More and more people are considering taking an individual Counseling Retreat; getting away from it all, sorting out problems and worries and returning home clear headed and with a fresh lease of life. It is a great idea.
Here is what a Counseling Retreat Holiday in Thailand with us is like; what it will be like when you arrive, how much local services cost, how much to tip, and what an average week with us will be like. It is based upon a weeks stay.
Part 1.
Most of our guests fly into Chiang Mai from Bangkok airport via a short shuttle flight that takes just under an hour. We often advise on flight times and schedules to take the worry out of booking.
On arrival we meet you at Chiang Mai airport, and Khun Sonthaya (the kindest man on the planet) and our Holiday Manager drives you to the retreat hotel which is about 20 mins away the other side of the Ping River. The hotel is very secluded, some rooms have their own jacuzzi and swimming pools, all have their own private balcony. It is very beautiful. The hotel is tranquil and peaceful run by a small staff team who all speak perfect English.
On arrival we settle you in, perhaps have a drink and a chat in the restaurant, and make sure you are okay.
Money
The currency of Thailand is the Baht. At the moment there are about 50 Baht to the UK pound and about 33 Baht to the US dollar. There is an even small denomination called the Satang that is almost worthless. There are 100 Satang to the Baht, but I defy you to find anything for sale for less than one baht (pronounced “bart”). Satang coins are absolutely tiny and best put into any charity pot you can find.
Most things in Thailand are not expensive by “western” standards. When you consider that the average daily wage for unskilled labour is just 250 Baht per day it helps to put all other costs into perspective. Most waiters, tourist guides, hotel maids…all the classic service industries will be on this basic salary. This is useful to know when trying to tip staff, which is always a bit awkward if you don’t know how much to give.
Most people will be more than happy with 20 Baht, (the lowest bank note which is coloured green) as a small gesture of appreciation. Twenty Baht will buy lunch at a street stall, or a couple of bottles of Pepsi in the supermarket. Not a huge gift but better than nothing. It’s always nice when someone else buys lunch, or gives you the money for it. If someone has done something a little bit more than open a door for you it might be worth giving a 50 Baht note. These are a pale blue colour and for some reason seem to be a bit more difficult to get hold of. What all service industry staff are looking for however is the red of a 100 Baht note. This really will make a difference to their day. It represents half a days pay.
Of course if you are wanting to show your gratitude for someone who has become a meaningful person on your holiday, a particular member of the hotel staff for example, it’s always more thoughtful to buy a present as a token of your feelings. In the past people have bought bunches of flowers, little food hampers and bottles of wine…all of which are great presents.
On the first morning after breakfast we’ll have our first counseling session and talk you through your Personality Profile Feedback Report; it includes the results and analysis of the personality profile as well as outlining the week to come. All counseling and life-coaching sessions are based at the hotel, either in a private shady spot in the gardens or on your veranda or our own office in the hotel.
After lunch Khun Sonthaya might collect you and take you for a sightseeing tour or other activity. Wherever you decide to go “Son” (for short) will probably stop off at a local food market on the way back and introduce you to the delights of real Thai food.
Part 2
Day two will be spent talking with your counsellor, really getting to grips with and sorting out your problems and worries and working through the retreat program.
After breakfast on day three you’ll meet with your counsellor again. After lunch you may well decide to really relax and have a massage in the hotel spa. The following day is spent talking to your counsellor, but to make extra good use of the time the afternoon Counselling Session is conducted in a secluded spot in the Royal Botanical Gardens; a stunning location far up in the mountains. On the way back stopping off at Son’s favourite noodle restaurant and perhaps a visit to an orchid farm.
Day five is a day out from counselling and therapy and spent at the famous Elephant Nature Park. Son will pick you up at 7am returning later that evening. It really is an amazing experience that you will never forget.
Part 3.
Day six is spent creating and finalising your Life Change Plan with your practitioner.This details your new plans and how you will put them into action on your return. As part of this you’ ll be working out the best way to make use of our continued email Counseling and Life Coaching support for the next 3 months.
On the final day Son will arrive and take you to the airport where we’ll all be waiting to wave you off. Quite often guests take advantage of the direct flights down to one of the islands, usually Koh Samui or Phuket for an extra week or a few days on the beach.
Please contact us for further information regarding our Counselling Retreat, Life Coaching Holiday, Couples Therapy Retreat and Life Changing Holidays.
These really are “holidays that change your life”.
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