Festival of Light Yoga Retreat: Experience Thailand’s sacred festival of Loy Krathong.

November 21 - November 27, 2026

Join us for a 7-day immersive yoga and cultural retreat in Koh Samui, Thailand, held during the sacred festival of Loy Krathong.

This retreat is thoughtfully designed to blend meaningful practice with cultural richness and shared adventure. Each day invites you into a balance of movement, exploration, reflection, and connection — creating space not only to deepen your yoga practice, but to experience Thailand in a way that feels intentional and personal.

Together, we will immerse ourselves in this tradition with understanding and care. We will craft our own krathongs, take part in the floating light ceremony, explore temples, hike to waterfalls, travel by boat to nearby islands, and share the beauty of adventure as a group.

Alongside daily yoga, meditation, and mindful movement, this retreat offers something deeper — a sense of belonging. Shared meals overlooking the ocean. Conversations after practice. Laughter on the boat. Quiet moments of reflection at sunset.

This is not simply a retreat to reset. It is an invitation to experience culture, celebration, and connection — held within a supportive and intimate community.

If you feel called to experience Thailand with intention — to move, to explore, to celebrate, and to share in something meaningful — we would love to welcome you. This retreat is intentionally limited in numbers to keep the experience personal and connected. If this resonates, trust that quiet pull. Your place is here.

This retreat is for those seeking depth alongside adventure — and who feel ready to step gently beyond their comfort zone.

This retreat is open to anyone (ages 12+) ready to connect with their inner light.

For those who want more than sightseeing — who are curious about culture, open to new experiences, and willing to immerse themselves fully in the journey.

It is for you if you:

• Enjoy moving your body and also value moments of rest
• Feel curious about ritual, tradition, and intentional celebration
• Are interested in experiencing Thailand beyond the surface
• Appreciate meaningful connection — whether through conversation or quiet presence
• Are open to shared group experiences, while still honouring your own space
• Want to travel in a way that feels purposeful, enriching, and memorable

All levels of practice are welcome. What matters most is openness — a willingness to move, explore, reflect, and celebrate in your own way. Whether you are naturally outgoing or more introspective, there is space for you here.

This retreat is hosted by a small team who share a love for movement, yoga, and meaningful travel, creating experiences that bring people together in a supportive and welcoming community.

Nok — Retreat Host & Lead Teacher

Nok is the founder of ETL Balance, a yoga teacher and personal trainer who believes movement can be a powerful way to reconnect with ourselves.

Originally from Thailand, Nok has lived in different parts of the world — including Austria and Papua New Guinea — and previously worked as a flight attendant before settling in Australia. These experiences sparked her love for travel and for discovering the beauty of different cultures and landscapes.

Yoga came into her life during a time of searching and became a path of curiosity, reflection, and self-understanding. Through practice, she discovered how much the body can reveal about who we are — our patterns, our stories, and our capacity to grow.

Her teaching blends Hatha yoga, mindful movement, Kriya practices, and reflection, creating space for people to slow down, explore their bodies, and reconnect with themselves.

Hosting this retreat during Loy Krathong feels especially meaningful for Nok. It is an opportunity to share a tradition close to her heart while bringing people together to practice, explore, and experience Thailand in a genuine and connected way.

Vicki Finn — Guest Teacher

Vicki Finn brings over 10 years of embodied yoga practice. She believes that asking the body to move in new ways also invites the mind to explore places that are often unknown or overlooked. Her intention is to help others develop yogic tools that support greater ease, awareness, and contentment in everyday life.

After many international moves, Vicki is now based in Oslo, Norway, where she teaches and leads retreats in Italy.

Nok and Vicki first met in 2022 during Talia Sutra’s 200-hour yoga teacher training. They later reunited as roommates during the 300-hour training in Rishikesh, India, in 2025, continuing to grow together as practitioners and teachers. Their shared lineage and friendship bring a supportive and collaborative energy to the retreat.

Jari Koot — Videographer

Jari Koot is a videographer and visual storyteller with a passion for capturing meaningful stories through film. With a deep appreciation for nature, travel, movement, and human connection, his work focuses on documenting experiences in a natural and unobtrusive way.

Nok first met Jari during her very first retreat, where he beautifully captured the spirit and story of the experience. Since then, his work has become a meaningful way of preserving the moments, memories, and connections that unfold throughout the journey.

During this retreat, Jari will be documenting parts of the experience — the landscapes, the practice, and the shared moments that make the week special.

Andy Pate — Retreat Support

Andy Pate is Nok’s partner and one of the retreat’s biggest supporters. He helps behind the scenes to make sure the experience runs smoothly for everyone.

Andy supports the retreat with logistics, transport coordination, and practical assistance throughout the week. His enthusiastic and adventurous spirit brings a positive energy to the group, helping guests feel welcome and supported throughout the journey.

Together, our intention is to create a space where practice, culture, adventure, and community come together in a meaningful and memorable way.

We understand that unexpected changes can happen. Please read the following terms carefully before booking.

Deposit

A non-refundable deposit of $1,000 AUD is required to secure your place on the retreat. This deposit confirms your commitment and allows us to secure accommodation, experiences, and group arrangements in advance.

Final Payment

The remaining balance is due 90 days prior to the retreat start date. If full payment is not received by this date, your booking may be released and your deposit forfeited.

Guest Cancellation

If you choose to cancel your booking:

• The $1,000 deposit is non-refundable.
• Cancellations made more than 90 days before the retreat start date: payments made beyond the deposit will be refunded.
• Cancellations made 90 days or less before the retreat start date: all payments are non-refundable.

As we commit to accommodation and experiences well in advance, we are unable to offer exceptions to this policy.

Booking Transfer

If you are unable to attend, you may transfer your booking to another person. The replacement guest must be approved, and any associated administrative fees may apply.

Travel Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended to protect you against unforeseen circumstances including illness, injury, travel delays, or cancellation.

Cancellation by Host

In the unlikely event that the retreat must be cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances, all payments made to us — including the deposit — will be fully refunded.

We are not responsible for flights, travel costs, or other personal expenses. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance to protect against unforeseen changes.

Important Notes:

• No refunds or credits will be provided for failure to attend the retreat, arriving late, or leaving early for any reason.

• Participants are responsible for arranging their own travel and ensuring they arrive on time for the retreat start.

• As retreat spaces are limited and accommodations and experiences are secured well in advance, we are unable to make exceptions to the cancellation policy.

• Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended to protect against unforeseen circumstances such as illness, injury, travel delays, or personal emergencies.

Loy Krathong is a time of gratitude, release, and renewal. Across Thailand, families and communities gather by rivers and oceans to float handcrafted lotus offerings on the water — symbolising the gentle act of letting go and welcoming new beginnings.

Day 1 | Saturday 21st November

• From 2pm: Guest arrival and check in

• 5:30pm: Welcome drink and snacks at Life Cafe

• 6:30pm: Welcome dinner at Life Cafe (closes 8:30pm)

Day 2 | Sunday 22nd November

• 7:30am - 9am: Yoga Session with Nok

• 9:30am: Brunch (open until 11:30am)

• 11am - 1pm: Free time

• 1pm: Elephant Sanctuary Experience, meet at reception for 1:15pm pick up

• 5:30pm - 6:45pm: Welcome Circle yoga session at Sala

• 7pm: Dinner (open until 8:30pm)

• 9pm: Night Market, Chaweng (optional)

Day 3 | Monday 23rd November

• 7:30am - 9am: Yoga Session with Vicki

• 9:30am: Brunch (open until 11:30am)

• 11am - 1:30pm: Free time

• 1:30pm: Boat trip - swim, snorkel, nearby island visit

• 7pm: Dinner (open until 8:30pm)

Day 4 | Tuesday 24th November

• 6:30am: Waterfall Hike, meet at Life Cafe for 6:30am departure

• 9:30am: Brunch (open until 11:30am)

• 11am - 4pm: Temples Tour and lunch at The Roof Samui (optional)

• 4pm - 5:30pm: Free time

• 5:30pm - 6:45pm: Yoga Session with Nok

• 7pm: Dinner (open until 8:30pm)

Day 5 | Wednesday 25th November

• 7:30am - 9am: Yoga Session with Nok

• 9:30am: Brunch (open until 11:30am) and free time

• 12pm - 2pm: Krathong Workshop with Diana

• 2pm - 5:30pm: Free time

• 5:30pm - 6:45pm: Yoga Session with Vicki

• 7pm: Dinner with Thai Folk Dance performance

• 9pm: Loy Krathong Festival, Fireshow and Fisherman Night Market

Day 6 | Thursday 26th November

• 7:30am - 9am: Yoga Session with Vicki

• 9:30am: Brunch (open until 11:30am)

• 11am - 4pm: Free time

• 4pm - 6:30pm: Inversion and Heart Opening Workshop

• 6:30pm - 8pm: Dinner (open until 8:30pm)

• 8pm: Bonfire Circle

Day 7 | Friday 27th November

• 7:30am - 9am: Yoga Session with Nok

• 9:30am: Brunch (open until 11:30am) and free time

• 12pm: Check out and guest departure

Please note this itinerary is subject to change.

Day 1 | Saturday 21st November

• From 2pm: Guest arrival and check in

• 5:30pm: Welcome drink and snacks at Life Cafe

• 6:30pm: Welcome dinner at Life Cafe (closes 8:30pm)

Day 2 | Sunday 22nd November

• 7:30am - 9am: Yoga Session with Nok

• 9:30am: Brunch (open until 11:30am)

• 11am - 1pm: Free time

• 1pm: Elephant Sanctuary Experience, meet at reception for 1:15pm pick up

• 5:30pm - 6:45pm: Welcome Circle yoga session at Sala

• 7pm: Dinner (open until 8:30pm)

• 9pm: Night Market, Chaweng (optional)

Day 3 | Monday 23rd November

• 7:30am - 9am: Yoga Session with Vicki

• 9:30am: Brunch (open until 11:30am)

• 11am - 1:30pm: Free time

• 1:30pm: Boat trip - swim, snorkel, nearby island visit

• 7pm: Dinner (open until 8:30pm)

Day 4 | Tuesday 24th November

• 6:30am: Waterfall Hike, meet at Life Cafe for 6:30am departure

• 9:30am: Brunch (open until 11:30am)

• 11am - 4pm: Temples Tour and lunch at The Roof Samui (optional)

• 4pm - 5:30pm: Free time

• 5:30pm - 6:45pm: Yoga Session with Nok

• 7pm: Dinner (open until 8:30pm)

Day 5 | Wednesday 25th November

• 7:30am - 9am: Yoga Session with Nok

• 9:30am: Brunch (open until 11:30am) and free time

• 12pm - 2pm: Krathong Workshop with Diana

• 2pm - 5:30pm: Free time

• 5:30pm - 6:45pm: Yoga Session with Vicki

• 7pm: Dinner with Thai Folk Dance performance

• 9pm: Loy Krathong Festival, Fireshow and Fisherman Night Market

Day 6 | Thursday 26th November

• 7:30am - 9am: Yoga Session with Vicki

• 9:30am: Brunch (open until 11:30am)

• 11am - 4pm: Free time

• 4pm - 6:30pm: Inversion and Heart Opening Workshop

• 6:30pm - 8pm: Dinner (open until 8:30pm)

• 8pm: Bonfire Circle

Day 7 | Friday 27th November

• 7:30am - 9am: Yoga Session with Nok

• 9:30am: Brunch (open until 11:30am) and free time

• 12pm: Check out and guest departure

Please note this itinerary is subject to change.