Logistics
As our Thai hosts are accustomed to having guests from other countries, they have learned how to provide for Westerners. Banking including ATM and cash charge on a credit card, fast internet connections, food markets with western goods, laundry, comprehensive pharmacy & medical services as well as professional Thai and Swedish massage ($15/hour) are available within a few minutes of KYMC.
Kamala Bay on the Andaman Sea, is one of the world's most beautiful beaches and is within a 5-minute ride and there are many beautiful places in the near vicinity to visit during your retreat. No advance bookings for day trips are required and there are many travel centers in town to assist you.
Karuna is minutes from Kamala by taxi or tuk tuk and there is a Buddhist temple (“Wat” in Thai) located in Kamala by the beach.
Karuna is located within the Nakatani Village residential development. As we expand our offerings in meditation and yoga retreats, more and more of the residents are joining our programs. We are striving to build an active community of mindful practicioners of both yoga and meditation throughout Nakatani. Our area appeals to residents who are seeking a quiet and peaceful life in Phuket, and the Karuna mission dovetails nicely with this aspiration. We have the opportunity to occupy more and more of the area, as long-term retreatants are joining us and making use of properties within Nakatani, living an peaceful and introspective life.
Karuna is conveniently located near a road providing easy access. You may hear the regular sounds of vehicles on the road, especially in the morning or afternoon travel times. Some people may find this to be a distraction and we encourage you to work with this arising as part of your mindfulness practice as it occurs.
We use naturally-stored rainwater which is safe for bathing and brushing teeth. Filtered water and rainwater is used in the kitchen – primarily for cleaning vegetables. Raw salad and vegetables are not contaminated and generally safe for consumption. Ice and water for drinking are filtered – at the center, we provide only filtered water for drinking.
Church
Karuna is conveniently located near both Catholic and Protestant religious facilities with regular services.
Visas
Because the Thai government has the right to change immigration policies, make sure you contact a Thai consulate for current information and any additional rules that may be in effect for your country.
Currently, the best visa for a visit of less than a month is a “tourist-on-arrival” visa valid for 30 days and extendable several times for 15 days each extension. There is a cost of 1800 baht to extend and this requires a shuttle van to Ranong to cross the border. Most people prefer not to spend time on these trips, so if there is any chance that you may stay in Thailand for longer than 30 days, consider a pre-arranged visa.
Currently, the best way to arrange a visa of more than 30 days is to visit a local consulate for a 60-day tourist visa. These are free through early 2010 and can be extended here for an additional 30 days, making 90 days total. There is an additional fee of 1800 baht for this extension and you do not have to leave to do this.
Bring
Yoga Gear - your personal yoga mat, props and straps - we have extras in case you forget.
Meditation Cushion – if you have a personal cushion or bench, bring it.
Bathing Suit & Sunscreen – there is a pool on-site and beaches are nearby.
Bring your own toiletries and a towel. Sheets, pillows and blankets are provided.
Karuna has rain showers on occasion and an umbrella is also handy to have for sun protection - you can easily purchase one locally.
Insect repellent: our mosquito activity is not severe and there is very little malaria or Dengue fever here – this matter is your personal preference.
Camera. Flashlight. Smile.
List: mat, cushion, toiletries, towel, comfortable clothes, flashlight, umbrella, swimsuit, sunscreen, repellent, camera.
Optional
Cell phones & Computers - cell phones can be a distraction. You might consider limiting your use of phones while you are here. Karuna has wifi access at no extra charge. Again, computer use can be a distraction. There is no strict prohibition against using either of these devices - please do so mindfully and with consideration of others.
You have the option of sharing our contact information with loved ones so they may initiate communication with you, if you wish. We have constant monitoring of communication, and will easily be able to inform you of any need to get in touch.
Do not worry about bringing everything you may possible need. Phuket has first-world Western shopping, including sports wear, western food, comprehensive health & beauty products and more. There is no guarantee on every thing possible, but you should be able to find 98% of your needs here - usually at a substantial discount from Western prices.
Air Travel
Phuket International Airport islocated about 40 minutes from the KYMC. As some people use domestic air carriers, know that these have more restrictive baggage and weight policies than international carriers. You might check with your airline to determine their policies.
Innoculations
Please check the CDC travel website or your local doctor for current information about travel health and vaccines as a precaution.
Please feel free to contact us with any question you may have, reserve your retreat time, or register now.
