Two unique ways to rest, reconnect, and renew — in Thailand or Whangamatā

Bhakti & Beings

Thailand Yoga Retreat & Elephant Sanctuary Experience

2027 dates being finalised | Proposed: June–July 2027 | Northern Thailand

Following the success of previous Bhakti & Beings retreats, I’m excited to bring this heart-led journey back for 2027. This 12-day experience combines five spacious days in Chiang Mai with a seven-day volunteer immersion at Elephant Nature Park.

Retreat Structure

Proposed dates: June or July 2027 (exact dates to be confirmed)
Chiang Mai retreat time: 5 nights
Elephant Nature Park volunteer program: 6 nights / 7 days

After the Elephant Nature Park program concludes, guests are free to continue on or return home independently.

Investment

Pricing for 2027 is currently being finalised.

Register your interest below and I’ll make sure you’re among the first to know once dates and pricing are confirmed.

What’s Included

 Chiang Mai – 5 Nights

  • 5 nights accommodation – Private rooms as standard, with shared rooms available for couples, families, or friends travelling together who’d prefer to share
  • Breakfast daily, plus complimentary fruit, juice, and snacks available throughout the day
  • 4 x guided morning yoga and meditation sessions at the on-site yoga studio
  • Meaningful gifts and keepsakes to help carry the retreat’s themes home with you
  • Access to the accommodation’s onsen-style spa (sauna and ice bath)
  • Airport transfer on arrival 
  • Transfer from the Chiang Mai accommodation to Elephant Nature Park
  • Retreat facilitation and support

Elephant Nature Park – 7-Day Volunteer Program

  • Full 7-day volunteer program
  • On-site accommodation, arranged by the sanctuary (may be shared or private, depending on availability)
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) included daily
  • A 45-minute morning yoga class available each day for anyone who’d like to join
  • Transfer back to Chiang Mai city at the end of the Elephant Nature Park program

Days at the sanctuary may include preparing food for the elephants, assisting with enclosure and habitat upkeep, observing the herd, and learning directly from the Elephant Nature Park team about each elephant’s rescue story and ongoing care.

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, hands-off 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
  • Optional spa treatments and massage
  • Optional cooking classes, cycling tours, or excursions
  • Meals not specified above
  • Extended stays or independent travel after the retreat concludes (happy to help you arrange this if you’d like extra time before heading home)
  • Travel insurance

Flights

Flights are booked individually.

Flight prices vary depending on season, airline, and booking time. Please check current fares when planning your travel.

You are welcome to:

  • Book flights independently

  • Travel on the same flight as Emma

  • Be connected with a trusted travel agent for assistance

After the retreat, guests are welcome to continue their travels independently.

What the Retreat Will Feel Like

In Chiang Mai, days include:

  • Morning yoga and meditation

  • Spacious time for rest, integration, massage, or time in the onsen-style spa, alongside space to explore 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 is not an entertainment-focused retreat, but a thoughtful and nourishing experience. It is grounded in yoga, presence, ethical awareness, and meaningful connection.

The rhythm is intentionally spacious and unhurried, with room to rest, reflect, and reconnect.

It is a journey rooted in care – for ourselves, for community, and for the natural world – with small moments along the way to help you carry it home.

Is This For You?

Bhakti & Beings may feel aligned for you if you:

    • Value ethical and conscious travel
    • Feel called to meaningful conservation experiences
    • Appreciate spacious structure rather than constant activity
    • Enjoy yoga as a supportive practice rather than performance
    • Feel comfortable with simplicity during the volunteer immersion

    What Past Participants Have Shared

    “An experience so different to anything else in my life.”

    “I’ve come home with a sense of purpose, knowing exactly how I want to live my life.”

    “I really valued being part of a group as all the experiences unfolded every day — each moment was different, but always someone to share those moments with.”

    “I haven’t been to a yoga class with a teacher for years, so I found every class more meaningful because of it. I really appreciated how much thought and preparation went into each one — and the gifts, wow, who doesn’t love that kind of special touch!”

    “Realising the effort made by another to bring these yoga classes together — I had a deeper understanding of how beautiful this time was.”

    “I do try to verbalise my time at Elephant Nature Park to family & friends, & I still find it hard to put into words — the enormity of the work, the scale, the politics, the education, the people, the food, & the animals themselves. It’s still hard to quantify how incredible this sanctuary is.”

Next Steps

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

You’re welcome to:

  • Express your interest
  • Ask any questions
  • Or simply take time to sense whether this experience feels right for you

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

Whangamata

Bespoke Coastal Retreats – Whangamatā

Create your own retreat experience by the sea.

These personalised retreats are designed for individuals, couples, friends, or small groups seeking rest, reconnection, and space to breathe. Set in beautiful Whangamatā, each retreat is thoughtfully tailored to your needs, energy, and intentions.

Your bespoke retreat may include:

• Yoga, pilates & mindful movement
• Breathwork & meditation
• Relaxation & nervous system support
• Bodywork or massage options
• Nourishing plant-based meals
• Retreat day, weekend, and accommodation options available
• Beach walks & nature connection
• Time to rest, reflect, and reset
• Creative or soulful experiences
• Sauna, spa or local wellness add-ons
• Space to simply be

Whether you’re looking for deep rest, personal renewal, meaningful connection, or a special shared experience, your retreat can be created to support what matters most to you.

Get in touch to explore the retreat format, accommodation, and experience that best suits you.