Healing is relational.
Most retreats ask, "How can I feel better?" We ask, "What if feeling better wasn't the end goal?"
What if healing yourself helped you show up differently for animals, for your community, for the planet, and for future generations? This retreat was born from a shared belief.
AOHE is collaborating with Marion and Tin at KIND Animal Sanctuary in Thailand to create an experience that nurtures both inner wellbeing and compassionate action, bringing together mindfulness, plant-based living, animal sanctuary service, community, and conscious travel into one immersive journey.
Because we believe healing is relational. With ourselves. With others. With animals. With the earth.
Nestled between mountains, temples, and ancient forests, Chiang Dao offers a slower way of life. Here, mornings begin with birdsong instead of alarms. Community still matters. Nature is close enough to touch.
It's the perfect place to disconnect from modern life and reconnect with what matters.
My intention is to guide an experience that nourishes the body, calms the mind, opens the heart, and inspires you to live with greater purpose and compassion.
Marion and Tin built KIND from the ground up, rescuing and caring for 200+ animals in Chiang Dao. They'll be with us throughout the retreat, sharing the sanctuary's story and showing us what real, hands-on animal care looks like.
The Ripple Effect
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You
Return home feeling more grounded, nourished, and connected to what truly matters.
Animals
A portion of every retreat supports sanctuary work and rescues animals. Your presence makes a real impact.
Earth
Learn practical tools for living more consciously and sustainably. Small shifts. Big changes.
Take the 30-Second Quiz
tap yes or no for each question
Does spending your days with rescued street dogs sound like your kind of happy?
Are you excited to eat incredible plant-based Thai food, every single meal?
Have you always wanted to be close to elephants, the right way, no riding, no forcing, just presence?
Are you ready to put your phone away for a week and actually be present?
Do you want to spend a week surrounded by like-minded people who care about the same things you do?
Do you want your travel to actually give back, to yourself, to animals, and to the earth?
Your retreat investment covers
- ✓ 6 nights accommodation at a private villa
- ✓ All vegan meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner, prepared by a private vegan Thai chef
- ✓ Daily yoga & meditation sessions
- ✓ Holotropic breathwork & cacao ceremony
- ✓ Earth School workshops
- ✓ Full sanctuary experience at KIND Animal Sanctuary
- ✓ Ethical elephant sanctuary day trip
- ✓ Visit to Lana Dog Rescue (300+ rescued street dogs)
- ✓ Chiang Dao hot springs & herbal steam/sauna
- ✓ Vegan Thai cooking class
- ✓ Traditional Thai massage
- ✓ Airport transfers
- ✕ International flights to/from Thailand
- ✕ Visa fees, if applicable
- ✕ Additional excursions outside the itinerary
- ✕ Personal expenses
A gentle rhythm, not a rigid schedule.
We don't schedule every minute. There's enough structure to feel supported, with plenty of room for spontaneity, rest, and whatever unfolds along the way. Come with curiosity, we'll take care of the rest.
swipe or tap a number for each day
→Arrival & Coming Home
- Arrive in Chiang Mai, airport transfer to your hotel
- Settle in & meet the retreat group
- Family-style welcome dinner at a local vegan restaurant
- Retreat introductions and intention setting
Welcome to the Sanctuary
- Morning drive from Chiang Mai to Chiang Dao
- Opening ceremony & sanctuary orientation
- Meet the rescued animals, learn their stories
- Cacao ceremony & holotropic breathwork with Kris
- Afternoon animal care and dog walks
- Gaia documentary & group reflection
Compassion in Action
- Morning yoga practice
- Sanctuary animal care & dog walking
- Earth School workshop & breathwork
- Afternoon sanctuary service, evening animal walks
- Visit the Chiang Dao hot springs
Walking Beside Giants
- Full-day ethical elephant sanctuary experience
- Learn about elephant rescue, behaviour & conservation
- Observe elephants without riding or forced interaction
- Visit a local waterfall on the way back
- Gaia documentary & evening reflection
Learn, Create & Nourish
- Morning yoga & sanctuary animal care
- Earth School workshop & breathwork
- Vegan Thai cooking class, learning traditional dishes
- Cook together, then enjoy what you've made
Into the Mountains & Back to Yourself
- Morning visit to a Buddhist temple
- Guided mountain hike through Chiang Dao
- Herbal steam, sauna & cold plunge hydrotherapy
- Traditional Thai massage
- Final time with the sanctuary animals
- Closing ceremony & integration circle
One Last Act of Service
- Scenic drive back to Chiang Mai
- Visit Lana Dog Rescue, home to 300+ rescued street dogs
- One final act of service, final vegan lunch together
- Closing hugs & goodbyes
- Airport transfer or Chiang Mai drop-off
The Gift of Disconnecting
In a world that never stops buzzing, true rest is rare. This retreat is a chance to unplug from technology and reconnect with what truly matters.
Phones are stored securely in airplane mode throughout the retreat.
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Give your mind a break from constant information and mental clutter. Experience greater focus, presence, and peace.
Be fully present with yourself, others, animals, and nature. Real connection happens when we remove distractions.
Without screens and blue light, your body can naturally reset, leading to deeper, more restorative sleep.
Step out of the cycle of notifications and noise. Lower stress, ease anxiety, and support your nervous system.
Savour the beauty around you. From stunning sunrises to meaningful moments, you'll remember what it feels like to truly live.
This is your time. To slow down, reflect, and reconnect with your values, your intuition, and your inner wisdom.
Don't worry, my number is given to all family members and friends in case of any emergencies. If you ever need to contact home, you can use my phone. It's available 24/7.
KIND Animal Sanctuary
KIND Animal Sanctuary is home to 200+ street dogs and cats rescued from the streets, horses saved from exploitation, and water buffalo and pigs rescued from slaughter. Some of the animals have missing limbs. Some carry the emotional scars of neglect. All of them have been given a second chance.
You'll help prepare meals, join daily dog walks, assist with feeding and caring for the sanctuary residents, and spend time getting to know the individuals who call KIND home.
You're not just there to save them. You're there to meet them. They have names. They have souls. They have a will to live.
Spend a day at a sanctuary where elephants are never ridden, forced to perform, or used for tourist entertainment. You'll watch rescued elephants from a respectful distance, learn about their behaviour, and hear their rescue stories.
No bathing them, no tricks, no forcing them to interact with you. You just get to sit back and watch them be elephants.
Chiangkham Luang Resort
Tucked into the quiet countryside of Chiang Dao, Chiangkham Luang Resort sits on about 60 rai (roughly 24 acres) of teak trees and gardens, with Doi Chiang Dao rising in the distance.
Rooms are spacious and comfortable, with private balconies or terraces, air conditioning, and garden or mountain views. You'll actually want to come back to your room after a full day of service. There's a garden, a terrace, and quiet corners if you just want to sit with your thoughts for a bit.
Important Things
to Remember
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Animal Welfare Comes First
The wellbeing of the animals always comes before our experience.
This Is Not Luxury Tourism
You may encounter dirt roads, tropical weather, insects, and moments outside your comfort zone. We believe these become the most meaningful.
No Phones
We ask you to disconnect digitally so you can reconnect with yourself, each other, and the present moment.
Come With Curiosity
You don't need to be vegan. You don't need experience with meditation. You just need an open heart.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 7+ Reviews
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→"This was so much more than a wellness retreat. I came to Thailand expecting yoga, good vegan food, and some time away from normal life. I left feeling completely different. Spending time with the animals, helping at the sanctuary, the breathwork, the conversations, even just slowing down for a week, it all connected in a way I wasn't expecting. It felt meaningful without feeling forced."
"I've never travelled like this before. Usually when I travel, I come home feeling like I need another vacation. This was the opposite. We still got to experience Thailand, but there was purpose behind the trip. Helping the animals at KIND, eating incredible vegan food, hiking, meditating, and actually connecting with everyone made it feel like I was part of something instead of just passing through."
"The sanctuary days were easily my favourite part. I thought I was coming mostly for the wellness side of the retreat, but being around the rescued animals completely changed the experience for me. You hear about animal rescue all the time, but actually being there, helping, feeding them, walking dogs, and hearing their stories hits differently. I cried more than once, in the best way."
"I was nervous about coming alone, and I'm so glad I did. I didn't know anyone before arriving and honestly almost talked myself out of going. Within a day it felt completely normal. The group was small enough that you actually got to know everyone, and nothing felt cliquey or awkward. Some of my favourite memories were just sitting around after dinner talking about life."
"The phone-free part scared me more than the breathwork. I didn't realize how attached I was to my phone until it wasn't beside me all day. After the first day, I loved it. I stopped checking the time, stopped thinking about work, and actually paid attention to where I was. Thailand is a pretty incredible place when you're not experiencing half of it through a screen."
"This retreat made veganism feel bigger than food. I've been vegan for years, but this week reminded me why I started. Being surrounded by people who care deeply about animals, seeing the sanctuary work firsthand, and having conversations about how we actually create change gave me a lot of hope. I came home wanting to do more, not because anyone pressured me, but because I felt inspired again."
"The perfect mix of healing, adventure and actually doing something good. One morning we were doing yoga in the mountains, another day we were helping rescued animals, then we were eating ridiculous Thai food, hiking, doing breathwork, visiting temples and laughing until way too late. It never felt like a rigid retreat schedule. It felt like a group of people spending a week living a little closer to how life should probably feel."
Only 10 spots available.
Retreat dates are added throughout the year. Apply to see what's currently open.
Submit an application, and use the same form to request a call with Kris first.
This isn't a sales call, just an alignment call, to ask questions and meet Kris.
Apply / Book a Call FirstOnce you pay, we'll send you the application form and set up a call to meet Kris. Refundable only if your spot is filled by another participant.
The remaining $1,200 CAD can be paid as one payment 2 months before your retreat, or split into 2 payments, due 2 months and 1 month before your retreat date.
Your full retreat investment includes accommodation, all vegan meals prepared by a private vegan Thai chef, yoga and meditation, holotropic breathwork, workshops, sanctuary experiences, hot springs, nature activities, and airport transfers. Not included: international flights, visa fees, and personal expenses.
What to Pack
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- Valid passport (6+ months before expiry)
- Visa, if required for your nationality
- Printed or digital copy of your application confirmation
- Emergency contact info left with a loved one
- Lightweight, breathable clothing for tropical heat
- Layers for cooler mountain evenings
- Comfortable closed-toe shoes for sanctuary work
- Sandals for relaxed days
- Swimwear for hot springs
- A modest outfit for temple visits
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Natural insect repellent
- Basic first-aid & personal medications
- Reusable water bottle
- Hand sanitizer
- Journal for reflection
- Reusable bag for sanctuary days
- Sun hat
- Offline entertainment (book, cards) for the digital detox
- An open heart & open mind
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need experience with yoga or meditation?
Not at all. This retreat is designed for all experience levels. Whether you're completely new or have an established practice, you'll be supported exactly where you are.
Do I have to be vegan to attend?
No. However, all meals served during the retreat will be fully vegan. This retreat reflects our values of compassion, health, and conscious living, and we invite you to approach the experience with openness and curiosity.
What kind of food will be provided?
Nourishing, delicious vegan meals inspired by local Thai flavours and seasonal ingredients. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all included.
What is the phone policy?
This is a digital detox retreat. Upon arrival, phones will be placed on airplane mode and stored securely for the duration of the retreat. Emergency contact information will be provided to your loved ones, and our team is always reachable if needed.
Can I come alone?
Absolutely. Many participants attend solo. Coming alone often creates more space for genuine connection, reflection, and personal growth.
What will we do at KIND Animal Sanctuary?
You'll spend meaningful time with rescued dogs, cats, pigs, horses, and water buffalo, helping feed street dogs, going on daily dog walks, preparing enrichment activities, and learning the stories of animals rescued from slaughterhouses and life on the streets.
Is this a luxury retreat?
No. While we value comfort and beauty, this isn't a luxury resort experience. It's rooted in simplicity, service, authenticity, and connection. Meaningful experiences over extravagance.
How physically demanding is the retreat?
Beginner to moderate. Activities may include light hiking, walking dogs, yoga, and time outdoors. You don't need to be highly fit to participate.
What's the deposit policy?
A $500 CAD deposit is required to reserve your spot. Deposits are refundable only if we're able to fill your space with another participant.
What happens if I miss a payment?
Your remaining balance is due in full 2 months before the retreat, or split into 2 payments due 2 months and 1 month before your retreat date. All payments must be received by their due date to hold your spot. If a payment isn't received on time, your spot may be released to someone on the waitlist and your deposit is forfeited. We understand things come up, so please reach out as early as possible if you're at risk of missing a deadline; we're not able to make exceptions once a payment date has passed.
Do I need travel insurance?
Travel insurance is not required to join this retreat. That said, we strongly recommend guests arrange their own coverage for things like trip cancellation, lost luggage, and medical emergencies while abroad, since AOHE does not provide insurance or cover medical costs incurred during the retreat. If you choose to travel without it, that's a decision you're making for yourself.
Can I apply if I'm not sure this retreat is right for me?
Of course. The application process helps ensure the retreat is a good fit for everyone. If you're unsure, reach out. We're happy to help you decide.
How many people will attend?
Intentionally kept small: a maximum of 10 participants, plus Kris and Marion & Tin (founders of KIND Animal Sanctuary).
Thank you for considering this journey with us.
I spent 10 years of my life travelling the world, trying to connect the dots between healing myself, animals, and the earth.
I'd find myself in Vipassanas and meditation retreats, going deep within. Amazing. It helped. But every time I left those spaces, I'd walk onto the streets and see animals suffering everywhere.
So I started volunteering. That was amazing too. I learned so much about myself. But the rescue work carried so much weight, all that pain and suffering, and I didn't always know where to put it.
I kept asking myself: why isn't there something out there that focuses on all three?
That's where this retreat came from. Let's go inward, while also going outward. Healing self, healing animals, healing earth.
This is why I believe healing is relational. With ourselves. With others. With animals. With the earth.
If this is calling to you, trust that. I can't wait to welcome you to Thailand.
With love, Kris
You don't need to have it all figured out.
You don't need years of meditation experience. You don't need to be perfect. You don't need to know anyone else attending. You only need curiosity, a willingness to slow down, and an open heart. If that's you, we'd love to meet you. Apply below, and let us know if you'd rather talk it through with Kris first.
Have a question before you apply?
Email us directly. We personally read and respond to every message.
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