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- 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 WIN 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 1 2 om review
- 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. 3 4 om travelom travel
- 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. 8. 9. 10. 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 ¨C 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. 5 6 om travel om travel
- 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 7 8 om loves om loves
- 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 ¨C 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 ¨Ctimidly 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 ¨C 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¡¯ ¨C 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 11 12 om reportsom reports 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 ¨C 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 ¨C 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 13 14 om reportsom reports 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 END