Thailand Yoga & Wellness Week: Bangkok Culture Meets Phuket Beach Relaxation

The retreat opens in central Bangkok, with the group staying at the Novotel on Siam Square. You're right in the middle of things — Siam Paragon mall is walking distance, the BTS Skytrain is nearby, and you can get to the temples and markets easily. The first couple of days are about experiencing Bangkok together: visiting Wat Pho to see the famous Reclining Buddha, wandering through local markets, eating authentic Thai food, and getting the group comfortable with each other before the quieter part of the trip.

After Bangkok, everyone travels together to Phuket Island for four nights. This is where the actual yoga and wellness programming happens. Each morning starts with a yoga session — Melissa teaches all levels, so you don't need any prior experience. There's also daily meditation, and the schedule includes some excursions and group activities, though specifics vary. The rest of the time is genuinely yours. You can lie on the beach, swim, find a quiet spot to read, or explore the local area.

What sets this apart from a standard yoga retreat is the two-part structure. You get the cultural immersion and energy of Bangkok first, which makes the Phuket beach days feel more restful by contrast. It's not the kind of retreat where you're isolated in one place the whole time — you actually see a decent chunk of Thailand.

Melissa brings a background in yoga, meditation, and wellness coaching, with teaching experience across luxury spas and barefoot jungle settings. She's intuitive rather than rigid, and her sessions tend to focus on what the group actually needs that day rather than following a strict plan. Hunter balances her out — he's ex-military, handles the practical side of things, and often leads outdoor activities or workouts for those who want something more active.

The accommodation in Bangkok is proper hotel standard — pool, gym, spa, air conditioning, and a central location. In Phuket, you're staying somewhere with beach access and similar amenities. Both shared and private room options are available, with the shared rooms set up with two separate beds rather than bunk beds.

November timing is deliberate — it's the start of Thailand's dry season, so you get warm weather, sunny beach days, and lower humidity than the monsoon months. Expect temperatures in the mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit, ideal for both city walking and beach yoga.

What's included

- 6 nights accommodation (2 nights Bangkok, 4 nights Phuket) - Airport pickup and drop-off - 2 meals daily (breakfast and one other meal) - Water provided throughout the day - Daily yoga classes - Daily meditation sessions - Professional group photos - Group excursions and activities - Specialized workshops - Transportation during the retreat (including Bangkok to Phuket) - Wi-Fi connection

What's not included

- International flights to Thailand - Travel insurance - Visa fees - Personal expenses and shopping - Meals not specified in the programme - Optional spa treatments - Tips and gratuities