If you’ve ever felt like life moves a little too fast, like your mind is racing even while your body is begging for a break, you’re not alone. And that’s exactly why conversations with people like Dr. Subhash Shanbhag feel like a breath of fresh, grounding air.
A specialist in Ayurveda with more than 20 years of experience, Dr. Shanbhag blends ancient wisdom with modern wellbeing practices in a way that feels surprisingly simple, practical, and surprisingly doable even in a busy lifestyle. Through detoxification therapies, yoga, breathwork, and personalized consultations, he’s helped countless guests reconnect with their natural state of balance.
In this exclusive interview with Indo Thai News, he opens up about his journey, his philosophy, and the small daily habits he shares at Banyan Tree Krabi that can genuinely change how we move through the world.
A Journey That Began with Healing Himself
Dr. Shanbhag’s story isn’t just about a career; it began with personal healing. As a child, he struggled with seasonal allergies and found that yoga and mindful eating made a lasting difference.
“Consistent breathwork in yoga, combined with freshly prepared, wholesome food, has a profound and lasting impact,” he shares.
That early experience planted the seed for what would become a lifelong passion. What started as a personal experiment to feel better eventually evolved into a mission to help others achieve the same balance in their lives.
“Over the years, I realized that true harmony between mind and body comes from integrating Ayurveda and yoga into everyday life, not just as occasional treatments or workouts.”
In 2022, Dr. Shanbhag joined the newly opened Banyan Tree Krabi, a resort built around the idea of becoming a Sanctuary for Wellbeing. The resort aims to offer guests a transformative experience — a luxurious escape that also nourishes the mind and body.
“The vision aligned perfectly with my own philosophy of integrative wellbeing,” he says.
Here, he incorporates the 8 Pillars of Wellbeing, helping guests understand themselves better and make meaningful changes, not just while on holiday but long after they return home. From personalized yoga and meditation sessions to lifestyle consultations and dietary guidance, his work allows guests to create lasting habits that extend beyond their resort stay.
“Guests are not just coming for a retreat; they are coming to learn a new way of being — one that they can continue at home.”
What He Wants Every Guest to Take Home
When guests meet Dr. Shanbhag for the first time, he wants them to leave with more than just a memory of a beautiful stay.
Through wellbeing assessments, private consultations, and a personalized take-home guide, guests receive tools they can use every day — whether that’s small yoga routines, mindfulness exercises, or dietary adjustments based on Ayurvedic principles.
“My goal is to equip guests with practical ways to maintain balance once they return to their daily lives,” he explains.
By integrating knowledge, experience, and the natural energy of Krabi, the sessions become transformative.
Helping Guests Discover Yoga Beyond the “Workout”
For many people, yoga is just a workout. Dr. Shanbhag helps guests experience its deeper, healing side.
“Every session starts by understanding what the guest wants from the class. Then we explore the relationship between the body, the breath, and the mind.”
In a setting like Banyan Tree Krabi — surrounded by lush greenery, gentle ocean breezes, and serene spaces — guests can truly absorb the practice. Many realize that yoga is not just about flexibility or strength; it’s about feeling connected, grounded, and fully present.
“They enjoy the wholesome process, and it becomes an experience they will carry in their memories for a long time.”
What Balance Really Means
For Dr. Shanbhag, balance is less about perfection and more about syncing with nature.
“As nature changes with the seasons, we must adapt through a seasonal regime.”
Ayurveda teaches that living in harmony with the natural cycles of the body and environment prevents common disorders and promotes overall wellbeing. Seasonal adjustments in diet, activity, and lifestyle can optimize sleep, digestion, and emotional health — and Dr. Shanbhag emphasizes that these changes don’t have to be complicated.
The One Daily Habit Everyone Should Start Today
If he had to recommend one simple habit for anyone looking to feel more grounded, it’s a consistent sleep routine.
Nearly 80% of his guests struggle with sleep issues, often caused by modern lifestyles. For Dr. Shanbhag, sleep is not optional; it’s foundational.
“Quality sleep allows both the body and mind to recover and restore themselves. It is the cornerstone of all wellbeing.”
Whether you’re traveling, working late, or juggling a busy schedule, even small improvements in bedtime consistency can yield big results.
Clearing Up Misconceptions About Ayurveda
Ayurveda is often misunderstood as slow or impractical. Dr. Shanbhag clarifies:
“Ayurveda is holistic and rooted in lifestyle and diet. It focuses on addressing the root cause, not just symptoms.”
By aligning food, habits, and routines with your body type and environment, the practice creates sustainable, long-term results. This is not instant gratification — it’s a lifelong investment in your health.
A Memorable Moment That Reinforced His Purpose
One guest, visiting from Russia, came to address hip mobility issues and office syndrome. Through daily, progressive yoga sessions, dietary adjustments, and posture guidance, the guest regained flexibility and strength.
“Seeing their transformation and knowing they could continue these practices at home reminded me why I do what I do.”
Moments like these fuel Dr. Shanbhag’s dedication and highlight how small, consistent efforts can create meaningful change.
Creating a Safe Space for Transformation
At Banyan Tree Krabi, every experience begins with understanding the guest. Dr. Shanbhag takes the time to assess lifestyle, habits, and personal goals before designing a personalized plan.
The natural surroundings, slow pace, and sense of escape create a space for self-reflection, connection, and renewal. Guests leave feeling not only rested but transformed — ready to carry mindfulness, balance, and self-awareness into their daily lives.
What He Does on Days He Needs Healing Too
Even healers need healing. For Dr. Shanbhag, creativity and hobbies are essential.
“Engaging in creative activities for just 15 minutes a week helps you stay present and relax the mind.”
This simple practice of play and creativity, away from screens and daily stress, fuels his energy and keeps him inspired.
His One Advice for Anyone Starting Their Wellness Journey
Start small, be consistent, and embrace the process.
“Small, manageable changes performed frequently lead to long-term results. Whether it’s a new diet habit, a few minutes of meditation, or gentle movement, consistency is key.”
Dr. Subhash Shanbhag’s gentle, grounded approach shows us that wellbeing doesn’t need to be complicated. It just needs to be consistent, intentional, and in tune with nature.
And in a world where everything feels fast, his message is a reminder to slow down, breathe, and reconnect, not just with the world around us, but with ourselves.
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