Want to deepen your meditation practice? Keen on giving your muscles a really good stretch through an intensive yoga retreat? In the mood for veggie-healthy meals? Or you’d like to have a combination of all of the above?
Each and every retreat offers something different, so check out the list below to pick out one that floats your boat:
Dharana Phuket Meditation Center
Get away from it all by retreating to Dharana Phuket. Meditation classes and retreats are available at this tranquil sanctuary. If you’re new to meditation, kickstart your mindfulness journey by joining in the classes. Conducted twice weekly, the classes focus on teaching Thai Buddhist mindfulness meditation, and helping participant to develop the meditation techniques of shamatha and vipassana. Anyone – from beginners to seasoned practitioners – are welcome, so come with an open mind.
For a more immersive experience, try out one of the center’s routine four-day retreats. The retreats are held through the year, and last from Monday to Friday. Participants of the retreat can expect comfortable accommodation, a well-planned program with daily excursions, yoga classes, wholesome vegetarian meals and mindfulness teachings.
Location: 69/509 Moo1, Tambon Chalong, Amphur Mueangphuket, 83130 Phuket
Contact: 087 – 2797655 | 087 – 8858038
The Yoga Retreat
The Yoga Retreat throws up a variety of choices for travellers keen on joining in a retreat here. If you’re tight on time and want an intensive yoga practice, go for the basic elements five-day retreat. If you’ve got more time on your hands, try out the 14 day chakra healing retreat or 33 day Ashtanga and detox retreat.
But if what you’re looking for is a retreat that offers a more immersive meditation practice, the ones here may not be your cup of tea as meditation sessions are conducted once each day, and typically lasts an hour. For travellers keen on practising yoga intensively and discovering more about pranayama or chakra healing, this will be the right place to get started.
Location: 65/4 Moo 8, Koh Phangan, Surat thani, Thailand 84280
Contact: +66 (0) 77374310
Atsumi Retreat Center
Retreat programs at Atsumi have an emphasis on detox and cleansing. You’ll find a total of five retreat programs: level one, level two, level three, Be Fit Detox and 3R’s retreat. The first three retreats are detox programs of varying intensity: level three is a raw food program, level two offers a juice fast, and level one is a full fasting program. If what you’re seeking is a more relaxing experience, or if you’re unable to fast or adhere to a detox diet for health reasons, the 3R’s retreat may be a more suitable option. A nourishing raw food diet, restorative activities (yoga, meditation, tai chi), herbal steams, saunas, massages and consultations with Atsumi’s fasting consultants are aspects included in this program.
Location: 34/18 Moo 4, Soi Pattana Sayuan Road, Rawai Phuket, Thailand 83130
Contact: +66 81 272 0571
Blooming Lotus Yoga
“Magical” and “life changing” are words used by retreat participants to describe the programs at Blooming Lotus Yoga. This is the place to be if you want to take a break from the bustle of a frenetic city life.
You’ll find three programs conducted here: Yoga Escape, Yoga Bliss and Yoga Love. Daily yoga classes, asana workshops, meditation and pranayama classes, Thai massage therapies, holistic lifestyle guidance classes, steam baths and accommodation are included in all three packages. Carve out time during your retreat for fun and play by joining in community events like “Movie Night Under The Stars”, “Open Mic Nights at the Sanctuary” or a lively dance session or two.
Location: Had Yuan Beach, Ko Phangan 84280, Thailand
Contact: +66 94 158 0140
Private retreat in a villa
Retreats are usually located in isolated locations oozing vibes of zen and tranquility. But if what you have in mind is a private retreat with participants you’re familiar with, your best bet is a plan out a self-organised retreat in a villa. Apart from having greater flexibility (this will appeal to travellers who aren’t keen on adhering to a strict retreat schedule), you’ll also have a team of villa staff to attend to your needs – which leaves you free to focus on your retreat activities. The following villas come with our recommendations: Shanti at Jivana, WW Beach House, Villa Taipan and The Bay Villa 15.
Put a date on your calendar…
Making plans for a 2016 retreat? Have a look at the retreat calendar of The Middle Way Meditation.
See our villas in Phuket. Selected and inspected by Villa-Finder.com
