Wellness - 6 Sensational Retreats
A wellness retreat provides an ideal escape for those looking to enhance their physical and mental well-being. We asked our readers to share their favorite wellness retreats, and the following six received the highest recommendations. Let’s indulge!
Assisi Retreats
Umbria, Italy
At the center of Italy, halfway between Florence and Rome, in the heart of the Umbrian countryside, Assisi beckons millions of pilgrims from around the world. Assisi is the sacred home and resting place of mystic Saint Francis and his sister in devotion, Saint Clare. The stunning medieval hillside town exudes timeless wisdom and envelopes your soul in a deep peace.
They offer contemplative retreats are guided by life-long meditation teachers devoted to sharing the simple peace of Assisi through daily meditation, mindful walks to the holy sites, sacred silence, and the universal wisdom of peace.
'I attended Assisi Retreats in Assisi Italy. A combination of meditations for 6 days while also learning about St. Francis in his hometown. I’m in love with the town' - Cindy C.
More information: https://www.assisiretreats.org/
Escape Haven
Bali, Indonesia
With over a decade of experience more than 6000 wonderful women as past clients, Escape Haven offers an extensive range of incredible retreat programs. From Holistic Healing Journeys to gourmet culinary experiences, luxury spas and detox programs, they offer the whole kit 7 caboodle, along with opportunities to explore the island's many attractions and try out new sports activities. Recognized as Bali’s best surf, fitness, Yoga and healing retreat for women, Escape Haven offers a deeply transformative and life-changing journey.
'I’m an absolute retreat junkie. I proudly admit it. I did a week at Escape Haven in Bali. Sauna and cold plunge every morning, Yoga and spa treatments daily…. It was fabulous!' - Amy B.
For more information: https://escapehaven.com/
Kagyu Samye Ling Tibetan Buddhist Monastery
Esk, Scotland
Samye Ling is a monastery and international centre of Buddhist training, known for the authenticity of its teachings and tradition. It offers instruction in Buddhist philosophy and meditation within the Karma Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. It is also a centre for the preservation of Tibetan religion, culture, medicine, art, architecture and handicrafts.
They offer a range of different retreat options at Samye Ling. You can attend week-long retreats at our Purelands Retreat Centre, which is half a mile from Samye Ling. These are guided retreats led by well-qualified, experienced teachers with a balanced daily programme of meditation and teaching sessions. They are particularly appropriate for those who wish to devote a period of time to more intensive study and practice, but who do not have the time or opportunity to participate in longer retreats.
'Just back from a mindfulness in nature retreat at a Tibetan monastery in Scotland. Wonderful. An inspiring place with beautiful scenery, about an hour's drive from Edinburgh. - Annie S.
For more information: https://www.samyeling.org/about/retreats/
Modi Yoga Retreat
Rishikesh, India
Modi Yoga Retreat is a holistic wellness canter and yoga retreat located in the picturesque foothills of Rishikesh, Uttarakhand; the birthplace of Indian ancient arts of Yoga, Meditation, and Ayurveda. The retreat offers guests the opportunity to experience yoga and meditation in an environment which complements all levels of development. Their wellness experiences and therapies are all-inclusive, and overseen by certified experts within their fields.
'I had the most beautiful experience at Modi Yoga Retreat In Rishikesh' - Lorraine X
For more information: https://www.modiretreat.com/
New Camaldoli Hermitage
California, USA
New Camaldoli Hermitage is a monastic community located in Big Sur. Situated in the mountains, the Hermitage overlooks the rugged west coast, where it meets the Pacific Ocean. Surrounded by 899 acres of nature and at an elevation of 1300 feet, the woodlands include California chaparral, redwood, madrone, bay laurel, and an oak forest. The view is of both ocean and woods provide a natural setting profoundly conducive to a contemplative way of life. They offer a preached retreats program that has historically been held in-person by a monk, and which cover a variety of topics in the religious and spiritual realms, can be attended in-person or remotely via Zoom.
'Annual silent retreats at the Big Sur Monastery always reset my psyche and spirit. It feels amazing to be unplugged and in silence for days… The views and tranquility are amazing. Super reasonable prices and simple accommodations' - Jude K.
For more information visit: https://www.contemplation.com/
Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat
The Bahamas
The Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat provides an immersion into the daily practices of a yogic lifestyle. We are a traditional yoga ashram for contemporary yoga study and practice. Surrounded by the bounty and beauty of nature, the ashram is a place where people come from around the world to expand and deepen their knowledge of yoga.
They provide an immersion into a classical yoga tradition and yogic lifestyle, with a daily schedule that includes meditation, pranayama (yogic breathing practices), asana (yoga postures), and learning; hosting hundreds of courses, trainings, talks, performances, and special events each year.
'My paradise on this earth' - Nadia M.
For more information visit: https://sivanandabahamas.org/