If you want to go far away in order to quiet your mind and escape from hustle and bustle by doing meditational activities, here we share the top 10 destinations which are the best choices for meditation enthusiasts.
Following are the best places where you can relax and explore the realm of your inner world because you can loosen up on a soothing meditation retreat.
1. Spirit Rock Meditation Center – Woodacre, California
Spirit Rock Meditation Centre is located in Marin County and sits on beautiful grounds an hour north of San Francisco. In ancient times the Native Americans used this place for Spiritual rites. This center organizes a variety of programs, including a two-month full-day retreat and residential program, as well as continuous classes, all of which examine the topics of meditation and its relationship with life in modern society. Jack Kornfeld, who is a founding teacher, says “Some come for healing, either the healing of the heart or the healing of the body. Some come because they are in life transition and need to listen deeply to what is the next thing that is asked of them or how to deal with some great change.” According to his statements and observations, guests look 10 years younger and rejuvenated after about a week of silence and solitude in nature.
2. The Buddhist Retreat Centre – KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
The Buddhist Retreat Centre is located on top of a ridge dominating native valleys, forests, and rolling hills. It has been more than two decades that different people from all over the world have come to this place to experience peace and tranquility and to reconcile with themselves from the inside. If you drive 90 minutes from the city of Durban, you will see that you are a world away. It should be mentioned that former President Nelson Mandela was awarded the center National Heritage status for its eco-friendly approach to using native plants, in addition to efforts to help save the endangered Blue Swallow. If you are seeking a place in the middle of nowhere and want to enjoy solitude, this is the best choice.
3. Osho Meditation Resort – Pune, India
Many people come to the Osho meditation retreat every year. Osho’s teachings on “wholeness”, “awareness” and “conscious living” have always inspired many people in this age. Most of the people who come to this retreat are for the purpose of connecting with themselves or as part of a journey to Life that becomes more meaningful. The space includes a sleek, modern 40-acre campus outside Mumbai that includes expansive Zen gardens, a tranquil pool and sauna, a soaring meditation hall, and seminar spaces nestled within a series of space-age black pyramids. Other facilities include a basketball and tennis court, nightclub, mini-mall, massage, and beauty salon.
Active meditations are the focus in this place, in addition to the traditional silent sessions that are practiced while sitting, there are also meditative dances and chanting, and vigorous breathing in the exercises. According to Osho’s belief, wearing red-brown color when many people are meditating at the same time increases the energy of collective meditation.
You can also follow “Finding your mantra”
4. Ala Kukui – Maui, Hawaii
As it is clear from the name of this center, Ala Kukui means “Pathway of Illumination.”
This place attracts people who want to rebuild their inner selves spiritually or are interested in cultural exchanges
This place is located in Hana, the center welcomes many visitors
every year due to its stunning beauty, as a land where the heavens meet the earth, stunning views of Haleakala as well as the Pacific Ocean. Guests can do various activities throughout the year, including Vipassana meditation, and silent and healing rest in this center.
5. Holy Isle – Isle of Arran, Scotland
This island is a private island that is two miles long. This island is actually near the Isle of Arran on the west coast of Scotland. Centuries-old species such as Saanen goats, and Eriskay horses live in this place.
The meditation retreats are held at the northern end of the island in a simple area called the Global Peace and Health Center. It is worth noting that at the southern end of the island, a dozen or so residents have been living in the area in isolated silence for many years. Good suggestions for students of Tibetan Buddhism as well as people who want to deepen their practice.
6. Stillpoint Lodge – Halibut Cove, Alaska
Located in Halibut Bay on the edge of Alaska’s Kachemak Bay National Park, this secluded retreat offers yoga and guided meditation. Guests can also connect with nature. It features a quiet meditation space, complete with a cushioned floor and subtle lighting to enhance the peace and quiet available throughout the day. There is wildlife such as bears, whales, sea otters, and seals in this place, which allows visitors to see this wildlife up close. Visitors also have the chance to sample local food including freshly caught oysters, clams, salmon, and halibut.
7. Simple Peace – Assisi, Italy
Simple Peace is located in the ancient Umbrian city of Assisi. This meditative retreat brings together many participants who are all focused on connecting with the peace, beauty, and love that comes from within.
The center is located in the rolling hills overlooking acres of olive groves. All religions, including Christians, Jews, Muslims, etc., stay in meditation retreats for a week and often without monitoring. Simple bedrooms in the restored historic Assisi monastery are also available for most retreat participants. All residences have a green garden and a terrace and a unique view of the valley, and each room has a private bathroom.
8. Harmony Dawn Retreat – Ontario, Canada
It is located in this retreat deep in the Canadian desert. This place allows guests to relax on a variety of meditation retreats lasting from two to seven days. During their stay, they can participate in mindfulness which includes dharma talks, nature walks, and qigong, mostly in silence, with the goal of creating awareness. A variety of programs are held in this center, such as teaching cooking of local foods, dancing, and detoxification in the spring during weekends. All these activities are done with the aim of understanding and getting rid of limiting patterns.
9. Insight Meditation Society – Barre, Massachusetts
A retreat at the Insight Meditation Society (IMS), located on a 200-acre wooded property in a grand old mansion in central Massachusetts. This center offers guidance and training in Vipassana (insight) and lovingkindness meditation. For about 40 years, this center has been offering all kinds of courses and rest in various time periods from one week to several months. This practice involves a combination of sitting and walking meditation, all in silence. The main campus includes dining and accommodation facilities, which are offered in small double and sparsely furnished single rooms.
10. Kalyana Centre for Mindfulness – Dingle, Ireland
The Kalyana Mindfulness Center is located in one of the most beautiful places on earth – the southwest region of Ireland on the Dingle Peninsula. All retreats and classes are held based on Mindfulness Meditation and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction. At the center, often simple movements known as Kum Nye are integrated with Tibetan healing yoga practice. Mostly, weekends are spent in silence. Mindfulness meditation involves sitting, walking, standing, and lying down. Kindness forgiveness and supportive practices are practiced in this place.
