Koh Phangan, Thailand

A place to remember what it means to be human.

School of Life is a long-term, community-centered living experience — for people ready to trade the noise of modern life for nature, purpose, and real connection.

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16,000 m²10 Rai flagship site in Koh Phangan
1–12 moLength of resident stays
160Planned resident capacity
Est. 2017Roots in Koh Phangan's wellness community
Our Vision
“We are sparking an ever-evolving global movement by creating transformative living environments where individuals rediscover the essence of being human — unlocking their full potential and inspiring lasting change in the world.”
The School of Life
Jungle waterfall in Koh Phangan
The Challenge

We are the loneliest generation in history — despite being the most connected.

Modern life has pulled us indoors, onto screens, and away from each other. The result is a quiet, global epidemic of disconnection.

  • 1 in 8 people worldwide live with a mental health disorder (WHO).
  • Rising isolation, processed diets, and sedentary, screen-focused days have replaced movement, nature, and community.
  • 62% of workers have taken a career break — many seeking time for genuine personal growth (LinkedIn).
The Resolution

Reconnecting with what it means to be human

Six pillars, lived daily — not talked about, practiced.

01

Nutrition

Nourishing, locally sourced, shared meals.

02

Movement

An active, embodied daily rhythm.

03

Nature

Sunlight, jungle, ocean — as the backdrop for every day.

04

Human Connection

Sharing circles, community dining, real relationships.

05

Creation

Gardening, carpentry, pottery, and making with your hands.

06

Purpose

Mentorship and contribution to something larger.

The Experience

Less talk. Longer stays. Deeper change.

Residents commit to stays of one month to a year — long enough for a real lifestyle shift, not just a retreat high.

Shaping clay by hand in a creative workshop
🍲

Community Dining

Daily shared meals, nutritious and locally sourced, at the heart of everyday life.

🗣️

Sharing Circles

A consistent daily group journey of reflection, vulnerability, and support.

🪵

Creative Workshops

Gardening, carpentry, and pottery studios for hands-on making.

🧘

Yoga & Meditation

Daily physical and mindfulness practices, journaling included.

Eco bamboo architecture, School of Life facility
The Facility

The Home of Transformation

10 Rai (16,000 m²) of land in the heart of Koh Phangan — renowned for its natural beauty and spiritual retreats. Designed to inspire calm, growth and connection.

01 Accommodation

Spacious dormitory and private rooms for long-term stays, with capacity for up to 160 residents.

02 Communal Spaces

Purpose-built areas for sharing circles, workshops, and group activities.

03 Gardens & Nature

Space for gardening, meditation, and outdoor exploration, woven into daily life.

04 Workshops & Studios

Equipped for pottery, carpentry, and creative expression.

05 Design Philosophy

Simplicity, sustainability, and harmony with nature — comfortable, never lavish.

06 Surroundings

Set within an established wellness community, alongside Inner Walk and Wonder Village.

Yoga practice on a Koh Phangan beach
Why Koh Phangan

Thailand's premier destination for personal and spiritual growth

  • No airport, limited ferry access — a tranquil island that resisted industrialization.
  • Named Forbes' "World's Best Location for Digital Nomads" (2021–2022).
  • A thriving ecosystem of yoga schools, meditation centers, and wellness retreats.
  • 0.5–1 million annual visitors, drawn to its natural beauty and easy, unhurried pace of life.
Community dining outdoors
Community-Centered

A movement, not just a stay

As residents grow, many become guides and mentors themselves — the community shaping and reshaping itself from within.

  • Meaningful, lasting connections between like-minded residents.
  • A consistent daily group journey — not a series of disconnected workshops.
  • Residents can earn credit toward their stay by contributing skills, mentorship, or professional services.
A Community with Deep Roots

Built on a decade of Wonderland Healing Center

The team behind School of Life has been welcoming guests to transformative stays in Koh Phangan since 2017.

2017Wonderland Healing Center founded
63 roomsWelcoming ~110 guests every month
30,000+Guests hosted to date
97%+Average annual occupancy
The Team

Founders & Leadership

The people behind a decade of transformative hospitality on Koh Phangan.

Yuval "Fluke" Birman

Yuval "Fluke" Birman

Co-Founder

30+ years in business management; co-founder of Wonderland Healing Center, Wonder Village, and Inner Walk.

Judith "Gita" Gluck

Judith "Gita" Gluck

Co-Founder

Dharma teacher with 20+ years of meditation practice, trained under Zen masters in Japan, Korea, and Thailand.

Yaniv Efraim

Yaniv Efraim

Co-Founder

Startup founder across psychology, education, and entrepreneurship, with a background in building successful educational programs.

Netta Frank

Netta Frank

Co-Founder

Brings deep experience in community building and holistic program design to the School of Life's day-to-day life.

Gita and Fluke, retreat facilitators
Not Ready for Months?

Get a taste first.

If a multi-month stay feels like a big leap, start smaller — our retreats offer the same tools, practices, and community, in just a few days.

Join the Movement

Your life won't change by reading about it.

If something here feels like it's calling you, we'd love to hear from you — whether you're ready to apply or just have questions first.

Get in Touch

We're still building this place for you.

Applications for long-term residency aren't open yet. In the meantime, come get a taste with one of our current retreats, or say hello on WhatsApp — we're happy to answer questions.

Location

Koh Phangan, Surat Thani, Thailand

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