Near & Far Retreats
Thailand 2018
May 2-11
Culture, Nightlife & a Sprinkle of Yoga:
Experience the glitz & glamour of Bangkok City followed by a week of total relaxation on the enchanted island of Phuket.
Here is where we give new meaning to the word "retreat." Instead of posting up at a retreat center, join a diverse group of fun loving, positive people as we fully immerse ourselves in the food, culture, traditions and adventures that make Thailand our favorite place on this Earth.
Be sure to explore all the links on this site to learn more about this magical journey. We can't wait to meet you!
Experience the glitz & glamour of Bangkok City followed by a week of total relaxation on the enchanted island of Phuket.
Here is where we give new meaning to the word "retreat." Instead of posting up at a retreat center, join a diverse group of fun loving, positive people as we fully immerse ourselves in the food, culture, traditions and adventures that make Thailand our favorite place on this Earth.
Be sure to explore all the links on this site to learn more about this magical journey. We can't wait to meet you!
Bangkok
May 2 ( travel day )
May 3 ( arrival day )
May 3-5
Meals : All breakfasts included
2 Lunches Included
Day 1 Meet your fellow travelers at the ultra- lux Marriott Sukhumvit hotel in the heart of the city. After checking in, we will have a brief orientation meeting followed by cocktails at the Octave rooftop bar with magical views of the bustling streets below.
Day 2 & 3 Your next two days will be spent exploring this vibrant city. Get around town on the BTS metro or in a colorful tuk tuk. Visit the famous floating markets, experience a monk water blessing, sample street food, shop the mega malls and explore local markets until your heart is content. Bangkok has something for everyone. From ultra modern shopping & nightlife to old world charm, iconic temples & cuisine. Bangkok is a city that will spark a love inside you and have you wanting to come back for more.
2 Lunches Included
Day 1 Meet your fellow travelers at the ultra- lux Marriott Sukhumvit hotel in the heart of the city. After checking in, we will have a brief orientation meeting followed by cocktails at the Octave rooftop bar with magical views of the bustling streets below.
Day 2 & 3 Your next two days will be spent exploring this vibrant city. Get around town on the BTS metro or in a colorful tuk tuk. Visit the famous floating markets, experience a monk water blessing, sample street food, shop the mega malls and explore local markets until your heart is content. Bangkok has something for everyone. From ultra modern shopping & nightlife to old world charm, iconic temples & cuisine. Bangkok is a city that will spark a love inside you and have you wanting to come back for more.
Phuket
May 6-11
Meals: All Breakfasts & Dinners Included , Some Lunches Included
Daily Yoga & Meditation Offered
Day 4 Hop on a 1 hour flight with your group to beautiful Phuket, the most visited island in Thailand. We will check in to our chic beach side resort and enjoy a local welcome dinner together. Later that night, catch up on some rest with a sunset massage on the beach or take a late night ride to crazy Bangla Rd with your fellow travelers to see the glittery lady boys, street food vendors and night life this island is famous for.
Day 5 After so much exploring the past few days, you will surely be ready for some real retreat time. Sleep in a little later, then start your morning with a refreshing yoga flow followed by a healthy breakfast. You may want to book a spa treatment at one of the two luxury spas 5 minutes from our resort.
Both spas have been awarded as top spas in all of Asia. Both locations offer life changing experiences... Think Tibetan singing bowls, salt rock caves, hibiscus baths , a Thai hammam and all locally grown ingredients. ( Be sure to check out details on these spas in the videos below. )
If spa day isn't your thing, laze on the beach all day! There is also plenty to explore at the local village or in famous Old Phuket Town. Our hotel offers free shuttle service to these locations. You will have plenty time to do anything on the island that your heart desires!
This evening, after dinner, we will enjoy relaxing while watching the sunset over the water. ( voted one of the Top 10 Places in the world to watch the sunset by CNN Travel )
Day 6 Enjoy a healthy Breakfast, then pack your bags for a day trip onto the Andaman Sea via private speedboat. We will visit the majestic Phi Phi Islands & Maya Bay ( where the movie The Beach was filmed. ) Enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding islands, stop to feed monkeys, snorkel with tropical fish, swing in palm trees and enjoy lunch ( included ) during one of the island stops. This is island hopping at its finest!
Optional evening yoga meditation will give us time to express gratitude for this amazing day. Soak it all in!
Day 7 After another great start to the day, we will venture out to visit the beautiful ELEPHANTS of Thailand! We do not condone mistreatment of animals. ( NO circus shows or elephant rides permitted here ) We will be visiting the newly opened Phuket Elephant Sanctuary where we will feed the elephants breakfast and then observe them in their natural habitat. Once meeting back at our resort you will have free time to visit the famous Big Buddha, local temples, or shop in local markets. Bring an extra camera battery, This is Instagram #goals .
This elephant visit is an optional activity. You can use this as a free day to do something else if you prefer. Relaxing Yoga will be offered this evening as well.
Day 8 Yoga & Breakfast are offered in the morning. There will be an optional activity An Introduction to Buddhism in the morning where we will visit 3 temples and learn about meditation from the local monks. We have left this day open for you to do any activities that are still on your wishlist while in Phuket. ( Zip line anyone? ) After dinner we will partake in a traditional Thai ceremony bringing a close to our adventure.
Day 9 Wake up to a special yoga stretch session designed to get you ready for the air travel ahead. After breakfast, your group leaders will assist you in getting to your next destination.
Daily Yoga & Meditation Offered
Day 4 Hop on a 1 hour flight with your group to beautiful Phuket, the most visited island in Thailand. We will check in to our chic beach side resort and enjoy a local welcome dinner together. Later that night, catch up on some rest with a sunset massage on the beach or take a late night ride to crazy Bangla Rd with your fellow travelers to see the glittery lady boys, street food vendors and night life this island is famous for.
Day 5 After so much exploring the past few days, you will surely be ready for some real retreat time. Sleep in a little later, then start your morning with a refreshing yoga flow followed by a healthy breakfast. You may want to book a spa treatment at one of the two luxury spas 5 minutes from our resort.
Both spas have been awarded as top spas in all of Asia. Both locations offer life changing experiences... Think Tibetan singing bowls, salt rock caves, hibiscus baths , a Thai hammam and all locally grown ingredients. ( Be sure to check out details on these spas in the videos below. )
If spa day isn't your thing, laze on the beach all day! There is also plenty to explore at the local village or in famous Old Phuket Town. Our hotel offers free shuttle service to these locations. You will have plenty time to do anything on the island that your heart desires!
This evening, after dinner, we will enjoy relaxing while watching the sunset over the water. ( voted one of the Top 10 Places in the world to watch the sunset by CNN Travel )
Day 6 Enjoy a healthy Breakfast, then pack your bags for a day trip onto the Andaman Sea via private speedboat. We will visit the majestic Phi Phi Islands & Maya Bay ( where the movie The Beach was filmed. ) Enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding islands, stop to feed monkeys, snorkel with tropical fish, swing in palm trees and enjoy lunch ( included ) during one of the island stops. This is island hopping at its finest!
Optional evening yoga meditation will give us time to express gratitude for this amazing day. Soak it all in!
Day 7 After another great start to the day, we will venture out to visit the beautiful ELEPHANTS of Thailand! We do not condone mistreatment of animals. ( NO circus shows or elephant rides permitted here ) We will be visiting the newly opened Phuket Elephant Sanctuary where we will feed the elephants breakfast and then observe them in their natural habitat. Once meeting back at our resort you will have free time to visit the famous Big Buddha, local temples, or shop in local markets. Bring an extra camera battery, This is Instagram #goals .
This elephant visit is an optional activity. You can use this as a free day to do something else if you prefer. Relaxing Yoga will be offered this evening as well.
Day 8 Yoga & Breakfast are offered in the morning. There will be an optional activity An Introduction to Buddhism in the morning where we will visit 3 temples and learn about meditation from the local monks. We have left this day open for you to do any activities that are still on your wishlist while in Phuket. ( Zip line anyone? ) After dinner we will partake in a traditional Thai ceremony bringing a close to our adventure.
Day 9 Wake up to a special yoga stretch session designed to get you ready for the air travel ahead. After breakfast, your group leaders will assist you in getting to your next destination.
Accommodations:
No retreat centers or dorm rooms here! We only book 5 star Hotels for our retreats. This means you will have complete privacy during your travels as well as all the modern amennities that these hotels provide. We find it important to have a doctor on site, concierge service, laundry service, gym, pool, sauna, spa, free wifi and reliable transportation for every where you wish to go.
Bangkok : Your Bangkok Hotel will be located in the heart of Thonglor / Sukhumvit, Bangkok's up and coming neighborhood. Full of trendy cafes, shops and dining options, many expats choose to live in Thonglor because of its hipster vibe and easy accessability to the rest of Bangkok.
Phuket : In Phuket you will be staying at one of the very few boutique resorts located directly ON the beach in pristine Cape Panwa ( the south east corner of the island. ) The beach resort was just built in March of 2017 so your glass shower, fluffy bed and flat screen tv will all feel brand new! Two of Asia's top rated spas are just minutes from the resort. Panwa Village and historic Old Phuket Town are an easy ( and complimentary ) shuttle ride away. You can relax in a modern deluxe room or spoil yourself with a Private Pool or Jacuzzi Room upgrade. Details below.
In both locations, rooms with one king bed or two double beds are available. We suggest booking early to reserve your options.
Bangkok : Your Bangkok Hotel will be located in the heart of Thonglor / Sukhumvit, Bangkok's up and coming neighborhood. Full of trendy cafes, shops and dining options, many expats choose to live in Thonglor because of its hipster vibe and easy accessability to the rest of Bangkok.
Phuket : In Phuket you will be staying at one of the very few boutique resorts located directly ON the beach in pristine Cape Panwa ( the south east corner of the island. ) The beach resort was just built in March of 2017 so your glass shower, fluffy bed and flat screen tv will all feel brand new! Two of Asia's top rated spas are just minutes from the resort. Panwa Village and historic Old Phuket Town are an easy ( and complimentary ) shuttle ride away. You can relax in a modern deluxe room or spoil yourself with a Private Pool or Jacuzzi Room upgrade. Details below.
In both locations, rooms with one king bed or two double beds are available. We suggest booking early to reserve your options.
For More Information on Room Choices Click Here
What's Included:
Bangkok
- 3 nights accommodation at ultra trendy Marriott Bangkok Sukhumvit
- Daily Breakfast Buffet with Asian & International Choices
- 2 Lunches Included
- Unlimited use of sauna, steam room, fitness facilities, roof top pool
- Full Day Tour of Iconic Temples, Markets, Reclining Buddha
- Cultural Activity to Be Announced
- Custom Travel Notebook with countless options for things you can do in the city. ( Join the group on tours or explore the city on your own.
- Special Welcome Package
- 5 Star Accommodations at chic Beachside Resort for 5 nights
- Daily Breakfast & Gourmet Dinner Every Night+ 2 lunches included
- Daily Yoga & Meditation led by Michelle Ruiz RYT500 with views of the breathtaking Cape Panwa Beach
- Private Speed boat ride to Phi Phi Islands & Maya Bay
- Video Diary of Our Trip After Returning Home
- Customized Travel Assistance. If you plan to extend your trip to one of the surrounding areas of South East Asia, Michelle will work with you in the months leading up to your trip to arrange ideas for airfare, tours and hotels. She can also help to customize any special excursions you wish to do during the trip not listed in our itinerary.
What's Not Included:
- Airfare
- Alcohol
- Any meals not listed above
- Any optional excursions
- Personal transportation
Click Here to See a List of Optional Excursions
World Class Spa Experiences
Who is this Retreat For?
If you are looking for a retreat center where you sleep in bunk beds and do intensive yoga trainings 3 times a day, this trip is probably not for you. While we have had some beautiful experiences sleeping in tents and eating soup in the jungle - this is simply not the intent of this trip. We believe that cultural exchange & exploration is vital to understanding ourselves, each other and the world we share.
Our Western lifestyle has us constantly giving & on the go. When was the last time you were able to REALLY take a breather, step out of your routine and nourish your mind, body and soul? The Eastern part of the world reminds us to live in the present, cherishing every sight, smell, taste and sound. Together we will re-discover what it means to really live!
If you are a first time visitor to Thailand, we have made sure to include a taste of city and beach life so that you feel you are getting the full Thai experience. If this is not your first visit, don't worry, we will be visiting some true hidden gems during this trip that are sure to become your new favorite spots too.
On our past trip we had mainly solo travelers, some friends, couples and even family members join the adventure. You can read some of their reviews here at the bottom of this page.
*The legal drinking age in Thailand is 20 years old. You must be at least 20 years of age to join this adventure. If you are a parent wishing to travel with an 18 or 19 year old, please contact us to see if we can make an exception. We cannot accept applications from anyone younger than 18.
Our Western lifestyle has us constantly giving & on the go. When was the last time you were able to REALLY take a breather, step out of your routine and nourish your mind, body and soul? The Eastern part of the world reminds us to live in the present, cherishing every sight, smell, taste and sound. Together we will re-discover what it means to really live!
If you are a first time visitor to Thailand, we have made sure to include a taste of city and beach life so that you feel you are getting the full Thai experience. If this is not your first visit, don't worry, we will be visiting some true hidden gems during this trip that are sure to become your new favorite spots too.
On our past trip we had mainly solo travelers, some friends, couples and even family members join the adventure. You can read some of their reviews here at the bottom of this page.
*The legal drinking age in Thailand is 20 years old. You must be at least 20 years of age to join this adventure. If you are a parent wishing to travel with an 18 or 19 year old, please contact us to see if we can make an exception. We cannot accept applications from anyone younger than 18.
What Makes This Trip Unique?
- High-end accommodations
- Gourmet meals included
- Full day private speed boat tour
- World class spa experiences
- Partake in Traditional Thai Ceremonies
- Prime locations in Bangkok & Phuket make for easy exploration
- Option to pay installments leading up to your trip
- All yoga led by highly certified RYT instructor w/ personal one on one time
- Option to participate in daily yoga or skip it and do your own thing
- Flexible itinerary ( participate as a group or on your own as you please )
- Travel Planner Assistance ( if you wish to continue your journey beyond the retreat, Michelle Ruiz will guide you in booking flights, hotels and activities )
- Discounts for Friends & Family Members
How Will We Meet in Bangkok?
Bangkok Airport ( BKK ) is a huge, modern airport with very organized taxi systems. You can hire a taxi for approx $12 USD to your hotel which is a 15 - 20 minute ride. You can also opt to take the Bangkok Airport Link Train for even less. Hotel limo is available upon request for a fee ( $75 one way ) You will receive an email with detailed information on how to get to the hotel once you have registred. Michelle & Nelson will be waiting to greet you in the hotel lobby upon your arrival.
Click Here for Flight Information & More Frequently Asked Questions
Payment Options:
You have the option to pay the full amount or secure your deposit and then submit partial installments on a schedule leading up to the retreat.
Registration:
- Total Trip Cost $2500
- Friend or Family member comes for $1525
- Deposit of $500 due by Nov 1
Remember:
- Deposits are non-refundable
- Full or Partial Payments Can Be Made via the Buttons Below
- Your balance must be paid in full by March 1
How to Sign Up:
- Place Your Deposit or Pay Full Amount via the Buttons Below
- Fill out the 3 electronic Retreat Forms
Once you have registered, you will get a confirmation via email . Then you will begin to receive emails from Michelle with info on how to get ready for the retreat. You can also join our private online group so that you can meet your fellow travelers prior to the trip!
Please contact Michelle with any questions or special requests when booking. MichelleRuiz.Yoga@gmail.com or (813) 205-8807
Please contact Michelle with any questions or special requests when booking. MichelleRuiz.Yoga@gmail.com or (813) 205-8807
Choose an option :
Phi Phi Island, Phuket
Meet Your Guides: Michelle & Nelson Ruiz
Michelle Ruiz is a full time RYT500 Yoga Instructor who leads Teacher Trainings, large scale events and workshops in the state of Florida and beyond. Having traveled to over 10 countries, her passion is providing once in a life time experiences for others. She believes travel is our greatest teacher and the number one way to reconnect with our selves when we feel we have lost our way. She fell in love with Thailand after her first ( of a few ) visits there 8 years ago. She says that sharing the mindset & beauty of the Eastern world is truly the greatest gift she can pass on to her students and friends. You can read more about her here on the website ABOUT ME page.
Nelson Ruiz is a former U.S. Marine. Having traveled to 11 countries and counting, we like to think of him as our bilingual bodyguard. After meeting him once, you will feel you have made a life long friend.
Together they lead retreats that involve cultural exploration, education, high quality yoga experiences, plenty of nightlife and moments you will hold in your heart for a life time.
Feel free to contact Michelle with any questions or special requests when booking. MichelleRuiz.Yoga@gmail.com or (813) 205-8807
Nelson Ruiz is a former U.S. Marine. Having traveled to 11 countries and counting, we like to think of him as our bilingual bodyguard. After meeting him once, you will feel you have made a life long friend.
Together they lead retreats that involve cultural exploration, education, high quality yoga experiences, plenty of nightlife and moments you will hold in your heart for a life time.
Feel free to contact Michelle with any questions or special requests when booking. MichelleRuiz.Yoga@gmail.com or (813) 205-8807
See You in the Land Of Smiles !
Reviews from Our Last Retreat
" It was so wonderful meeting our fellow travelers & sharing such a great experience together! Thank you, Michelle & Nelson for putting together such a great yoga retreat... "with a twist." I had a wonderful time drinking coconut mojitos, exploring the island and beaches as well as yoga in the mornings and night time meditations on the beach. The late night parties were red hot and did not disapppoint! We all bonded in the rainforest and have stories to tell for years to come. The food was so good. The cuture & people very friendly. I wish everyone the best on your journey! Health, happiness and love through travel! " - Melinda, Arizona, USA
"Today I leave beautiful PR. I saw the countryside, the beaches, mountains and rainforest. I ate fabulous food and drank my first
( but not last ) authentic mojito. I talked and laughed with a great group of people and our shared excursions will make for fantastic stories. I am grateful to Michelle & Nelson for all their hard work organizing this trip which allowed me the opportunity to discover this wonderful island. I look forward to coming back one day. " - Deb, Florida, USA
( but not last ) authentic mojito. I talked and laughed with a great group of people and our shared excursions will make for fantastic stories. I am grateful to Michelle & Nelson for all their hard work organizing this trip which allowed me the opportunity to discover this wonderful island. I look forward to coming back one day. " - Deb, Florida, USA
"This was such an amazing trip! I got to make lots of new friends, enjoy beautiful beaches & pool time, yoga, meditation, attend a fabulous Summer Solstice Party, watch a fun Pride Parade, get a couple henna tattoos and explore this beautiful island! Thank you so much Michelle & Nelson for making this trip possible! " - Maria, Florida, USA
"Thank you , Michelle and Nelson for your kindness and attention to detail during our trip. We loved every moment of our time together." - Elaine & Michael , Florida, USA
"Thank you so much to Michelle and Nelson for all that you did to make our retreat come together so beautifully. I loved every minute of my adventure, especially meeting all the kind, fun loving, yogis! This was an AMAZING adventure! " - Valerie, Texas, USA
