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.
What’s Included
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8 nights accommodation at Mala Dhara Retreat Center
- 8 vegan breakfasts, served at retreat center
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8 vegan dinners, served at retreat center
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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
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Guided hike on the Monk’s Trail, including transport
- Herbal sauna/steam, salt scrub, and bonfire night
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Daily yoga w/ Melissa (1-2 times per day)
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Facilitated reflection circles (3-4 days)
- Ground transport for all included activities
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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.
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.
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.
COVID-19 Safety Policy
- 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.
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ALL deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable.
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Remaining balance must be paid 90 days before trip start date.
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If you decide to cancel your trip, the following fees apply at the time we receive written notice of your cancellation.
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
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.