The People Behind Baan Talay: A Soulful Koh Tao Yoga & Wellness Retreat
- Baan Talay
- Apr 24
- 4 min read
Discover the people behind Baan Talay Resort & Yoga, a family-run business in Koh Tao. Meet the team who bring yoga, wellness, homemade food, and soulful retreat experiences to life.
Baan Talay Resort & Yoga in Koh Tao began our journey in 2008, built on love, dedication, and a shared passion for creating something meaningful. What started as a handful of simple bungalows nestled in the jungle has slowly, step by step, grown into a peaceful island retreat, where yoga, wellness, and an eco-friendly lifestyle come together in harmony.
At our heart, Baan Talay is a family-run business, shaped by a close-knit team that feels more like a real family. Each person brings their own unique character, creativity, and passion into what they do. This spirit is reflected in every detail, from the thoughtful designs and homemade touches to the restaurant, accommodation, yoga classes, and wellness experiences. Everything is created with intention, care, and a genuine love for the space we share.
Now, we invite you to step a little closer and meet the heart of Baan Talay, the core members whose passion and personalities shape this Koh Tao retreat into what it is today.
Meet Our Koh Tao Yoga & Wellness Retreat Team
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Devrim and Kaen
Known lovingly as Papa Dev and Mama Kaen, they are the heart of this family-run business and the soul behind the dream. After falling in love, they continued the legacy of New Heaven Dive School and went on to create Baan Talay in Koh Tao in 2008.
Papa Dev brings a deep passion for diving, yoga, breathing practices, and holistic wellness. His vision has always been about creating a retreat that connects people back to themselves and to nature. Mama Kaen, on the other hand, expresses her love through creativity and care, crafting homemade bakery, nourishing healthy food and drinks, and bringing warmth and harmony into every corner of the space.
Together, they have built more than just a place; they have created a meaningful Koh Tao retreat, where wellness, yoga, and homemade touches blend into a way of living.
Turan
The youngest son of the family, Turan, has followed closely in Devrim’s footsteps. With his kind and genuine nature, he is loved by everyone who meets him. Like father, like son, he began his journey at a young age with scuba diving and freediving, later expanding into yoga, breathing exercises, and various wellness activities. Today, he is a freediving instructor (Freedive Within), yoga teacher, and leads many of the wellness and retreat programs here in Koh Tao, guiding guests through meaningful and transformative experiences.
Poonya
Poonya became part of the family around 2021. A violinist with a true artist’s soul, she fell in love with Turan, the youngest son, and naturally found her place within the Baan Talay family.
Today, she brings her musical gifts into the heart of Baan Talay in Koh Tao, leading sound bath sessions and supporting various yoga, retreat, and wellness experiences through music. She also plays an important role behind the scenes, helping to manage and organise the space, ensuring everything flows smoothly with care and harmony.
Bassy
A restaurant manager who truly loves everything about food, Bassy has been part of the family team since the very beginning of Baan Talay’s journey. She has a deep appreciation for nourishing ingredients, homemade cooking and baking, and the joy of presenting food with care.
With years of experience and a strong passion for what she does, she runs the restaurant smoothly, from daily operations to group retreat programs and events. She also creates the menu herself, bringing together a variety of cuisines, from wholesome meals to desserts like cakes and homemade gelato, all infused with creativity and love.
Chen
An architect and artist with a passion for meaningful connections, Chen began her journey with us through her Divemaster career at New Heaven Dive School in Koh Tao. Not long after, she embraced new opportunities and stepped into a different role at Baan Talay.
She now supports Baan Talay with architectural and interior design, helping shape a mindful yoga and wellness retreat space. With her natural artistic, she also manages infographic design, bringing clarity and creativity into the visual storytelling of this family-run business.
Kylian
A professional photographer and one of the strong pillars of the house, Kylian began his journey with us in 2024. With his exceptional eye for photography, he now leads as the art director for Baan Talay’s social media, capturing the essence of this Koh Tao yoga and wellness retreat.
Beyond his creative skills, he is strong, fit, and deeply passionate about freediving, breathing exercises, and holistic wellness. As part of this family-run business, he also assists in wellness workshops and teaches freediving (Freedive Within) alongside Devrim and Turan. With his smile, playful humour, and friendly energy, he brings a sense of joy to every retreat, making each day not only peaceful but full of life.
More Than a Retreat, A Way of Living
We are proud to introduce our dream team to you. Now, it’s your turn to introduce yourself to us. We warmly welcome you to become part of this lovely space, and we hope to see you soon at Baan Talay Resort & Yoga in Koh Tao.
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