Suitable for practitioners of all levels (beginner, primary, intermediate, advanced A and B).
*Beginners and those newer to the practice are strongly encouraged to attend.
This January and February join David in Karon, a vibrant seaside town in the Mueang Phuket district of Phuket, Thailand, known for its long golden beaches and dynamic local energy.
During this intensive you’ll have the chance to dive deeply into your Ashtanga practice not just as a form of physical exercise but as a tool for profound self-discovery and personal growth. In this retreat, we’ll explore the full spectrum of yoga—asana, pranayama, meditation, and philosophy—with the aim of meeting our challenges head-on.
By immersing yourself in the tradition of Ashtanga yoga, drawing upon the essential teachings of the past while finding new, empowering ways of seeing the practice, you’ll leave with a deeper connection to yourself, your practice, and the tools needed to rejuvenate and grow far beyond what you might have thought was possible. In a supportive community and surrounded by the beauty of Thailand, this is your time to reset, renew, and rise to the challenges of life with newfound clarity and courage.
Karon is only 20 minutes from the main city of Phuket town.
Karon is a laid-back coastal town on the western shore of Phuket, Thailand. Known for its expansive golden beach—one of the longest on the island—Karon offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and modern convenience. The beach itself is wide and breezy, with soft sand and clear water ideal for early morning walks, quiet reflection, or a refreshing post-practice dip.
Unlike some of the more crowded tourist spots nearby, Karon has a slower pace and a more relaxed atmosphere, making it an ideal place for deep yoga practice and personal retreat. At the same time, it offers plenty of small cafes, local markets, Thai massage spots, and peaceful seaside restaurants. There’s a friendly, international vibe here—enough activity to feel engaged, yet enough calm to support inner work and rest.
Whether you're drawn to the ocean, the food, or the warmth of the Thai people, Karon is a place where daily life feels both simple and nourishing—an ideal container for dedicated practice and renewal.
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL
The easiest way to reach the intensive is by flying into Phuket International Airport (HKT), which is well-connected to many major cities around the world. From the airport, Karon is about a 60–90 minute drive, depending on traffic.
TOURIST VISA
Entry requirements for Thailand vary by nationality. Many travelers can enter visa-free for up to 60 days, while others may be eligible for a visa on arrival. Requirements can change, so please consult your local Thai consulate or the Royal Thai Embassy website for the most up-to-date information before booking travel. A valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity is required. Visit the Thai embassy website
FROM AIRPORT TO KARON
Karon is located on Phuket’s western coast. The most convenient way to get from Phuket Airport to Karon is by taxi. The journey typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, and the fare ranges from 800 to 1,200 THB (approximately $25–$35 USD). Airport taxis are readily available upon arrival.
Sunday
7:00am-8:30am — Mysore (doors open at 6:30am)
9:00-10:00am — Yoga Sutras Talk
Monday
7:00-8:30am — Mysore (doors open at 6:30am)
Tuesday
7:00-8:30am — Mysore (doors open at 6:30am)
3:00-5:00pm — Asana Theory
Wednesday
7:00-8:30am — Mysore (doors open at 6:30am)
Thursday
7:00-8:30am — Mysore (doors open at 6:30am)
8:30am-9:15am — Breath, Bandhas, and Ashtanga Yoga Pranayama Sequence
Friday
7:00-8:30am — Led Primary Series
(No Mysore or extra classes on the moon day - February 1st.)
Mysore Class
Mysore class provides students with a concentrated learning experience that will help them develop practical and technical skills in the discipline of Ashtanga yoga as well as be immersed in the inspirational magic and poetic soul of the practice. Each student will receive valuable one to one guidance from David on developing their personal practice.
Breath, Bandhas, and Pranayama
Participants will gain knowledge of pranayama, the fourth yogic limb, and lay a foundation for establishing a personal breathing practice. The classes will include developing ujjayi (victorious breath), viloma (interrupting the breath), khumbhaka (retaining the breath), and learning the traditional Ashtanga pranayama sequence as taught by Sri K Pattabhi Jois. These sessions will also help the student breathe with more skill and awareness in their asana practice.
Asana Theory
These are clinic style led classes that investigate specific aspects of the practice in varying levels of detail. These important classes feature more verbal instruction; they give students a chance to slow things down, see new ways to orient during practice, get explanations of elusive and often unspoken aspects of the practice, and understand the Ashtanga method in greater, more subtle detail.
Yoga Sutras Study
These classes will focus on studying the meaning of the yoga sutras and lead to a lecture that aims to clarify the meaning of the texts and their context within daily practice. David will also draw from other sacred texts like the Bhagavad Gita, bhakti poetry, and Hatha Yoga Pradipika.
Led Primary Series
Traditional vinyasa count Led Primary Series class.
Phuket Jungle Experience Resort
23, 2 Patak Soi 20,
Karon, Mueang
Phuket District,
Phuket 83000, Thailand
The yoga shala is located at the Phuket Jungle Experience Resort, nestled in the lush hills of Karon. The resort offers beautiful sea views and a peaceful setting surrounded by vibrant jungle—a perfect environment for focused practice and deep rest.
This is a non-residential intensive, meaning accommodation is not included in your yoga tuition. Students are responsible for booking their own lodging. Karon has a wide range of accommodations—from budget guesthouses to luxury beach resorts. Options within a 5- to 15-minute walk or drive from the shala include:
*Tip: January and February are high season in Phuket. Book early to ensure the best selection and prices.
STAY AT THE PHUKET JUNGLE EXPERIENCE
The resort offers a variety of accommodations, including simple yet charming bungalows, standard rooms and suites, and private villas with pools (2- and 4-bedroom options). Amenities include: Wi-Fi, an on-site restaurant, a cocktail bar, and occasional live music.
Rooms are limited—we recommend booking early if you'd like to stay on-site for convenience and immersion.
Please note: Yoga registration is handled separately through David's website. Lodging must be booked directly with the resort.
ADDITIONAL LODGING OPTIONS NEAR SHALA (Low to high budget)
5. Mandarava Resort (Budget Room options)
6. Avista Grande Phuket Karon – MGallery
7. Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort
Students are welcome to begin their practice on any day of the week. Each week includes 6 days of practice with one rest day on Saturday. If you decide to extend your time in Karon and continue practicing, you’re welcome to do so—just let us know.
This intensive is open to all levels, and beginners or those newer to Ashtanga are especially encouraged to attend.
1 week - $350
2 weeks - $550
3 weeks - $700
4 weeks - $850
Please note there are no refunds or cancellations. If a student cannot attend they will be given credit for a future workshop hosted by David minus 20% admin fees.
For any other questions email asanakitchen@gmail.com. Once you are registered, you will be given access to a Whatsapp group where you can communicate with other registered students.
