Meditation • Rejuvenation • Healing
Dark Retreat
Earth Domes
"Dive deep down into silence, deeper and ever deeper until it is reached."
— Ramana Maharshi
Experience a transformative solo retreat in complete darkness. Discover profound healing and inner peace on the tropical island of Koh Phangan, Thailand.
Our Sacred Space
Handcrafted earth domes nestled in the heart of Koh Phangan's tropical forest
Immersed in Nature
Complete privacy in tropical paradise
Sacred Architecture
Handcrafted with natural materials
Inner Sanctuary
A space for deep meditation and transformation
What is a Dark Retreat?
A dark retreat is a solo retreat in a space that is completely absent of light. It's a profound practice that alters perception, deepens meditation, and supports an inner journey of regeneration.
Complete Darkness
Sealed earth domes ensure total absence of light, creating perfect conditions for deep meditation.
Natural Setting
Nestled in the jungle of Koh Phangan, surrounded by nature.
Ancient Practice
Rooted in Yoga, Ayurveda, Buddhism, Taoism, and the hermetic western tradition, dark retreats have been used for millennia.
Deep Healing
Experience profound inner transformation, heightened perception, and spiritual regeneration.
The essence of the practice is to remain in complete darkness, avoiding any exposure to light. It takes careful effort to seal off every source of light while ensuring proper ventilation.
Spending time in total darkness profoundly alters perception, deepens practice, and supports an inner journey of regeneration and reset. Across traditions—from Ayurveda to Taoism—dark retreats have been recognized for their rejuvenating and healing effects.
Now envision this experience on the tropical island of Koh Phangan, Thailand — a place renowned worldwide for its natural beauty and deeply healing atmosphere. Rising from the landscape, two fully sealed monolithic earth domes provide a safe, tranquil space designed to support and enhance this timeless practice.
Retreat Durations
Choose the duration that resonates with your journey. The minimum is 3 days. All retreats include private earth dome accommodation and full support.
Explorer
3 Days
Contact for Pricing
Perfect for beginners in meditation with no previous retreat experiences.
Most Popular
Discovery
4-7 Days
Contact for Pricing
Deeper dive into darkness meditation
for first timer in darkretreat with already experience in meditation and silent retreats
Full Immersion
8-X Days
Contact for Pricing
Ready to let go, for meditation lovers with a stable tamed mind and fascination for the unknown, either strong experienced practitioners or second comers
Important: Long dark retreats require stability in meditation and familiarity with silence. If you lack extensive experience, we recommend starting with the 3-day Explorer package to open the door to this profound practice.
Retreat User Manual
Everything you need to know to prepare for your transformative journey into darkness
Preparation Timeline
2-3 Weeks Before:
- Begin reducing caffeine and sugar intake gradually
- Establish a daily meditation practice (even 10 minutes helps)
- Start going to bed earlier to adjust your sleep cycle
- Reduce screen time, especially before bed
1 Week Before:
- Switch to a lighter, vegetarian diet if possible
- Avoid alcohol and recreational substances
- Practice sitting in silence for longer periods
- Complete any urgent work or personal matters
Day Before:
- Eat light, easily digestible meals
- Arrive in Koh Phangan and settle in
- Get a good night's sleep in a quiet environment
- Set your intention for the retreat
Mental & Emotional Preparation
Set Clear Intentions: Reflect on why you're doing this retreat. What do you hope to discover or heal?
Release Expectations: While having intentions is important, remain open to whatever arises during your time in darkness.
Inform Loved Ones: Let family and friends know you'll be unreachable. This helps you fully disconnect.
Journal Your Thoughts: Write down your current state of mind, worries, and aspirations before entering.
Daily Rhythm in the Dome
There is no structured schedule—time dissolves in darkness. However, most retreatants naturally develop a rhythm:
- Rest When Tired: Your body may need extra sleep initially. Honor this.
- Meditate Regularly: Use the silence to go deeper into meditation practice.
- Gentle Movement: Light stretching or yoga helps prevent stiffness.
- Mindful Eating: Meals are delivered in containers. Eat slowly and mindfully.
- Self-Inquiry: Use this time to observe your thoughts and emotions without judgment.
What to Expect
Days 1-2: Adjustment
Initial discomfort, restlessness, or boredom is normal. Your mind will be noisy.
Days 3-5: Deepening
As you settle in, deeper emotions may surface. This is part of the healing process.
Days 6+: Transformation
Many experience profound insights, inner peace, or spiritual experiences during this phase.
Remember: Everyone's journey is unique. Trust your process.
Essential Items
- Comfortable, loose-fitting clothes
- Layers for temperature changes
- Socks and underwear (5-7 days worth)
- Light robe or wrap (the dome can be cool at night)
Clothing:
- Toothbrush & natural toothpaste
- Biodegradable soap/shampoo
- Towels (2-3 small ones)
- Feminine hygiene products if needed
- Any necessary medications
Personal Care:
- Journal & pen (for pre/post reflection)
- Eye mask (for transition periods)
- Ear plugs (if sensitive to sounds)
- Meditation cushion or yoga mat
- Water bottle
Optional but Helpful:
- Electronics (phone, tablet, laptop)
- Books or reading materials
- Watches or clocks
- Anything that emits light
- Strong fragrances or perfumes
Leave Behind:
Wisdom from Experienced Retreatants
🌟 Embrace the Discomfort
"The first few days were the hardest. I wanted to quit. But I stayed with it, and by day 4, everything shifted. The discomfort is part of the process—don't run from it."
🌟 Use the Bathroom Trip as Meditation
"Walking to the bathroom in complete darkness became a moving meditation for me. I learned to trust my body's awareness completely."
🌟 Talk to Yourself (Out Loud)
"When emotions got intense, speaking out loud helped me process them. There's no one to hear you—use your voice!"
🌟 Don't Rush the Exit
"Re-entering the light world is intense. Take your time. Wear sunglasses. Ease back into technology and social interaction gradually."
🌟 Trust the Process
"I had moments of thinking 'nothing is happening' and then suddenly—breakthrough. The work happens even when you don't feel it."
🌟 Stay Hydrated & Nourished
"It's easy to forget to eat or drink when you lose track of time. Set reminders for yourself or eat when food is delivered."
Emergency Support
While rare, if you experience a true emergency or overwhelming distress, you can exit the retreat at any time—there's no shame in knowing your limits
- Our staff is available 24/7 for support
- You can exit the retreat at any time—there's no shame in knowing your limits
Your safety and wellbeing are our top priority.
What Our Guests Say
Hear from those who've experienced the transformative power of darkness
Burkhard
Senior Teacher at Akasha Yoga Academy
"Over the years I have been doing several 3 and 10-Day Dark Room Retreats in this marvelous place. Certainly among the best experiences I ever had! The support and infrastructure are truly awesome and highly recommended. The serene setting in quiet nature really allows for an undisturbed profound experience."
ishine gape
Acroyoga Genius
"I did a retreat in 2011 and in end of 2018 another one. Each 3 days and had an amazing experience in the dark. The guys who have built this are genius and held great space for me while being gone from the outer world for a couple of days. For anyone who is interested and ready to experience a profound look into yourself, this might be the perfect place to go and simply be!"
rachel grey
Ashtanga Therapy Founder
"Highly recommend doing this at least once in a lifetime. Santosh and Lou were absolutely wonderful and made me feel at home with friends. The dome is well designed and built by Santosh himself and has everything you need for a comfortable time to completely unplug from the matrix. There is much to be seen in the darkness. A deeply peaceful experience."
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about dark retreats
What should I bring to a dark retreat?
We provide all essential items including bedding, cushions, and basic necessities. We recommend bringing comfortable loose clothing, personal toiletries, and any meditation tools you regularly use. A detailed packing list will be sent upon booking.
Is prior meditation experience required?
For 3-day retreats, basic meditation familiarity is helpful but not required. For 7-10 day retreats, we recommend having an established meditation practice and experience with extended silent periods. We’re happy to discuss your experience level and recommend the best package for you.
How is food provided during the retreat?
Two nutritious vegetarian meals are delivered to your dome at scheduled times (breakfast and lunch). The food is carefully prepared to support your practice and placed in a designated area so you can retrieve it without exposure to light. Special dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice.
What if I need to leave the retreat early?
Your safety and comfort are our top priorities. If you need to exit early, we’ll assist you with proper light adaptation and integration support.
How do I prepare for a dark retreat?
Upon booking, you’ll receive a detailed preparation guide with everything you need to make the most of your retreat — including pre-arrival tips, daily structure and support during the retreat (meal times, check-ins, items provided, etc.), and guidance for the integration phase after your stay.
Are the domes completely safe?
The earth domes are professionally constructed with advanced ventilation systems to ensure your stay is as comfortable as possible. They are regularly inspected and maintained to the highest safety standards.
Can I do a dark retreat if I have health conditions?
Please discuss any physical or mental health conditions with us during the inquiry process. While dark retreats can be deeply healing, certain conditions may require additional considerations or modifications. We’ll work with you to determine if a dark retreat is appropriate and safe for your situation.