Thailand jungle retreat
Rest in Your Wild
Retreat, Rest, Discover Freedom of Spirit
Waitlist available now for January 2026
Email retreat@bodymindease.com to be the first to know of dates and details
I couldn’t have envisioned a more perfect way to start the year. Deep within the serenity of an ancient rainforest, led by brilliant, radiant teachers, I accessed parts of my heart that I’d long since forgotten. I was inspired by it all…the wilderness, the meditation, the freshest flavors of inimitable Thai cuisine, the Sanskrit chanting and - of course - the iRest Yoga Nidra. My gratitude for this experience will extend all year long.
K Sullivan
flow
Emerge each morning from your floating bungalow on a tranquil, jungle lake. Morning pranayama (breathing awareness), gentle yoga and meditation will open the body and senses to the exquisite untouched embrace of nature.
Still, freshwater is your playground. Ease into practices and teachings in the floating yoga space - as much or as little as you'd like - to the background cacophony of jungle life awakening with you. Kayak, swim, float on a tire tube, view wildlife, hike and linger over fresh, Thai food with herbs collected from the jungle. This is your retreat; enjoy it in your unique way.
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Afternoon sessions (all session are always optional) will take you deep into the somatic experience, the felt sense of your body, to release patterns of holding that are no longer serving you well physically or emotionally. Experience a sense of 'standing tall' with ease and grace, inside and out.
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An excursion further into the National park with a raft-boat lake tour and unforgettable cave meditation is included. A 2nd optional day excursion is available. A light evening dinner followed by a wisdom talk, body sensing or stargazing will leave you blissfully relaxed and nourished on all levels.
Teachings:
Once you have stepped through the doors of heightened and sensitized perception, the practices point you toward recognition of your Truth and Fullness of whom you are as both embodied and Infinite Awareness.
Daily practices help to stabilize the recognition and to ABIDE as ONE integrated whole. One mind, One heart, One Love.
Julie and Wai Ying engage the teachings of nondual yoga through practices that include meditative yoga movement, Somatic Essential Therapy, restorative yoga, Pranayama, iRest Yoga Nidra, and quiet periods for contemplation or meditation.
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Thai massage therapists will be available at reasonable prices every day to support your body and heart. All massage proceeds go directly to the massage therapist. They are among the best in Thailand and we are grateful for their return to our retreat each year.
This nourishing environment will be enhanced by quiet time from the closing of the evening program at 8:30 p.m. to the closing of the morning program at 7:00 a.m. Participants who wish to have more time in quietude will be supported with dedicated areas for silent practice.
The retreat will be free from alcohol or other intoxicants. Internet and telephone communication is not available at the venue. Unplug, kick back, and open to the rare opportunity to be held in nature, community, and compassionate leadership.
Environment
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Khlong Saeng Wildlife Sanctuary is a remote, beautiful lake in the interior of Southern Thailand in Surat Thani Province. Located on the edge of 739 sq. km Khao Sok National Park, The lake is hidden among towering limestone karst formations. The prehistoric jungle is part of a wildlife sanctuary that is home to gibbon apes, langur monkeys, giant hornbills, serpent eagles, and many other rare birds and animals. There are, however, almost no mosquitoes and no black flies.
The wildlife sanctuary is nestled in a 160 million-year-old rainforest where pristine, untouched beauty abounds! With bio-diversity said to be more rich than the Amazon, this is a trip of a lifetime!
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Jungle yoga, location, people and food are absolutely outstanding! I will never forget this experience here in Thailand! This restorative yoga week transformed my meditation practice.
Kathy B, Canmore, AB, Canada 10/10
The opportunity to experience the week in the jungle with a heartwarming community was unique, enlightening, and powerful. I have so much gratitude that I was able to be part of the fabric of experiencing nature in its purity, in such a peaceful part of the world. Having educated leaders to share their knowledge, teachings and experiences...WOW!!! -Carol Pinnington
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food/ accom
Accommodation is in simple floating bamboo jungalows/kutis, with one or two double to king size beds.
Freshly prepared Thai meals, prepared by our Thai host family, include wonderful fresh fruits, vegetables and delicacies from the jungle and local markets. Meals offer plenty of vegetables with eggs, fish, tofu, and occasionally chicken as main proteins.
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Our chefs have been cooking for Julie's retreat for over 15 years and have a high standard of food safety and quality. Many retreat particpants agree that the food on this retreat is some of the best they'll taste in Thailand.
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There is little to no gluten served, and no dairy products. Freshly pressed coffee and fresh tamarind tea is available each morning. The creamer for the coffee is coconut based - yum!
Purified drinking water, tea, cookies and fresh fruit are readily available day or night. Bring your refillable water bottle.
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Dietary restrictions, except for ketogenic, are happily accommodated.
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You will have a personal storage bin for snacks that you might bring with you.
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Lighting in the evening is provided by the moon and the stars. There is a small generator, usually on from 6:30pm - 10pm for lighting and outlets are available for charging a few necessary electrical items.
Some bungalows have a ensuite with toilet and shower, others share nearby bathrooms and shower areas. If you have a preference, please let us know. Many returning participants prefer the units without the bathroom because of the layout of the bungalow.
costs
$2050 CAD (approx. $2200 AUD or $1500 USD) Per person in double occupancy bungalow (one or two large beds upon request)
$2500 CAD(approx. $2700 AUD or $1800 USD) Single occupancy in private bungalow
Includes:
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7 nights accommodations
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3 meals per day
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unlimited tea, coffee and drinking water
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Registration fee
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Group transfer to/from Surat Thani airport
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Boat transfer from pier to venue
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Excursion; small hike, bamboo raft to a cave for a beautiful cave meditation (optional)
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Tuition
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Use of kayaks
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Linens, towels, and mosquito nets (there are very few, if any mosquitos but some prefer a net for added comfort)
The resort is reserved exclusively for our retreat. You will have access to all common areas and an amazing team of staff members who will support your retreat experience.
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Please ensure you also bring enough cash to cover personal expenses such as massage, park entrance fee and gift/clothing purchases. There are no currency exchange services at Surat Thani airport. You must exchange currency or withdraw from an ATM at the BKK airport if you haven’t done so earlier
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Deposits required to reserve your space:
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Double occupancy bungalow: (one or two beds upon request)
deposit $850 per person
balance payment $1200pp
total $2050 pp
Single occupancy bungalow:
deposit $1300 per person
balance payment $1200 pp
total $2500 pp
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Balance of payment required 60 days prior to retreat start date.
Refunds:
Payments are refundable up to 60 days prior to the retreat,, less an administration fee of $150 CAD pp.. All payments are non-refundable within 60 days of the retreat,
We strongly suggest you purchase travel cancellation insurance.*
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In the highly unlikely circumstance that the organizer has to cancel the event, all payments will be refunded, less $150 to help offset administration costs.
Forms of Payment: Payment will be accepted by major credit cards. Canadian residents also have the option to pay by e-transfer. Cheques from US bank accounts are accepted.
Not included: Flights, travel insurance, gratuity, extra drinks (tea, coffee and water included at no cost) , purchases from resort store (clothing, sunscreen, etc), massage**, National Park fee of 300THB (appx $12 CAD) to be paid in cash at the pier on the first day.
There are many options for travel and trip cancellation insurance.
1Check if your credit card includes trip cancellation insurance as a benefit. Watch for any length of stay limitations.
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payment guidelines
This retreat as the perfect combination of powerful spiritual teachings in a magical and utterly peaceful and beautiful setting.
Marcia
Getting there
The flight from Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport to Surat Thani is 1 hour. From the airport, there will be a group transfer vehicle waiting for you to take you on the 50 minute drive to the Pier at Ratchaprapa Dam and Wildlife Sanctuary.
From the pier, you will enjoy a 30-minute boat ride across a phenomenal lake to reach Praiwan Raft House (Jungle Yoga).
A shared transfer is provided from Surat Thani airport to the retreat venue and return. You will be responsible for the costs and arrangements if you require transfers different than the group transfers.
The shared transfers will be coordinated with the following flights on Vietjet Air.
Book at: www.airasia.com (The Vietjet website does not show these flight available,)
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Arrival Flight VZ350 (Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangok– Surat Thani)
(BKK – URT) 09:35 a.m -10:50 a.m
Return Flight VZ351
(URT - BKK) 11:45 - 13:00
Please note: Flight times above may be changed by the airline.
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If you will not be on these flights please let us know so we can arrange to meet you. On January 19th, if you are not flying into the Surat Thani airport, we can arrange to pick you up at the CBD* hotel in Surat Thani before picking up the others at the airport.
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On January 26th, the group departure boat will leave the retreat venue in the morning for the van ride to connect with the 11:45 a.m Vietjet Air flight to Bangkok .
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For those traveling onward to the South of Thailand or Koh Samui area, take the group transfer to Surat Thani and then you can continue on from there to the ferries, or to town to the local bus terminal. Please ensure that you have your onward travel arrangements sorted out before you arrive - it is busy and stressful at the airport at that time of year.
Sample schedule (except for mornings of excursion days) Participation is always optional.
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6:30 a.m - 7:00 a.m Morning group meditation to the symphony of the jungle awakening - and awaken to who you are before your thoughts about it.
7:00 - 8:00 a.m Gentle, therapeutic yoga and mindful movement
8:00 - 9:30 a.m Breakfast buffet
10:00 -11:45 a.m Somatic inquiry, Q&A, discussion, IRest Yoga Nidra
Noon - 1p.m Lunch
3:30 - 5:00 p.m Active inquiry exercises, may include iRest Yoga Nidra
7:30 Closing day reflection, meditaiton
8:00 quiet time
Schedule will change to accommodate excursions and flow of the group
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Thank-you, thank-you, thank-you! I came into the retreat not knowing what I wanted and leave with a sense of clarity and understanding deeper than anticipated. I have acquired tools to help me live a fuller, more grounded life, and am so grateful.
Lauren
Your Teaching Team
Julie Bohonos (Seibt) is an IAYT Certified Yoga Therapist and IRI Certified iRest® Teacher, mentor and supervisor as well as a teaching faculty member on the Trauma-Informed Yoga Psychology School, offering yoga teacher trainings to students around the world. Julie’s passion is to inspire others to listen to their inner wisdom as they journey along the path to optimal wellness in each stage of life. Julie has facilitated retreats in Thailand and other locations since 2008. She lived in Thailand for five years and is eager to share her favourite “cushy” and off-the-grid location with you. Julie has over 2 million listens on meditation apps such as Simple Habit. As a yoga therapist, Asian Bio-Energetic Therapist and Master Reiki Teacher, Julie brings a holistic, compassionate and mindful approach to well being. Julie is grateful to her primary teachers, Anne Douglas, Richard Miller, Steven Smith and Michele McDonald.
Wai Ying Tham (teaching team for 2026 to be confirmed)
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Wai Ying is deeply trained in various body-mind-heart modalities that she uses to guide groups and individuals back towards their inherent wholeness. Her interest in integrative wellness was the one constant that helped her navigate rounds of treatment for health challenges and to heal kindly. Since 2010 she founded and directed Reconnect Studio (formerly Reconnect Yoga) with the ethos that well-being practices need to be doable and accessible to the individual's current needs for them to be effective. It is this passion for moving well, being well-rested in one’s wholeness that she will bring to her retreat facilitation.
Certified Somatic Movement Educator (RSME)
Certified iRest Yoga Nidra Teacher
Advanced Level Restorative Yoga Teacher​
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Best teachers EVER, in a phenomenal location. The entire experience was so supportive and loving; a perfect combination of elements. Being off the grid really made a difference….loved it
C. Hemingson
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Experience Thailand through Personal Connection
Would you like an ideal 'Rainforest to Reef' Thailand experience? Consider following up this retreat with a luxurious beach sojourn with Julie.
Not only is it an exceptional way to visit an island where time seems to stand still, but will provide a gentle and joyful transition from deep retreat to your onward journeys.
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Julie's heart connection to the land and the people of Thailand developed through tsunami work and five years living in Thailand. You will be welcomed as family.
Julie's yoga cultivates loving-kindness, compassion, joy and equanimity. The jungle and fellow students complete the embrace. I was able to slow down and be present. Dan K, Chiang Mai,Thailand 10/10