What are the benefits of staying at a wellness retreat in Thailand?

The first morning set the tone for the week. Instead of my usual coffee, I drank a fermented probiotic drink that tasted exactly like it sounded. Breakfast was a kaleidoscope of colors: purple, red, orange, and more shades of green than I knew existed. It was very different from my usual grab-and-go meal, which I devoured while checking emails on my phone. I was told to pause, eat mindfully, and enjoy every bite.

My first real challenge came when I was consciously chewing my last bite when Jon, another guest, invited me to try aerial yoga. I nearly choked on my green juice. “I hate yoga!” I protested. But remembering my promise to try everything, I reluctantly agreed. I almost changed my mind when I entered the open-air studio and found hammocks suspended from the ceiling in a scene that reminded me of a Cirque du Soleil set.

Despite my initial trepidation, aerial yoga became a highlight. The sensation of hanging freely, supported only by silk hammocks, was exhilarating and strangely relaxing. It taught me to trust my body and let go of control — a lesson that extended far beyond the yoga studio. By the end of the week, I was executing moves I previously thought impossible and was considering applying as a gymnast for the upcoming Olympics. It was a tangible reminder of how quickly we can grow when we push past our comfort zones.

Throughout the week, I pushed my limits in ways I never expected.

One of the most challenging experiences was the ice bath. My first attempt lasted just a few seconds; I jumped out of the bath with a high-pitched scream, much to the amusement of the other guests. Milan, a breathing coach at the retreat, offered to help me with breathing techniques to control my body’s response to the extreme cold. His encouragement and focus on breath work helped me progress. By the end of the week, I was able to stay submerged for over 30 minutes, a feat I found nothing short of miraculous.

The retreat wasn’t just about physical challenges. I had my first experience with a therapist, who helped me shed years of stress and anxiety. It was a raw and emotional experience, but incredibly liberating. I learned that mental health isn’t just for “sick people”; it’s something we all need to take care of. The therapist’s gentle probing helped me recognize patterns of self-doubt and chronic stress that I had been blind to for years. This awareness was the first step in a journey toward better mental health that continued long after I left Thailand.

Mindfulness meditation, which I had initially dismissed as “hippie nonsense,” became a cornerstone of my daily routine. I learned that it didn’t require spending hours chanting “om”; even a few minutes of focused attention while brushing my teeth could make a difference. The Tibetan bowl session and didgeridoo meditation opened my eyes (or rather, closed them) to new ways of achieving relaxation. These practices, which had previously seemed ridiculous, became moments of peace in my day.

Perhaps the most surprising aspect was the food. As a meat-eating coffee addict, I was skeptical of the vegan, caffeine-free menu. But under the guidance of Chris, the retreat’s nutritionist, I discovered a world of flavors I’d been missing. Kale smoothies and magnesium supplements replaced my usual diet, and I felt more energized than ever, even without my daily double espresso.

The retreat also emphasized the importance of connection. I formed deep bonds with other retreatants and some became close friends. By the end of the week, I felt like a new person. The combination of physical challenges, mental exercises, and nutritional education had been the perfect formula to recharge me.

For those thinking about taking a vacation with a difference, I can’t recommend a wellness retreat enough. It’s not always easy — you might question your decisions as you shiver in an ice bath or struggle to contain your laughter during a sound meditation. But the growth and self-discovery that comes from challenging your limits is invaluable. Even after leaving the retreat, I found that the lessons I learned and the habits I picked up had a positive impact on my daily life.

So, the next time you’re planning a getaway, consider swapping your beach recliner for a yoga mat and your happy hour cocktail for a morning smoothie. In a hyper-connected world where we’re obsessed with digital devices, a retreat is the ultimate luxury.

And who knows? You might even swap your morning espresso for a macrobiotic shot. I’m still working on that though.

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Phuket

HOW TO GET HERE

Fly from Auckland to Phuket International Airport with one stopover with China Southern, Malaysia Airlines and Air NZ codeshare with Singapore Airlines. Phuket Cleanse is based in Phuket, approximately 1.5 hours drive south of the airport.

DETAILS

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