SOHA Retreats Avis 48

This was my third time attending the Royce Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Camp organized by SOHA Retreats.
The first time it took place in Portugal, and it already exceeded my expectations of an exclusive RGJJ camp. Then came Cyprus—twice—and that place is truly a gem.
The hotel is first-class, as is the staff, and the location is fantastic with plenty to do for the whole family.
Training with Master Royce was, as always, inspiring and highly professional—just as I’ve known it to be for over 32 years.
Manuel Benages is a true host, and SOHA Retreats are truly top-notch*****.
All I can say at this point is: If you want to join us next time, you should definitely plan your trip soon, because spots sell out very quickly.
I hope to be there again next year.
Franco Vacirca

This trip ranks among the best I’ve ever taken. Having such direct access to Royce and his depth of knowledge was incredible, and the group size made the whole experience feel genuinely intimate. It was also a pleasure getting to know him beyond the usual BJJ setting. Everything was organised seamlessly, the people were welcoming and the resort itself was outstanding.

What an amazing experience! Great service and great support. I highly recommend SOHA. Tony Wright

My experience at Soha Retreat was truly exceptional. It offered the perfect balance between activity and relaxation, making it easy to feel both energised and completely at ease.

From the moment I arrived, I was incredibly well looked after. The team went above and beyond to ensure every need was met—no request ever felt like too much trouble, which made the whole stay feel effortless and welcoming.

One of the highlights was the amazing group of people I met. It really added to the overall experience, creating a warm and supportive atmosphere throughout.

I especially enjoyed the Muay Thai sessions, the cold plunges, and the variety of wellness activities on offer. Each day felt rewarding and well thought out. The trips were also a fantastic addition, giving a great opportunity to explore Thailand and experience a bit of the local culture.

Overall, Soha Retreat is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to reset, recharge, and challenge themselves in a beautiful setting. I would highly recommend it.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I honestly can’t recommend this retreat enough.

From the moment I landed in Thailand to the moment I got back to the airport, everything was taken care of by Zee, Dave, and the team. The organisation was spot on — from the excursions to the taxis, every detail was handled smoothly and professionally.

What really stood out was the level of care and effort from the whole crew. They worked around the clock to make sure everyone was looked after and any request was dealt with quickly and professionally.

I also stayed a few extra nights, which gave me the chance to spend more time with Zee and Dave. They are genuinely some of the most caring and down-to-earth people I’ve ever met, which made the whole experience even more special.

This retreat has truly changed my life for the better. I’m going home with amazing memories, great photos, and a completely different mindset.

If you’re thinking about booking — just do it. You won’t regret it.

I’ll definitely be back next year.

What an experience, Soha Retreat really is something special..It's a mixture of amazing trips, good blend of activities & really fantastic therapy healing.
The staff are such beautiful, kind, non judgemental people who are there to simply lift, guide & support you through this wonderful experience in the most magical country Thailand.
What made it even more special was our group we totally bonded almost instantly.
Words cannot express how amazing this retreat is. Highly recommend. Loved every moment & was very sad to return home.

Although I was initially hesitant at the start of the Retreat. I became more open minded and relaxed as it progressed. I did not believe so much could be squeezed into the time available. An excellent blend of physical fitness, relaxation/counselling and some of the most amazing beaches, tours/adventures I've ever experienced. Getting up close to the Elephants was just incredible, and I will always remember it. Plus it was nice to get to know the other people on the retreat who needed to take time out from the bustle and hustle of life back in the UK. We all need breathing space and this retreat definitely provided it. Will definitely come back at some point!

To make a bold statement like "Life Changing" is very bold indeed. It does much more than that! Dave and Zee are wonderfully inspiring human beings and make the whole experience a memory to treasure for life. Thank you both. Bobby age 53

I returned from New Year SOHA retreat recently and from what I can only say has been the most amazing experience of my whole life.

I have never felt so held, nurtured and safe than I have during and beyond the retreat.

I arrived in burnout, actually I wasn’t t even sure if I’d survive to make it to the plane.
What I received from your programme, team and the group has been truly ‘transformative’ on many levels.

To be heard, held and understood cannot be bought and so I truly appreciate the hard work that is required to deliver that to so many people.

I’ll be forever grateful to you all.

Whilst I was away I was faced with chaos from home of which I have returned to more. I could not have managed without the support I received 🙏🏽 thanks to the light that this experience has provided to me 🙏🏽

My light is shining brighter than ever, I have gained ‘good’ friends, I have the deepest clarity and understanding about myself and others, I’m focused, energised and bringing back positive habits.

The SOHA team are exceptional, kind, caring, compassionate, nonjudgmental and each go above and beyond for every person on the retreat. Together they offer something very profound and healing to those willing to take the leap towards returning home to their true selves!

Thank you SO much, you have no idea how unbelievable this has been for me and I urge anyone and everyone to do something positively rewarding for themselves….Book this retreat 🥰

OMG!!! WOW!! What an experience!! It is hard to put in to words!!
Me and my family chose Soha retreats and are so thankful we did.
Manuel and his team gave us exactly what we needed and were completely hands on from day one, making sure every step of the way we were happy and getting what we needed.
The days on the beach, mixed with sessions of meditation, yoga, sound healing, therapy, and massages accompanied by unlimited smoothies, shakes, and authentic tasty Thai food. With the muay Thai sessions in the mornings, you just are guaranteed to feel amazing. And along side Manni and his team being along side you and offering there expertise is just what you need. Plus the trips every other day were great, and a brilliant mix of wildlife,food and amazing views. We all came back feeling completely refreshed, and in a great place to go into the new year.
Manni's team were absolutely amazing and they were completely committed to making sure we all had the best time, as well as supporting our needs. And although there is a schedule, there is always space left for flexibility to add extra sessions and fit things In when wanted.
We can not thank everyone at SOHA enough and they are still in touch offering more information in support ect, so if you want a retreat, meet amazing people , see amazing things and feel amazing this is for you!
Suitable for everyone
Thank you SOHA retreats

What an amazing experience, I arrived meeting 10 strangers and left with 10 friends, Dave is the most amazing mentor and I can not describe his understanding he has of people, truly making this an unforgettable experience. Thank you to all involved x

A totally fantastic experience! The retreat is so well organised and delivered by absolute professionals who deliver such an holistic sanctuary that gave me everything I needed (along with what I didn’t know I needed) to leave Thailand completely rejuvenated and taken care of….Experiences and memories made that will last a lifetime ☺️ The impact this trip has had on me I will find hard to put into words…truly amazing.
Soha… you were an absolute joy!
Thank you 💚 🙏🏻
Khop Khun Kha 😉

I really enjoyed my experience on the retreat. Our mentors Zee and Dave were lovely. My experience with Dave was great. The guy was totally committed and hands on the whole time and he is an absolute asset to the company. The mix of exercise, therapy, day trips, ice baths, Muay Thai and massages was well balanced and the variety of food , mostly Thai food was by and large, absolutely delicious. The hotel was fine with a lovely couple of pools and sun lounging area and roof terrace. Please note that this is a retreat that requires you to get involved and participate and put a bit of effort in and there are a few long days but you will get a lot from it if you are there for the right reasons. Its z no alcohol retreat, I personally don't drink so its no bother but one of the guys in our group spent his evenings going off to bars, getting drunk, missing training sessions etc because of hangovers and he didn't get the full benefits what were on offer had he have fully immersed himself into it. Again, big up Dave our mentor/coordinator for his exceptional character.

Quality time for me, to help me to reconnect with myself and meet like minded people.

SOHA wasn't a traditional retreat, it felt like more of a deep dive into self awareness and developing self compassion - a wellbeing camp! I desperately needed this reset and definitely got my money's worth.

Transport was seemless - and easily accessible. Food was fantastic and a real insight into thai cuisine.

The wellness staff were fantastic. Mani, Zee and Dave went over and above to support everyone. Thank you!

I'd highly recommend this

Participating in the SOHA retreat this Christmas was a transformative experience that began with a wave of anxious thoughts. However, those feelings quickly dissipated upon my arrival, thanks to the warm and welcoming presence of our gracious host, Dave. The Forest Hotel provided the perfect blend of tranquility and comfort, setting the stage for a rejuvenating experience.

The SOHA team—Zee, Dave, and Manuel—offered unwavering support throughout the retreat. Their sincere and authentic kindness made a remarkable impact, guiding each participant with care and attention. I found myself pushing my boundaries in ways I hadn’t anticipated, and the facilities were top-notch. The gym, Muay Thai sessions, and ice baths contributed to a holistic approach to wellness that I truly appreciated.

Transportation was seamless, with taxis and buses always arriving on time, allowing us to enjoy a well-balanced itinerary filled with opportunities for self-development and self-care. Each day included excursions to experience the breathtaking beauty of Thailand, enhancing the overall experience.

This retreat allowed me to rest my mind, rediscover myself, and forge meaningful connections with a remarkable group of individuals. I believe Manuel and his team are doing something extraordinary, creating a nurturing environment that fosters growth and connection.

In short, this retreat was the best gift I have ever given myself. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking a profound and enriching experience.

Here is the reply from Soha Retreats a “Mental Health Retreat”:

Hi Vanessa,

I want to respond clearly and calmly so there’s no misunderstanding.

We were open to discussing the situation with you after you left, however the decision to post public reviews containing serious claims before any resolution was attempted has significantly complicated things. Those reviews include statements we strongly dispute and which are very damaging to the business.

If there is to be any further discussion or mediation around what happened, that needs to take place in good faith. That would mean removing the Trustpilot review (and any other public reviews) while conversations are ongoing, so the matter can be discussed properly and privately.

This doesn’t mean a refund is guaranteed or implied — any discussion would need to take into account the programme delivery, the fact the retreat was left before it began, and the agreed booking terms.

If you’re open to resolving things constructively, let me know once the review has been removed and I can look at whether a calm, mediated conversation is appropriate.

Otherwise, we’ll consider the matter closed and won’t be engaging further on this via WhatsApp.

I arrived at this Retreat feeling lost, broken and unable to look to the future.
The mix of grounding nature, beautiful experiences and activities as well as the genuine care and compassion from every single SOHA team member was simply incredible. It started my healing journey, for which I’m truly grateful.

After being made redundant, I hit one of the lowest points in my life. I didn’t want to do anything or be anywhere. On a whim, I started looking online at retreats and spoke to a few people, but there was something about Soha Retreats and Manuel (Manni) that stood out.

I wasn’t the easiest person to deal with — I kept umming and ahhing and almost talked myself out of going. But Manni didn’t give up on me. He was honest, genuine, and trustworthy. He told me clearly that this was exactly what I needed and asked me, “What’s the worst that could happen?” He even put me in touch with a previous guest who had attended in February 2025 — and by pure chance, she ended up being on the same retreat as me. Hearing her say it was the best experience of her life gave me the comfort I needed to take the leap.

At the time, I was suffering from anxiety, stress, and depression. Manni promised it would be life-changing — and he was right.

When I landed, I was still very apprehensive and even wanted to go home (jet lag definitely didn’t help!). But after just the first day, everything changed. I couldn’t believe what I was doing — including going into an ice bath, something I never thought I’d do in a million years. Not only did I do it, but I stayed in for 7 minutes, which completely shocked me and showed me what I was capable of.

The Muay Thai team were absolutely incredible. You learn so much — not just about fitness and technique, but about discipline, confidence, and mindset. They’re like a little family: supportive, encouraging, and always by your side. Even if you’ve never stepped foot in a gym, they guide you through everything. Watching my first ever live Muay Thai fight was amazing, and being a ring girl for one of the rounds was such a fun and unforgettable experience!

The experiences outside training were just as special — island trips, bathing elephants (which I loved), feeding monkeys, visiting monkey temples, and doing yoga on the beach, which was incredibly grounding. The therapy sessions were powerful and genuinely helped rewire my thinking and how I view life.

I met the most beautiful people along the way. Our group supported one another throughout the retreat, and those connections made the experience even more meaningful. Add to that the Thai massages, amazing food, and perfect weather, and it truly felt like healing on every level.

This retreat helped remove negative thoughts and has genuinely transformed me. I feel like a completely new person.

Every single member of the team was incredible — Steve, Manni, Dave, Tova, the Muay Thai team, yoga instructors, therapists, and everyone involved. If you’re even slightly considering it, just book it. You will not regret it.

What an amazing experience, the best investment in myself I’ve ever made!

I ready reviews saying life changing, and didn’t quite believe it….but after my retreat I can honestly say it has been.

The retreat is the perfect mix of health, fitness, adventure and wellness. The therapy sessions helped me understand myself and realise my goals in life are achievable and I’m excited for my next chapter in life.

Every member of the SOHA team are incredible individuals, I learn so much from them. They don’t push us into anything, yet knew exactly when we needed a little nudge. They were all authentic, kind and supportive.

Thank you SOHA

It was a return visit for me. I first discovered SOHA back in February. I came back to simply Reset, Recharge and Reclaim. SOHA does exactly what it says on the tin. The unique programme that Manny has developed over the years is so powerful and so effective....it just works!! Layers and layers of self-destructive patterns and behaviours are gently peeled away, revealing a new you,with help and support from the team all the way. There were some new faces on the team this time who were all lovely, but to see the familiar faces of both Steve and Manny was genuinely heartwarming. Nothing is ever too much bother for them. They take away all the stress of having to organise anything, you dont even have to think, they do it all. However, dont even TRY to ignore your alarm and have a lie in to avoid muay thai...I can assure you Steve will come and find you......