The Smiling Gecko, The "Awakening" Retreat, Cambodia

THE "AWAKENING" RETREAT

Witness an experience of undefined luxury in this magical country, full of ancient wisdom and mystical tales. The first part of this unforgettable “Awakening” Retreat will be experienced at the luxurious Farmhouse Resort and Spa on the Smiling Ghecko campus, in the heart of the Cambodian jungle. Our 6 night immersive retreat of movement, breath, meditation and self discovery held in the beautiful 150 hectare of land, home to this inspiring project and its people, offers you a chance to experience the timeless existence and the true nature of this country.

We will then continue our journey to the Cambodian island of Koh Rong to the Royal Sands Resort for an unforgettable 5 night finale of continued movemement practices, mesmerising beaches, glorious sunsets, island hopping, and full immersion into the Khmer New Year celebrations. Surround yourself in the traditions, culture and history of Cambodia as we dive into this very special YOGACTIVITY retreat!

THE FARMHOUSE RESORT & SPA: 5-11 APRIL

This magical paradise provides the perfect sanctuary for the "Awakening" Retreat. With luxurious rooms and a beautiful open air shala, this resort offers the perfect conditions to bring body, mind and soul into harmony combining movement and personal growth with healthy food (farm to table). Your retreat at the Farmhouse Resort & Spa, includes a daily fusion of movement practices, fresh, wholesome and nourishing dining, beautiful tropical surroundings, luxurious accommodation, organized excursions, time to immerse in the local nature and culture, relaxation time, spa visits, and the opportunity to regenerate and rejuvinate in the full immersive experience of the retreat offering.

Located in the middle of the beautiful 150-hectare Smiling Gecko Campus, just 1.5 hours from Phnom Peng airport, in the heart of Cambodia, this award-winning resort is committed to making a difference, and with its beautiful accommodations, renowned restaurants, three yoga shalas, 8000 m2 spa and wellness facilities, volleyball court, own gym, two pools, and agricultural and handicraft businesses, this proud NGO project reinvests its profits into supporting the education of Cambodia’s future leaders. 

ACCOMODATION

The Cambodian-style Deluxe Khmer bungalows, located in the middle of a tropical garden, are fully air-conditioned and are equipped with furniture from the sites own carpentry workshop. A place to feel good! All bungalows have a balcony and tastefully furnished bathrooms, with rain shower and a free-standing bathtub. Upgrades to Superior or Suite Bungalows are possible (prices on request).

SPA

Immerse in the tropical ambience of the new, 8’000m² Sanctuary Spa, a truly enchanting place that immediately captivates every guest. Relax and recharge, while the skilled massage therapists support wellness goals with a variety of revitalizing treatments. Choose from deep tissue massage, aromatherapy massage, Khmer massage, and lymphatic drainage. Each treatment is designed to nourish, balance, and restore. 

Highlights of the spa include an intimate sauna with a spacious natural stone plunge pool and from the well-equipped and fully air-conditioned gym, the large turquoise saltwater pool offers the perfect chance to relax and enjoy the tranquility. 

FARMHOUSE RESTAURANT 

Daily brunch and dinner will be at the resort’s main restaurant, with traditional, farm-to-table fare. The à la carte menu offers real highlights of regional cuisine, perfect for guests seeking a friendly restaurant and a perfect place to chill. The delicious dishes in the Farmhouse Restaurant are prepared with ingredients from the impressive 150 ha Smiling Gecko campus wherever possible. The site grows most of the fruit and vegetables in their own fields and gardens, breed the fish and poultry and other livestock themselves. The result is fresh farm-to-table food, which is a fantastic basis for the excellent creations in their kitchen. 

RESTAURANT «UN» 

On our last evening, we will celebrate with the passionate team of Mariya Un Noun who welcome guests to their air-conditioned fine dining restaurant. Enjoy the unique atmosphere, in which attentive service is just as important as the extraordinary creations of the “New Khmer Cuisine” developed by Mariya. These creations are served as THE 6^th or 8^th SYMPHONY OF TASTE courses. Look forward to an enjoyable evening in a relaxed and comfortable environment.

EXCURSIONS

Your schedule includes 2 organized and guided excursions during your stay (please see the schedule), and of course, a private tour of the Smiling Gecko Campus!

Typical Day

8.00-9.00 Biodynamic Breathing and Meditation

9.00-9.30 Break for tea and fruits

9.30-10.45 Movement Practice

10.45 Brunch together

From 12.30 Time for individual lunch, SPA, pool, massage or Organized Tour

17.15 18.30 Restorative/therapeutic Practice

From 19.30 Dinner together

TOUR OF THE CAMPUS

The tour of the 150 hectare Smiling Gecko Campus is an unforgettable experience. Here, guests get a perfect insight into the numerous NGO projects of Smiling Gecko and visit their school and the kindergarten, and their many activities that support sustainability in travel and tourism. 

The Farmhouse Resort & Spa is an important part of the unique Smiling Gecko Campus, which was launched by the NGO in Cambodia called “Smiling Gecko” in 2014 to sustainably combat poverty in rural Cambodia through schooling and vocational training. On 150 hectares of own land, the organization runs not just the luxury sustainable resort in Cambodia but a fantastic, bilingual school and kindergarten, as well as various craft workshops, in which disadvantaged young adults from part of Cambodia are trained. Another focus is agriculture and proper caring for and breeding of the farm animals. Most of the meat and fish used in the resort’s restaurants, as well as almost all the fruit and vegetables, come from its own farms, giving a whole new meaning to the concept of farm-to-table. Good to know: All profits from the resort are reinvested in the Smiling Gecko campus.

PRICE FOR YOUR 6 NIGHTS AWAKENING RETREAT PACKAGE AT THE FARMHOUSE FROM 5-11 APRIL

BUNGALOW SINGLE OCCPANCY: CHF 2,450

BUNGALOW DOUBLE OCCUPANCY (MAX 2 PAX): CHF 1,720 PER PERSON

The price includes a Deluxe Khmer Bungalow Room, daily brunch and dinner, all retreat classes and equipment, tea and water during yoga, airport transfer, all tours and additional courses offered in the schedule, high speed internet, full menu in the fine dining restaurant UN on the final evening, and all pool and spa facilities (spa treatments are at an additional cost). Flights are not included.

EXTENDED TRIP TO THE CAMBODIAN ISLANDS: 11-16 APRIL

Following the Awakening Retreat at the Farmhouse, we will make our way to Sihanoukville, for the second part of our Cambodian Adventure We will be picked up at 11.00 from the Farmhouse to continue our trip with a 3 hour journey to the port of Sihanoukville. Here, we take a short transfer by private boat to the magnificent Cambodian island of Koh Rong, where we will continue our retreat at The Royal Sands Resort. We will wake to the sound of the waves for our daily retreat classes as well as reserve plenty of time for some island hopping adventures, snorkelling, visiting mesmerising beaches, magnificent sunsets and even a night time experience of the islands bioluminescent plankton!

THE ROYAL SANDS RESORT

The Royal Sands Koh Rong blends luxury with sustainability, using locally sourced teak, bamboo, and limestone to create harmony with its pristine island setting. Open-air spaces frame sweeping ocean views and sunsets, while villas feature outdoor salas, with select options offering private pools and direct beachfront access. Koh Rong has been voted no. 9 in the Worlds best beaches and The Royal Sands, Koh Rong has been included in the 2026 Michelin Guide for best hotels.

Set along 550 metres of powder-white sand and turquoise waters, this 5-star retreat delivers an indulgent yet mindful escape, where contemporary design and natural beauty combine to create a sense of tranquillity, exclusivity, and authentic island luxury.

ACCOMODATION

The private and quiet Superior villas offer a luxurious room of 79 sqm, set within tropical surroundings, and include one bedroom with a super king size bed, a spacious bathroom with indoor and outdoor rain showers, a sofa, and a daybed on the terrace. Upgrades are possible (prices on request).

SPA

Step through the solid timber doors of Senses Spa and leave the world behind as you enter a sanctuary of peace and renewal, embraced by the island’s natural beauty. Here, traditional and contemporary therapies are thoughtfully designed to calm the mind, restore balance, and energise the soul. The spa features a semi–open-air sala for soothing foot and Khmer massages, alongside an outdoor yoga sala dedicated to mindful breathing and gentle stretching. Private treatment rooms offer more specialised therapies, each with a unique design element — glass floors revealing a tranquil koi pond below. As you lie back and watch the graceful koi swim in vibrant colours beneath you, their serene movement becomes part of the healing experience, creating an atmosphere of harmony that enhances every treatment.

EXCURSIONS & SCHEDULE

We include two tours in our schedule on Koh Rong. On evening, we will take a short trip to see Koh Rong’s bioluminescent plankton which are a wonderful sight to behold at night time, sparkelling like the stars around you. After an early dinner, we will be picked up by boat after sunset and taken to witness the magical glow of bioluminescent plankton lighting up the bay. You can enjoy this unforgettable evening experience snorkelling in the water or from the boat.

On a separate afternoon, we will experience a 4-hour island-hopping adventure with visits to Koh Touch village, snorkelling at Koh Koun, and time to unwind at Saracen Bay on Koh Rong Samloem. A perfect way to explore three highlights in one trip.

Typical Day

8.30-9.45 Movement, breath, meditation practice

10.00 Brunch

12.00 Island Hopping Tour or relax by the pool, go for a swim, explore the island or indulge in a massage. Other activities you may wish to enjoy are SUP, or jungle hiking to hidden beaches, mangrove kayaking, diving, cycling, or a sunset boat trip.

19.30 Dinner

ADDITIONAL PRICE FOR 5 NIGHTS EXTENDED RETREAT PACKAGE TO THE ROYAL SANDS AT KOH RONG FROM 11-16 APRIL

SUPERIOR VILLA SINGLE OCCUPANCY: CHF 2,050

SUPERIOR VILLA DOUBLE OCCUPANCY (MAX 2 PAX): CHF 1,420 PER PERSON

The price includes all retreat classes, a Superior Villa, including daily brunch and dinner (3 course), all yoga classes and equipment, tranfer from the Farmhouse to Sihanoukville on 11 April, private return boat transfer to The Royal Sands Resort, return transfer to Phnom Penh on 16 April, Khmer New Years celebrations, and use of all facilities at the resort and all tours and additional courses offered in the schedule.

KHMER NEW YEAR 14-16 APRIL

We have timed our trip perfectly to also be able to enjoy the celebrations of the Khmer New Year. Be ready for some exciting festivities, including traditional foods, games and cultural experiences!

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TOTAL PACKAGE PRICE FROM 5-16 APRIL 2027

DELUXE BUNGALOW & SUPERIOR VILLA SINGLE OCCUPANCY: CHF 4,495

DELUXE BUNGALOW & SUPERIOR VILLA DOUBLE OCCUPANCY (MAX 2 PAX): CHF 3,140 PER PERSON

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RETREAT DETAILS / PAYMENT INFORMATION

After you have submitted the registration form, you will receive an invoice for the total cost per person, with payment due within 7 days to hold to confirm your place on the retreat.

Payment can be made through Bank Transfer only, in CHF, to the YOGACTIVITY bank account details provided at the time of booking. Kindly note that there will be a payment transfer cost that has to be borne by you. Depending on Bank and country, the cost may be different.

Travel insurance is highly recommended. In the event you are unable to attend the retreat due to injury, your insurance company will refund flights, and the costs of the retreat. There will be no refund by YOGACTIVITY, once your booking is confirmed.

Flights have to be organized individually by the participants themselves. We recommend flying with Thai Airways to BKK and connecting flight BKK to PNH with Thai Smile Air (usually goes without an overnight stay in BKK, gate change in BKK) or check possibilities with Etihad, Emirates or Qatar, as they may introduce flights to Phnom Penh Techo International (KTI) via Doha/ Dubai.

We suggest you arrive in Phnom Penh latest, on Sunday 4 April. Your transfer will meet you and the rest of the group at KTI on Monday 5 April at 11.00 am. Your transfer will drop you at KTI airport on Friday 16 April aroud 17.00, and from there you can either go straight to departures or take a taxi to your hotel in Phnom Penh. Please note, if you wish to take a transfer at any other time than the organized transfer, the costs will have to be covered by the participant.  

Visa: Please inform yourself timely about the individual visa requirements. Visa on arrival in Cambodia is possible, apx. 37 dollars p.P. or online visa ahead. Passport photo required.

E-arrival: www.arrival.gov.kh

Visa application: www.evisa.gov.kh

Passport: Please check the required validity of your passport and make sure the passorts has at least 2 empty pages as a requirement for Cambodia immigration and is still valid for a minimum of 6 months from the date of your departure.

Health regulations of the country: Please inform yourself about the current health and vaccination regulations of the country. Farmhouse Resort & Spa is not in a Malaria Area and therefore no reason of concern.

Transfers are included in the package from Phnom Penh Techo International (KTI). The date and time of the transfer from KTI to the resort will be Monday 5 April at 11.00 from KTI. The return transfer from Shianoukville to Phnom Penh will be on Friday 16 April (to arrive in Phnom Penh 17.00).

Rooms will be distributed according to the receipt of registrations and a bungalow or villa can also be booked for one or two persons. Upgrades are available upon payment of the extra charge at the time of booking, subject to availability.

Allergies & Food Intolerances: Please let us know in advance if you have any specific allergies or intolerances, as well as if you are vegan or vegetarian. 

Health: Physical and mental health is required for all participants. This yoga retreat is not a substitute for psychotherapy and/or medical treatment. Please seek your doctor’s permission in advance if you have any health problems or if you are pregnant. The organizer does not take responsibility for the health problems of the participants.

Extra nights around the retreat package: We recommend you arrive in Cambodia minimum one day before the retreat starts and leave minimum one day after. We are happy to assist with travel plans within Cambodia and suggest places to stay. You may also wish to plan a visit to the famous temple complex of Angkor Wat (approx. six hours drive from the Farmhouse), and a visit to the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, before or after the retreat if you have time.

Internet: Free internet is included in the stay. However, there can also be short-term power outages, Cambodia is still a developing country.

Clothing: Bring clothes for warm and cool weather, sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, rain jacket, comfortable hiking or casual shoes for sightseeing, swimwear, flip-flops, yoga clothes, if necessary: personal medication.

Climate: Average temperatures in April are hot and dry and around 35 degrees.

Culture: Please show respect for the culture of Cambodia. Cambodia’s culture is rich and diverse, shaped by a long history and the influential Khmer civilization. Here are some important aspects to keep in mind when traveling to Cambodia: Show respect for the people, their traditions, and their culture. A smile and a “Chum reap suor” (hello) are always welcome! When visiting temples and religious sites, it is appropriate to dress respectfully. Please inform yourself about the culture of the country before you arrive.

Meals: Daily Brunch and Dinner are offered as well as one night fine dining in Restaurant UN.

Smiling Gecko NGO: Your visit is a direct support of their project and very much appreciated.

Yoga equipment on site: Yoga mats, blocks, blankets are provided. Of course, you are welcome to bring your own yoga mat and meditation cushion if you wish.

Payments at the hotel: Credit card payments (Master / Visa / American Express) and USD-Cash are possible at the hotel. We also recommend carrying small dollar bills for tips & transfers. Currency exchange in the local currency is possible at the airport. (Khmer Riel – currently: 1 KHR =  about 0.000247768 USD). However, dollars are very popular as a means of payment.

CANCELLATION POLICY

If you are unable to attend the retreat due to injury or illness, or any other circumstances, the participant must claim any cancellation fees directly from their travel insurance company.

If the entire retreat has to be canceled by the organizer (YOGACTIVITY), e.g. due to a natural disaster, all amounts and deposits paid by the participants will be fully refunded. Further travel expenses are not included (e.g. flight tickets, visa costs), and will not be reimbursed by YOGACTIVITY in this case.

We strongly recommend that you issue travel cancellation insurance, as well as luggage and international health insurance. The travel cancellation insurance normally must be booked at the time or shortly after you made the travel booking.

Please note that no partial refunds can be made for unused nights, or meals.

Booking => please contact me via contact form