Wellness Reset: 15-Day Water Fast and Ashtanga Yoga Program in Phuket

This retreat is run by Rich and Sofya, a couple who live and breathe Ashtanga yoga. They’ve created a program that pairs the ancient practice of water fasting with traditional yoga and cleansing techniques. The idea is that water fasting forces the body to switch from using glucose to burning fat for energy, and in the process, it clears out dead cells, toxins, and other waste. The yoga practice – mainly Ashtanga – keeps the body active and helps direct that energy. You’re not just lying around feeling hungry; you’re actively participating in your own detox.

The program is highly personalised. Before you start, your constitution is assessed according to Ayurvedic principles, and the length of the fast, the types of treatments, and even the yoga intensity are adjusted to suit you. Some people fast for the full 15 days, others for less, and the schedule is designed individually. This isn’t a rigid, one-size-fits-all detox. It’s a carefully monitored process, and Rich, who is also a medical doctor, oversees it with a focus on safety and effectiveness.

A typical day involves yoga and pranayama (breathing exercises), meditation, and then time for rest and cleansing treatments. You’ll also experience therapies like Su Jok (Korean acupuncture with seeds), Thai oil massage, cupping, and cold-water treatment. These are assigned based on your needs and can be adjusted throughout. The food – mostly smoothies before the fast and broth and steamed vegetables after – is designed to ease you in and out of the fasting state. The setting in Phuket is tropical and relaxed, with a hotel room, pool, and garden, giving you a serene environment for deep introspection and healing.

What's included

- Accommodation in a private hotel room for 14 nights - Daily Ashtanga yoga, pranayama, and meditation classes - All meals during the preparation and exit phases (smoothies, broths, salads) - Herbal restorative drinks - Cleansing treatments: Thai oil massage, cupping, Su Jok - Airport pickup and drop-off - WiFi and parking - Support from the team before, during, and after the retreat - Specialized workshops

What's not included

- Flights to and from Phuket - Travel insurance - Visa fees - Additional treatments not listed in the program - Activities and excursions not mentioned