Thailand HSP & Introvert Retreat

Connect to the hearts, traditions, and land of the serene countryside of Chiang Mai

 

November 4-12, 2023

Thailand HSP & Introvert Retreat

Connect to the hearts, traditions, and land of the serene countryside of Chiang Mai

November 4-12, 2023

 

Surround yourself with infinite rice fields and people who get you.

We’ve designed this 9-day / 8-night retreat to offer you a gentle pace of connecting to local culture while having plenty of time to soak up your surroundings.

Greet the morning sun with gentle yoga amidst endless rice fields and distant mountains.

Meet people who will honor your alone time and your ways of connecting without social pressures.

Enjoy a peaceful jungle hike along a trail once frequented by Buddhist monks ascending to hidden temples.

Learn about the tradition of indigo dyeing and make your own creation in playful hands-on workshop with local artisans.

Take an interactive journey through essential Thai ingredients and local cuisine with a farm-to-table cooking class.

Enjoy free time to rejuvenate in the saltwater pool or cycle to nearby hot springs, temples, and caves.

 

At a Glance

For Whom: Introverts & Highly Sensitive People
Highlights: Countryside of Chiang Mai & Cultural Connection
Venue: Mid-range eco retreat focused on sustainable living
Rooms: Variable (most with en-suite bathrooms)
Food: Fresh, vibrant, and creative vegan meals
Activity Level: Mild to moderate (optional hike is moderate)
Weather: Daytime – 80s°F; Evening – 60-70s°F
Group Size: 14-16 people, including 2 facilitators
Cost: $1995.00 – $2645.00

Register by August 15, 2023

The Land & Space

Chiang Mai is the largest city in northern Thailand, but it’s also known for its laid back lifestyle, delicious northern-style food, verdant countryside, and mountainous backdrop. You’ll see old mixed with new in different forms, from temples to traditional street food, and from local artisan shops filled with handmade woven baskets to indigo-dyed clothing.

Doi Saket, is set in the countryside, just 40 minutes by car from the city of Chiang Mai. This area is known for rural farming and it’s here that you’ll find the beautiful eco retreat that is Mala Dhara, a peaceful refuge set among expansive rice fields. Doi Saket is also home to hot springs, caves, and local temples, where you’ll be able to cycle or meander in your free time.

Mala Dhara is a Thai-owned yoga retreat center that is known for its stunning rural setting deep in nature, unique earthen villas, organic rice farm, and colorfully fresh plant-based cuisine.

Accommodations: Mala Dhara offers a variety of villas made from the earth without compromising comfort or privacy. The layout, size, and amenities of each of the 10 villas is unique. All accommodations offer hot water (solar and generator), electricity, A/C, and Wifi. Most have private bathrooms, ceiling fans, mosquito nets, and refrigerators. You can expect comfort, quality, and simplicity.

Food: Mala Dhara’s onsite vegan restaurant serves vibrant, locally-grown Thai-fusion creations that will delight your senses. All of these plant-based breakfasts and dinners will be served at Mala Dhara. Two lunches outside of the retreat center will be included during the artisan workshops and may offer animal protein. We’ve left some lunches on your own so that you can choose whether to eat out in town or order from Mala Dhara’s restaurant.

Facilities: The retreat center offers an open-air rice field yoga shala and indoor poolside shala, which are both equipped with all mats and props. Mala Dhara also offers a dreamy saltwater swimming pool, onsite massages (Thai or oil), sauna (sweat lodge style), fire pit, and plenty of lounge spaces. The grounds will be private for our group.

Day 1

Arrive to Mala Dhara: Check into Mala Dhara between 2:00-3:00 p.m. to have time to settle in and relax. Around 4:00, Melissa will offer yoga to ground and unwind travel tension. Then, we’ll meet for our opening circle which will include intros, intentions, and setting group agreements. We will share our first dinner together around 7:00.

Day 2

Ground + Relax: Greet the sun and rice fields with morning yoga followed by a nourishing breakfast. In order to offer more time to “land”, this will be a free day. Relax by the saltwater pool or cycle through the countryside. In the early evening, we’ll have a gentle yoga class and facilitated reflection circle before dinner. 

Day 3

Indigo Dyeing: We’ll have yoga and breakfast. Around 10:00, we’ll head to the workshop of a Thai artisan to learn about the tradition of indigo dyeing. This will be a playful hands-on activity in which you will be able to make your own creation. We’ll have lunch onsite and return to Mala Dhara around 2:00 to have time to relax before yoga and dinner.

Day 4

Free Day: Following morning yoga and breakfast, you’ll have the day open to get a massage, float in the pool, or explore local caves or hot springs. Yoga will be offered in the late afternoon, followed by a reflection circle and dinner.

Day 5

Thai Cooking Class: After yoga and breakfast, we’ll drive about 25 minutes to a local farm. We will begin with a nature walk to learn about essential herbs used in Thai cooking. Then, our host will guide us through an interactive cooking journey. We’ll share our lunch creation before returning to Mala Dhara. In the evening, yoga will be offered before dinner.

Day 6

Steam, Scrub, and Bonfire: After yoga and breakfast, the rest of the morning and afternoon is then yours to relax or visit local sites. We’ll have an early dinner this evening around 6:00. After dinner, you’ll have the option to gather for a steam/sauna, salt scrub, and bonfire at the retreat center.

Day 7

Monk’s Trail: We’ll get an early start at 6:00 for a sunrise hike on the Monk’s Trail (no yoga). While you will no longer see many Buddhist monks on this path, it’s a 30-45 min moderate hike through peaceful jungle to less-frequented temples. Those who want to visit the popular temple of Doi Suthep may continue hiking another hour. We’ll return to Mala Dhara by late morning so you have the afternoon to relax before yoga, reflection circle, and dinner.

Day 8

Free Day or Cham Cha Market: We’ll wake up for a final morning yoga practice. After breakfast, the day is yours to relax. If you wish to do some final shopping, there is a relaxed local craft market about 30 min away you may visit. We will have gentle yoga and a closing circle in the evening before dinner.

Day 9

Say Goodbye: We will wrap up our time together with morning yoga and breakfast. Check-out time is at 12:00 p.m., but you may arrange your return transfer earlier if needed for your flight.

What’s Included

  • 8 nights accommodation at Mala Dhara Retreat Center
  • 8 vegan breakfasts, served at retreat center
  • 8 vegan dinners, served at retreat center
  • 2 lunches (during 2 excursions)
  • Hands-on indigo dyeing workshop with local artisan, including lunch & transport
  • Farm-to-table, interactive cooking class with local chef, including lunch & transport
  • Guided hike on the Monk’s Trail, including transport
  • Herbal sauna/steam, salt scrub, and bonfire night
  • Daily yoga w/ Melissa (1-2 times per day)
  • Facilitated reflection circles (3-4 days)
  • Ground transport for all included activities
  • Pre-Retreat “Meet & Greet” via Zoom
  • Support & guidance for your trip planning

Not Included:

  • Airfare to/from Chiang Mai
  • Transfer to/from Mala Dhara (approx. $30.00 roundtrip)
  • Some lunches (you may order food at retreat)
  • Travel insurance – “Cancel for Any Reason” recommended
  • Gratuities (approx. $50-60 USD total for retreat staff)
  • Additional activities, transport, massages,  etc.

Accommodations

Each villa is hand-crafted from the earth with care toward comfort, style, and privacy. All offer hot showers (solar & generator), electricity, A/C, and Wifi. Some have private bathrooms, ceiling fans, and refrigerators. The adobe bungalows are not pictured on the Mala Dhara website, but a collage is pictured if you scroll the gallery to the left. View photos for other accommodations.

$1,995.00 – $2,645.00 p.p.

Join us for a peaceful adventure with people who get you!

Read our Yoga International Retreat Agreement, as well as ALL the policies & tabs below before booking.

November 4-12, 2023

(Click ‘Book Now’ button to view availability.)

Melissa was organized, accommodating and a beautiful person to connect with. She made the retreat exceptional. It was great to be surrounded with like-minded people, as we all felt we could easily open up and genuinely be ourselves.

Jessica M.

Melissa sets everyone at ease without fuss. She arranges supportive yoga sessions and encourages adventures out on your own. I never felt rushed or overwhelmed. Lifelong friendships were forged and forever memories engraved on my heart.

Denise L.

I loved yoga. Working with Melissa gave me a new perspective on a beautiful practice that I had dismissed as “not for me.” I’m grateful to have experienced the “slow and gentle” way. By the end, I felt stronger, more flexible, and grounded.

Stefany R.

COVID-19 Safety Policy
As pandemic conditions and level of risk have changed, we have loosened our protocol and will follow the policies put forth by the governments of the countries to which we travel. We no longer require proof of vaccination or a negative test result.
 
We will follow Thailand’s public health guidelines, which may change by the time this trip takes place. As of October 21, 2022, Thailand has lifted its COVID-19 entry requirements. However, if you are a traveler coming from a country that requires a COVID-19 test for re-entry to your home country, namely India and China, Thailand may require you to have COVID-19 health insurance in the amount of $10,000.
 
Travel restrictions can change at any time and you should be prepared to tender any and all required health documentation, if necessary. You should also be prepared for changes to our safety policy, if we determine that conditions necessitate increased precautions.
 
As of January 2023, we are requesting the following from our guests:
  • Self-Monitoring – If you experience any symptoms of illness, we ask that you inform us immediately, distance yourself, and wear a mask in closed spaces.
  • Masks – Travelers who are concerned about transmission are fully welcome to wear masks. Masks may also be required on your airline.
  • Hygiene – We encourage you to wash your hands regularly throughout the retreat.

We are not responsible for any delays or cancellations due to your lack of proper travel documents, including proof of vaccination, COVID-19 test results, and any and all other documents that may be required. We strongly recommend you purchase “Cancel for Any Reason” (CFAR) travel insurance to cover your expenses in the event you must cancel for any reason at all, including COVID-19. CFAR insurance must typically be purchased within 14-21 days of your first trip payment (your deposit, in this case).

Cancellation Policy

Trip Postponed by MNR Retreat, LLC.

In the event that a retreat must be cancelled for any reason, MNR Retreats, LLC reserves the right to postpone said retreat. In this case, 100 percent of all payments, less any non-refundable, non-transferable fees including but not limited to airline, train, bus, entrance tickets or permits purchased by Company on your behalf for the previous booking, will be applied toward the same retreat on future dates.
 
Trip Cancelled by Participant
  • ALL deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable.
  • Remaining balance must be paid 90 days before trip start date.
  • If you decide to cancel your trip, the following fees apply at the time we receive written notice of your cancellation.
-More than 90 days before retreat start date, receive a refund of your trip payment, excluding your deposit.
 
-60-89 days before retreat start date, 75 percent of any payment previously made may be applied to another retreat, excluding your deposit. You will forfeit 25 percent of the price of your retreat plus your deposit. Example: If your retreat cost is $2500 with a $500 deposit, $1500 may be applied toward a future retreat. 
 
-31-59 days before retreat start date, 50 percent of your payment previously made may be applied to another retreat, excluding your deposit. You will forfeit 50 percent of the price of your retreat plus your deposit. Example: If your retreat cost is $2500 with a $500 deposit, $1000 may be applied toward a future retreat. 
 
-If you cancel 30 days or less before retreat start date, you will forfeit your entire payment. 
Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance. We don’t recommend a specific company or policy, but we’ve partnered with InsureMyTrip as the best option to compare plans. They have thousands of travel insurance plans, as well as a recommendation engine to help travelers find the right plan. They will also provide support before, during, and after your trip if you should need anything, including help with a claim.

We recommend “Cancel for Any Reason” (CFAR) coverage, which will cover your trip in the event you are unable or choose not to attend for any reason. CFAR insurance typically reimburses 50 or 75 percent of your trip cost and requires the following conditions:

  • Purchase the policy within 14-21 days of first trip payment.
  • Insure all prepaid and non-refundable travel expenses prior to departure.
  • Cancel more than 48-72 hours prior to your departure date.

Read the policy terms. If you miss the window for CFAR coverage, you can still buy other policies.

Passport & Visa

Please check the visa requirements for your home country.

  • U.S. citizen tourists entering Thailand for fewer than 30 days do not require a visa.
  • Be sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates to avoid possible denied entry.
  • Thai immigration officials or airline staff may ask for your onward/return ticket.
Getting There & Away
You will fly into Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX). See below for notes on flights.
 
Check-in: Sat, Nov 4th at 2:00 p.m. We will provide information to arrange your transfer to Mala Dhara (40 min, $15.00 one-way). We recommend that you plan to arrive in Chiang Mai at least one day prior to the retreat start to adjust from the jet lag and visit Chiang Mai city. We will provide hotel recommendations as the trip approaches.
 
Check-out: Sun, Nov 12th at 12:00 p.m. If you plan to fly out this day, you may arrange an earlier transfer. Please ensure you have 3.5-4 hours between the time you leave Mala Dhara and your flight’s departure.
 
The cost and arrangement of your international flight is your responsibility. We recommend getting an estimate on flight times and costs before you secure your spot with us. If you wish to break up your travel time, you may consider flying into Bangkok (BKK or DMK) to spend time there before or after the retreat. Then, from Bangkok, you may book a domestic flight to Chiang Mai.
 
Be aware that many Chinese airlines have cheap flights but have layovers in cities that may require a Chinese Visa for the short amount of time or have COVID-19 entry requirements. Pay attention to layovers and airline requirements.
Weather & Climate

Doi Saket is 5000 feet above sea level. The dry season runs from November to June. Daytime temperatures can range from 80-90 degrees (F) with evenings cooling down to the low 70-60s (F). Chiang Mai has similar temperatures.

Food, Alcohol & Smoking

Food: Mala Dhara serves well-balanced vegan meals that are cooked with care. Ingredients are fresh and sourced from their own garden and local farmers. While the retreat center does not serve animal protein, we fully respect the food choices and needs of our guests. You will have the opportunity to eat meat if you take some of your lunches out, and we will aim to offer meat as an option in our included lunches if possible. Please inform us of your dietary needs so that we can do our best to accommodate.

Alcohol: We kindly request that retreat guests refrain from bringing alcohol into the retreat center—not for any moral or health reason, but to be sensitive to those in recovery and the way in which alcohol has potential to change the group dynamic. Guests are welcome to consume alcohol while out for lunch and we trust your decision-making.

Smoking & Other Drugs: Smoking and illegal drugs are not permitted on the property. If you smoke tobacco, please reach out to discuss.