Retreats In Thailand

In Chiang Mai’s calm, I found the simplicity and peace I craved, far from the hustle and bustle of the Western world. It was here where I healed deeply, shedding layers of vanity and ego. Embracing authenticity, I traded heels for sandals and shaved my head, marking a fresh start in holistic living.

Let me go back to the beginning. I grew up in Vegas, in the glitzy world of print and convention modeling and acting, I thrived under the spotlight. Mother nature had been kind to me and I navigated the glamorous life with ease. Amidst the sparkle, a whisper of longing echoed within me~a yearning for something more profound, something missing.

The charm of exploring new places always tugged at my heart strings, yet I never knew the most profound journey wouldn’t need a passport. It was an inward exploration, a quest for my true self. This became the ultimate adventure of my life.

I hit a breaking point keeping up with the flashy Vegas and Hollywood lifestyles, where everything was about looks and outside approval. The endless cycle of late night gambling, nightclubs, auditions, rejections, and superficial conversations chipped away at my soul, it felt empty and fake. I longed for something more genuine and meaningful.

Driven by an insatiable hunger for Eastern philosophy, holistic medicine, and ancient wisdom, my little dog and I boarded a one- way flight to Thailand in 2014.

A friend living in Chiang Mai invited me to visit. I was shown a world of possibility for the unknown, and I whole-heartedly took it. What was intended as a two-month exploration unfolded into a six-year journey of discovery and transformation.

I lived among Buddhist monks throughout the years in 10-day vipassana retreats and meditated 12 hours a day. I was immersed in a world of meditation, mindfulness and present living. As the mental chatter quieted, I discovered profound stillness and a sense of grounding I’d never known.

I founded LaurZen, a conscious Thai jewelry line that supports Thai women artisans. Every piece is lovingly crafted and carries the blessings of a Thai Monk, symbolizing the warmth and support of the communities that welcomed me. This brand is my way of offering a piece of Thailand’s heart to the world.

My quest for knowledge and mastery in holistic practices led me to pursue training and certifications in Ayurveda Health Coaching, Trauma-Informed Yoga, Craniosacral Therapy, and Sound Healing. Each step on this path deepened my understanding and honed my skills, allowing me to serve others with compassion and wisdom.

Back in my “other home” of Orange County, California, I weave the tapestry of community through women’s circles, yoga “under the stars,” sound healing events, and one-on-one coaching sessions.

The culmination of my experiences and insights gave birth to “The Journey to Freedom” Retreat, a sanctuary designed for healing, exploration, and empowerment. This 7-day experience invites women to embark on their own transformative journeys, to connect deeply with themselves and others, and to embrace their true power.

I hope to inspire more women to leave the comforts of their home and do more of what makes them happy and free, so they leave with a renewed sense of purpose, resilience, and readiness to enrich their roles as mothers, daughters, partners, and friends.

I invite you to frolic and heal with me in the “Land of Smiles.” Add ZEN to your name, and step into a life of boundless possibility and authentic joy.

With Peace, Love, & Adventures,
LaurZen