, watching the sunrise, the company of like-minded souls to share your story, the tide’s ebb and flow, and the quiet between breaths. Yoga, meditation, and somatic practices invite you to soften, listen, and reconnect.
The
Location
Ocean Experience is a stunning beachfront eco-retreat on the north coast of Koh Phangan, where simple luxury meets down-to-earth living. With six bungalows, a restaurant, and a wooden yoga shala that immerses you in a 360-degree surround-sound experience of nature, this modern Thai-inspired retreat is a hidden gem. Tucked away from mass tourism, it sits between the sea and the jungle on Haad Khom Beach—a private tropical oasis.
The family-run centre carries the pioneering spirit of the first seafaring explorers who discovered the island 150 years ago, when it was nothing but jungle, sand and stars. Today, Bovy, a descendant of the original owners, continues their legacy, sharing a deep love for nature and the joy of bringing people together—values that align with my own.
Katie West
About
Katie lives on Koh Phangan, where the rhythm of the island and the warmth of its people shape her way of life. A dedicated yoga teacher, retreat leader, and mentor, she has spent years guiding others through movement, meditation, and deep self-inquiry. With over a decade of experience holding space in retreats around the world, she understands the power of stepping away from the familiar to reconnect with what truly matters. Her down-to-earth teaching style is playful and grounded, creating an environment where people can soften, listen, and return to themselves. She loves coffee, rescue dogs, and is always up for a laugh. The Island Retreat is a reflection of her deep connection to this land and its community, an invitation to pause, breathe, and immerse in the magic of this island.
Reservations & Rooms
Light-filled bungalows, open-air spaces, and wooden details welcome you into a serene retreat. Each space is thoughtfully designed, furnished with handwoven textiles, locally crafted ceramics, and natural materials that reflect the island’s beauty.
Some bungalows open onto private terraces with sweeping sea views, where the sound of waves lulls you to sleep, while others are tucked into the jungle, surrounded by swaying palms and birdsong. Slow down with an outdoor shower under the open sky or sink into stillness in your shaded sanctuary—where the rhythms of nature set the pace.
What’s
Included
Accomodation for six nights
All meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Daily sessions including yoga, meditation, movement, somatic practices, sacred circle work, breathwork, and journaling.
Yoga mats, blocks, bolsters
Midweek room clean and fresh bedlinen
Day trip to Ang Thong National Marine Park
Filtered drinking water for the duration of the retreat
Transfer to Thong Sala pier on departure day
Wifi
Not included:
Airfare
Snacks between meals including fresh coconuts and coffee
Additional services including massages and treatments
Our time
TOGETHER
A glimpse into how we’ll spend our days at The Island Retreat. Each morning begins with meditation, morning pages, followed by practice. You’ll have plenty of time to write, rest, and explore the island’s beauty at your own pace. This is just a sample schedule, and it may evolve as we move with the flow of the retreat.
7.30am
Meditation and Morning Pages
8am
Vinyasa for the seasoned practitioner
9.15am
Hatha Yoga suitable for all levels
10.30am
Breakfast
Free time
1.30pm
Lunch
Free time
4pm
Gathering
6.30pm
Dinner
Free time can be spent swimming, reading, lying in the sun, enjoying a massage, exploring the local area, or simply taking a nap.
During the week, we’ll step beyond the retreat space and immerse ourselves in the local culture, exploring the natural beauty of Ang Thong Marine National Park.
For those who feel like it, on Friday evening, you’ll have the option to visit the vibrant night markets and immerse yourself in the local sights, sounds, and flavours. Please note, transportation to the markets is not included in the retreat package and a taxi fare will be required.
You can do it all or just spend the day on the beach.
FAQs
-
Travel insurance is an important part of any travel experience and is compulsory. I strongly recommend taking out your policy at the time of booking to safeguard your investment should you need to cancel for any reason. A copy of your Certificate of Insurance, along with your international flight details, must be provided before your arrival in Thailand.
-
Absolutely! All levels are welcome, including beginners.
There will be a 8:00am Vinyasa class offered for the seasoned practitioner followed by a Hatha class at 9:15am for all levels.
-
The best option is to fly into Koh Samui Airport (USM).
If possible, I’d suggest staying overnight on Koh Samui and traveling to Koh Phangan the following morning, or arriving a few days before the retreat to settle into island life.
It’s important not to book a departing flight from Koh Samui any earlier than 2:00pm on Sunday, 7th, to allow ample time for the ferry transfer from Koh Phangan.
-
Thailand can be hot and sunny! Although September is usually less humidity the past 4 years has seen dyer conditions with just the occasional rainy day or late afternoon tropical storm.
-
Many nationalities can visit Thailand without a visa under the Visa on Arrival rule or the Visa Exemption scheme. These options allow visitors to stay for up to 60 days.
Always verify your visa requirements based on your passport and the duration of your planned stay in Thailand.
-
This is a ReWilding Retreat, part of the Katie West Yoga retreat series, open to both women and men.
It is for those looking to deepen their understanding of yoga, embrace their personal journey, take a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life, or anyone simply curious about exploring life’s possibilities!
The retreat is situated in a quiet, secluded part of the island, offering a true escape. To access the nearest shops in Chaloklum, you’ll need a bike or taxi. If you wish to explore more of the island, it’s best to extend your stay. Taxis can be arranged for an additional cost to Thongsala and Srithanu, but please note this is a live-in retreat, and we encourage you to fully embrace the program offered.
-
You will make your own way to the venue and there are plenty of taxis available at the pier.
If you are arriving a few days before the start of the retreat then your hotel or resort can arrange a driver or taxi.
-
Check in is at 1:00pm, check out is at 10:00am.
The retreat officially starts at 3pm on September 1st.
-
Yes. If you are traveling on your own and would prefer to share a room, I will match you with a roommate.
-
If you are a man attending, I kindly ask that you book a single room unless you are coming with a friend or partner. This is due to the majority of attendees being women, which may make it difficult to arrange shared accommodation for men.
-
There is wifi at the venue, but I do mind and follow intentional phone practices. I kindly request no phones during workshops or meals. For the rest of the retreat, I encourage you to leave your phone in your room or use it only with intention. After years of leading retreats, I’ve found this approach helps everyone stay fully present during our time together.