This was an extremely unique retreat experience which allows plenty of time for quiet contemplation, peaceful reset, meditation sessions (plus other workshops) with retreat owner, Joachim. What a spectacularly stunning piece of architecture designed / built by Joachim - And what an opportunity to experience living amongst his family. Come prepared and be open-minded to meet yourself fully, and perhaps, like me, you may find more than what you are seeking, and depart with great clarity post-retreat. Thank you to your family and yourself for hosting me, Joachim - Best regards and peace.

Arrive as a guest, leave as a friend. These were the words of Joachim the owner of Palm Garden retreat on the first day. This is not some corporate slogan but a heartfelt desire to make you feel welcome. I stayed at the retreat for a total of 8 days. The environment is beautiful, calm and peaceful. The architecture, buildings and the art within them are inspiring and beautiful. Every single door is a work of art in itself. I stayed in an ensuite room which was large and very comfortable. The food was a highlight, lovingly prepared and presented. Delicious Thai food and sometimes joining the family for dinner which was a nice touch. Each day started off with morning meditation either in the garden or at the beach. This was followed by stretching/light yoga with Joachim. After breakfast there was some activity, usually a creative activity, something mindful. We would later in the day discuss what I had made or drawn and discussed any insights or meanings. Joachim takes time to get to know you. He asks questions during chats and explains his way of thinking, that he calls coherance. Through our chats I learned a lot about AI and coherance and how we can use these in our life. There is a programme of activities but it is light and you have a lot of time to yourself. You can walk around the garden, swim in the lovely pool, read, mediate and just relax. I brought a journal notebook with me and some books by Nich Haht Hanh and I really enjoyed having the space and time to read, journal and nap. I recommend you bring some things with you. If you want an hourly programme of yoga and meditation where everything is done for you I don't think this is what they are trying to do here. It's a different vision. Usually before dinner we would talk and then after dinner always a sound Bath where we would use the sound bowls together to relax. I had an amazing, relaxing time. It's a retreat for those who want to have some space and time as well as some activities. Joachim is kind and generous with his time and hospitality. I highly recommend you explore Palm Garden retreat. I hope to come back and see Joachim and this wonderful place again.

Very special and one of a kind place for soft retreat and meditation lowers. Great and very gentle option for those who would like to take a break, start practicing meditation and to get familiar with Buddhist religion, culture and art, collected with good taste in different corners of Asia. The owner of the place is European architect who built it as a family house with the attention and love to each detail. He organizes the retreat program based on individual preferences of the guests, including sessions with Buddhist monks, visits to temples and monasteries. The location is wonderful and peaceful itself in very quite local area, close to the sea. In one month after the visit I keep only warm memories about these days and feel reenergized and grateful. I definitely recommend it as a safe and unique retreat place, especially for the westerners!

Truly a hidden gem. I came for the Buddhist retreat and found a lot more than I expected. Just the museum collection alone is priceless, let alone the other activities I enjoyed in my short stay. The room I stayed in was beautiful and the amazing host treated me with great hospitality. We even had a Japanese tea ceremony which resulted in interesting conversations.

We saw the sign that said museum by chance. What we found insude was a beautiful sanctury,museum and home desgned by the welcoming and very knowlegeable owner Jo. Jo showed us round the gorgeous abode and gardens, full of perfectly placed beautiful ornate and functional objects. We returned to experience a sound bath ikebame and had a delicious healthy lunch prepared by his wife. The place has beautiful bedrooms decorated like the rest of the place witb works of art from middle to far east. These can be booked for a retreat and sometimes has parties of monks with their guests from Chiang Mai retreat there. Jo is a lovely intwresting person. The place is well worth a short or long visit. We are returning for more.