Review of Sunny Yoga by Rebecca Cohen

On a small wooden platform directly on the beach, Sunny McGill instructs her students to lie down on their mats to wait for the class to begin. The platform holds a maximum of nine students, so an intimate class is always guaranteed.  During the high season, the class is nearly always full, so booking in advance is recommended.  Sunny begins the class with breathing practice, instructing the class to breathe deeply and to let go of everything beyond the yoga platform so they can focus for class.  

Beginning with a smile, Sunny leads the class through a series of Vinyasa and Hatha poses, offering small adjustments to suit each student’s level of strength and flexibility.  With smiles and jokes, she takes the class through a thorough workout, encouraging each student to listen to their body and reminds everyone to keep breathing.  

Each class is focused on building to a challenging pose, such as the Bird of Paradise pose, or on opening one of the seven chakras.  Sunny offers personalised assistance to each member of the class, offering small adjustments to each person, or lending blocks, cushions, or straps to help ease into the pose.  

At the end of the class, sweaty and tired but relaxed and feeling accomplished, Sunny offers a moment for each student to do a pose that would make them feel like they’re completed the practice, then leads the class in a rejuvenating Shavasana pose as she asks the students to relax each part of their body as well as their minds to complete the practice.  Ending with more breathing practice, Sunny asks her students to thank themselves for making time for themselves, and for working to improve their health both mentally and physically.  

Sunny is the only Thai yoga instructor on the island, and her English is flawless.  She offers classes in both English and Thai, as well as offering retreats in Thailand and Slovakia later this year.  She also owns Koh Phangan Yoga Gear near the class offering beautiful and stylish yoga equipment and clothing that will make you excited to get up and practice every day.