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These Retreats in Southern Thailand May Be the Best Thing for Your Mind and Body

Courtesy of Vikasa Yoga Retreat
Courtesy of Vikasa Yoga Retreat
A night out on Khao San Road, one too many buckets on Patong Beach, a visit to a red light district: there are many ways that visitors to Thailand can wear down their bodies. But there are also plenty of places to help get back into tip-top shape. These retreats in Southern Thailand may be the best thing for your mind and body, so be sure to check them out before returning home.

Sumalee Boxing Gym

Gym, Yoga Studio
Sumalee Boxing Gym
Sumalee Boxing Gym | Courtesy of Kelly Iverson
This boxing gym and yoga studio is a great combination for visitors looking for both exercise and some relaxation. Sumalee Boxing Gym, which opened in 2011, is taking the country by storm with its excellent instructors, facilities, and overall laid-back vibe on the island of Phuket.

Visitors are first greeted by an intense Muay Thai set-up before being taken to their cozy rooms, equipped with fast Wi-fi, a television, comfortable bedding, and ample storage room. Do not expect luxury, however, as this place is quaint and cozy. Visitors can either take to one of the two boxing rings with one of the gym’s renowned trainers, head to the open-air yoga studio, or lounge by the pool in the extensive grounds. All skill levels are welcome to join Sumalee Boxing Gym, with helpful instructors at the ready to assist those who are unfamiliar with a yoga mat.

Classes are offered Monday through Saturday, with everything from Ashtanga Yoga to meditation to choose from. Classes start at all hours of the day. Sumalee Boxing Gym also has some of the most affordable prices on the island, with standard packages starting at as little as ฿1,000 a day.
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Phuket Meditation Center

Phuket is a popular island for those seeking an epic holiday, and this is possible at the Phuket Meditation Center. Their retreats combine seminars, meditation retreats, and workshops to help relieve stress and balance guests. The Phuket Meditation Center retreats partner with a nearby resort, which is just a short commute away. Retreats run for four days, year-round, with each day chock full of excursions and delicious food. Visitors partake in a morning excursion every day, two guided meditations per day, one mindful yoga class in the afternoon (three sessions total), and much more. The price of a four-day retreat is ฿14,700 (US$430), starting on a Monday and ending on a Friday. Those signing up as a pair get a slightly discounted price of ฿21,600 (US$630).

Phuket Meditation Center, 69/509, Soi Chaofah 5, Tambon Chalong, Amphoe Mueang Phuket, Chang Wat Phuket 83000, +66 087 279 7655

Courtesy of Phuket Meditation Center

Wonderland Yoga and Wellness Retreat

Fitness Studio, Swimming Pool, Yoga Studio
Wonderland Healing Center
Wonderland Healing Center | Courtesy of Vikasa Yoga Retreat
Wonderland Yoga and Wellness Retreat is located on the stunning island of Koh Phangan in the Gulf of Thailand. Their three, seven, and 11-day yoga retreats are sure to leave visitors feeling rejuvenated, healthier, and wanting to return. The food is healthy and vegan, there’s an onsite swimming pool, and there are plenty of things to see and do in the down time. In addition to amazing yoga, the retreat offers small extras, including movie and music events and harmonizing workshops. Wonderland Yoga retreats start at ฿6,934 (US$200) for a three-night package.
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Vikasa Yoga Retreat

Resorts do not get much dreamier than the Vikasa Yoga Retreat in Southern Thailand. Found on the jagged coastline of the island of Koh Samui, yogis get some of the best views on the island at the resort, as well as a private bay. In addition to its prime location, the idea behind Vikasa is to study yoga, emphasizing things like holistic health and organic food. The environment of the resort will certainly inspire all those who visit. A number of ancient yoga traditions are offered, including higher Taoism practices.

Vikasa Yoga Retreat, 211 Bontji Moo 4 Koh Samui 84310, +66 077 422 232

Courtesy of Vikasa Yoga Retreat

The Sanctuary Thailand

Tucked away in the isolated jungle surrounding Haad Tien Bay in Koh Phangan is The Sanctuary Thailand. Established in 1991, this is one of the top resorts in Thailand. There are three different types of rooms to choose from, including bungalows and actual houses. There are also dorm rooms available for those on a tight budget. The Sanctuary’s restaurant serves some of the freshest seafood on the island, as well as vegetarian options. Meals are healthy and come with incredible views of the Gulf.

The Sanctuary offers all-inclusive detox or yoga packages, including a seven night complete cleanse and a 16-night weight-loss package. Three-day yoga holidays start at ฿13,480 (US$395).

The Sanctuary Thailand, Haad Tien, Koh Phangan, Amphoe Ko Pha-ngan, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84280, +66 086 478 4213

Absolute Sanctuary

Resort
Absolute Sanctuary
Absolute Sanctuary | Courtesy of Absolute Sanctuary / Booking.com
Absolute Sanctuary’s wellness programs are tailored to perfection to pamper every guest, offering yoga and meditation. This luxurious resort is on the island of Koh Samui, one of the dreamiest of destinations in the world. It’s just a five-minute drive from Chaweng Beach, a luxurious stretch of sand, and near to there are plenty of other wonders to explore on the island. A five-day yoga holiday package starts at ฿53,500 (US$1570).
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Samahita Retreat

Tucked away on the stunning southern coast of Koh Samui is the Samahita Retreat, operational since 2003. This yoga, fitness, and detox retreat is situated on the island’s white sand shore of Laem Sor Beach. The retreat offers many packages, including detox, de-stress, and weight loss packages. The founders, Paul Dallaghan and Jutima Chombhubutr, created Samahita Retreat with visitors’ living habits in mind, and prompt them to be healthy and positive. One of the resort’s most popular packages is the YogaCoreCycle package.

Samahita Retreat, 55/20-24 Namuang, Na Mueang, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84140, +66 077 920 090