"Wired for Love" in Southeast Asia

The Journey into Magnificence retreat is meticulously designed to offer a blend of relaxation and exploration. Each day is crafted to provide unique experiences, from tranquil meditation sessions to adventurous excursions, ensuring a holistic journey of self-discovery and cultural immersion.

Your adventure begins based on your arrival time. If your flight lands between 6:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., here’s what to expect:  A bus willt ake you from the airport to the hotel. Enjoy a delightful lunch at the hotel, followed by a scenic boat trip on Tonlé Lake, where you’ll explore the enchanting floating villages and immerse yourself in the traditional lifestyle of the locals. Later, we’ll stroll through the vibrant Angkor Night Market. To cap off the day, we’ll savor dinner in the city where we’ll hold our opening ceremony and introduce the program and key highlights before unwinding for the night at a luxurious hotel.

This morning, we explore the hauntingly beautiful Ta Prohm, where ancient ruins intertwine with towering tree roots, followed by the majestic Angkor Thom. Stroll among the iconic faces of Bayon Temple and admire the carvings of the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King.

During lunch in the city, Drs. Stan and Tracey will offer heartfelt insights and practical wisdom on how to truly support one another as a couple. We’ll visit Senteurs d’Angkor, a charming local workshop offering handmade silk, carvings, spices, and natural beauty products. We’ll end the day with the exhilarating Phare Cambodian Circus, before returning to the hotel for the night.

We’ll visit Angkor Wat, the crown jewel of Khmer architecture and the most iconic of all Angkor’s monuments (modest attire required: covered shoulders and long pants or skirt). After lunch at the hotel, we’ll transfer by bus to our cruise boat in Koh Chen (5–6 hours). During the bus ride, we’ll share meaningful insights on strengthening your relationship while fully embracing the beauty of the surrounding environment. Once aboard, settle into your cabin, meet the crew over a welcome cocktail, embrace a conversation about your opportunities as a couple, and enjoy dinner as we begin our river journey. 

Sail to Kampong Chhnang and enjoy lunch on board. Explore one of the largest fishing ports on Tonle Sap Lake, also known for its network of fish farms. This region is famed for its traditional pottery, blending ancestral techniques with modern design—fittingly, Chhnang means “pot.” We’ll sample local specialties before returning to the boat and continuing our journey to Kampong Tralach.

This morning, we journey to Oudong, Cambodia’s former royal capital for over 250 years. Visit the tranquil Vipassana Dhura Pagoda and climb Oudong Hill, where ancient stupas and sweeping views of rice fields and the Tonlé Sap await. After lunch on board, we’ll visit the beautifully muraled Wat Kampong Tralach Leu, nestled amid emerald rice fields. As we sail toward Phnom Penh, enjoy a traditional Khmer dance and music performance, followed by dinner.

After breakfast on board, we’ll visit Phnom Penh’s iconic Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, and stop by the National Museum. Following lunch, in the afternoon, Drs. Stan and Tracey will offer a powerful couple’s session followed by dinner.

Breakfast on board as we arrive at the Vinh Xuong border for customs clearance before continuing to Chau Doc, a vibrant town on the Cambodia-Vietnam border known for its thriving fishing and aquaculture industries. From there, we’ll journey to the lush Tra Su Forest, gliding through its serene waterways by small local boats, surrounded by rich biodiversity and tranquil beauty. After lunch back on board, we’ll take a cable car to the summit of Sam Mountain, where breathtaking panoramic views await. At the top, we’ll visit the revered Ba Chua Xu Temple before returning to the barge. We then sail on to Sa Dec, finishing up with a delightful dinner.

After breakfast on board, we’ll take a local boat for a panoramic tour of Sa Dec, including a walk through the lively riverbank market. This charming, authentic town is home to colonial-era architecture and the former residence of Huynh Thuy Lê, inspiration for The Lover by Marguerite Duras.

We then cruise to Cai Be, known for its lush landscapes and warm, welcoming locals. A local boat takes us to a craft village and vibrant fruit orchards, where we’ll enjoy fresh tropical fruits, hot tea, and traditional music. Later, we’ll join a hands-on cooking class, followed by lunch at a local restaurant. The ship departs for My Tho with an afternoon session by Drs. Stan and Tracey, followed by dinner.

In My Tho, we’ll begin the day with a local boat ride to Thoi Son Island, where we’ll immerse ourselves in the rhythms of daily life and sample fresh seasonal fruits. A peaceful sampan ride through the narrow, palm-lined canals offers an intimate view of the Mekong Delta’s charm. Later, we’ll bike through the village, exploring vibrant orchards and connecting with locals for a genuine glimpse into their way of life. After lunch, Drs. Stan and Tracey will offer another brilliant couples’ session followed by  a tantalizing dinner.

Enjoy a delicious breakfast on board before heading into the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. A short drive brings us downtown, where we’ll begin a walking tour with photo stops at iconic landmarks such as the Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office, City Square, and the Opera House—all showcasing the elegance of 19th-century French colonial architecture. Stroll through vibrant streets and green spaces, soaking in the dynamic energy of the city, and pause to savor a cup of Vietnam’s world-renowned coffee at a local café. Return to the ship for lunch.

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