Finding depth in paradise

After practising yoga on and off for a few years, I finally said yes to my first retreat - and I couldn’t have chosen a more magical setting or more heart-led hosts. Held by the magnetic presence of Lailla (@laillasena) and Julio (@bhava_yoga_), this week in Koh Samui unfolded into something far deeper than I could have imagined.

We honoured the power of the asanas, the physical postures of yoga, but also allowed them to become a doorway to something much more profound.

It was about softening into presence, peeling back layers, tuning into the breath, and reconnecting with the parts of ourselves we often overlook. It was a journey inward, an invitation to witness our thoughts, patterns, and truths with compassion.

We moved through practices and deep reflections rooted in the yamas (the five guiding principles of yogic philosophy), explored embodiment, breath work, meditation, and surrendered to the vibration
of a powerful gong session that seemed to shake something loose in all of us.

There were tears. There was laughter. There was space to feel, to reflect, to heal. Julio and Lailla held that space with such grace, creating the kind of environment where everyone felt safe to simply be.

Living the practice: the five yamas in everyday moments

Throughout the retreat, our teachers gently wove the yamas into our practice, both on and off the mat.
These principles offered a grounding framework, helping us move through the week with more awareness and intention.

We explored ahimsa (non-violence), not just as kindness toward others but as softness with ourselves, choosing rest when needed, releasing self-judgment, and speaking with care. Satya (truthfulness) encouraged honest reflection, inviting us to meet our inner world without filters or pretence. With asteya (non-stealing), we were reminded not to take what isn’t freely given, including other people’s time, energy, or emotional presence. Brahmacharya (right use of energy) guided us to conserve and redirect our focus toward what truly matters, while aparigraha (non-attachment) taught us the beauty of letting go—of control, of expectations, of the need to hold onto anything or anyone too tightly.

These principles were more than philosophical ideas, they became lived experiences. In silence, in onversation, in the way we held space for each other. And now, back in the rhythm of daily life, I find myself turning to them as gentle reminders to pause, to choose consciously, and to move through the world with more care for myself and others.

Nourishment in every sense

The retreat didn’t stop on the mat. Every meal was a celebration of life - colourful, fresh, and deeply nourishing. From Thai-style curries to tropical fruit bowls and homemade teas, the delicious food felt like an extension of the practice: mindful, intentional, and made with love.

Sharing meals together at long communal tables became another ritual. A time to chat, to reflect, to laugh. To simply be human in each other’s company. It was community in its purest form.

Rising with the sun and the sea

Our first yoga practice began at 7:30am each day, with the early mornings ours to shape. Some of us
wandered barefoot along the shoreline, others took a quiet dip or meditated on the rocks facing the rising sun over the sea. A few of us slipped into the ocean for long swims, letting the rhythm of the water wake us gently.

We were lucky to have our own private beach just steps from our bungalows, with two more stunning beaches only a short walk away. The water was like silk—crystal-clear, 30 degrees, and completely still, with only the soft hush of morning and the golden light spilling across the sea. Those sunrises were a magical way to start the day, filled with a gentle, peaceful energy.

Spirit woven into daily life

Koh Samui carries a spiritual hum that’s impossible to ignore. It lingers in the air like the scent of incense and moves through the gentle rhythm of daily life. We visited some of the island’s most sacred places - Wat Plai Laem, home to the striking white statue of Guanyin, the goddess of mercy and compassion with her many arms, alongside the joyful Laughing Buddha symbolising happiness and abundance, and the powerful three-headed elephant Erawan representing strength and protection, all set beside a serene lotus pond. We also admired the
towering golden Big Buddha at Wat Phra Yai and the peaceful grounds of Wat Khunaram, where the mummified monk quietly reminds visitors of life’s impermanence.

I was deeply moved by how naturally spirituality is woven into their everyday lives, and it made me reflect on how I might deepen my own spiritual practice, recognising how a connection to an unknown presence can bring comfort and meaning, reminding us that we are never truly alone.

New faces, familiar souls

Something beautiful happens when strangers gather with open hearts. There was no pressure to perform, no need to be anything other than yourself. And in that safe space, friendships formed surprisingly quickly. We swapped stories, shared moments of stillness and joy, and held space for each other in ways that felt effortless and deeply kind. There was so much good energy, so many meaningful, nourishing conversations. Beyond the retreat sessions, we spent our free time exploring Koh Samui’s stunning beaches, shopping at local markets, enjoying live music, and a spectacular fire show by the beach. I even got to celebrate my 43th birthday alongside three other Geminis, which was very special with Lailla
and Julio surprising us with a delicious cake, a very thoughtful touch.

Letting go by firelight

One of the most moving moments came on our final night, when we gathered around a bonfire by the beach. During the five days, we had written down what we were ready to let go of—the habits, patterns, and thoughts that no longer served us. Lailla and Julio reminded us that letting go isn’t easy, and that we don’t have to do it alone. So we each picked a few notes at random and released them into the flames as a symbol of shared intention and community. We are social beings, not meant to carry everything by ourselves, but to support and be supported by one another along the way. Watching the fire crackle as our words turned to ash felt like a ritual of release and renewal - a gentle, sacred ending that carried the seed of something new.

Packing light, living lighter

This trip reminded me how little we truly need. A small suitcase with a few favourite pieces and some simple accessories was more than enough. Light linen garments felt like an extension of the energy we were immersed in - natural, raw, and comfortable - perfect for the warm weather.

Pesci’s new collection couldn’t have been a better match: effortless sea-inspired shapes that blended seamlessly into island life. The linen and bronze felt easy, grounded, and intentional. And maybe that’s what I’m taking home most of all—that feeling of simplicity, of ease, of living lightly.

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