1. omyoga& travel
The yogi’s guide to Thailand
JANUARY 2015 - £4.25
10
OF THAILAND’S
MOST RELAXING
BEACHES
The ultimate
luxury getaway
Chiva Som spa resort
awaits you
PACK FOR
POTENTIAL
the essentials for
your spiritual
journey
Meditation with
the monks
an insightful and
unforgettable
experience
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A £100 voucher
for Tiger Lily
London
yoga clothing

2. In the heart of Hua Hin lies a luxury health and wellness resort, ideal for all yoga
enthusiasts who seek a relaxing, rejuvinating getaway.
T
he Chiva Som Health Resort is renowned
for its legendary reputation as the
world’s best spa destination. It boasts an
impressive array of awards and honours as
it celebrates its 20th year running as a successful
health retreat. It’s hard to fathom that this
beachfront resort in Hua Hin is only a two-hour drive
away from the bustle of Bangkok, as the calmness
and quietude of the location transports you worlds
away.
Upon arriving at this peaceful location, you are
greeted by smiling staff offering complimentary
refreshments. Seven acres of flourishing tropical
gardens, old-style Thai architecture, and the smell
of burning bergamot and sandalwood oils entice
you to surrender yourself to the charms of the
Chiva Som.
Once guests have checked in, the hotel allocates
them with an expert wellness advisor who aids
them in choosing a wellness program. There is a
selection of over 41 different programs, ranging
from weight management to spa pampering,
guaranteeing that there is something to suit the
needs of every traveller. The option to upgrade
or swap treatments is always available to ensure
that guests have the most comfortable, enjoyable
experience whilst staying at the Chiva Som.
Yoga Training
In addition to wellness programs, Chiva Som offers
a variety of classes and activities to assist you
in relaxing, restoring and rejuvenating. Including
yogic technologies that help to heal your mind.
You can take part in daily group classes as well
as one-on-one yoga tuitions, with top of the range
instructors who guide you through a variety of yoga
styles, including; Hatha, Vinyasa, Ashtanga, or
Iyengar Yoga.
You and your instructor will work together to
design a personalised yoga programme that will
strengthen your weaker areas and achieve overall
improvement by reviving the body, soothing the
mind and helping to heal the spirit through a
greater sense of awareness and self-discovery.
Accomodation
After a long, hard day of indulging in holistic
treatments, pilates, massage therapies and
meditation, Chiva Som provides you with crisp,
pristine-white sheets and soft, bulging pillows to
retire to. The rooms are a hybrid of Thai architecture
and Western standards that provide ultimate
comfort and cleanliness. Each has an individual
scent from an oil burner, selected personally by the
occupant. Even the most standard of rooms in the
Chiva Som boasts astounding views of the resort’s
swimming pool, dreamy beach and the beautiful
Gulf of Thailand.
Food
You will never go hungry during your stay. As Chiva
Som provides you with three spa cuisine meals a
day, as part of your daily tariff. It also hosts an array
of dishes from all over the globe that are available
to order in the Taste of Siamh Restaurant - located
on the beach front. The resort puts an emphasis
on eating healthily by integrating low fat, lower
calorie foods with some vegetarian and wheat,
gluten, dairy and sugar-free dishes. But there is no
moderation or taming of flavour. Staying at Chiva
Som will feel almost like you are cheating your way
to a healthier you.
WHY TO VISIT
• Voted the ‘Best Destination Spa’ by
Conde Nast Traveller Spa Awards in
2015.
• Made it into the Top 10 Best Of Yoga
catergory in the SpaFinder Readers’
Choice Crystal Award in 2012.
• Many of Chiva Som’s guests have
returned after their first visit as they
enjoyed their time here so much.
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
• Hua Hin Beach is a 20 minute drive
South of Chiva Som. It offers a safe
spot to swim in shallow waters on a
sandy beach.
• Chopsticks Hill is a 30 minute walk
away - home to a temple and large
Buddha statue. It offers panoramic
views of Hua Hin from a hill-top.
• A 15 tiered waterfall; Nam Tok Pa-La-U,
is 60km from Hua Hin town centre. It
is a possible spot to see rare wildlife,
such as elephants.
Chiva Som
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3. Long Beach, Koh Chang
Located on the most southeast point of Chang
island is a stunning stretch of secluded sand. Long
Beach doesn’t have many visitors due to its remote
location, which means that it is the perfect place to
immerse youself in peacefulness. It sits in a pretty
bay, with clean sand and clear waters, nearby
to a local fishing community. The undeveloped
surroundings and wealth of local life make it a
natural beauty to behold.
Loh Ba Gao Bay, Koh Phi Phi
Phi Phi Island is home to some of the most
picturesque beaches in Thailand. Incredibly
popular amongst tourists thanks to hit films such as
The Beach, it can be difficult to find a quiet beach
on this island. But half way up the east coast of
Phi Phi Don is a serene, scenic bay. An 800-metre
stretch of soft, white sand trimmed with rows of tall
coconut trees and surrounded by regal limestone
cliffs blanketed in green shrubs.
Lipa Noi Beach, Koh Samui
There are not many beaches on the Island of Samui
that have an especially beautiful sunset view, but
Lipa Noi is one that does. The beach faces due
west, allowing for spectacular displays of dreamy
pastel-purple hues and smoldering blood-orange
hazes painting the sky. It is one of the very few
quiet escapes on Samui Island due to the lack of
tourist infrastructure. Expect only the occasional
sighting of a local fisherman or a wandering
backpacker.
Buffalo Bay, Koh Phayam
Phayam Island is still one of Thailand’s whispered
secrets. Known about by very few, you’re
guaranteed the opportunity to soak up the
sunbeams in solitary. Buffalo Bay is the most
peaceful beach on this island snd has an idyllic,
laidback feel that enchants you into embracing your
inner hippy. Long, curving stretches of deserted
white sands, shallow seawater as warm as a bath,
and lush jungle surroundings make it the ultimate
paradise getaway.
TOP10
Ultimate
RelaxationBeaches
1.
2.
3.
4.
In a country with over 20 million visitors a year, it is hard to find a
quiet, sandy corner in Thailand - but it’s not impossible.
Om Yoga gives you 10 beautiful beach locations where you can
relax, regenerate and revive in complete tranquillity.
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4. Ao Manao Beach, Hua Hin
Ao Manao is a uniquely beguiling beach with a
famous crescent shape and unusual patches of
light pink sand - formed by tiny sediments of pretty
pink and white swirled shells. The beach curves
around shallow, blue-green iridescent waters and
prevails a stunning backdrop of nearby islands off
the coast. You are likely to be the only foreigner
here as there are few visitors except locals, which
explains the impeccably clean sands.
5.
Railay Beach, Krabi
Railay Beach is a haven of bliss compared to the
other people patterned beaches of Krabi. The
sugar-powdered sands remain relatively footprint
free due to the beach being better known as a rock-
climbing hotspot. Take in the breathtaking views of
the surrounding lush jungles and skyward twisting
rock cliffs, whilst dipping your sunkissed toes in
the Andaman Sea, and guiltlessly unwinding in the
gentle Thai sea breeze.
6.
Koh Lao Liang, Trang Province
This is a tropical paradise that takes you back-to-
nature and allows you to leave the cares of modern
living behind. Unspoiled, untainted and unflawed
by touristy adaptations, the island is considered
amongst Thai’s as one of their country’s best-kept
secrets. The only noises you will hear here are the
calming coos of waves lapping the shore line, the
leaves of the palm trees licking the ocean breeze,
and your own thoughts whilst relaxing to a state
of content.
7.
Ya Nui Beach, Phuket
Even in Phuket, which is about as unknown as
Disneyland, there are quiet, hidden escapes. Lined
with evergreen trees instead of palm trees, Ya Nui
Beach provides plenty of welcoming, cooling shade
to escape the soaring sun. Along with its charming
views and irresistibly soft sand, it is a faultless spot
for snorkelling, fishing and kayaking due to the
deep, warm waters that are flourishing in dreamy,
vibrant coral reefs marine life.
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Koh Phra Thong Bay, Koh Phra Thong
Koh Phra Thong is a dream destination for those who are really looking to get away
from it all. With over 15km of essentially uninhabited beaches, it is so secluded and
tranquil that sea turtles still nest here. Feel complete weightlessness of both your
mind and body as you laze the day away in a hammock – admiring the beauty of an
unblemished, authentic Thailand.
Tham Saai Beach, Koh Sicang
It is hard to believe that Koh Sicang is only 100km away from Bangkok
with its remote beaches and complete peacefulness. Tham Saai beach
is really the ideal spot on this island for self-contemplation and finding
inner harmony. From time to time, even the monks and nuns from the
temple can be seen swimming in the sandy cove, or sitting in
meditation on the cliffs above.
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5. Pack For PotentialGet the most out of your yoga vacation with these travel essentials.
Dreamweaver Yoga Mat £42.50
This soft water color background and bold graphic
feathers makes for a beautiful zen space whilst you
practice your yoga on the beach.
www.vagabond-goods.com
Yoga Beach Bag £18
Not only is this beach tote eco-friendly, but it’s also
super stylish. Made from organic materials, it’s the
perfect sized travel bag for a yogi’s spiritual journey.
www.breatherelaxsmile.co.uk
The Concise Book Of Yoga
Anatomy £12
Whilst you’re not reading your
Om Yoga magazine, why not
take a look at this guide to the
study of yoga anatomy. It’s a
light read with plenty of visuals.
www.amazon.co.uk
100% Pure Lavender Oil
£2.95
Travelling can be stressful.
Use lavender oil to calm
your senses and relax
during practice. It also
acts as an insect repellant
to shoo away those nasty
mosquitos.
www.pureindulgence.co.uk
Ethical Swimsuit £85
Sunbathe in style without
leaving your ethics at home.
This crochet swimsuit is hand-
made by happy, healthy
people. It’s sexy, stylish and
100% bio-degradable.
www.mikayogawear.com
Harem Pants £18.20
You’ll find an assortment of patterns and bright colours
on the harem pants of Thailand’s famous street markets,
available at a bargain price if you barter with the locals.
They’re a light, breezy material, perfect for doing yoga
in tropical climates.
www.bohemianisland.com
Mala Necklace and Bracelet £30
These beautiful beads keep you
grounded, centred and aligned.
But they can also complete an
outfit. Wear them with your bikini
or over casual day-time attire.
Moonstone mala beads can even
help with jet lag.
www.yogabasics.com
Eco-Friendly Yoga Leggings £49
A great pair of yoga pants will be your best friend on the
road. They provide stylish comfort whilst you practice or
even for the long plane journeys. Stand out on your travels
by treating yourself to an exoticly coloured and boldly
patterned pair.
www.tigerlilylondon.com
Sesame Suntan Lotion £15
Look bronzed, but not burned with
this organic, fair-trade sunscreen.
Rich in sesame oil nutrients,
hydrating cocoa butter and cooling
aloe vera, this product protects
the skin with completely natural
ingredients.
www.lush.com
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6. Seeing Clearly
At the foot of the highest mountain in Thailand sits a humble
Buddhist temple. It is within this temple, hidden away
in a small village in Chang Mai, that I
experience the most enlightening epiphanies
and extraordinary insights into
the true nature of reality.

7. A
low, eerie echo rings
out through the still of
the early morning air - a
sound so strong and
solid that it could move a mountain.
The deep humming noise sends
tremors that resonate through to
my bones, stirring me from a deep
slumber. It is a wake up call. The
monks are sounding the temple
bell, which means that it is 4am -
time to begin a spiritual journey into
greater mindfulness at the Holy Relic
Monastery on The Golden Hill.
There is a lazy, coolness about
the air at this time of the day that
immediately calms you - mentally
preparing you for your day of
meditation. I inhale it deeply whilst
watching a mist of morning fog shiver
across the blanket of shadowy trees
on mount Doi Inthanon. A beautiful
backdrop to the golden pagoda that
is shining proudly in the orange-
yellow hues of the rising oriental sun.
The temple grounds are quiet and
immaculately swept – littered only by
the odd dozing dog or cat. Majestic
Singha lion statues guard the Buddha
shrines that sit passively within the
pristine walls of the monastery. Gold
trimmed roofs slabbed with regal, red
tiles create sweeping shapes as they
tier above the surrounding sleepy
rice fields. A lone monk - barefoot
and swathed in dusky, saffron robes
–timidly makes his way up the steps
towards the kitchen. A scaly, brown
body of a dragon lines the top of
the white walls on either side of
these steps – escalating towards a
glorious building with ornate golden
bargeboards and gables that are
embellished with intricate carvings.
Breakfast at the temple is an
assortment of simple, traditional Thai
food. Aromatic spices hang in the
air in savoury scents of coriander
and cumin, fused with hints of
lime and garlic. Chicken and fish
marinate in an assortment of creamy
curry sauces, alongside softly
steamed vegetables and soya meat
swimming in salty, soupy broths.
And of course there is the statement
food of ‘the smiling people’ – fluffy,
white boiled rice. The only thing that
differentiates breakfast from lunch is
the option of fruit that is available in
the morning - a handsome spectrum
of exotic colours displayed in the
form of bananas, papayas, mangos
and watermelon slices. The food
is modest, but nothing short of a
profusion of flavour. I find myself
disciplining my mind to refrain
from indulging. After all, this is a
meditation retreat.
After breakfast, group meditation
takes place in the temple gardens.
Students are enveloped in the
tranquillity of nature. The trees above
glow a vibrant green as the sun
illuminates their leaves that cluster
together to form a shady, sun-
sheltered area for us to sit beneath.
• The temple ‘Wat
Phradhatu Sri Chom
Tong Voravihara’
translates in English
as “The Holy Relic
Monastery on The
Golden Hill”
• It is a Royal Historic
Treasure, and
contains the Holy
Dakkhinamoli
Buddha Relic;
legend has it that
the Lord Buddha
came to teach the
people on the hill
near the monastery.
• It sits at the foot of
Mount Doi Inthanon.
Mount
Doi Inthanon
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Photos:
- Monks on their way to
the prayer hall
(credit: Zen Cohen)
- Meditation practice in
the temple garden
(credit: Discovery Thailand)

8. Outside of the temple gates is a
small market on a nearby road. A
mix-match of stalls made of large,
sun-faded umbrellas perched over
small plastic tables displaying a
variety of local foods. Satay chicken
skewered on to bamboo sticks,
fermented rice noodles topped with
coconut cream, fiery green papaya
salads and roasting peanuts are just
some of the available street cuisine.
During my stay, I have vowed not to
take solid foods after noontime as
part of one of the rules. But liquid
foods are permitted. I opt for a drink
that consists of blue coloured jelly
pieces in a sweet, creamy coconut
and soya bean milk.
When visiting Thailand in the
past, I had always done what most
visitors do: toured the temples by
day – occasionally engaging in
group meditation - and retired to the
luxury comforts of a western-style
hotel room at night. Then a Thai
friend told me that I had not fully
experienced Buddhist meditation if
I had not stayed at a temple whilst
doing a meditation course. She was
right. By immersing myself into this
place of ancient rites and rhythms,
I had removed myself from all
luxuries and become detached from
the modern world. It allowed me to
delve into new depths of increased
inner awareness - gifting me with
a sense of clarity, and a profound
acceptance of our present-moment
reality that shall always live with me.
By Kayla Toh
a ‘wise man’ to look. He almost
seems to melt into his orange
robes he looks so at peace. I
close my eyes and clear my
mind, awakening myself to
a greater mindfulness and
introspect.
A lot of time is spent in solitude
in your room, as the monks
encourage you not to speak to
other meditators in the fear that
you may confuse or corrupt their
meditative experiences. But
this is a blessing, as spending
time alone allows you to further
your self-evaluation and
understanding of your soul. The
rooms are modern and clean but
simple and basic. Decked out
with a coffee machine, fridge, hot
water flowing in the bathroom, a
foamy mattress to sleep on, and
a ceiling fan - they have all the
essentials, whilst still abiding by
the eight rules.
The occasional glimpse of
electric orange scales can be
stolen from the murky depths of
the lily-pad pond we are perched
over. The only noise that can be
heard is the soft, swishing sound
of the leaves on the tall bamboo
branches, as they are tickled by
the calm, cooling breeze.
The teachers, who are
also monks, remind students
not to work too hard, nor too
little. Everyone must find an
equilibrium. “Stay in the middle
path”, my teacher disrupts the
muted hush with his gentle voice.
The words are slow and silky,
flowing into the airwaves like a
creamy fluid. He sits motionless
on a large rock – legs crossed,
eyes closed, hands in his lap.
His bald head is speckled
with freckles from ageing, and
creases of concentration run
deep into his forehead creating
wrinkles in his brown skin -
exactly how you’d imagine
Food served
in the temple
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Photos:
- The Golden Pagoda
(credit: mychangmaitour)
- The Buddha Throne
(credit: Zen Cohen)
- Guest bungalows/huts
(credit: TanTaiMua)
- Buddha statues
with donation pots
(crredit: mychangmaitour)

9. Blooming Lotus
Yoga resort
• Thai massages and acupuncture
• Daily yoga classes and activities
• Sauna and steam room
• Meditation grounds and garden
“The place is paradise...
You feel its energy
the moment
you arrive”
Special
Offer
£395 for 3
nights
www.bloominglotusresort.com
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