Laos Wellness Retreat

Nestled in the heart of the majestic Mekong River in Champasak, Laos, you will embark on an enchanting journey to the serene oasis of Don Daeng Island.
 

Highlights

• 6 days of activities
• 1 or 2 yoga classes per day
• Daily meditation lesson
• Traditional dance and basket weaving sessions
• Excursions and almsgiving
• Cooking class and spa treatment
• 5 nights accommodation
• Daily meals

Skill level

• Beginner

• Intermediate
• Advanced

 Accommodation

Facilities

•  Spa
•  Swimming pool (outdoor)
•  Air-conditioned rooms
•  Bar
•  Environmentally friendly
•  Garden
•  Lobby
•  Luggage room / storage
•  Multilingual staff
•  Restaurant
•  Special menu request
•  Terrace
•  Yoga deck
•  Free bicycle
•  Free parking
•  Free Wi-Fi
•  Internet access
•  Laundry
•  Tour assistance

La Folie Lodge & Spa, an eco-luxury resort, is the perfect place to experience the ideal blend of comfort and authenticity. Step out onto your private terrace, where breathtaking views of the mighty Mekong and the sacred hills of Vat Phu await you. Take a deep breath of fresh air and let yourself be enchanted by the stunning scenery that surrounds you. All the rooms offer a Mekong view, private bathrooms, and necessary amenities to enjoy your stay in comfort and style on a tropical island.

 Program

Indulge in a transformative yoga retreat at the idyllic La Folie Lodge, where the blend of tranquil nature and spiritual heritage creates the perfect backdrop for rejuvenation. This retreat offers a curated selection of yoga and meditation classes, catering to all levels of practitioners.
Designed to carve out a sanctuary in time, this program invites you to forge a deeper connection with your body, mind, and spirit, amidst an unparalleled setting of natural beauty and historical mystique. Below is a sample program schedule. The program may be adjusted to fit your arrival time or flight. Please note that none of the activities in the schedule are compulsory, you are free to spend your time on the island as you feel.

Daily sample schedule

Day 1

• Arrival and check-in with a welcome drink, cold towel, fresh juice, and fresh fruits
• Opening class, Atha Yoga Nusasanam (and now, yoga)
• Dinner
• Evening activity (e.g. Yoga Nidra)

Day 2

• Meditation
• Morning yoga
• Breakfast
• Vat Phu visit (ancient Shiva Temple)
• Lunch in Champasak town
• Free time, relax by the pool, massage, or coconut drink - herbal tea
• Yoga
• Dinner
• Evening activity (Yoga philosophy or sophrology session)

Day 3

• Meditation
• Morning yoga
• Breakfast
• Free time
• Cooking class or foodies' experience
• Lunch at the village
• Free time, relax by the pool, massage, or coconut drink - herbal tea
• Yoga
• Dinner
• Evening activity (shadow puppet theater, live music show, or yoga activity)

Day 4

• Meditation
• Morning yoga
• Breakfast
• Bolaven tour departure
• Lunch in Bolaven Plateau
• Yoga
• Dinner
• Evening activity (Yoga philosophy or sophrology session)

Day 5

• Alm’s giving
• Meditation
• Morning yoga
• Breakfast
• Free time, relax by the pool, massage, or coconut drink - herbal tea
• Community activity (visit Monks during lunch offerings)
• Lunch at the lodge
• Free time, relax by the pool, massage, or coconut drink - herbal tea
• Visit monks during prayer and interact
• Closing ceremony (traditional Baci)
• Dinner

Day 6

• Meditation
• Morning yoga
• Breakfast
• Lunch and departures

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  Instructors

  

  Elise Laforest

  1 Certificate : Certified by School RYT 200

  Yoga has always been a part of Elise's life, passed down from her grandmother and especially her mother. This deep-rooted practice has not only been a daily ritual but also a source of strength - physically and mentally - throughout adulthood. The journey has taken Elise across Asia, France, and La Réunion, where she trained extensively in a variety of enriching settings. She now brings this knowledge to those she teaches, offering practices such as Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Hatha, Yin, and Yoga Nidra.
  
  

  Sermin Gungor

  1 Certificate : Yoga Alliance International RYS 200

  With over a decade of experience in yoga and two years as a certified teacher, Sermin also specializes as a Sophrology therapist. She offers classes in Hatha, Vinyasa, and Restorative (Yin) yoga, blending them with sophrology techniques to support all levels - from beginners to advanced practitioners. Her mission is to make yoga accessible and enjoyable for everyone, which inspired her to create "Simple Yoga - Sermin's Yoga". Through this approach, She aims to share the benefits of both yoga and sophrology, with a focus on respect, connection, compassion, and a sense of fun.

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   Food

  Indulge in the culinary delights of La Folie Lodge's restaurant, where freshness meets flavor in a stunning setting. Catering to the discerning tastes of vegans, vegetarians, and food enthusiasts alike, La Folie Lodge's restaurant takes pride in sourcing local, fresh vegetables, fruits, and ingredients to create a vibrant array of dishes. Your breakfast features a range of healthy options; from fresh tropical fruits (mango, dragon fruit, papaya), homemade bread, sweet pancakes, etc. Options for vegetarian, vegan, or any diet or allergy are available. Please let La Folie Lodge know in advance.

  The following meals are included:

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
• Drinks

• The following drinks are included:

• Water
• Coffee
• Tea
• Detox juices

The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:

• Vegetarian
• Vegan
• Regular (typically includes meat and fish)
• If you have special dietary requirements it's a good idea to communicate it to the organiser when making a reservation
  

   Things to do (optional)

  Vat Phu

  This is a must-see destination that lies at the heart of the enchanting Champasak region. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Vat Phu beckons visitors with its profound historical significance, awe-inspiring architecture, and rich cultural heritage. Step into a realm of ancient wonders as you explore this magnificent Khmer temple complex. Delve into its storied past, where centuries of history are etched into every stone. Marvel at the intricate carvings and architectural details that showcase the artistic mastery of the Khmer civilization.
  Vat Phu is more than just a temple; it is a gateway to the mysteries of the past. Immerse yourself in the captivating exhibits of the on-site museum, where artifacts and relics unearthed from the temple’s surroundings shed light on the lives and beliefs of the ancient inhabitants. As you traverse the sprawling grounds, a sense of tranquility and spiritual energy envelops you. Ascend the stone steps, then from the summit, be rewarded with breathtaking views that stretch across the verdant landscape, providing a sense of connection to the natural beauty that surrounds Vat Phu.

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  Bolaven Plateau

  The Bolaven Plateau is a hidden gem in Southern Laos, a land of lush green hills, cascading waterfalls, and rich coffee culture. Highlights of the Bolaven Plateau: its waterfalls. There are over 70 waterfalls in the area, each one more stunning than the last. Some of the most popular waterfalls include Tad Fane, Tad Khone, and Tad Yuang.
  Another highlight of the Bolaven Plateau is its coffee culture. The plateau is home to some of the best coffee in the world, and you can visit coffee plantations to learn about how it is grown and processed. If you are looking for an off-the-beaten-path destination with stunning natural beauty and a rich cultural heritage, then the Bolaven Plateau is the perfect place for you.

  Other activities

• Cultural tours
• Almsgiving
• Community activities
• Visit monks during prayer and interact
• Additional spa treatments
• Tours to the 4000 islands and Bolaven Plateau
• Sunset cruise and many more

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   What's included

• Daily yoga and meditation sessions
• Yoga and meditation on the beach or at the shala or shala platform
• Excursions to Vat Phu temple and Bolaven tour
• Cooking class
• 1 60- or 90-minute spa treatment of your choice
• Village visit on foot or by bicycle
• Almsgiving (offering food to the monks in the morning)
• Traditional dance class
• Basket weaving
• 5 nights accommodation
• 3 meals daily
• 
  

   What's not included

• Airfare
• Airport transfers
• Additional consumptions
• Extra activities

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   Cancellation Policy

• A reservation requires a deposit of 20% of the total price.
• The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
• The rest of the payment should be paid on departure.