Deepen your vitality through transformative wellness experiences that honor body, mind and spirit
Amy says, "Going to Arkana was the single most beautiful and transformative experience of my life. I have been to other retreats in different parts of the world and this is hands down the very best." See more
Sivapathasunderam says, "Was apprehensive of going because of my health conditions and reserved only for two nights. Regret that very much as I wished I stayed longer. The staff are very understanding, attentive to your needs and kind." See more
Grant says, "I arrived not in a fit state to the take the medicine and was advised not too. I was in a hopeless cycle of alcohol and was abusive to Arosa staff and mezquita people." See more
Anonymous says, "The property is new and everything is clean. Food was great, the retreat made it even more wonderful. Service was spectacular. This was probably my best stay out of my entire life " See more
Anonymous says, "Charlie added spontaneity to my week in Sayulita. He was ever-willing to provide a customized experience to my individual needs. " See more
Anonymous says, "We appreciate the ease of the process of booking, ongoing communication, and amazing facilitation of the experience. Agustina and Gabriele worked well as a team to deliver a unique session to each of us even within a group of 8." See more
Health retreats generally range from USD $100 to $500 per day, with most programs lasting 3-7 days. Pricing varies significantly based on location, accommodations, and program offerings. Wellness-focused retreats like yoga and Ayurvedic programs typically cost USD $130-300 per day, while psychedelic retreats tend to be more expensive, averaging USD $400-600 per day. Private rooms usually command a premium of 20-40% over shared accommodations. European and North American retreats generally run higher than those in Latin America and Asia, though luxury options exist worldwide.
A healing retreat offers dedicated time and space for rest, reflection, and renewal - though the word "healing" can be somewhat misleading. Rather than fixing what's broken, these retreats help reveal the wholeness that's already present within each person. Traditional healing centers worldwide, from Ayurvedic clinics in India to thermal springs in Japan, create environments where the body's natural resilience can flourish. Some retreats focus on specific modalities like meditation, yoga, or therapeutic massage, while others integrate multiple approaches including nutritional guidance, energy work, or traditional indigenous practices. At most centers, guests participate in both structured healing sessions and unstructured time for integration, typically staying anywhere from a weekend to several weeks.
Common retreat elements include healthful meals, gentle movement practices, time in nature, and skilled facilitation - though the real magic often happens in the quiet moments between activities. Whether nestled in the mountains of Peru or tucked away at a countryside sanctuary closer to home, these settings provide a pause from daily demands. Yet it's essential to remember that while retreats can be profound catalysts for transformation, they're not magic bullets or quick fixes. The most potent healing often unfolds gradually through small, sustainable changes integrated thoughtfully back into daily life.
Retreats can last anywhere from a half-day gathering to months-long immersions, with most spiritual centers offering programs between 2-10 days. Traditional Buddhist vipassana retreats often run for 10 days, while many modern meditation and yoga retreats opt for more accessible 3-5 day formats. Some seekers find that weekend retreats provide just the right pause from daily life, while others feel called to deeper practices like the traditional 3-year retreats found in Tibetan traditions. At established retreat centers in the West, 5-7 day programs have emerged as a sweet spot - long enough for meaningful inner work yet manageable for those with work and family commitments. The most important consideration isn't the duration, but rather choosing a length that aligns with your current life circumstances and spiritual readiness. Some practitioners find profound shifts in an afternoon of practice, while others need extended periods of silence and contemplation. The perfect length is the one that allows you to fully arrive, settle in, and open to what's already present.
A retreat absolutely can spark profound transformation - yet the real magic lies not in the retreat itself, but in how it creates space to recognize what's already present within. Traditional wisdom paths from Zen temples to desert monasteries have long known that stepping away from daily patterns allows inner clarity to naturally emerge. At a typical meditation retreat, participants often experience deep insights simply by sitting quietly and turning attention inward. Yet it's essential to understand that a retreat acts more like tilling soil than planting new seeds - it creates fertile conditions for accessing innate wisdom and wholeness that were there all along. Some seekers notice immediate shifts in perspective or behavior, while others find subtle realizations unfold over months or years after returning home. The key lies in approaching retreat time with genuine openness rather than forcing specific outcomes. When combined with skilled guidance and integration support, retreats can illuminate fresh possibilities while revealing that true change flows from touching what's eternally unchanged at our core.