VIKASA is Sanskrit for EVOLution, becoming visible, expanding & shining forth. Add a little LOVE to this, & surrender to the unfolding path of the Vikasa Thailand Yoga & Jiu Jitsu Retreat.
Why EVOLution and Why LOVE? Love starts with you. With how you feel in your body & how you feel in your heart. To be more compassionate with yourself & to listen to your body. And then it expands. EVOLution. Love yourself & you will experience more connection with others. Love the dark & the light. Connect to your heart’s longing & what matters most. Once you have found this connection, surrender to the unfolding path!
My goal is to inspire you to dive deeper into your soul & what you desire to share with this world. What brings you joy? What makes you feel alive?
Traveling gets us out of our comfort zone, allows us to experience more presence, connection, freedom & have a fresh perspective. Traveling also cultivates healing & curiosity. We incorporate yoga, mantra, meditation, jiu jitsu, self defense classes & play into our retreats, while savoring nature’s beauty, nourishing our bodies with food full of vitality & allowing ourselves time to relax & renew.
VIKASA is Sanskrit for EVOLution, becoming visible, expanding & shining forth. Add a little LOVE to this, & surrender to the unfolding path of the Vikasa Thailand Yoga & Jiu Jitsu Retreat.
Why EVOLution and Why LOVE? Love starts with you. With how you feel in your body & how you feel in your heart. To be more compassionate with yourself & to listen to your body. And then it expands. EVOLution. Love yourself & you will experience more connection with others. Love the dark & the light. Connect to your heart’s longing & what matters most. Once you have found this connection, surrender to the unfolding path!
My goal is to inspire you to dive deeper into your soul & what you desire to share with this world. What brings you joy? What makes you feel alive?
Traveling gets us out of our comfort zone, allows us to experience more presence, connection, freedom & have a fresh perspective. Traveling also cultivates healing & curiosity. We incorporate yoga, mantra, meditation, jiu jitsu, self defense classes & play into our retreats, while savoring nature’s beauty, nourishing our bodies with food full of vitality & allowing ourselves time to relax & renew.
Adventures on and off The Mat
Daily yoga, jiu jitsu, meditation, lodging, two excursions, transportation from the airport, massage, yoga props & mats, two amazing healthy, fresh AND delicious meals daily, inspiring environment, stunning natural surrounding, special gifts from your retreat hosts and a whole lot of love. The retreat is set in a spectacular ocean cliff-side environment which gives you breathtaking sea-views from every single spot, be it from the yoga halls, rooms, infinity pool or restaurant.
Designed for all levels, this retreat will blend yoga, jiu jitsu, adventure, rejuvenation & fun. There will be plenty of free time to plan your own excursions, explore the beautiful island of Koh Samui or slow down and relax. More than yoga + jiu jitsu, we offer you inspiration and transformation.
TRAVEL
Fly in/out of Koh Samui (USM). The most affordable flights to Koh Samui are on Bangkok Airways from Bangkok. Most retreat guests will have to fly through Bangkok (Survarnabhumi International Airport) in order to connect to Koh Samui. There are also some direct flights to Koh Samui from Singapore or Hong Kong.
SHUTTLE
The retreat includes shuttle service to Vikasa from the Airport. Send us your itinerary and we will coordinate transportation to the retreat!
ACCOMODATIONS
Vikasa is not a luxury resort. Most of the rooms are modest and simple, with minimalistic decorations and comfortable beds. Vikasa offers single rooms and shared. There are various room options available with different features and conveniences. All rooms offer sweeping views over the sea, cliffs and rocks.
PACKING
We have prepared a packing list for you so that you don't forget any of the essentials!
Erik Klinger
Retreat Co-Leader & Level Up Jiu Jitsu Founder + Professor - Thailand 2023 + 2025
Professor Erik Klinger, began his martial arts training over 40 years ago at a young age. He followed his passion for martial arts by moving to Japan where he lived for three years, training and competing in the amateur Mixed Martial Arts circuits there. Eventually Erik moved to Brazil to continue is martial arts training in the heartland of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Spending four years in Brazil training, competing, and eventually teaching helped Erik to propel his knowledge and gave him the opportunity to open his own academy back in the U.S. Currently Erik is the founder of Level Up Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with more than 20 affiliate academies in the United States, Europe, Brazil, and Central America. He is the founder of the International Jiu Jitsu Education Fund, a non-profit organization with projects in eight different countries, which helps underprivileged children to practice Jiu Jitsu and learn life skills in schools around the world. Erik travels regularly to these countries to bring uniforms to the children, teach seminars, and help to grow the philosophy of "Rolling Toward A Better World".
Instagram: @erikklinger + @levelupjiujitsu
Krystal Pearson
Retreat Leader & Yoga Teacher
Krystal Pearson began practicing yoga at the age of 8. Since then she has been on a journey studying with many spiritual teachers and exploring many different forms of yoga. She is currently practicing and teaching Ashtanga, Kundalini & ACROVINYASA. She also enjoys leading yoga retreats around the world. Bali is her favorite place to explore & share with others because of the beautiful land, the ceremony & the sweet people. Krystal is also a Licensed Acupuncturist & Herbalist. Krystal is the owner of Blue Jasmin Acupuncture, Herbs & Yoga. She also opened the Blue Jasmin Yoga Shala located on Main Street in downtown Ventura. You can visit her website for more info KrystalPearson.com.
Krystal lives in Ventura, California with her pups Rusty Red Fox + Bella Luna. She loves the beach, wakeboarding & exploring new places. She enjoys inspiring others to connect with their true Self, their Sat Nam, and encourages others to commit to their passion for thriving in this human experience.
Instagram: @bluejasminyoga
DATES
May 18-24th, 2025!
Retreat officially begins the evening of May 18th with a Welcome Dinner together at Vikasa Life Cafe & will end at noon on May 24th after our morning closing ceremony & breakfast together. Check in time is 2pm + check out time is noon. You will need to pay for your own transport after the retreat ($20USD). Vikasa is happy to help you arrange this with their drivers.
LOCATION
Vikasa is located by the beautiful turquoise ocean on Koh Samui island in Thailand!
For more info: https://vikasa.com/location-koh-samui/
PAYMENT/PRICING
Payments are made thru Zelle - details are on the Registration Page.
Reserve your space with a $500 non-refundable deposit (per person)!
Email krystal@bluejasminacupuncture.com for payment plan options.
2nd payment of $750 from each retreat participant is due December 1st, 2024 (unless you have created a payment plan with us.)
Final payment is due March 1st, 2025. $75 late fee will be added to any final payments made after this date, unless you have set up a specific payment plan with us when you registered for the retreat.
You must also sign the retreat waiver when sending in your initial deposit to secure your space + specify which room you would like.
EARLY BIRD PRICING* - FIRST 10 ROOMS SOLD! - SAVE $200 off single or double occupancy! Only the first 10 sign ups may receive early bird pricing, so get your deposit in asap.
FYI, these prices are inclusive of everything offered on the retreat.
Virtual Tour of the Accommodations: https://vikasa.com/accommodation-yoga-retreat/
Prana Cabana ~ Single Occupancy $2950 / Double $4100 ($2050 per person)
Early Bird Pricing: Single $2750/Double $3900
Ocean view + en-suite bathroom + private balcony with bean bag
Prana Cabana Plus ~ Single Occupancy $3100/Double $4400 ($2200 per person)
Early Bird Pricing: Single $2900/Double $4200
Ocean view + near the beach + air conditioning + terrace
Lotus Pad ~ Single Occupancy $2950/Double $4100 ($2050 per person)
Early Bird Pricing: Single $2750/Double $3900
Garden view + en-suite bathroom + private balcony with bean bag
Lotus Pad Plus ~ Single Occupancy $3100/Double $4400 ($2200 per person)
Early Bird Pricing: Single $2900/Double $4200
Ocean view + en-suite bathroom + private balcony with bean bag
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Travel insurance is required. Please send us proof of your travel insurance by March 1st, 2025. There are so many options to choose from including Allianz, World Nomads, & AAA.
CANCELLATION POLICY
$500 initial deposit is NON-REFUNDABLE. No exceptions.
We will refund the remaining money paid if you cancel at least 60 days prior to the retreat.
NO money back after 60 days before the retreat. The last day to cancel & receive all of your monies back BESIDES the NON-REFUNDABLE deposit is March 15th, 2025.
PAYMENT INCLUDES
Room with A/C + a private bathroom + safety box + daily housekeeping at Vikasa
Yoga (Kundalini/Ashtanga/Vinyasa) & AcroYoga Classes
BJJ
Meditation + Chanting + Pranayama
Breakfast Buffet at Vikasa Life Cafe
Dinner Buffer at Vikasa Life Cafe
Thailand Massage (1 hour)
Temple Tour Excursion
Elephant Sanctuary Excursion
Boat Adventure to the Ang Thong National Marine Park
Intro to Muay Thai Class
Attend a Muay Thai Stadium Fight
There is a mini fridge in your room. Bottled water is provided in your room upon daily with housekeeping service & there is a water dispenser at the Life Cafe + in the Yoga Sala as well. Loose leaf green tea is also provided in the room.
Transport to the retreat from the Koh Samui Airport (USM) airport on May 18th, 2025.
Special gifts from your retreat hosts!
DOES NOT INCLUDE
Airfare + Visa fee
Alcohol
Tips if you would like to offer them to the staff + drivers
Transport at the end of retreat from Retreat Center to Koh Samui Airport (USM). You can arrange this with Vikasa.
ROOMS
Room Options*:
Prana Cabana (Single or Double Occupancy)
Prana Cabana Plus (Single or Double Occupancy)
Lotus Pad (Single or Double Occupancy)
Lotus Pad Plus (Single or Double Occupancy)
*All rooms can either come with a queen bed or two twin beds. Please make sure to specify your preference at the time of booking.
For more info about VIKASA accommodations: https://vikasa.com/accommodation-yoga-retreat/
FOOD
VIKASA Life Cafe Brunch + Dinner Buffet Daily. VIKASA Yoga Retreat’s flagship restaurant Life Café, is central to our holistic approach to a healthy lifestyle. We believe food philosophy is a crucial element of a well-rounded holistic lifestyle, and an integral pillar of the global VIKASA community. Our local Samui tribe thrives on the unique and delicious creations we offer in support of a healthy lifestyle – a benefit we aim to spread and share with any and every one seeking inner balance, purity and happiness. We are open 9am to 10pm.
Our food is only as good as the ingredients we use. We’re genuinely passionate about using locally produced ingredients such as coconuts, coconut oil, and an assortment of veggies from Samui’s organic farmers. We take pride in the knowledge our food is fresh, fair trade, and pesticide free. We hope to bring people together from around the world to enjoy the experience of clean and socially responsible eating. We have excellent access to tropical fruits, organic food and fresh local produce, which is conducive to transformation, healing, detox, fitness or just healthy living. You will feel a physical transformation just by eating our delicious and healthy food every day during your stay.*
*Please let us know in advance of any food allergies &/or food sensitivities. Thank you!
MONEY
Local currency in Thailand is Thai Bhat. You do not need to bring a lot of cash with you, if you don’t want to. Most places take credit cards, some may charge an additional fee. Make sure to check if your credit card charges foreign transaction fees.
There are ATMs available as well, including one at Vikasa.
You can also exchange your money at an approved money changing location once in Bali. You will get a better exchange rate if you exchange larger bills ($100 bills). They only will accept newer USD bills with no creases, rips, etc.
You can also download a free app for currency conversion such as: Xe Currency Converter
TRAVEL
Suggested arrival: the afternoon of May 18th, 2025
Suggested departure: afternoon on May 25th, 2025
If you would like to come to Koh Samui Thailand just for the retreat dates May18th-May 25th 2025 we will recommend a flight based on price, travel time & when it arrives in . Some of you may choose to travel on this flight together. This flight will arrive in time for you to check in, unpack & relax before our first dinner together.
It typically take the Ventura Airporter Shuttle to and from LAX. Here is a link to their website: http://venturashuttle.com
I also have a driver named Jae Bird. She charges $150 each way & she can fit 4 people. Her contact info is: 805/901-0457 (you can contact her via text).
VISA
Info for Visa application online:
SIM CARDS
You can purchase a SIM card for your phone in Thailand for about $20USD. Or you can use Wifi when available. VIKASA has free wifi available, as do many places in Thailand. The other option is to purchase an international plan through your cell phone carrier. AT&T usually charges a flat rate of $10/day. Please check with your cell phone carrier.
ADAPTERS + VOLTAGE CONVERTERS
You will need to have adaptors (& for some devices voltage converters) to plug in your devices. I recommend purchasing a few or a device that has a few usb & regular plugs all-in-one, I like to have 3 so that i am able to charge multiple devices at once. The plug standard in Bali is a two-pin plug for a socket, also known as plug type F and type C. Plug type C is a two-round-pin plug, and plug type F is a two-round-pin plug with two earth clips on the side. Here is a link to purchase one with many charging outlets online: https://a.co/d/7QPrMJo
If you want to use your travel fan, electric shaver, hair dryer, straightener, or electric toothbrush, they need to support 100V to 250V dual voltage, otherwise you will need a voltage converter to use them. Villa Casablanca has hair dryers provided for you, although it is pretty hot & humid to dry your hair. ;-)
PASSPORT
Please make sure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months after the date you enter the country.
ROOMMATES
You can request either a single occupancy room or double occupancy room.
If you choose double occupancy, you must have someone to bring with you to share the room… we will not be assigning roommates. If you choose to share a room, you will also be sharing a bed.
GROUP COMMUNICATION VIA WHATS APP
We will use WhatsApp messaging to communicate prior to the retreat & once in Thailand regarding schedule changes, group activities and other important info. Please download this app on your smart phone and we will send you the private group link to join our group. Please make sure you are in the group before the retreat begins. Thank You!
LANGUAGE & CULTURE
In Thailand they speak Thai & many locals also have learned to speak English. If you would like to become familiar with the local language, you may use the Duolingo app to learn some basic words & phrases in Thai. Thank you is ‘kap khun krap’.
Koh Samui, Thailand
Koh Samui, located in the Gulf of Thailand, is a tropical paradise renowned for its stunning beaches, lush forests, and vibrant nightlife. Visitors can relax on pristine shores like Chaweng and Lamai, explore the island's scenic waterfalls and temples, or indulge in a variety of water sports. The island offers a mix of luxurious resorts and budget-friendly accommodations, catering to all types of travelers.
Koh Samui also boasts a rich cultural scene with bustling markets, delicious Thai cuisine, and lively festivals. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or a taste of local culture, Koh Samui provides an unforgettable escape in the heart of Southeast Asia.
Vikasa Yoga Retreat is a transformational, inspiring, and life-changing experience and one of the most reputable places to learn and practice yoga in Thailand. Our rooms are modest, yet comfortable and clean. The landscape and the surroundings are absolutely stunning, there are no words to describe them. You will have to climb a lot of stairs, but the view from the top is so worth it. You might make discoveries here that will create a major shift in your consciousness and even be the beginning of a major change in your lifestyle.
