Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsFinal VerdictCompare ProvidersHow to ChooseFAQsMethodology
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Table of Contents
Final Verdict
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How to Choose
FAQs
Methodology
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For some, a quiet room in the house or a peaceful spot in the park can be enough to serve as a place to practice mindful meditation. But others may need more guidance withyogaclasses or workshops, and a calm respite from their bustling cities and busy households with soothing, inspiring views and luxurious amenities. Meditation retreats offer these and more. Here, we’ve rounded up the best meditation retreats in the country.
Best Meditation Retreats of 2023Best Overall:Esalen InstituteBest Budget:Kadampa Meditation CenterMost Flexible:Spirit Rock Meditation CenterBest for Beginners:Drala Mountain CenterBest for Wilderness:Alaska Stillpoint LodgeBest for Instructions:Insight Meditation Society
Best Meditation Retreats of 2023
Best Overall:Esalen InstituteBest Budget:Kadampa Meditation CenterMost Flexible:Spirit Rock Meditation CenterBest for Beginners:Drala Mountain CenterBest for Wilderness:Alaska Stillpoint LodgeBest for Instructions:Insight Meditation Society
Best Overall:Esalen Institute
Best Budget:Kadampa Meditation Center
Most Flexible:Spirit Rock Meditation Center
Best for Beginners:Drala Mountain Center
Best for Wilderness:Alaska Stillpoint Lodge
Best for Instructions:Insight Meditation Society
Best Overall: Esalen Institute
Esalen Institute
Learn More
Key Specs
Why We Chose It
A beautiful retreat in California’s Big Sur region, Esalen Institute offers mindfulness workshops, yoga instruction, forest bathing, and other classes designed for self-exploration against a backdrop of lush ocean views.
Pros & Cons
ProsVariety of workshopsNatural hot springsMeditation Hut and Art BarnConsRustic accommodationsCan be priceyDates fill up fast
ProsVariety of workshopsNatural hot springsMeditation Hut and Art Barn
Variety of workshops
Natural hot springs
Meditation Hut and Art Barn
ConsRustic accommodationsCan be priceyDates fill up fast
Rustic accommodations
Can be pricey
Dates fill up fast
Overview
Guests can choose from several three-day workshops, including mindfulness retreats for lawyers, meditation in nature, self-love and kindness that benefits all, mindful self-compassion intensive training, and mindfulness meditation. Other options include modern life, music, meditation, and technology.
Longer retreats, lasting five to seven days, take on a more focused approach to helping participants integrate meditation into their daily lives. In addition to guided meditations and silent practices, you can spend hours of the day exploring more than 100 acres along the Big Sur coastline. Esalen is also home to a community farm and garden, a cliffside bathhouse, and natural hot springs.
Best Budget: Kadampa Meditation Center
Kadampa Meditation Center
The Kadampa Meditation Center and Tibetan Buddhist temple is an affordable retreat that offers silent meditation, classes, and hikes.
ProsBudget-friendlyOffers silent retreatsGood for beginnersConsLimited onsite accommodationsPricing doesn’t include lodging or mealsOnsite dining has limited hours
ProsBudget-friendlyOffers silent retreatsGood for beginners
Budget-friendly
Offers silent retreats
Good for beginners
ConsLimited onsite accommodationsPricing doesn’t include lodging or mealsOnsite dining has limited hours
Limited onsite accommodations
Pricing doesn’t include lodging or meals
Onsite dining has limited hours
Located in the Catskill Mountains in New York, the Kadampa Meditation Center and Tibetan Buddhist temple offer both personal and group retreats. With budget-friendly options and various offerings, the Kadampa Meditation Center is a good choice for those interested in exploring meditation without the hefty price tag often attached to meditation retreats.
Individuals looking to gain a fresh perspective through quiet relaxation will find peace and calm with one of their personal Finding Peace retreats. And, if you’re new to meditation or looking for a group experience, you might want to try one of the group retreats to help you find ways to integrate the practice into your daily life.
Most Flexible: Spirit Rock Meditation Center
Spirit Rock Meditation Center
Spirit Rock Meditation Center holds a variety of one-day and multi-day retreats and offers scholarships, sliding scale payments, and volunteer opportunities for those with financial constraints.
ProsSliding scale paymentsRetreats for LGBTQ+ people availableSilent retreats availableConsIn-person programs fill up fastSome programs have prerequisites you must meet
ProsSliding scale paymentsRetreats for LGBTQ+ people availableSilent retreats available
Sliding scale payments
Retreats for LGBTQ+ people available
Silent retreats available
ConsIn-person programs fill up fastSome programs have prerequisites you must meet
In-person programs fill up fast
Some programs have prerequisites you must meet
Buddhist teachings, extensive time for meditation, walks in nature, and a silent and mindful environment, are the key features that make the Spirit Rock Meditation Center in West Marin County, California, such a popular location for group meditation retreats.
Spirit Rock also infuses meditation into every part of the day, including sitting, walking, and eating, which helps you better understand food and mindful eating. If you want to stay overnight, you can choose one of their residential retreats.
Best for Beginners: Drala Mountain CenterShambhala Mountain CenterLearn MoreKey SpecsCost:Retreats start at $100 to $150 plus accommodation, with sliding scale available for some programsLocation:Red Feather Lakes, ColoradoLength:Two-day, three-day, and week-long retreatsWhy We Chose ItDrala Mountain Center provides a stunning retreat setting for studying yoga, meditation, and contemplative arts, including introductory courses for beginners looking to connect and grow in their practice.Pros & ConsProsOffers several programs for beginnersOffers leadership retreatsOutdoor activities such as hikingConsNo cell phone reception at the siteLodging expenses added on during registration10:30 p.m. curfew each night of retreatOverviewNestled in the mountains of northern Colorado, the Drala Mountain Center offers a variety of retreats, activities, and programs for all levels, but more specifically, to people new to meditation.Participants can choose from guided meditations, yoga, and creativity, among other indoor and outdoor activities. While the variety of activities is set up to accommodate all levels, what sets Drala apart from other retreats is its programs focused specifically on beginners. Their “Learn to Meditate” retreats are designed for people curious about the teachings and practice of meditation.One popular option, Slowing Down: A Yoga, Self-Care, and Loving-Kindness Retreat, is a weekend retreat that combines yoga and meditation to help guests find a sense of relaxation, peace, and calm.
Best for Beginners: Drala Mountain Center
Shambhala Mountain Center
Drala Mountain Center provides a stunning retreat setting for studying yoga, meditation, and contemplative arts, including introductory courses for beginners looking to connect and grow in their practice.
ProsOffers several programs for beginnersOffers leadership retreatsOutdoor activities such as hikingConsNo cell phone reception at the siteLodging expenses added on during registration10:30 p.m. curfew each night of retreat
ProsOffers several programs for beginnersOffers leadership retreatsOutdoor activities such as hiking
Offers several programs for beginners
Offers leadership retreats
Outdoor activities such as hiking
ConsNo cell phone reception at the siteLodging expenses added on during registration10:30 p.m. curfew each night of retreat
No cell phone reception at the site
Lodging expenses added on during registration
10:30 p.m. curfew each night of retreat
Nestled in the mountains of northern Colorado, the Drala Mountain Center offers a variety of retreats, activities, and programs for all levels, but more specifically, to people new to meditation.
Participants can choose from guided meditations, yoga, and creativity, among other indoor and outdoor activities. While the variety of activities is set up to accommodate all levels, what sets Drala apart from other retreats is its programs focused specifically on beginners. Their “Learn to Meditate” retreats are designed for people curious about the teachings and practice of meditation.
One popular option, Slowing Down: A Yoga, Self-Care, and Loving-Kindness Retreat, is a weekend retreat that combines yoga and meditation to help guests find a sense of relaxation, peace, and calm.
Best for Wilderness: Alaska Stillpoint Lodge
Alaska Stillpoint Lodge
For a real escape, Alaska Stillpoint Lodge combines wellness retreats with wilderness hikes, kayaking, paddleboarding, silent meditation spaces, and yoga.
ProsGuided local adventures and eco-toursGroup yoga, fitness and mindfulness classesZen garden and meditation cabinConsMeditation retreats are only available from June through SeptemberNot ideal if you’re looking for an intensive program or study format
ProsGuided local adventures and eco-toursGroup yoga, fitness and mindfulness classesZen garden and meditation cabin
Guided local adventures and eco-tours
Group yoga, fitness and mindfulness classes
Zen garden and meditation cabin
ConsMeditation retreats are only available from June through SeptemberNot ideal if you’re looking for an intensive program or study format
Meditation retreats are only available from June through September
Not ideal if you’re looking for an intensive program or study format
The Alaska Stillpoint Lodge, Halibut Cove, near Homer, offers wellness retreats that focus on guided reflection and rejuvenation to nurture your soul. Wellness retreats are available in three-, four-, and five-day packages that include wilderness hikes, feasting on local, organic cuisine, silent meditation spaces, and yoga. Plus, you can participate in guided kayak tours, boating, guided meditation, massage, mindfulness classes, and journaling.
Because of the harsh Alaska winters, meditation retreats are only available from May through September.
Best for Instructions: Insight Meditation Society
Insight Meditation Society
Insight Meditation Society offers instruction and guidance in insight and loving-kindness meditations.
ProsOption for extended staysCourses for both new and experienced meditatorsSliding scale paymentConsSimple accommodations compared to other retreat sitesLimited dietary options for those with food allergies or preferencesBathrooms shared with other guests on your floor
ProsOption for extended staysCourses for both new and experienced meditatorsSliding scale payment
Option for extended stays
Courses for both new and experienced meditators
Sliding scale payment
ConsSimple accommodations compared to other retreat sitesLimited dietary options for those with food allergies or preferencesBathrooms shared with other guests on your floor
Simple accommodations compared to other retreat sites
Limited dietary options for those with food allergies or preferences
Bathrooms shared with other guests on your floor
The Insight Meditation Society (IMS), located in Barre, Massachusetts, offers several retreat options tailored to both new and experienced meditators. IMS provides also detailed instruction and ongoing guidance to encourage personal growth based on Buddha’s Four Foundations of Mindfulness.
While there, guests will spend time immersed in sitting and walking meditation, completely done in silence. Advanced levels can benefit from the high level of instruction provided at IMS’s Forest Refuge retreat.
Esalen Institute tops our list as the best overall meditation retreat center, offering a serene environment with a wide variety of courses to choose from. Located in Big Sur, California, the beautiful center has been hosting guests since 1962. With hundreds of retreat options, there’s something for everyone at Esalen.
Compare the Best Meditation Retreats
Guide to Choosing the Best Meditation Retreats
Are Meditation Retreats Worth It?
The benefits of practicingmindful meditationare numerous. According to research, it can help reduce cortisol (the stress hormone) levels, lower heart rate, and decrease blood pressure—all of which are physiological signs of stress.
Whether you’re looking to get started with the practice of meditation or want more in-depth instruction, meditation retreats can be a great way to de-stress and recharge while learning techniques you can use in your daily life.
Meditation retreats are not necessary. Some may find that visiting a local meditation center or following a meditation video ormeditation appat home may be a sufficient way to practice meditation. But if you’re looking to disconnect from a busy household, take a break from your job, or reenergize in a beautifully inspiring location, you might find a meditation retreat a unique and memorable experience.
Best Guided Meditations
Comparing Meditation Retreats
Booking a meditation retreat can be as complicated as booking your next vacation. Here are a few things to consider before deciding on a meditation retreat.
Embarking on Your Meditation Journey
Once you’ve decided on a meditation retreat, check out the location’s website to book early. Most programs fill quickly and may require early registration. Keep this in mind, especially if you’re looking to work with a specific instructor or teacher. Once you’ve booked, confirm what you need to bring, and keep in mind that some retreats have spotty cell reception. But most of all, relax and enjoy your stay and try to eliminate distractions so you can truly practice mindful meditation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Programs can cost less than $100 or more than $22,000. The wide range depends on the type of accommodations or length of the retreats. They also factor in what kind of activities are offered and whether food is included.
Meditation retreats are available for beginner or advanced practitioners. Some may have combined sessions, and others might offer specialized classes. If you find that you truly need to disconnect from your daily routine to regain a sense of calm and perspective, a meditation retreat may be for you.
Yes, Vipassana is a silent mindfulness practice. Silent retreats are offered at some meditation centers, including our Best Budget pick, the Kadampa Meditation Center.
There are several meditation retreats across the country that offer a variety of programs. To narrow our search, we gathered information about the cost, location, duration of the retreats, and type of workshops and programs offered. Based on what we found, we selected the retreats on this list. These meditation retreats have garnered good reviews from previous participants and repeat visitors. They are known for their diverse programs, well-regarded and experienced instructors and teachers, and great locations.
1 SourceVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Library of Medicine.Mindfulness mediates the physiological markers of stress: Systematic review and meta-analysis.
1 Source
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Library of Medicine.Mindfulness mediates the physiological markers of stress: Systematic review and meta-analysis.
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Library of Medicine.Mindfulness mediates the physiological markers of stress: Systematic review and meta-analysis.
Lindsay Modglin
Ally Hirschlag
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