There never seems to be enough time and your lifestyle has begun to show the strain. The number on the scale has crept higher and higher over the last year. A vacation has been just a figment of your imagination. Something needs to be done or your overall health is going to suffer and that certainly isn’t a good idea. What is the best way to focus on your health and get some relaxation at the same time?
The answer can be as easy as booking a few days at a weight loss retreat in one of the most beautiful parts of the world - Thailand. With its deep history based in Yoga and healing meditation, this well populated country has become well known for its many health programs, yoga retreats, meditation retreats, and fine accommodations.
Here are but a few of the locations that specialize in luxury weight loss and cleansing programs.
Also see: 10 Day Wellness Itinerary in Thailand
1. Paleo Wellness
Improve your health in the luxury of this upscale city based retreat center that promotes overall health through management of diet, exercise and intermittent fasting. While the program can produce significant results, the philosophy is to focus on changing one’s lifestyle as a general health improvement goal.
A typical day starts with Magic coffee and daily meeting time followed by a power walk or beach swim at several island locations. Before lunch there is an aqua fitness program or time in the sauna. Lunch is prepared for you according to strict Paleo guidelines. Personal time follows lunch but exercise classes and educational seminars occupy you before dinner. Dinner is again served according to the Paleo guidelines.
To round out the day, guests enjoy time for meditation or Tai Chi. Standard and luxury accommodations are available with retreats of 7, 14, 21, or 28 days offered. Cost varies between $2750 and $10,000 USD for the basic package. A non-refundable deposit of 30% is required at time of booking. Methods of payment include bank transfer and PayPal only. Extra charges may apply for additional services.
Paleo Wellness Retreat | Address: 47/25 Moo 7, Soi Klumyang Chaofa 59,, Chalong, Mueang Phuket, Phuket 83130, Thailand Phone:+66 93 574 9301
2. New Body and Mind
Positioned beachside on the Gulf of Thailand, this facility offers detox and weight loss programs as its primary focus. All stays start with pre-visit health assessment and written material explaining the program and philosophy. Once you arrive, the staff will follow up with a more complete body and health assessment.
All juices, fiber shakes, and herbal teas as well as vitamin and mineral supplements are provided. Accommodations are available at the retreat center and are limited to 10 private bungalows. Each comes with private bath, double beds, housekeeping and laundry service. While guests can book individual days at the Center, the recommended minimum stay for detox and weight loss is seven days.
Prices are not readily published and vary by program and individual needs. Establishing an online login is required. Contacting the facility by phone is the best way to get information.
New Body and Mind | Address: 41/1 Moo 2 - Lipa Noi, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84140, Thailand | Phone: +66 77 423 189
3. Phuket Action Point
Offering a Weight Loss Retreat program in addition to other fitness focus retreats, this Center claims fast and effective weight loss. Each day starts with a breakfast of low-calorie detox foods followed by a morning training session and free time. Lunch is raw and vegan foods. More free time and an afternoon training session is scheduled before time in the steam room and ice bath. Thai or oil massage take out the kinks before a late dinner.
Raw and vegan foods are again on the menu and detoxing juices and teas are offered. Highlighted as a weight loss program and not specifically a fitness one, the guest does has the chance to swim, walk the grounds and participate in such activities as yoga, strength training, weightlifting and more. Packages of 7, 14, 21, and 28 days are available with the longer stay coming with several complimentary sightseeing trips added for variety.
Cost runs between $1300 and $3000 for the basic week long stay. The Center has 12 boutique style rooms with private bath, TV, and balcony. There is a restaurant on site but all food is included in the weight loss package. A rooftop pool and spa area are available to guests and locations have free WiFi. A 25% deposit is required and payment can be made with a credit or debit card if completed online. Well known for its weight loss and fitness programs, the upscale rooms make this experience as comfortable as it can be.
Phuket Action Point | Address: 63/53 Soi Saiyuan 10 Moo 7 Nai Harn Rawai Phuket 83130, Thailand | Phone: +66 76 226 506
4. Thailand Weight Loss for Men
Promoted as the only weight loss retreat program exclusively for men in the world, this location focuses on education and life readjustment for those who have an interest in significant weight loss and then keeping it off. While the principles of diet, adequate sleep and exercise are common themes with programs for women, there is a noticeable difference in the structure of activities.
Ongoing support for dietary changes, appropriate physical activity and motivation are more individual. The accommodations are good basic rooms and not considered luxury or boutique in design. Excursions are more rustic. There is something of an approval process as spaces are limited. Alcohol and smoking are strongly discouraged. Programs are offered from 4 weeks to 6 month and vary in price from roughly $4,000 to $25,000.
Weight Loss for Men | Address: Nam Phrae, Hang Dong District, Chiang Mai 50230, Thailand | Phone: +66 97 308 2302
5. Fresh Start Thailand Fitness Boot Camp
With large rooms and restaurant on site, this weight loss boot camp has all the appearances of a stay at a luxury hotel. Meals, while calorie controlled, are based on the local Thai cuisine and fresh fruits. Not all activities take place at the Center with planned excursions to outside restaurants and local activities scheduled regularly. The unique program is not for a set number of weeks or a set routine.
Focused on staying active, eating healthy and getting enough rest, costs are individual and can be customized to the specific interests of the guests. Activity Days are approximately 5000THB ($160) per day. Each day of the week has a different theme. Some days, the activity is within the confines of the Camp while other days the activities include sightseeing, cycling or swimming.
Three types of rooms are available but all offer privacy and space. Air-conditioning, TV, private bath and sitting area are all included as well as mini refrigerator and housekeeping. Camps generally start on a Friday at 2 pm and end on a Friday at 11am. Multiple weeks can be booked at one time and rates do vary by room. Costs start at $1500 a week per person.
Fresh Start Thailand Fitness Boot Camp | Address: 167/3 Moo4, HuaSai, Mae Rim, Chiang Mai 50180, Thailand | Phone: +66 84 739 6886
6. The Source Herbal Detox Retreat
This award winning program for detox and weight loss is very exclusive and guests must inquire about booking dates before they are accepted. Accommodations are modern and comfortable. A wide range of detox options and products are available to clear any toxins from the system.
All foods and products are included and massage and other therapies are used to help the process. The location is well situated for sightseeing side trips and a rough estimate of the cost is $350 per day. Basic information can be obtained through the website but it might be best to call to ask questions about program specifics and pricing before booking.
The Source Herbal Detox Retreat | Address: 179 Moo 4, Lamai Beach, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84310, Thailand | Phone: +66 89 067 9856
7. Absolute Sanctuary
Listed as a 4 star hotel, this location seems to take a more low-key approach to weight loss than some of the other choices on this list. The Center offers a dozen or more specialized programs of which one is focused on weight management. While part of an overall program of improved health, the Sanctuary avoids the one-size-fits-all approach.
Three different room accommodations and all the traditional amenities of a stay in a fine hotel are offered. Stays can be arranged for 7, 10, or 14 days. Costs vary by room, stay length and time of year. Meals are prepared in the on-site kitchen and are intended to be both healthy and tasty. Booking is available online and information about the program is available over the phone. Special deals are available for last minute bookings.
Absolute Sanctuary | Address: 88 หมู่ที่ 5 Tambon Bo Put, Amphoe Ko Samui, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84320, Thailand | Phone: +66 77 601 190
8. Health Oasis Resort
This 3 star hotel has been in operation since 1997 and specializes in detox, stress relief and weight management programs. The experience comes with all juices, teas and herbal tonics as well as yoga classes and access to the steam and sauna rooms. Private rooms are available with a garden or pool view but can be upgraded to one of three suite configurations.
Beds are typically 2 singles or one Queen/King bed with private bath and balcony. Traditional amenities such as air-conditioning, WiFi, and housekeeping are included. Room rates vary by type of accommodation and time of year. Massage and other cleansing treatments are scheduled with a more self-managed approach to the cleansing process. Services are available on a daily rate basis and there appears to be no mandatory length of stay.
Health Oasis Resort | Address: 26/4 Moo 6, Bang Por, Maenam, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84330, Thailand | Phone: +66 77 602 096
9. Kamalaya
Just a three minute walk from the beach and a few kilometers from two significant local attractions, this 4 star hotel has a variety of programs for addressing health issues such as stress, emotional imbalance, lifestyle changes and fitness. Their Ideal Weight program seeks to identify physical and emotional issues which impact the guest’s food choices and unhealthy lifestyle. Traditional Chinese medicine is used along with education and dietary recommendations. Programs of 7, 9, and 14 days are available.
Rooms and suites are available - each with their own features and amenities. Room size varies from cozy to large and all include basic amenities of a 4-star hotel such as air-conditioning, private bath and housekeeping. The campus seems much larger than other more intimate programs and walking is required to go from one building to another. This facility is willing to accommodate children under very specific and clearly defined circumstances.
Recognizing that parents cannot always leave a child for such a program, a maximum of one child is allowed to stay if the adult is enrolled in a wellness program. The facility does, however, warn adults that no special programs are in place for children and they may not participate in any of the wellness activities. Costs vary by room size, program type and time of year. Wellness a la carte programs are available and are arranged through staff.
Kamalaya | Address: หมู่ที่ 3 102/9 Laem-Set Rd, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84140, Thailand | Phone: +66 77 429 800
Other Considerations
Think Health First
While all of these properties are well known for their weight loss programs, not all take the time to understand the personal medical history of the guest. Generally, these locations are considered lodging establishments first and not medically administered health facilities. Anyone who considers this type of vacation should first consult their personal health care provider before booking.
Booking Online
In general, booking online requires the creation of an account with personal data such as birthdate, address etc. As always when giving information out be sure the connection is secure. Payment of the initial deposit can be hefty and is not always refundable. Besure to read the cancelation policy and provisions for additional costs and extras.
Airfare Costs
While most of these Centers include transportation when going sightseeing and such once your plane touches down, the cost list in these programs does not include airfare to this beautiful country.
Now that you know something about what a wellness vacation can look like, consider this option as a gift to yourself and go for it.
