So, you’re interested in going on a wellness retreat, now what? Choosing to go on a retreat is the easy part; finding the best wellness retreat in Thailand is the tricky part.
Retreats as a healthy vacation option are surging in popularity right now, especially as the world becomes more health conscious. Nowadays, you can find a glut of wellness resorts dotted around the Land of Smiles. Whether you want to lose weight, become inspired, learn new skills, detox from stress, work out office syndrome, learn to meditate, or connect with like-minded people from around the world, a wellness retreat can tick all those boxes and more.
There are countless different kinds of retreats to choose from, with some of the most popular ones offering yoga, meditation, hiking, Tai Chi, detoxification, fresh juicing, and Muay Thai (boxing). On top of that, you have a wide selection of locations too, from downtown pads to beachfront resorts, mountain escapes and village retreats.
To help you make the all-important where-to-go and what-to-do decisions, we’ve compiled a six-point checklist of the most critical factors you should consider when making your choice. So, let’s jump on in and help you get on the road to a healthier and happier life!
- Length
First and foremost, how long do you want to commit to your retreat? They can range anywhere from a quick one- to three-day retreat, to a full week or even a month. If it’s your first time, don’t be too ambitious, you’ll probably find a 7-day juicing detox sufficient the first time around, and a full 30-day silent retreat will challenge even the most determined person.
- Cost
Depending on inclusions – transport, food, accommodation, activities, consultations – and the quality of the facility you choose, a retreat can run anywhere from $100 to $1,000 a day! Take time to consider your overall budget and find a suitable fit. Make sure you read the fine print closely; don’t get stung by hidden fees for things like facility usage.
- Intentions
What is the focus of the retreat? Take time to thoughtfully analyse what you want to achieve during your stay. This doesn’t have to be a lofty ambition like attaining enlightenment; it could simply be taking time to unwind or learning the basics of yoga. Make sure your goal aligns with your chosen facility because you don’t want to end up at party Pilates-Paleo retreat when you are seeking a quiet yoga detox retreat.
- Limitations
Know what the retreat’s daily schedule is and see if it aligns with your needs and abilities. Don’t choose a detox wellness retreat in Thailand if the thought of not eating anything more substantial than a fruit shake for lunch is beyond your comfort zone. Don’t pick a hiking retreat if you hate nature. If having your day scheduled from sunrise to sunset is not your idea of fun, look for a more flexible option.
- Professionalism
Do some research to discover the background/mission of your chosen resort and what kind of teachers they have working there. Check out reviews on TripAdvisor and testimonials on websites and social media sites. You can glean good insight into the professionalism, knowledge and goals of a facility by doing a little bit of background research online.
- Location
Know your location. If you’re attending a detox retreat in the jungle, there will be hiking and creepy crawlies. If you’re attending a yoga retreat at a traditional ashram, there will be a strict dress code, early starts and limited (vegetarian) food options. If you’re attending a retreat on a tropical island, Wi-Fi access may be limited. Save yourself any nasty surprises by knowing exactly what to expect ahead of time.
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