Creative Wellness Retreat: Yoga & Thai Artisan Discovery in Chiang Mai

This retreat, hosted by artist Nathalie Laloue and her partner Patrick at Taladya Home Stay, is built around three pillars: breathe, create, and discover. Each day starts with a yoga and meditation session led by Ploy, a teacher who focuses on making meditation accessible and sustainable for everyday life. Her classes mix Yin Yoga, Yoga Nidra, and chakra-based mindfulness—practices that feel more like resetting your nervous system than working out. By the end of the week, you'll have tools to continue on your own.

The creative heart of the retreat is the artisan visits. Nathalie, who is a contemporary visual artist based in Chiang Mai, takes you to a celadon ceramics factory, a bamboo umbrella workshop, and the village of Banta Wai, known for its teak wood carvings. You'll learn how each craft is made, then choose a piece—a vase, an umbrella, an elephant figurine—to bring back to the homestay for your own painting session. The workshop is designed for complete beginners; Nathalie guides you gently, and there's no pressure to produce anything 'good.' It's about slowing down, focusing on the brush in your hand, and letting the rest of the world fade out for a while.

In between, you'll enjoy two hours of traditional Thai massage, plenty of downtime by the pool, and meals that blend French-inspired breakfasts with authentic Thai flavors. Lunches happen at local restaurants the hosts have handpicked, often with views over rice fields or in hidden garden cafés. Dinners are shared with Nathalie and Patrick, who are happy to talk about the region, the art, or whatever else comes up. An optional excursion to a local elephant sanctuary—one that treats the animals with real care, as past guests have noted—is a highlight for many.

The retreat is limited to four guests at a time, which keeps everything personal and flexible. Whether you're a seasoned yogi or a complete beginner, a solo traveler or a couple, the pace and content adjust to what you need. It's a quiet, creative, and genuinely local experience, far from the tourist crowds of central Chiang Mai.

What's included

- 3 nights accommodation (private room) - Airport pickup and drop-off - Daily yoga and meditation classes with Ploy - 2-hour traditional Thai massage (once during stay) - Handicraft tours (celadon, umbrella, Banta Wai village) - Creative art workshop with Nathalie - 3 daily delicious and nutritious meals - Water, tea, and coffee served throughout the day - Welcome drink - Free wifi and parking - Luggage storage - Free excursions to sites of interest

What's not included

- Flights costs - Travel insurance - Visa fees - Additional treatments (extra massages) - Additional activities not in itinerary (e.g., elephant sanctuary) - Personal expenses