A Slice of Magic

I touch down in Chiang Mai after the short flight from Suvarnabhumi, Bangkok. As I exit the pleasantly air-conditioned arrival hall it’s like walking into a wall of heat. Chiang Mai is unusually hot for August. I am soon picked up by Lin, one of three owners of Amayen Sanctuary, and we depart on the 30-minute drive to get there. I ask about the other guests – I expected to be sharing a van with a few fellow travelers – but it turns out I am the only one booked for these dates. The Covid-pandemic has not been kind to the hospitality business, and Amayen is no exception – especially since a majority of guests come from outside of Thailand. For anyone already in Thailand this opens up a unique opportunity: exclusive access to solitude in the magical setting that is Amayen Sanctuary.

As we arrive, I’m served a freshly pressed juice while I’m getting checked in. I get a glance at the daily schedule.

During the tour of the grounds the curiosity awakens as we pass by walls filled with quotes, meditation rooms and manifestation stations. I choose to stay in the more traditional wooden style room rather than accepting the free upgrade offered. It’s spacious and has a certain charm about it.

I then get some time to freshen up after the travels and get ready for the first yoga session. It happens to be the first of the retreat – and the first of my life. It’s not a good look.

It feels good afterward and leaves me hungry for dinner.

I believe that a big part of the experience is discovering all the secrets and surprises Amayen has to offer, so I won’t go through anything in detail. What I will say is this:

Right now you have a unique chance to experience a more quiet version of the Sanctuary.
It might seem pricey, but there is a lot of value in all the sessions (meditation and yoga), massages, food, and overall experience.
The food is fresh and filling. You are served breakfast by the river before yoga, lunch with dessert, and three-course meals for dinner every night.
The teachers are great. It was my first time doing yoga and I enjoyed it a lot, both the more relaxing sessions and the tougher ones.