The Source emerges as a beacon of peace, healing, and transformation. Founded by Jim Still and Louis Chang, this unique sanctuary has become a haven for those seeking a respite from the chaos of modern life, a place where nature and mindfulness harmoniously coexist.
The journey to establishing The Source was born out of personal transformation for Jim and Louis. "As business partners, we had experienced real personal transformation being on the island after our lives in the corporate world," they shared. "We fell in love with the stunning natural setting, the welcoming community and the sense of peace, safety and freedom."
Their search for the perfect location was not without its challenges. "We decided to look for the perfect place for a healing center, and after 2 years of looking, and a few deals that fell through, we were close to giving up," they recalled. A serendipitous meeting with Pi Mi and her family led them to the site that would become The Source. "We immediately fell in love with the pristine jungle, stunning view, and kindness of the Thai family."
The design and concept of The Source were deeply influenced by the natural surroundings. "There were already some buildings at the site, very basic Thai jungle style with coconut wood and bamboo. We decided to maintain the natural feel of the resort, adding only enough to provide comfort and safety to our guests," Jim and Louis explained. This low-impact building style preserves the feeling of being in nature, blending seamlessly with the environment. "We build using the natural features such as the big boulders strewn around the garden. The name The Source comes from the fact that we are so close to the natural spring on Khao Ra mountain, which feeds healthy spring water to most of the island, and comes directly through our place."
Sustainability is at the heart of The Source's operations. "We use local suppliers like Raitiaviset farm for all of our soaps and body cleaning products, local sustainable wood and bamboo providers for our rooms and maintenance, and always buy local food produce where possible," they detailed. This commitment not only supports the local economy but also ensures that their impact on the environment is minimized.
Guests at The Source can expect a day filled with tranquility and rejuvenation. "Guests can expect to wake up to birdsong, enjoy early morning meditation and yoga guided by our experienced teachers, and enjoy a hearty, healthy vegetarian breakfast," they described. The rest of the day can be spent exploring the island or the many trails around the gardens, including the nearby Khao Ra waterfall and the hike up the mountain.
Nature plays a pivotal role in the retreats and workshops at The Source. "We find that nature is extremely powerful on this island and especially so at The Source," they noted. "As the island becomes more and more populated, we are situated at the border of the national park, meaning that we are protected from further development. We find this natural vibrance colors everything that happens in our shala and beyond, and the serenity, sounds of nature, and plant and animal life becomes a part of the experience, from meditation to the deep sleep possible in the quiet. Keeping things simple and allowing the mind and body to relax fully is at the core of what we do."
The Source's connection to local culture is integral to its identity. "Our Thai and Burmese family are a big part of life here, preparing our food with recipes handed down through the generations," they shared. "Indeed these generations were the caretakers of our gardens before we took over stewardship, so their legacy is in the land itself, and the fruits and vegetables that are grown here. The teachings of our instructors are also influenced by local Buddhist culture. We have two Thai Yoga teachers that we work with, and offer free classes every week for Thai nationals."
The accommodations at The Source are designed to be in harmony with the surrounding forest. "Our rooms are designed to be in tune with the forest around, passively cooled, feeling very open, and with many spaces to sit and contemplate," they described. The deluxe rooms are bathed in natural light, with views perfect for relaxing in a hammock and soaking in the tranquility.
The Source is a sanctuary for self-reflection and personal growth. "The Source is primarily a place for self-reflection and our teachers are there to enable connection to the self, where healing and growth truly come from," they emphasized. "We also provide a safe space for people to connect with each other on their journey, be nourished by nature, healthy food made with love, and an environment and facilities that offer space for quiet contemplation."
Looking ahead, The Source is focusing more on its own programs. "As of 2024, we have begun focusing more on our own program of Yoga and meditation retreats, teacher trainings, and retreat experiences with a focus on nature therapy," they announced. These developments promise to enhance the sanctuary's offerings, providing even more opportunities for guests to experience the transformative power of nature and mindfulness.
The Source Koh Phangan is more than just a retreat center; it is a testament to the power of nature, community, and mindful living. Jim and Louis’ vision has created a sanctuary where guests can find peace, healing, and a deeper connection to themselves and the world around them.
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