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

Bhakti & Beings

Thailand Yoga Retreat & Elephant Sanctuary Experience

23 June – 4 July 2027

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 nights in Chiang Mai with a seven-day volunteer immersion at Elephant Nature Park.

Retreat Structure

Chiang Mai – Wednesday 23 June – Monday 28 June 2027

5 Nights

Elephant Nature park – Monday 28 June – Sunday 4 July

6 nights | 7 days

The Elephant Nature Park programme concludes on Sunday 4 July. The group will then return to Chiang Mai, where participants are free to continue travelling independently or make their own arrangements to return home.

Investment

NZ$2,900 per person for a private room
NZ$2,750 per person for two people sharing a room

What’s Included

 Chiang Mai – 5 Nights

  • Five nights’ accommodation in Chiang Mai
  • Private room, or shared room for two people
  • Breakfast daily, plus complimentary fruit, juices and snacks
  • Guided yoga, meditation and functional breathwork
  • Sound bath / sound healing
  • Retreat workbook and reflection material
  • Access to the hotel’s wellness facilities
  • Airport transfer on arrival
  • Retreat-related transportation
  • Bhakti & Beings gifts and keepsakes
  • Emma’s teaching, guidance and support throughout the retreat

Elephant Nature Park – 7-Day Volunteer Program

  • Seven-day / six-night Elephant Nature Park volunteer programme
  • Accommodation and three meals daily
  • Morning yoga at Elephant Nature Park
  • Retreat-related transportation
  • Opportunities to work alongside the Elephant Nature Park team
  • Time to learn about the sanctuary and the rescued animals
  • Emma’s guidance and support throughout the experience

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
  • Lunch & Dinners in Chiang Mai
  • Optional Chiang Mai activities, excursions, spa treatments and massages 
  • Meals not specified above
  • Extended stays or independent travel beyond the retreat dates
  • Return airport transfer at end of retreat
  • Travel and cancellation 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, there will be a balance of morning yoga, meditation, functional breathwork and restorative practices, alongside plenty of spacious time to rest, explore, enjoy the spa or simply be. Optional experiences such as cooking classes, cycling or exploring Chiang Mai can be added if you wish.

At Elephant Nature Park, the pace and experience naturally changes. The focus becomes volunteering, service, learning and being present within the sanctuary. Morning yoga will continue to provide a quiet thread of practice through the experience, with simple evenings and time to absorb the day.

This isn’t an entertainment-focused retreat or a packed itinerary. It’s intentionally spacious, allowing room for rest, reflection, connection and meaningful experiences.

Yoga remains the thread throughout — but the experience extends well beyond the mat. This is a journey rooted in care, for ourselves, our 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 be for you if:

  • You’re drawn to travel that feels intentional, meaningful and connected.
  • You’re interested in experiencing Thailand beyond the usual tourist path.
  • You value yoga as a practice that extends beyond movement.
  • You’re curious about conscious travel, conservation and spending time in a way that feels respectful of the places and beings around you.
  • You appreciate a spacious, unhurried retreat, with time to rest, explore, reflect and simply be.
  • You’re comfortable with some simplicity during your time at Elephant Nature Park and open to participating in the volunteer experience.
  • You’re looking for connection — with yourself, with others, and with the natural world.
  • You don’t need to be an experienced yogi. All levels are welcome — you just need to be willing.

  • 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.