FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
For 5 and 7 Day Retreats
Here you can find some of the frequently asked questions for our retreats. We will continuously add your questions to this website. Therefore it’s always a great idea to contact us and ask if you would like to know something. If you are not sure about our program, you can ask us anytime. While you can easily contact us through our website, you can also send an email to [encode link=”mailto:info@phuket-meditation.com”]info@phuket-meditation.com[/encode]. Moreover, you can reach us through various social media channels, such as Facebook or Instagram.
Accommodation is not included in our classic retreat program. The reason for this is simple: You can make flexible choices that suit your budget! Throughout the past we have observed that many of our guests already have their accommodation nearby. Besides, we are quite close to the famous fitness and health street “Soi Ta-ied” and a lot of people appreciate to have a choice of combining their daily training with our retreat. This setup also allows you to regulate the level of intensity of the retreat. Not everyone is ready to go 100% from the start and commit fully to the program.
Absolutely, refunds are possible under specific circumstances. For detailed information and specifics, we encourage you to review our refund and returns policy, which outlines the terms and conditions comprehensively.
In essence, you are eligible for a full refund if you cancel your booking at least 90 days before the event commences. If the cancellation falls between 90 to 30 days before the event, you may qualify for a partial refund. However, cancellations made less than 30 days before the event will not be eligible for any refunds.
We strongly advise reviewing the complete policy for a thorough understanding of the refund process and its conditions before finalizing your booking. Should you have any further inquiries or require clarification, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Once you’ve completed the registration form, you’ll be redirected to our secure payment gateway powered by Stripe to make your online deposit payment. This deposit is required to secure your reservation for the retreat. Upon successful completion of the payment, you’ll receive a confirmation email to verify your reservation. If you don’t see the confirmation email in your inbox, please check your spam folder to ensure it hasn’t been filtered incorrectly.
Following the payment, we’ll register you for the retreat and promptly send you a confirmation email containing all the necessary details for your participation in the upcoming event. Typically, you should receive an automatic confirmation email shortly after completing your booking. However, if you don’t receive it within a few minutes, it could be due to an incorrect email address entry or the email being filtered into your spam folder.
Should you encounter any issues or not receive the confirmation email, please don’t hesitate to contact us directly. We’re here to assist you every step of the way and ensure a seamless booking process for your retreat experience.
Our retreat embraces flexibility, offering you the opportunity to personalize your experience with silence according to your own needs and desires. It’s not a strictly silent retreat, but we provide the option for you to immerse yourself in silence as much as you choose. Whether it’s for a few hours, a day, or even the entire week, you can indicate your preference for silence with a special card we provide. This way, you can engage with silence on your own terms, allowing for a deeply personal exploration of quietude without the constraint of enforced silence across the board.
Our morning excursions are a highlight of each day, offering an opportunity to immerse ourselves in the natural beauty and serenity of Phuket. We venture to some of the most breathtaking and sacred locations on the island, where we meditate amidst cliffs, beaches, temples, and other stunning landscapes as the sun rises.
The morning begins with a guided meditation session followed by a refreshing cup of tea and insightful teachings for the day. Following this, you’ll have time for quiet reflection, allowing you to explore the surroundings, bask in the morning sun, or engage in personal contemplation. Should you seek personalized guidance, private discussions with the teacher are also available during this time. We then return to the resort for a nourishing breakfast, ready to embark on the day’s meditation journey.
Absolutely, we understand that online registration forms might not be suitable for everyone. If you prefer a more traditional approach, we’re more than happy to assist you through other means. Whether you prefer reaching out via email or giving us a call, you can find our contact details on our website’s contact page. Additionally, you can also send us a message on WhatsApp using the green chat button located at the bottom right corner of the screen.
Our team is here to support you every step of the way in securing your spot for the upcoming retreats. Feel free to reach out to us with any questions or if you need assistance with the registration process. We’re here to help!
Rest assured, we prioritize the security and privacy of our guests’ information by partnering with trusted, privacy-conscious, and encrypted payment gateways. Your personal and payment details are safeguarded through established security protocols to ensure confidentiality and peace of mind throughout the booking process.
We take the protection of your data seriously, and our commitment to your privacy is paramount. For a comprehensive overview of our privacy practices, please refer to our privacy policy. If you have any inquiries regarding specific procedures or require further clarification, please feel free to reach out to us via email at [encode link=”mailto:info@phuket-meditation.com”]info@phuket-meditation.com[/encode]. We’re here to address any concerns and provide assistance as needed.
Registration for our retreats usually takes place on the arrival day between 2:00pm and 4:30pm. To ensure a smooth start, arriving at your accommodation at least an hour before registration is advisable. However, arriving a day earlier is often the best strategy for many, allowing you some time to unwind and settle in before the retreat starts. For those traveling from afar, adjusting to the local time zone is very helpful; we suggest arriving as many days in advance as the hours of time difference to mitigate jet lag. This also presents a wonderful opportunity to explore the island’s beauty and tranquility before beginning your inward journey. In essence, you have three optimal arrival strategies:
- Arrive at least 1 hour before registration.
- Arrive a day early to relax and adjust.
- Arrive with enough time to fully rest and acclimate, especially if you’re managing a significant time difference.
At times, guests inquire about the “free times” in our schedule, a concept that may seem unfamiliar in a world accustomed to constant activity and distraction. Many individuals feel uneasy when faced with moments of idleness, conditioned to associate productivity with every passing second. Yet, within the sanctuary of our retreat, we invite you to rediscover the art of simply being.
Imagine a bottle filled with murky water. How would you clear the sediment and allow the water to settle? Surprisingly, the solution does not lie in manipulating the bottle but rather in gently setting it down, allowing nature to take its course. Similarly, we encourage you to relinquish the urge to constantly stir the waters of your mind. Instead, embrace the stillness, allowing clarity to emerge naturally.
During these free intervals, we urge our guests to indulge in rest, to savor the sights and sounds of nature, and to relish in simple pleasures like a cup of tea or a leisurely stroll. Embrace the opportunity to pause, to connect with the present moment, and to fully inhabit the richness of life. Here, amidst the tranquil embrace of our retreat, you have permission to release the burdens of busyness and immerse yourself in the profound simplicity of existence.
It is often within these moments of quiet reflection that profound transformations occur. We encourage you to embrace the freedom found in surrendering to the ebb and flow of the present moment, allowing the gentle rhythm of life to guide your journey.
Participation in our retreats depends significantly on your mental health stability. We aim to create a safe and supportive environment for all attendees, but for the safety and well-being of everyone involved, we’re unable to accommodate individuals experiencing severe mental health challenges, including acute suicidal ideation, deep depression, schizophrenia, severe trauma, or extreme insomnia, among others.
If your condition is less severe, we would require a preliminary conversation to better understand your needs and assess how the retreat might impact you. It’s crucial to disclose any mental health conditions during this discussion, as there have been participants with diagnosed psychological disorders who have found our retreats beneficial. We’re committed to inclusivity while ensuring the safety and positive experience of all attendees, so please reach out to us directly with any concerns or questions about your specific situation. Your well-being is our priority, and we’re here to guide you through determining if a retreat is right for you at this time.
Yes, WiFi is available for those moments when you absolutely need to connect for work or essential communications. However, embracing the retreat fully means embracing the chance to connect deeply with yourself. This retreat is designed as an opportunity for introspection and rejuvenation, away from the digital buzz and the constant demands of the outside world.
We encourage you to view this time as a digital detox, a chance to turn off the external noise and tune into your inner silence and peace. The retreat experience is about disconnecting from the internet and reconnecting with your inner self. We find that participants who commit to this disconnection often discover a profound sense of presence and appreciation for life beyond the screen.
If the thought of being without digital devices and social media for a few days feels daunting, it might be worth considering how integral these tools have become to your daily existence. The retreat offers a beautiful challenge: to see that not only is it possible to thrive without constant digital stimulation, but it is also deeply rewarding. Time and again, we witness participants rediscovering the simple joys of life away from screens, a reminder of the beauty that surrounds us when we look up and look within.
So, while WiFi is there if you need it, we invite you to give yourself the gift of truly unplugging. You might be surprised by how liberating and fulfilling it is to experience life’s beauty without a filter, to awaken to the richness of the world and the depths of your own being, unmediated by a screen.
Our retreat schedule is thoughtfully designed to balance deep meditation practices with periods of rest and reflection, ensuring a holistic experience that nurtures both mind and body. For a detailed look at what each day offers, from morning mindfulness sessions to evening reflections, we invite you to explore our schedule. Discover the rhythm of our retreats and how each activity contributes to a journey of self-discovery and inner peace.
This retreat is indeed perfect for beginners, offering a welcoming and supportive environment for those new to meditation. Our program is specifically designed to cater to individuals with little to no experience, ensuring a gentle yet profound introduction to meditation practices. However, it’s not just beginners who find value in our retreats. Thanks to our tailored approach, which includes small group sizes and personalized guidance, meditators at all levels of experience can find depth and growth here. We’ve welcomed guests from a variety of backgrounds, each leaving with transformative insights and experiences. Whether you’re taking your first steps into meditation or seeking to deepen your practice, our retreat offers the space, guidance, and community to support your journey.
While our retreat is indeed welcoming and beneficial for beginners and those looking to deepen their practice, we understand it might not align with the preferences of all advanced practitioners. Specifically, those who thrive in solitude, seek the profound silence of temple environments, or prefer a highly introverted setting may find our retreat’s communal and interactive approach different from their usual practice. Our retreat offers a balance of guidance, group interaction, excursions and personal reflection, which may not suit those seeking an exclusively silent, solitary meditative experience.
We value diverse paths and acknowledge that our retreat’s environment, designed to foster both community and individual exploration, might not meet the needs of every seasoned meditator. If your practice thrives in quietude and minimal external interaction, we encourage you to consider this when deciding if our retreat is the right fit for your journey.
During this retreat, you’ll embark on a comprehensive journey into the art and science of meditation. You’ll learn the foundational principles of mindfulness and how to apply them to your daily life, aiming for a transformative experience that enhances self-awareness and inner peace. The retreat covers various meditation techniques, including concentrative meditation for developing focus and insight meditation for deeper understanding of the mind and emotions. Additionally, you’ll explore practices that cultivate kindness, compassion, and personal growth, integrating them into a holistic approach to well-being.
The program is structured to offer both theoretical knowledge and practical application, ensuring that you gain hands-on experience under the guidance of experienced teachers. You’ll have the opportunity to practice meditation in a supportive group setting while also receiving personalized instruction tailored to your level of experience and personal goals.
Beyond meditation techniques, the retreat emphasizes developing a mindful lifestyle that supports sustained personal development and well-being. You’ll leave with a toolkit of practices you can integrate into your daily routine, along with the insights and inspiration to continue your journey towards a more mindful, peaceful, and fulfilling life.
To ensure a meaningful and profound retreat experience, we’ve established a set of guidelines that, while not strict rules, are designed to enhance your journey with us. These guidelines are crafted with the intention of deepening your retreat experience and helping you to connect more deeply with the practice of mindfulness.
- Embrace Silence: We encourage the cultivation of silence and mindful speech. Engaging in silence helps to foster a deeper connection with your inner self and enhances the meditative experience.
- Digital Detox: To maximize your presence and focus, we recommend disconnecting from digital entertainment. The constant distractions from phones and the internet can significantly detract from the immersive experience we aim to provide.
- Limit Reading and Note-taking: While the desire to capture every moment and insight is understandable, we find that fully immersing in the experience without the distraction of reading or note-taking fosters a deeper engagement with the practice.
- Moderate Activity: While physical activities like walking and swimming are encouraged, we suggest keeping your lifestyle during the retreat more contained and introspective, avoiding extensive touring or excursions that could disrupt your internal focus.
- Abstain from Intoxicants: To maintain clarity of mind and enhance your meditation practice, we advise against the use of intoxicants during the retreat.
Following these guidelines helps create a conducive environment for all participants, fostering a space where mindfulness and personal growth can flourish. While these are recommendations rather than strict rules, adhering to them can significantly enrich your retreat experience, leading to deeper insights and a more fulfilling journey.
Our morning excursions are a highlight of each day, offering an opportunity to immerse ourselves in the natural beauty and serenity of Phuket. We venture to some of the most breathtaking and sacred locations on the island, where we meditate amidst cliffs, beaches, temples, and other stunning landscapes as the sun rises.
The morning begins with a guided meditation session followed by a refreshing cup of tea and insightful teachings for the day. Following this, you’ll have time for quiet reflection, allowing you to explore the surroundings, bask in the morning sun, or engage in personal contemplation. Should you seek personalized guidance, private discussions with the teacher are also available during this time. We then return to the resort for a nourishing breakfast, ready to embark on the day’s meditation journey.
Yes, we offer daily Yoga classes during the afternoon. If you’ve included Yoga sessions in your retreat package, you’re all set to join—just remember to bring comfortable and modest attire suitable for practice. We provide clean mats and Yoga blocks for your convenience. For those who haven’t booked Yoga sessions in advance, you’re still welcome to participate in the classes for a fee of 300 THB, which even includes a fresh coconut at the end of each session. It’s a wonderful way to enhance your retreat experience, combining meditation with the physical and mental benefits of Yoga.
Yes, absolutely! Our Yoga classes are designed to be accessible and beneficial for participants of all levels, including beginners. With a small group size, our experienced teacher is able to provide personalized attention, ensuring that each participant can practice at their own pace and level of comfort. This personalized approach allows for everyone, regardless of their experience with Yoga, to find value and progress in their practice. So, whether you’re trying Yoga for the first time or looking to deepen your existing practice, our classes are structured to support and enhance your journey.
We keep our group sizes to a cozy 10-15 people, ensuring a personalized and intimate setting for learning and growth. This small group approach fosters a warm atmosphere conducive to significant personal development, allowing for individual attention from our teacher. Such a setting is essential for providing personalized guidance and private tuition opportunities, factors that have been key to the remarkable progress and success of our participants. We are dedicated to making sure each person who joins us can fully immerse in and benefit from the retreat experience, something we believe is best achieved in a close-knit, supportive environment.
Absolutely, we strive to accommodate your dietary preferences and needs within the constraints of our capabilities. Our retreats feature a delightful array of Thai vegetarian dishes, with meat options also available for those who prefer them. However, due to our collaboration with a resort and the limitations of their kitchen, our ability to cater to all specific dietary conditions is limited.
While we endeavor to meet your needs as much as possible, we appreciate your understanding that certain requests may be a bit challenging to fulfill. We encourage you to share any dietary restrictions or allergies with us at registration, and we’ll do our utmost to accommodate you, keeping open communication to manage expectations and ensure your experience is as enjoyable as possible.
Certificates are not provided, as our certification journey extends beyond a simple course, requiring years of dedicated study and practice under the mentorship of a qualified teacher. This path is rooted in deep, transformative practice and personal development, designed for those committed to truly embodying the principles of spiritual training.
You’re certainly free to explore, but keep in mind that our retreat is designed as an immersive journey into mindfulness and inner peace. While Phuket’s allure is undeniable, we suggest prioritizing your retreat experience. Our daily morning excursions offer a taste of the local beauty without compromising your meditative focus. We’ve crafted our program to facilitate deep relaxation and introspection.
For those eager to explore Phuket’s vibrant culture and landscapes, consider arriving a few days before the retreat. This approach allows you to satisfy your wanderlust and then fully commit to the tranquility and transformative potential of our retreat. Our aim is for you to leave feeling rejuvenated, centered, and more in tune with yourself, which is best achieved through quiet reflection and participation in our structured activities.
To maximize your experience and growth within this program, the key lies in wholehearted engagement and mindfulness. Listen attentively to the teacher and follow our guidance with precision. Our advice stems from years of practice and observation, continuously refined by both our experiences and the valuable feedback we receive from participants like you.
A significant catalyst for deepening your practice is to disconnect from all forms of digital entertainment for the duration of the retreat. This commitment alone can greatly enhance your focus and receptiveness to the meditation techniques and teachings we offer.
Above all, the most critical element is your motivation and sense of purpose. The intensity of your inner drive and the clarity of your intention are what fuel your journey and determine the depth of transformation possible. Embrace this opportunity with an open heart and a dedicated spirit, and you’ll find yourself making profound strides in your practice.
Our passion for meditation is the heart of why we host retreats. For us, it’s not just an activity but a way of life that brings immense joy and fulfillment. Sharing this transformative practice and witnessing its profound impact on others—enhancing happiness, wellbeing, and freedom from stress—is genuinely rewarding. These retreats are our way of contributing to what truly matters in life, ensuring that our journey and yours are meaningful, honest, and impactful. We cherish the opportunity to guide others in discovering the power of a well-trained mind, making every moment of this journey worthwhile.
No need to worry if sitting cross-legged isn’t comfortable for you. We provide folding chairs at the retreat, ensuring everyone can find a comfortable way to participate in the meditation sessions, regardless of their preferred sitting style. Comfort and ease in your practice are paramount to us. However, if mobility is a significant issue, such as being unable to walk or only being able to move with crutches, it might be wise to postpone your retreat participation. We recommend waiting until your mobility improves to fully engage and benefit from the retreat experience.
If you’re uncertain about whether your condition will allow you to join our retreat, or if you haven’t found the information you need on this page, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us directly. We’re more than willing to assist with any questions you may have. Our goal is to ensure that every participant can have a meaningful and comfortable experience, so we’re here to provide the clarity and support you need to make an informed decision.
To ensure you have a fulfilling and comfortable experience at our retreat, we suggest bringing along a few essential items:
- A Hat: Protect yourself from the sun during outdoor activities. If you don’t have one, Phuket offers plenty of options to purchase.
- Sunscreen: SPF 30 to SPF 50 is recommended to safeguard your skin from the sun’s rays, readily available in Phuket if needed.
- Wind and Rain Protection: Be prepared for rain or cooler weather with suitable clothing.
- A Diary and Pen: Keep a journal to reflect on your experiences and jot down insights.
- Natural Mosquito Spray: To keep the bugs at bay, consider bringing a natural option, which you can also find locally in Phuket.
If you’re still in the process of selecting your accommodation for the retreat, we encourage you to explore the options we’ve highlighted on our accommodation page. Here, you’ll find a list of recommended resorts and hotels within walking distance of our program location at Coco Retreat Resort & Spa. Staying nearby can enhance your retreat experience by making it easy to attend sessions and activities.
Should you choose to stay a bit further from the retreat center, please note that you’ll be responsible for arranging your own transportation. Fortunately, scooters, bicycles, and cars are readily available for rent throughout the area, offering convenient options to reach us daily
No special clothing is required for our retreat, but comfort and respect for local culture are key. Opt for loose-fitting clothing that allows easy movement and sitting, such as relaxed training clothes perfect for cross-legged positions. In Thailand, modesty is appreciated, so avoid overly revealing attire like miniskirts, hot pants, tank tops, and other clothes that are too suggestive for a meditation retreat setting.
During our morning temple visits, dressing appropriately is important. While the color of your clothes isn’t crucial, if it matters to you, white or bright colors are suggested for their positive, uplifting vibe.
For footwear, flip-flops, sandals, or comfortable shoes suitable for warm weather are ideal. High heels and heavy-duty boots aren’t practical for our activities, nor is going barefoot. Keeping these guidelines in mind will ensure you’re comfortably and respectfully dressed for the duration of the retreat, allowing you to fully engage in your meditation and mindfulness practice.
Airport transfers are not included in our retreat packages at the moment. However, your chosen accommodation should be able to assist you in arranging transportation from the airport. Alternatively, Phuket Airport offers readily available taxi services that can take you to your destination. It’s worth noting that local taxi drivers typically rely on the name and phone number of your hotel rather than addresses, so having this information handy can streamline the process and ensure a smooth journey.
Absolutely! While you can continue your online work during the retreat, we advise structuring your tasks efficiently. If your workload is extensive and keeps you glued to the computer for most of the day, it may detract from the retreat experience. Ideally, try to minimize your work commitments and focus only on essential tasks. Simplifying your workload allows for a deeper immersion in the retreat’s introspective and restorative activities.
Our aim is to create an environment conducive to self-reflection and peace. If you need assistance in managing your workload during the retreat, feel free to reach out to us for guidance. We’re here to support you in making the most out of your retreat experience.
The retreats typically conclude around 12 p.m. on the last day. For a detailed overview of the retreat schedule, you can refer to the pages below. This provides a comprehensive breakdown of the retreat itinerary, including start and end times.
Although our teacher Tobi draws from Tibetan and Thai Buddhist Traditions, our retreat is designed to be inclusive and welcoming to all, regardless of religious or belief systems. We focus on practical mind-training techniques applicable to daily life, aiming to invigorate the mind and alleviate stress and suffering. We extend a warm invitation to everyone, emphasizing that no specific beliefs or viewpoints are required to participate.
If you’re planning to travel to a tropical country like Thailand, it’s advisable to consider getting some vaccinations. We highly recommend consulting with your doctor to receive personalized advice tailored to your specific health needs and travel plans. Additionally, you can find valuable information about vaccinations for Thailand on reputable websites such as TMB (Tropical Medical Bureau)
Without a doubt, every season offers an ideal setting for a Meditation Retreat. The success of the retreat isn’t dependent on weather conditions; it remains exceptional regardless. However, for those curious about seasonal variations, we suggest visiting a local website such as Phuket.net, where you can find detailed descriptions of the seasons each year.
Phuket boasts a solid infrastructure, offering everything you need within reach. Transportation is convenient, locals are hospitable and hospitals are well-equipped. Overall, Phuket is considered safe for regular tourists. However, like any destination, trouble typically arises from risky behaviors such as excessive drinking, substance abuse, or engaging in unlawful activities.
Throughout our time hosting retreats here, we’ve encountered no significant incidents. Our guests have consistently enjoyed their time on the island. Responsible travel practices are encouraged, and while no destination is risk-free, exercising common sense ensures a safe experience in Phuket.
We conduct our retreat program at Coco Retreat, ideally situated for those staying within walking distance. However, if you’re staying elsewhere or have your own accommodations, transportation becomes your responsibility. Each morning, sessions commence promptly at 6 am at Coco Retreat, continuing with morning excursions and breakfast until approximately 10:30 am. Afterward, you’re free to return to your accommodations until the afternoon session, which includes Yoga (if part of your program) at 3:30 pm or the Question and Answer Session at 5 pm.
Following dinner around 7 pm, or earlier if dinner isn’t included in your program, you’re welcome to return to your lodgings. Rental options for scooters, cars, and bicycles are available, with assistance readily provided by your accommodation or local rental services. Please note that transportation arrangements are your responsibility if you’ve chosen lodging outside of Coco Retreat.
Not at all! We’ve got you covered. We offer clean yoga mats, comfortable cushions, and even folding chairs—all provided for your convenience. However, if you prefer to bring your own yoga mat or cushion, feel free to do so.
While it’s not necessary to do any specific preparation before joining us, if you have the time and interest, we have some recommendations to enhance your understanding and readiness. You might explore our Book Recommendations, featuring titles like “Mindfulness, Bliss and Beyond” – By Ajahn Brahm, “The Sound of Silence” – by Ajahn Sumedho, or works by Eckhart Tolle such as “Power of Now” or “A New Earth”.
Additionally, you can delve into our audio recordings of weekly teachings, peruse our blog, or even sample our guided meditation techniques through our playlist. For those on Facebook, our Facebook Page offers regular updates and inspirations. And if you’re curious about our teachings and practices, check out our YouTube channel for insights into our approach.
Remember, this is all optional and designed to enrich your experience. If you have any specific questions that aren’t addressed here, don’t hesitate to reach out to us directly. We’re here to help!
Retreats typically commence at Coco Retreat on your selected arrival date, with registration taking place between 2:00pm and 4:30pm. Parn will be available during this time to assist with your registration. The introductory teaching session begins at 5pm on the day of your arrival.
Absolutely, with the updated program, we continue to offer extensive aftercare designed to support and enrich your meditation practice. Now, you can enjoy our weekly podcast, which dives into various aspects of mindfulness and meditation, drawing from our community’s most pressing questions and interests. For personalized guidance, you have the opportunity to ask questions via email, ensuring you receive the support you need. Additionally, being part of our online community connects you with like-minded individuals, fostering a sense of belonging and shared growth. Our blog serves as another resource, providing insights, tips, and reflections to deepen your understanding and practice. This comprehensive suite of aftercare services ensures that you remain engaged and supported as you integrate the retreat’s teachings into your daily life.
Got More Questions?
We will continuously add your questions to this website. Therefore it’s always a great idea to contact us and ask. If you are not sure about something you can ask us anytime. While you can easily contact us through our website, you can also send an email to [encode link=”mailto:info@phuket-meditation.com”]info@phuket-meditation.com[/encode]. Moreover, you can reach us through various social media channels, such as Facebook or Instagram.