Thailand
handstand retreat
with Marie-Ève Dicaire and Nicolas Montes de Oca
7 – 13 November 2026
Join us for a 7-day intensive handstand retreat in Thailand.
Open to all levels.
Intensive handstand training
The intensive handstand retreat is open to individuals of all levels, from complete beginners to advanced hand balancers. The group will be divided into two levels, so that we can tailor drills to each individual’s needs and ensure everyone can progress at their own pace. During this retreat we will teach methodology based on the renowned techniques of Chinese and Ukrainian hand balancing.
What does it cover
Beginners:
- Exercises specifically designed to prepare the body for handstands
- Exercises to develop proper alignment
- Drills to help you transition smoothly from your feet to your hands
- Wall exercises to build confidence and familiarity with being upside down
- Confidence-building drills for freestanding handstands
- Various methods for learning how to kick-up into a handstand
- Techniques for achieving and maintaining balance in a handstand
- Spotting techniques for safe and effective practice
Advanced:
- Drills to optimize alignment
- Exercises specifically designed to prepare the body for handstands
- Exercises to test your two arm handstands
- Exercises to play with isolation
- Practising press handstands
- Techniques for building stamina
- Various spotting methods
- Exercises for one arm handstand transfers
- Techniques for building stamina in one arm handstands
- Practicing various one arm handstand shapes, such as side bends and Figa.
Relax
/
Train
/
Renew
Schedule
7 November
- Check-In: after 3 p.m.
- Training: 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
- Welcome meal: 6:30 p.m.
8 November
- Breakfast: 7 a.m.
- Training: 9 a.m. — noon
- Lunch: 12:30 p.m.
- Free time to enjoy the surroundings
- Training: 3 p.m. — 5 p.m.
- Evening meal: 6 p.m.
9 November
- Breakfast: 7 a.m.
- Training: 9 a.m. — noon
- Lunch: 12:30 p.m.
- Free time to enjoy the surroundings
- Training: 3 p.m. — 5 p.m.
- Evening meal: 6 p.m.
10 November
- Rest day: there are lots of activities available around the site which you can organize upon arrival.
11 November
- Breakfast: 7 a.m.
- Training: 9 a.m. — noon
- Lunch: 12:30 p.m.
- Free time to enjoy the surroundings
- Training: 3 p.m. — 5 p.m.
- Evening meal: 6 p.m.
12 November
- Breakfast: 7 a.m.
- Training: 9 a.m. — noon
- Lunch: 12:30 p.m.
- Free time to enjoy the surroundings
- Training: 3 p.m. — 5 p.m.
- Evening meal: 6p.m.
13 November
- Breakfast: 8 a.m.
- Check-out: 12 p.m.
Training only
(no meal & accommodation)
Package details
Thailand handstand retreat - Training only
$USD 1,700
$USD 1,700
Shared accommodation
(double occupancy)
Package details
Thailand handstand retreat - Shared Accommodation
$USD 2,299
$USD 2,299
sold out
Single occupancy
(private room)
Package details
Thailand handstand retreat - Single occupancy
$USD 3,299
$USD 3,299
sold out
Training only
(No meals or accommodation included)
Limited regional accessibility price
Package details
Thailand handstand retreat - Training only, Limited regional accessibility price
Available for nationals of Thailand, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia. Passport or official document may be required to confirm eligibility.
$USD 1,300
$USD 1,300
Who is Marie-Ève?
Marie-Ève Dicaire began her artistic journey as a dancer, but after three years of training, she felt that something was missing. She auditioned for the National Circus School of Montreal, where she was accepted as a hand balancer, and quickly discovered a love for this rare blend of precision and fluidity.
Since graduating in 2006, she has performed around the world with numerous circus companies, including Circus Monti, Circus Starlight, Cirque Plume, Cirque Éloize, Cirque du Soleil, and The 7 Fingers, and has performed in many variety shows across Germany. More recently, she has had the privilege of spending three years teaching hand balancing at the prestigious National Circus School of Montreal.
Marie-Ève is still evolving as a dancer, but now she does it while balancing on her hands.
@dicairemarieeve
Who is Nicolas?
Nicolas Montes de oca is a professional circus performer who has dedicated his life to hand balancing and the circus arts. He has developed his own unique hand balancing style, fusing it with dance and movement, which has led to him performing all over the world.
Originally self-taught, Nicolas Montes de Oca took his skills to new levels, receiving professional tuition at the Shanghai Circus School in China, at ESAC (École Supérieure des Arts du Cirque) in Belgium and at the Kiev Circus Academy in Ukraine. He has performed at many prestigious companies such as Franco Dragone, The 7 Fingers and Cirque du Soleil.
@nicolastanding
What is Amatara?
Picture yourself in paradise, where lush landscape meets elegant design, and every detail is crafted to inspire body and mind. Our exclusive handstand retreat in Thailand is not just an event — it’s an extraordinary journey set in one of the world’s most stunning locations. This breathtaking sanctuary blends natural beauty with refined comfort, creating the ideal space to immerse yourself in the art of hand balancing while indulging in the joy of living well.
Here, wellness is a way of life. Far from the rigidity of conventional retreats, this haven is dedicated to sustainable transformation through meaningful, enjoyable experiences. With tranquil surroundings, attentive service, and a vibrant energy, this is a place where your practice flourishes, your mind unwinds, and every moment feels purposeful.
As the backdrop for our intensive retreat, this centre provides everything you need to succeed. Nourishing meals fuel your body for focused practice. Beautifully appointed accommodations offer rest and rejuvenation. And every corner of the property—from its peaceful gardens to its awe-inspiring views—encourages growth and connection.
This is more than a training ground, it’s a chance to deepen your practice, connect with like-minded individuals, and explore the captivating beauty of Thailand. Prepare to challenge yourself, celebrate your progress, and take home not just skills, but an experience that stays with you long after you leave.
Discover the perfect blend of inspiration, luxury and transformation at our Thailand handstand retreat — a week designed for those who seek the very best in both their practice and their journey.
What kind of Food is available?
Indulge in a culinary journey that perfectly complements your handstand retreat experience in Thailand. Each day begins with a nourishing and satisfying breakfast to fuel your body and mind for the day ahead. At lunch and in the evening, delight in meals crafted from a set menu at the resort’s signature restaurants, where culinary artistry meets health-conscious choices.
Savour a vibrant fusion of traditional Thai flavours, international delicacies, and nutrient-rich wellness cuisine designed to delight your taste buds and energize your practice. Every meal is a balance of wholesome ingredients, bold flavours, and mindful preparation — a true feast for the senses that leaves you feeling fulfilled, refreshed, and ready to take on your next handstand challenge.
How do you get there?
84 Moo 8, Sakdidej Road, Tambon Vichit,
Cape Panwa, Phuket 83000, Thailand
It’s easy to get to Amatara Welleisure Resort. The resort is located in the beautiful Cape Panwa area of Phuket, Thailand, just a 45-minute drive from Phuket International Airport (HKT).
Transfer options
- You can take a taxi or private transfer service from the airport. Upon arrival, book a ride at the official taxi counter or arrange a private transfer in advance for added convenience.
- To make your trip even smoother, we’ll create a WhatsApp group one month before the retreat. This will allow participants to connect and arrange shared transportation to the resort, helping to split costs and enjoy the journey with fellow retreat-goers.
The resort offers a peaceful and welcoming atmosphere, and we’re excited for you to join us. If you need assistance or have any questions about getting there, feel free to reach out!
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