8 Day Water Fasting Detox and Yoga Retreat in Phuket, Thailand

This retreat combines water fasting with a serious daily Ashtanga yoga practice, which is what sets it apart from a standard juice cleanse or spa detox. The fasting itself is classical — nothing but water, plus the herbal drinks and coconut water provided — and the yoga is traditional Ashtanga, taught by Rich and Sofya, who both study under R. Sharath Jois in Mysore, India. The idea is that the yoga keeps your metabolism firing and your muscles engaged, so your body turns to fat stores rather than breaking down muscle while you fast.

Each day follows a rhythm: early morning yoga or pranayama, then a midday treatment session, then meditation in the late afternoon. The treatments aren't optional add-ons — they're built into the week and adjusted to what you need. You might have a Thai oil massage one day, cupping for lymphatic drainage the next, and a Su Djok (Korean hand acupuncture) session mid-week. There's also an ice water treatment, which sounds brutal but is over quickly and leaves you buzzing.

Rich and Sofya are the heart of the place. Rich trained as a doctor in Russia before turning to yoga, so he understands the physiology of fasting as well as the spiritual side. He's known for being strict but warm — he'll correct your alignment, but he'll also check in on how you're feeling emotionally. Sofya brings a gentler energy, with a background in theology and years of practice in India. Between them, they create a space that feels both disciplined and safe.

The location helps too. The retreat is in South Phuket, away from the busiest tourist strips, so you get the tropical greenery and warm weather without the constant buzz of Bangla Road. The shala is open-sided, with the sound of birds and breeze during practice. Rooms are in a simple hotel with a pool, and the whole place runs on a schedule that lets you rest deeply between sessions.

What's included

- 7 nights accommodation in a private hotel room - Airport pickup and drop-off at Phuket International Airport - Food on arrival and departure days (preparatory and exit meals) - Daily yoga classes - Daily meditation classes - Daily pranayama (breathing) classes - Cleansing procedures (as part of the fasting program) - Ice water treatment - Detox water and coconut water - Herbal drinks (adaptogen, kidney, and immunity support) - Korean Acupuncture (Su Djok) session - Cupping session (lymphatic drainage) - Thai oil massage (1 hour) - Consultations with a yoga therapist - Specialized workshops (e.g., nutrition after a fast) - Pre and post retreat support from the team - WiFi connection - Parking and luggage storage

Free cancellation up to 30 days before arrival

What's not included

- International flights - Travel insurance - Visa fees - Additional spa treatments beyond what's included - Tours and excursions - Personal expenses - Meals beyond the specified preparation and exit days (during fasting, only water and herbal drinks are provided)