The sixth edition will take place at SAii Laguna Phuket from 12–15 October 2027 under the theme “The Healing Power of Ancient Wisdom”, as Synergy looks to the next chapter of the global retreat industry.
Croatia, October 2026 – Synergy – The Retreat Show, has concluded its fifth edition in Croatia, bringing together the international retreat community for three days of conversation, learning, business and connection around the evolving role of retreats within the global wellness and travel landscape.
As the 2026 edition came to a close, Synergy announced its next destination: Thailand, where its sixth edition will take place from 12–15 October 2027 at SAii Laguna Phuket, under the theme “The Healing Power of Ancient Wisdom – Timeless traditions in a changing world.”
The announcement marked the conclusion of an edition centred on The Healing Power of Nature, exploring perspectives spanning science, ancient wisdom, adventure, movement, mindfulness, human connection and the business of retreats.
One of the strongest themes to emerge was a changing understanding of the role of nature in wellbeing: not simply as the setting in which wellness experiences take place, but as an active part of them. Scientific perspectives sat alongside ancient traditions, exploring how reconnecting with the natural world can influence the way people move, slow down, engage their senses and relate to themselves.
As Laura Montesanti, Founder of Synergy – The Retreat Show, reflected in her closing address:
“We don't need to find our way back to nature. We need to remember that we are part of it. Human connection was another recurring theme. As wellness continues to evolve through new modalities, greater scientific understanding and technology, Synergy's discussions repeatedly return to the importance of relationships and community. However sophisticated wellness becomes, however much technology evolves and however much knowledge we gain, I believe human connection will remain one of the most powerful things we can offer one another,” said Montesanti.
Attendees at Synergy - The Retreat Show 2026, Croatia
The 2026 edition also saw the presentation of findings from the inaugural Global Retreat Report, Synergy's first research project exploring the retreat landscape from both industry and consumer perspectives. The research examines the motivations driving retreat participation, the role of connection and community, the challenges facing the industry and the opportunities for a sector experiencing continued evolution.
For Montesanti, the conversations in Croatia also reflected a broader responsibility for an industry that is growing and becoming increasingly interconnected across hotels, retreat leaders, practitioners, travel advisors and destinations.
“As our industry grows, we have choices to make about how it grows and whether the experiences we create genuinely serve the people and places at the heart of them. Perhaps the question is no longer simply: ‘Where is the retreat industry going?’ but ‘Where do we want to take it?”
Morning class at Synergy - The Retreat Show 2026
Five years after Synergy was created to bring the retreat community together, Montesanti sees its role evolving beyond connection alone – towards helping the sector better understand itself, learn collectively and contribute to shaping its future.
Set between a tropical lagoon and the white sands of Bangtao Beach, SAii Laguna Phuket will host Synergy's sixth edition. Thailand's deep-rooted wellbeing traditions – from Thai massage and herbal medicine to meditation and Buddhist philosophy – sit alongside a vibrant contemporary wellness and longevity scene, providing the context for next year's theme, The Healing Power of Ancient Wisdom.
The theme will explore what a rapidly changing wellness industry can learn from traditions that have understood the relationship between body, mind, community and the natural world for generations – and how timeless practices can remain relevant within an evolving global landscape.
The 2027 Venue: SAii Laguna Phuket