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A Gentle Return to Joy, 5-Night Thailand Retreat 22-27 November 2027

A Gentle Return to Joy, 5-Night Thailand Retreat 22-27 November 2027

Join us for a deeply nourishing (and fun!) retreat in the peaceful sanctuary of Mala Dhara, nestled just outside Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand.

Surrounded by tropical gardens, rice fields, handcrafted villas and quiet mountain air, Mala Dhara feels like a world away from urgency. This retreat is intentionally gentle, designed to support our rediscovery of joy, experience life with other awesome people, and enjoy good food and practices together. Expect lots of laughter, movement, rest, exploration, and a beautiful reminder that life absolutely can be enjoyed and nourished over our 5 night/6 day retreat.

When

November 22nd - 27th, 2027.

Included

  • 5 nights accommodation at the peaceful Mala Dhara
  • All food and healthy drinks (vegan restaurant on-site)
  • Daily yoga movement that meets you where you are
  • Daily pranayama and breathwork that energises and steadies
  • Use of all retreat facilities, pool and gardens
  • Gentle workshops and group sessions
  • Journalling and reflection time
  • Conversations that feel real and refreshing
  • Simple tools to bring more calm and joy into daily life
  • Gentle practices that support nervous system regulation
  • Priest blessing ceremony
  • 1x traditional Thai massage
  • Private herbal steam & fire body scrub night
  • Hot springs visit (TBC)

*For those wanting to extend the experience, we will offer the option to meet in Bangkok the day before to explore night markets together. (additional cost)

Flights and travel insurance are not included.

This retreat is alcohol-free. Participants are asked to be alcohol-free for at least 7 days prior to arrival. You do not need to be sober long-term to attend, this is simply a clear and supported alcohol-free space.

All activities are optional. If you'd prefer to sit by the pool, journal in the gardens or rest in your villa, that is completely welcome. This is your time.

This retreat is for anyone seeking a softer, more joyful way of living. We look forward to connecting with you in Thailand. 

Price

  • Dhara Villa
    Twin Share, Single Beds, Shared Bathroom
    $3,199
  • Hobbit House
    Twin Share, Single Beds, Shared Villa Bathroom
    $3,199
  • Mala Villa A & B
    Twin Share, Single Beds, Shared Outdoor Bathroom
    $2,999
  • Adobe Medium Villa
    Single Room, Double Bed, Ensuite
    $3,499

Accommodation at Mala Dhara is unique and character-filled. Please note that some photos show single room configurations, but they are offered as twin share for this retreat.

Pricing is per person. Couples, please reserve 2 x twin share spots.

View full details

Sample program flow

7:00am Morning movement

7:40am Breathwork or journaling

8:00am Breakfast

9:00am Free time or massage

10:00am Group workshop

12noon Lunch

3:00pm Meditation or Yoga nidra

6:00pm Dinner

8:00pm Restorative or Yin yoga

About your guide

Danni Carr is a trauma-informed sobriety coach and accredited breathwork and meditation teacher. A graduate of Dr. Gabor Maté's 'Compassionate Inquiry® for Professionals', she has embraced this approach to healing and coaching.

Danni is the host of the How I Quit Alcohol podcast and has successfully worked with hundreds of people to help them heal and find liberation from alcohol.

Find out more

How to book

  • 1. Register

    Register by submitting the form below.

    • See full terms and conditions before you register.
    • If you have paid a deposit (step 2), include the date paid.
    • Your reservation is confirmed when a deposit is received.

  • 2. Pay a deposit

    Secure your place with a non-refundable $600 deposit per person by direct deposit.

    Direct deposit details:

    • Account name: Danielle Carr
    • BSB: 063 860
    • Account number: 1019 4296
    • Include your full name and retreat name as the payment reference.

  • 3. Pay the balance

    We'll send you confirmation by email once you register and your deposit has been received.


    The remaining balance is split into 4 equal installments, with the due dates evenly spread across the booking period taking into account the final payment being due 8 weeks before the retreat date.

Terms and conditions

Refunds

  • HOLD DEPOSITS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE.
  • Hold deposits can be transferred to a new attendee – the new attendee must be found and confirmed by original attendee.
  • Full payment is due 8 weeks before start date of retreat.
  • Refunds or credits are not available if you fail to attend, fail to complete the retreat, arrive late or leave early.

Cancellation policy

  • Cancellation requests must be received in writing via email to support@howiquitalcohol.com.au
  • For cancellation requests submitted at least 40 days before the retreat start date, 50% of total retreat amount (less deposit) can be refunded.
  • For cancellations within 40 days of your retreat start date, no refunds will be given – no exceptions. We can offer 50% discount on any future retreats of the same price or under.
  • Retreat costs can be transferred to a new attendee (found and assigned by original attendee) minus 20% administration fee.
  • It is your responsibility to read and understand our cancellation policies.
  • Exceptions cannot be made for any reason, including weather, injury, illness or personal emergencies.
  • We reserve the right to cancel retreas, in which case all payments will be refunded.
  • Cancelled retreats will be communicated to attendees at least 30 days before the retreat start date.

Travel insurance

Please consider purchasing travel insurance

  • We recommend that you purchase your own travel insurance.
  • We encourage you to purchase trip cancellation insurance in order that your trip fees will be covered should you or your family have a medical problem prior to your trip or while on the trip.
  • Trip insurance should also be purchased to cover medical expenses in the event you have an accident or fall ill while on the retreat.
  • Most travel insurance must be purchased within 14 days of making your reservation.
  • We will not be held responsible for personal expenses, such as airline tickets due to changes in itineraries, or retreat cancellations.

Reserve your place

"I was apprehensive about being away with people I hardly knew, but something magical happened. I was surrounded by people with a common intention of personal growth and honesty. It was an incredible 5 day journey made possible by experienced and knowledgeable facilitators. I trust anything Danni does is with the best of intentions, and I cant wait to be a part of what she does next."

— Elissia, May 2024

"I felt safe, a sense of belonging, and accepted. The atmosphere is calm, supportive, open, and understanding. I felt like I could be myself without criticism or judgement, and that’s huge for me. Everyone there was so keen and committed to absorbing every part of the amazing program, and the love, empathy for another was all encompassing. Lifelong friendships have been formed."

— Ricci, May 2024

"I got so much out of the daily discussions/education and came home feeling so light and free. It is important to me to get away from my own dunghill and noise to really focus on myself – this retreat gave me the opportunity to seek within, feel into my body, and therein were the answers. Thank you Danni for your expert guidance and for always being uplifting, warm and supportive."

— Lauren

“I had an amazing time at the retreat in Balian. A hidden gem that unfolded connection, growth, love, friendship, comfort, compassion, laughter, confidence, healthiness, lightness and happiness for me. I’m booked in for next years retreat, I am so looking forward to it.”

— Deb, May 2024

"I found the retreat mind blowing. Released decades of trauma that was festering inside me. 12 months of therapy in 4 days. Such a beautiful, nurturing, safe group. Life-long friendships. I found a spirituality that I have never felt before. A truly life changing, magical experience. I am so grateful for the 3 beautiful facilitators who genuinely cared and nurtured every member of the group.”

— Mary, Sept 2024

“A stunning location to get away from all the normal home distractions and focus solely on me!

Gorgeous friends, wonderful learnings, opportunities for deep thought and lots of laughter. Simply fabulous.”

— Sarah, May 2024

“A truly gentle and nourishing experience on every level!

Highly recommend.”

— Rachel, September 2024

"It saved my life! I arrived in Bali very broken. I'd lost my zest for life and couldn't see a way out. The intention I set on the first day was to find hope, as I had none for my future. Never before have I felt so loved, seen and held – and I was with a group of strangers! It has changed my life and I've found the hope I was looking for."

— Michelle, Oct 2024