# Baan Talay Resort & Yoga, Koh Tao

> Baan Talay Resort & Yoga is a small hillside resort near Aow Leuk bay on Koh Tao, in the Gulf of Thailand. It runs daily yoga and movement classes, longer trainings and retreats, and is linked to a long-running island dive school. It's best for travelers who want serious practice with sea views and the option to get in the water.

Source: https://www.retreatvacations.net/baan-talay-resort-koh-tao/
Last checked: 2026-10-20
Location: Aow Leuk, Koh Tao, Surat Thani, Thailand
Type: yoga, wellness, teacher training
Official website: https://www.baantalaykohtao.com
Best for: Yoga students, trainee teachers and divers who want a calm base on Koh Tao
Setting: Hillside cottages and an open-air yoga space with views over Aow Leuk bay
Programs: Daily classes, 200-hour yoga teacher training, a 300-hour retreat, monthly activity calendar
Also on site: Café and restaurant serving Southern Thai and international food
Established: 2007, by the family behind New Heaven Dive School

## What it's like

Koh Tao is best known as a place to learn to dive, and Baan Talay grew out of that world. The resort was set up in 2007 by the family behind New Heaven Dive School, one of the island's long-running dive operators. Over the years it has become a yoga-focused place, and today it goes by Baan Talay Resort & Yoga.

The property sits near Aow Leuk bay on Koh Tao, with cottages set among greenery and a yoga space looking out over the water. Travel guides have long pointed to its open-air yoga platform on the cliffs as the thing that makes it memorable. The resort describes the feel as a mix of nature and solitude.

Devrim Zahir runs both the resort and the dive school. His own path into yoga began through freediving and breathwork, and he trained as a teacher at the Sivananda ashram in Kerala, India. That background shows in the program, which puts a lot of weight on breath, movement and awareness, and on gently pushing your limits.

## The programs

There's a monthly calendar of activities, so you can drop into classes during a normal stay. Alongside yoga, the team teaches pranayama and meditation, plus Tai Chi and Qi Gong in the mornings. There are also more physical sessions such as Animal Flow and circus-style workouts, and recovery options including sauna, cold plunge, ice baths and float therapy.

For a deeper commitment, Baan Talay runs a 200-hour yoga teacher training led by Devrim Zahir, Issy Nadee and Maxime Ronse. It covers postures, breathing, meditation, philosophy and anatomy. A longer 300-hour retreat is also listed, along with other retreats and events through the year. Dates change, so check the "Coming up" page on the website.

Because of the link to New Heaven Dive School, it's easy to combine a yoga stay with diving or freediving courses nearby.

The on-site café and restaurant serves coffee, baked goods, Southern Thai dishes and international food, with a view of the sea.

## Who it suits (and who it doesn't)

It's a strong pick if you want to study yoga properly, train as a teacher, or mix daily practice with time in and under the water. Solo travelers and people staying for a few weeks tend to like the steady routine.

It's less suited to anyone after a full-service spa hotel or a party scene. If you have mobility concerns, ask the resort about access to your room before booking.

## Getting there

Koh Tao is an island in the Gulf of Thailand, reached by boat. Ferries run from the mainland and from neighboring islands such as Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. From the pier, you'll need a taxi to reach the Aow Leuk side of the island. The resort's check-in window runs from early to mid-afternoon into the evening, so plan your ferry with that in mind.

## Frequently asked questions

### Can I take yoga classes without booking a retreat?
Yes. The resort keeps a monthly calendar of classes and activities, and travel guides note that drop-in classes are available.

### Does Baan Talay offer yoga teacher training?
Yes. It runs a 200-hour teacher training, and a 300-hour retreat is also listed on the website.

### Is it connected to a dive school?
Yes. It was founded by the New Heaven Dive School family, and the same team runs both.

### Is there food on site?
Yes. The café and restaurant serves Southern Thai and international dishes, plus coffee and baked goods.

### How do I check what's coming up?
The [official website](https://www.baantalaykohtao.com) has a monthly calendar and a page of upcoming retreats and events.