by Delphine
 

In Hong Kong, we live in the fast lane from dusk till dawn, 24/7. Because we want to get the most out of this lively city, do as much as we can, switch from our job to our kids, from our gym to the parties with friends, and because HK never stops. That is, until those long hours leaves us sleep-denied and coffee-deprived. That’s when you need to press on “Pause” and take a real nice break. Time to dream of a place where you could rest in silence, eat some good healthy meals made for you, exercise on the beach, be pampered, swim in warm water, meditate in peace and UN-PLUG! Let’s say, a place like paradise. That’s why lots of « Wellness Retreats » are blooming everywhere, especially in Thailand. The problem is that zenitude usually stops right away when you receive the bill, or realize that you have to practice 7h of Yoga with just on hour break for lunch, yet very healthy but a bit too light.
 
Only 3 hours away from Hong Kong, Samahita Retreat  is neither a spa resort, nor a spiritual retreat, or a yoga intensive holiday. It’s a mix of those taking only the best of each.

The venue. Hidden at the extreme south of Koh Samui, it’s right on the beach and super quiet. In the rising sun, at sun, the view is always awesome all day long. Made of wood, each space is built for you to feel relax and peaceful. You can eat your meal on the beach, next to the swimming pool, on large tables or sitting on small pillows like Japanese. Or wherever you want, you are 200% free.

What about the program? Actually there’s not, you do your own schedule, just as you want. You can chose to try everything and start at 7am with the first Cycling lesson, looking at the sunrise on the beach. Followed by one hour of Breathing Yoga. Keep moving with 90 mins of more intensive Yoga. The it’s time for brunch. Eggs as you want, cereals, fruits, bread, fresh juice, jam, honey and even chia and several kind of milk. Lots of energy! What about a nice walk on the beach now, or a swim in the sea. Maybe you prefer to relax in a deckchair. Or you have scheduled a massage or sauna before lunch. You can then enjoy a boat trip to a white sand island and do snorkeling, or a temple walk. Back to fitness with a Core lesson followed by Cycling and one hour relaxing Yoga watching the sunset. Dinner time. To end this beautiful day, nothing’s better than 30 mins meditation with a coach or a hammam before scratching in bed.
But if you’d rather spend the day reading a book, eat and relax, feel free. As I said you’re 100% free.

What about the food ? It’s not only super healthy, it’s also really good. Chef prepares something different every day. On the unlimited buffet you can find delicious curries, Thai salads, stir-fried veggies, brown rice, fruits, desserts, we want to try them all, totally guilt-free. Vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free, gluten-free, with or without fish, spicy or not, there’s something for everyone.

Besides this Integrated YogaCoreCycle package, you can add one of their 3 special programs: Detox , Weight Loss  or De-Stress . Each of those includes daily massages in their relaxing spa, herbs and oils.

Rooms are simple but comfy, staff is caring and smily, teachers are very professional. All of this at very reasonable cost. What else? Nothing…. a little paradise, I told you..
 
Samahita Retreat
Koh Samui, Thailand

By Delphine
 
Just imagine: you’re having a nice coffee in a 50’s-themed coffee shop when you notice there are still price tags on the chairs, tables and sofas. OK they just opened but what’s the deal?!
Out of the goodness of your heart you inform the nice waitress of these mishaps but she assures you everything is as it should be. That’s right, everything you see you can bought back home! Chairs, stools, tables, sofas, coffee tables and even the lighting! Unsurprisingly you won’t find two of the same chairs and the sofas come in all colors. All furniture is eco-friendly, made to order in Thailand. Based on the different styles on displays, you can choose your color, size, height and fabric. In fact the coffee shop belongs to Style 50s brand who also have 2 huge showrooms in HK.
 
What’s happening in your plate? You can enjoy your tea or coffee with a traditional English breakfast (eggs, bacon, bagels, toasts), a pasta salad or a snack later on in the day, or even Tofu Fa, the house specialty that’s made fresh every morning (we’re not giving you more details, if you’ve never tried it, it’s a must).
 
 
Good Old Days Café
9-11 Shelter Street, Causeway Bay
Tel: 2320 1198
 
The bill:
Espresso : 26HK$
Teas: 28-32 HK$
50s All Day Luxury Breakfast : 88HK$
Mushroom Linguine: 72HK$
Tofu Fa: 18HK$
 
Showrooms Styles 50s:
http://www.style50s.com/
10B, On Shong Industrial Building, 2-16 Wo Liu Hang Rd, Fo Tan, Shatin
Shop 1019, 10/F, Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau

By Vanessa, our fitness editor
 
Muay Thai is one of Thailand's ancestral art forms, among the richest in the culture of this beautiful country. In Hong Kong, there are a number of studios where you can learn and practice Muay Thai, but doing it with Thai instructors and former champions, as you can do it at Warrior Muay Thai at North Point, makes the difference.
 
But to actually go to the source, and train in the country where this martial art was born, I am taking you to a whole other level. I have tried a three-day intensive training course (about five to six hours per day), at one of the most reputable studios in Bangkok: Jitti Gym.
 
Don't worry, you can choose to go for just an hour or two if you prefer and beginners are more than welcome. The team of trainers won't have any problem adjusting to your level, teaching you techniques, positions, and balancing from the most basic to the most advanced levels. You’ll also find on-site the equipment and help you need to get the muscle workout that will make the difference in the ring.
 
But whether you're a beginner or advanced, get ready to move at lightening speeds during your sessions and to significantly improve your fitness level.
 
Booking is not required. You can walk-in and spontaneously decide to go for a session if you spend the weekend in Bangkok. But be careful though, it's very addictive! 
 
Jitti Gym is open from 7am to 10am and from 2pm to 6pm. As for cost, it will be 500 baht (approx. HK $ 120) for half a day, and 800 baht (approx. HK $ 190) for a full day. Like most training centers in Thailand, Jitti Gym offers basic rooms and monthly packages if you are interested.
www.jittigym.com

What if before leaving HK, you’d visit the whole of Asia Pacific? Discover new places, meet local people and store as many memories as possible? This is the adventure David and Andrea, two young French people who spent two years in Hong Kong, decided to live before going back to Europe. Here they are out and about since September 21. During the next ten months, they plan to visit China, India, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, Burma, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Mongolia and even Russia. What a program! They also plan to meet expats in each of the countries to see how they live, what they like and dislike there. Good info to have if you want to move somewhere else in Asia! Last but not least, their journey supports a charity! By supporting them, you do a good deed as 50 % of donations will be donated to Make a Wish, an organization that fulfills the dreams of sick children. In short they are only good reasons to follow and contribute to their journey! Obviously we’ll keep you posted on their adventures!
 
Follow David and Andrea through their blog http://projectonestepfurther.weebly.com/