Spiritual retreats to reconnect with yourself in Thailand

Thailand's tropical beaches, lush jungles and deeply spiritual Buddhist culture make it one of Asia's most dreamed-of yoga and spiritual destinations. Whether sunbathing on an island or meditating deep in the mountains of the north, here are the most uplifting yoga retreats in the land of smiles.

The best retreats and spiritual activities in Thailand

In Thailand, award-winning places to reconnect with your spirit and soul abound at every corner.

Yoga took root 5,000 years ago in the misty heat of India. The practice developed considerably from and around a strict spiritual discipline to cope with the daily stresses of life.

This practice encourages you to connect with yourself, to be fully aware and to learn how to breathe. You calm your senses and ground yourself. Yoga is a form of meditation where the body is balanced with breathing and movement. In Thailand, a range of yoga retreats and resorts offer classes with expert guides. Here are a few addresses:

Floating yoga at Aleenta Resort & Spa

In this spiritual place, you become one with your mind, body and soul. Aleenta Resort & Spa Phuket balances the body with instructor-led yoga sessions in the seaside pool. This luxury resort offers plenty of private space as well as its irresistible Ayurah Spa and wellness programme designed to invigorate all the senses.

Yoga classes at The Shore at Katathani

The Shore at Katathani, based in Phuket, is a unique place when it comes to luxury, and its yoga classes are among the most popular. They take place under the mood-building sun. For more action, there are also Thai boxing classes and a gym.

Museflower retreat in Chiang Rai

This yoga retreat allows you to live in slow motion, with a focus on sustainability and well-being. Spiritual sessions are led by experienced instructors in a range of yoga practices including Chi, Hatha and Vinyasa. Crystal healing classes (connecting with gemstones to realign the chakra), meditation sessions and meditative dance classes are other options on offer at this retreat.

There's nothing better than connecting with the natural world. Far from the cities, hidden away in a jungle or forest, some retreats are true havens of peace.

The salt treatment on Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta's award-winning Linger Longer spa, Layana Resort & Spa, offers a unique salt treatment. This hypoallergenic, hypobacterial room replicates the microclimate of natural salt caves during a thorough cleansing and 45-minute therapeutic period. All you have to do is sit back in your reclining chair, listen to relaxing music and breathe normally to rid your lungs of bacteria.

Nature-inspired luxury in Phuket

A sanctuary of peace, the Keemala Hotel welcomes guests to its Le Mala spa, spread across eight treatment rooms. Carefully curated to incorporate elements of earth, ocean, fire and air, this holistic approach is an idyllic sanctuary for wellbeing - expect traditional treatments, seaweed massages, rain with exotic scents, singing bowls. The magic continues with the resort's unique accommodation where guests are housed in bird's nest-like villas with private pools and sun terraces in the forest peaks of Phuket.

In Thailand, there are a number of resorts and retreats dedicated to meditation, creating the ideal space to concentrate and take time for yourself.

Kamalaya meditation retreat on Koh Samui

Sitting on a hilltop with a breathtaking view, you can let yourself be carried away by a powerful spiritual meditation at Kamalaya. A package includes healthy food, treatments and guided meditation sessions. You'll be encouraged to let go of stress and embark on a spiritual journey. Deeper, detox programmes are available for those looking to cleanse their bodies as well as their minds and even packages that focus on fitness and wellness for those who simply want to get fit.

Wat Suan Mokkh retreat

This is a retreat for those who really want to embark on a spiritual journey. For 10 days, you will have to remain completely silent and live in simple accommodation. There are no comforts in the house here. Throughout the day, you'll take part in guided meditation and yoga sessions, as well as immersive classes on Buddhism and its practices. This is an ideal retreat for those looking for an experience like no other.

Thailand is a veritable melting pot of culture and history, with majestic temples around every corner and an ever-welcoming local population living an intriguing and enriching life. While you're in the country, there are plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in the spiritual world, without having to try a retreat. Dive a little deeper into the humble life of a novice monk, walk in the footsteps of thousands before you at an ancient temple or consider getting a sacred tattoo at Wat Bang Phra temple.