Bhakti & Beings

Thailand Yoga Retreat & Elephant Sanctuary Experience

8–19 July 2026 | Northern Thailand

Bhakti & Beings is a 12-day heart-led retreat combining five spacious days in Chiang Mai with a seven-day volunteer immersion at Elephant Nature Park.

This experience is grounded in yoga, presence, ethical travel, and meaningful contribution.

It is intentionally unhurried, relational, and deeply aligned with the values of care — for ourselves, for community, and for the natural world.

📍 Retreat Structure

Arrival in Chiang Mai: Wednesday 8 July 2026
Chiang Mai retreat time: Wednesday–Monday (5 nights)
Elephant Nature Park volunteer program: Monday 13 July – Sunday 19 July 2026

After the Elephant Nature Park program concludes on Sunday 19 July, participants are free to travel onward or return home in their own time.

💰 Investment

NZD $1,785 per person
(Land package – flights not included)

This price is based on current exchange rates and retreat costs.

What’s Included

🌿 Chiang Mai – 5 Nights

  • 5 nights accommodation

  • 5 breakfasts

  • 4 x 1.5-hour morning yoga and meditation sessions

  • On-site yoga studio hire

  • Airport transfer on arrival when travelling on the main group flight with Emma

  • Retreat facilitation and holding

(If arriving on a different flight, airport transfers can be arranged independently.)

🐘 Elephant Nature Park – 7-Day Volunteer Program

Guests will stay on-site at Elephant Nature Park from Monday 13 July to Sunday 19 July.

Included during this portion:

  • Full 7-day volunteer program

  • On-site accommodation

  • All meals while at the park

  • Optional gentle morning yoga (gifted, not charged)

Elephant Nature Park is a rescue and rehabilitation sanctuary dedicated to the protection and ethical care of elephants. This is a non-riding, non-performance environment focused on conservation, education, and long-term welfare.

Also Included

  • Retreat administration and coordination

  • A spacious, intentionally paced retreat flow

  • Ongoing support and communication in the lead-up to departure

What’s Not Included

  • International flights

  • Airport transfer if travelling separately from the main group flight

  • Optional spa treatments

  • Meals not specified above

  • Optional Chiang Mai activities (e.g., cooking classes, cycling tours)

  • Travel after the Elephant Nature Park program

  • Travel insurance

✈️ Flights

Flights are booked individually.

As a planning guide, recent return fares from Auckland to Chiang Mai have been approximately NZD $1,700 (one stop via Kuala Lumpur, including checked baggage). Prices vary.

You are welcome to:

  • Book flights independently

  • Travel on the same flight as Emma

  • Be connected with a trusted travel agent for assistance

There is no expectation to travel onward together after the retreat concludes.

🧘 What the Retreat Will Feel Like

In Chiang Mai, days include:

  • Morning yoga and meditation

  • Spacious time for rest, integration, massage, or exploring at your own rhythm

Optional activities such as cooking classes or cycling tours may be available, though participation is entirely your choice.

At Elephant Nature Park, days follow the volunteer program structure, with simple evenings and the option of gentle morning practice.

This retreat is not entertainment-focused.
It is rooted in presence, care, ethical awareness, and meaningful experience.

🌿 Is This For You?

Bhakti & Beings may feel aligned if you:

  • Value ethical travel

  • Feel called to meaningful conservation work

  • Appreciate spacious structure rather than constant activity

  • Enjoy yoga that supports rather than performs

  • Are comfortable with simplicity during the volunteer immersion

Next Steps

If this retreat feels workable and aligned for you, you’re warmly invited to reach out.

You’re welcome to:

  • Express continued interest

  • Ask further questions

  • Or simply take time to feel into whether this experience is right for you

Warmly,
Emma Scott
Balance Mind, Body & Soul
New Zealand