November 5th- November 19th
2024
Join us for
the Adventure of
a Lifetime...
THAILAND
Wellness Adventures
Join Yoga Instructor and Thai Massage Therapist, Natalie Ritenour (and friends!), in paradise for an all inclusive 14 day trip of a lifetime to Chiang Mai, Chiang Dao, and Pai, Thailand! Amity Mead who has joined for most of the last 11 years is taking an extended break to be with friends and family during this time of year but she will be with us in spirit and will be back in Thailand very soon! We are excited to see what unfolds for her and what she will offer with her amazing talents and skills.
With the trip we have formulated over the past many years, you will experience what Thai culture has to offer as a gateway to health and happiness. Enjoy the amazing fire lantern festival of Loi Khratong. Receive seven unique Thai massage treatments (one every other day!) to have you feeling your most vibrant. Practice yoga daily.Walk in wisdom with the monks and rub trunks with elephants. Connect with wonderful people for an unforgettable experience in the golden wellness capital of Asia.
This is the 12th year hosting this unique international adventure vacation in wellness! Every year it gets even better and that's because we have invested so much of our hearts and souls into wanting you to fall in love with Thailand, just as we did.
Daily wellness practice and meditation classes set the tone as we indulge in some of the world’s yummiest activities. Fruit markets filled with sticky rice and mango treats will be followed by a cooking course where you can go “green” by learning how to make delicious dishes like green papaya salad and green curry from scratch.
Part of this trip will be spent exploring the city of Chiang Mai which boasts the most amount of temples per square mile of any city in the world! Monks float by barefoot, receiving alms, as they prepare for the festival of Loi Khatrong, which we will celebrate by releasing lanterns into the sky and floating rafts of flowers down the rivers. Parades, temple offerings and celebrations ensue as the whole city cleanses it’s karma and sets intentions.
The other half of the trip is in the countryside outside of Chiang Mai, which is quintessential Thailand. Here we activate in nature with hiking explorations, elephant visits, and river rafting. The journey takes us to the magical teak and bamboo forest of Chiang Dao where we are always spoiled by chef O and her crew at the Nest as they prepare some of the most amazing Thai and fusion cuisine on this planet! During the days we hike up to cave temples to hear monks chanting, visit local hot springs and waterfalls, take a local hill tribe classroom on a field trip, and get incredible massages. In Pai we will enjoy a rolling river, canyons, more hot springs, and a lazy village town that has some of the best laid back feel in Thailand!
The markets of Chiang Mai are worth the trip alone. We will explore Wararot Market , the best place to find Thai fisherman pants, funky hats and purses, and the best Khao Soi soup (northern thai curry noodle soup!) hidden deep within the ground floor…LOCALS ONLY! Around the corner we can bathe in the colors of the hill tribe market tucked away in a maze of woven fabrics. Amazing flower markets also line the river just outside.
Last but not least, the famous Saturday and Sunday Walking Night Markets – no words to describe! You just have to experience them. Shop til you literally “drop” onto a mattress inside the market for a reflexology foot massage (and yes, if you are lucky they will use a wooden stick on you!).
Think of all the money you could save by doing your shopping here supporting the locals amidst the colorful streets of textiles, arts, and crafts. Sign up for our trip…and then come home completely rejuvenated bearing gifts for your loved ones from a wonderful new place in the world!
Chiang Mai is considered to be the wellness capital of Asia. Found in the north of Thailand in the “golden triangle” bordering Burma and Laos, it is a dreamland of ancient architecture, tribal villages, lush jungles, mountain top temples, coconuts, endless rice fields and the friendliest people on earth.
Thailand Wellness Adventures is proud to host this amazing retreat in this favorite “paradise” location. Natalie and Amity have studied extensively in this region of Thailand and feel very honored to show you the best of the best in healing, cuisine, historical sites, nature, and shopping. Spend each day practicing mixed level wellness practices (yoga, qi gong, meditation) to boost your energy levels to keep you moving and grooving, hiking and hunting for treasures such as exotic fruit, the best Pad Thai on earth, and coconut cream puff treats that will melt in your mouth. In your free time hang with the locals for soup in the old walled city, get another amazing massage, or sneak a peek at a drag queen show at the famous Night Bazaar.
Thailand Wellness Adventures 2024
Included for a 14 night vacation getaway:
*Daily Physical, Mental and Spiritual practices to give you techniques and tools to face anything life throws at you. Some examples are Yoga, Guided Meditation, Intention Setting, Karma Yoga Service Project, and Chanting
*Airport pick up and drop off at CNX
*Accommodations (see descriptions below)
*2 meals a day breakfast and or lunch/dinner (sometimes all 3!)
*one drink included in each meal
*Transportation to and from all excursions.
*7 unique Thai healing massage treatments (2 hour full body, herbal steam balls, foot reflexology, Doxen, etc.)
*Elephant Nature Park Affiliates Visit, Night Markets
*Temple Tours and Cooking Course
*Other activities may include rafting, biking and hiking
NOT Included for a 14 night vacation getaway:
*The cost for meals on arrival day which is Nov.5th
*Room or laundry services
*Extra drinks and alcohol (one drink is included with each meal but not alcohol)
*Tips for room service, massages, guide and drivers.
*Extra treatments outside of the 7 you will receive on trip.
Checklist (all optional except passport!):
*Passport Valid within 6 months of arrival (PLEASE CHECK)
*Check for updated vaccines with local healthcare provider (no specific requirements)
*Headlamp/flashlight
*Yoga Mat/10ft strap
*Mosquito Spray
*No extra adapters are necessary for travel but some people prefer to have special plugs for Asia and surge protection but not necessary. But, your plugs will go into the sockets there so nothing special is required. The voltage is different but most devices convert.
*A bit of cash is nice to have on hand for best rates (large new crisp 100US bills prefered) but money can be easily be taken out of ATMs if you don't mind paying bank fees.
*Kids crafts for Hilltribe Karma Yoga Project (crayons, coloring books, pens, stickers, tattoos, anything creative for art projects for kids 8-12yrs).
*Reusable container, waterbottle, utensils and straw
*Hairdyers are provided in hotels.
*Light wrap or shawl to cover shoulders in temples (can be bought there easily but we hit the temples pretty quickly!).
*No raincoat is necessary but we usually get one light sprinkle during the trip, if that!
*The weather is warm but at nights in countryside can be slightly chilly
Rates:
Sign up before April 1st to receive our Early Bird price:
Double Occupancy- $2,750
Single Occupancy- $3,250
(SAVE $300)
Sign up after APRIL 1st:
Double Occupancy- $3.050
Single Occupancy- $3,550
* Per Person, Airfare not included
* Prices in $USD
*$500 deposit due upon sign up
Payment:
A $500 non-refundable deposit upon sign up is guaranteed to hold your spot. The final payment is due October 1st. Contact us directly to make payments/deposits electronically or via check.
Accommodations:
SUGAR CANE, Chiang Mai- Located just outside the old walled city near the Chiang Mai (north) gate and its daily and nightly markets. Sugar Cane has a beautiful pool, restaurant with excellent coffee, and a fun casual ambience. Fun fact, the owners are the same at THE NEST! We love their top quality food and good vibes.
PRIPTA, Pai- Located above stretches of waving rice fields and a lazy river. This hotel has private hot springs tub behind each room with peaceful views out over the valley of Pai. Elegant tranquility.
THE NEST, Chiang Dao- Located near the end of the road nestled at the foot of the mountain and a golden cave temple. Cozy bamboo bungalows amidst lush forest and an incredible restaurant serving delicious French and Thai cuisine. Pool with mountain views.
Schedule of Events:
PREARRIVAL - Depart at least a day in advance to arrive on TUESDAY the 5th of Nov. from North America to arrive in Chiang Mai early to be ready to start the trip officially on the 6th. You can fly into Bangkok and take a domestic flight up to Chiang Mai (if you get in early enough to connect)…or you can fly directly to Chiang Mai. We recommend flying through Seoul on Korean Air to Chiang Mai as a good option.
Meals for arrival day (5th) and any day before are not included in the trip but the rooms are reserved for the any extra prearrival nights you request and we do pick you up and schedule you for a massage as soon as possible (included!) We personally feel we need a couple days to just do nothing and acclimatize from the big time difference (15hrs). The arrival day is for settling in and restoring after traveling. Participants will be arriving at various times, even several days prior. What is included is your pick up from airport, welcome package, a great orientation map, and your first Thai massage! You may do some light walking to get oriented with our neighborhood just outside the old walled city of Chiang Mai, and get settled into your hotel at the SUGAR CANE. Take a dip in the pool to celebrate arriving from the plane journey! Please book your ticket in advance so we can reserve the rooms for your early arrival if you choose to arrive before the 5th which most people will need (unless coming from Asia already).
ARRIVAL DAY - Nov 5th -TUES, CHIANG MAI
Airport Pick up drop off at Sugar Cane Hotel
Rest and Rejuvinate with Full Body 2 hr Thai Massage
Meals not included this day (flexible schedule with people arriving at all different times) but don't worry we will guide you!
DAY ONE–Nov.6th – WED, CHIANG MAI
Early Bird visit to Wat Chedi Luang
Morning Wellness Practice
Breakfast
Cooking Course
Relax Foot Massages
DAY TWO – Nov.7th– THURS, Chiang Mai to PAI
Early Bird visit to give alms to monks
Morning Wellness Practice
Breakfast
Monk Chat with Prah Jolie at Wat Suan Dok
Snack at Pun Pun
Drive to Pai ( aprox. 3 hours)
Check in at Pripta hotel and soak in your private tubs for sunset
Dinner at Pripta
DAY THREE – Nov. 8th– FRI, PAI
Wellness Practice at Pripta
Breakfast
Relax Spa Day
Dinner
DAY FOUR – Nov. 9th– SAT, PAI
Wellness Practice Pripta
Breakfast
White Buddha
Sunset Look out at Pai Canyon
Saturday Night Market
DAY FIVE – Nov. 10th – SUN, PAI
Wellness Practice Pripta
Breakfast
Adventure Excursion (TBA!)
Dinner
DAY SIX– Nov. 11th – MON, PAI
Wellness Practice at Pripta
Breakfast
Relax Spa Day
Sound bath
DAY SEVEN – Nov. 12th– TUES Pai - CHIANG DAO
Wellness Practice Pripta
Breakfast
Drive to Chiang Dao and check into The NEST hotel
Relax
Massages
Moogata Thai Barbeque at O's famouse Nest 2
DAY EIGHT – Nov. 13th – WED, CHIANG DAO
Yoga at the Nest Pavilion
Walking Meditation to Cave Temples
Breakfast
Waterfall and Hot Springs
Late Afternoon Cup of Tea and Yoga with Hill Tribe Children
Dinner at Nest 2 Thai Family Style
Evening Chant with Monks 7:30pm
DAY NINE – Nov. 14th – THURS, CHIANG DAO - CHIANG MAI
Early Bird Sun Salutes/Meditation in Cave
Breakfast
Drive to Chiang Mai and on way back visit elephants!
Elephant Nature Park and Affiliate Education Program
Lunch at park
Doi Sutep for chanting with monks begins at sunset
Pad Tai on street
DAY TEN – Nov. 15th – FRI, CHIANG MAI
Wellness Practice
Breakfast
Basket Making
FULL MOON RISE
Boat Ride/Dinner/Float Baskets
3 Kings
Wat Chedi Luang lighting of the Chedi 9pm
DAY ELEVEN – Nov. 16th - SAT, CHIANG MAI
Wellness Practice
Breakfast
Massages
Sunset at Doi Suhket
LOI KHRATONG LANTERN FESTIVAL VIEWS
Palace Dinner
BIG PARADE
DAY TWELVE– Nov.17th – SUN, CHIANG MAI
Wellness Practice
Breakfast
Sunday Night Market
Dinner in Market
Foot Massages in Market!
DAY THIRTEEN– Nov. 18h - MON, CHIANG MAI
Wellness Practice
Breakfast
Massages
Maladhara Closing Ceremonies with Ploy
Special Event at Ram Bar - Party Time!
DAY FOURTEEN - Nov.19th - TUES, CHIANG MAI
Wellness Practice
Breakfast
DEPARTURE DAY
***Schedule subject to change
CONTACT US NOW TO BOOK FOR THIS YEAR’S TRIP!
Visit us on Facebook at Thailand Wellness Adventures and watch our video below to get a glimpse of the adventure!
They knew every nook & cranny in Chiang Mai. It was such a luxurious treatment to be with them in Chiang Mai. I’m normally not one for group trips, follow a guide around, etc. But Amity & Natalie definitely have it down & they offer such a unique, down to earth travel experience. I never felt removed from the culture as a tourist, yet I always felt part of it. Waking up to daily yoga was an amazing start to the day and incredibly relaxing way of life for our 2 weeks together. They set us up in the most wonderful yoga studio I have ever practiced yoga in. They both brought their different yoga styles to the studio, so every day was a new practice and we built our practice as the trip went on.
It was such an amazing & unique experience, I feel so lucky to have been a part of. I can’t Thank Amity & Natalie enough for sharing their beautiful Thailand with me!
-Leah Brown, San Francisco, CA- 2012
This trip was amazing. The food was fabulous! The coffee... delicious. I loved the daily variations of yoga, meditation and massage. The excursions were wonderful and so different I was never disappointed. I have been asked what was your favorite part? All I think of is... all of it was my favorite. I also love the fact you were free to step away from the group if you needed your own down time. The people of Thailand stole my heart. Our drivers and guide were nothing short of spectacular! Our hosts are precious and the new friendships priceless. I think I have already recruited a few people for 2019! Jump on this adventure before it fills up. Love to you all. I am still reeling from it!
-Amy Brown Sievert, Portland, OR- 2018
I have traveled to dozens of sites all over the world and my trip to Thailand with Amity and Natalie was one of the best experiences of my life. Every experience that they created for us was over the top. They were fun, organized, loving, inspirational and offered us fantastic yoga, meals and adventures every day. I have told everyone about their Thai adventure….it is not to be missed. I would be repeating the same trip if it were not for family responsibilities this year.
-Valerie Gerard, Santa Barbara, CA -2013
I've always wanted to go to Thailand and when I met Nathalie 1 year ago there was an instant attractions to go and experience this adventure, then once there I met Amity and there as well an instant connections and the adventure began. All was plan for us and all you have to think about is getting out of bed in time to go do yoga, then all the activities, the lantern festival, the elephant park the river rafting , the many temples, cooking course and so on. Since I was the only guy there I was a little nervous but that went away in a flash our group was amazingly friendly and I loved being with every single one of them, so if your a guy reading this I can tell you go for it you will cherish these memories forever and have new friends as well, and you know i guess I could say I had my own personal Harem!! lol go for it you won't regret it. I myself will most likely be going again in a couple of years. Thank you Natalie and Amity for making this a trip of a lifetime, love you both:)
-Marko LeClerc, Ontario- 2018
It had always been one of my dreams to go to Thailand and I think it was fate that led me to Natalie in Mexico
and subsequently to 2 of the most perfect weeks I have ever had. I can't think of anything that would have
made this trip better except to have it last longer. Natalie and Amity were amazing guides, mentors and
friends. They were always upbeat and delightful to be with; had unlimited patience for our endless questions or
requests - or indeed occasional inept tourist issues. The Yoga each morning was a perfect start to the
adventures of the day. Their knowledge of the places we visited was so welcome and made everything seamless.
The places where we stayed were beautiful and the food beyond belief. They really had thought of everything
to make us feel loved and looked after and like a sweet little family.
Sometimes you wonder if the itinerary promised could be as good as it sounds on paper. I practically drooled when I first read about this trip and wondered if it could possibly be that wonderful. It absolutely exceeded my expectations.
I can't thank the heavenly duo of Natalie and Amity enough for giving me the gift of this perfect trip. I truly hope to
return another year and have this become a blissful recurring dream. Sawatdee kha
-Annabel Kershaw-Vancouver BC- 2015
I participated in this wonderful adventure this past November/December. And I'm still on a high! This trip met and EXCEEDED my expectations. The venues we stayed at, the food, the activities, the amazing group of people I met (BEST THAILAND GROUP EVER)! But most of all, our 2 amazing hosts: Amity and Natalie. They are 2 of the most caring individuals I have ever met. I'm already looking forward to joining you again.
-Nathalie Wolfe, Toronto, Ontario- 2018
