Book Top Mindfulness Retreats
Discover lasting presence through mindful practices that awaken joy and transform daily living
Top Mindfulness Retreats
2 Day Meditation & Mindfulness Practice Retreat (Online)
Flexible Dates
Janet says, "I just recently completed a 3-day online retreat with Sheree Grace. I have worked with Sheree in the past here in Northern California where she lived and operated as a spiritual teacher/coach before moving to Florida." See more
$150
5.00
Ratna Ling Gift Certificate
Top Rated
Open Dates
Robert says, "Ben was a superb facilitator, welcoming, caring, deeply knowledgeable about the restorative and healing benefits of nature and graciously sharing of his experience and skills." See more
$50
4.95
14-Day TaiChi & Qigong Retreat: Rejuvenate Body, Mind & Spirit in JieYang, China
Open Dates
From $1,899
God the Artist - We the Co-Creators
Last Chance
July 12, 2025
Denise says, "I appreciated the use of Zoom for a hybrid retreat. Though not the same as being in person, it is wonderful for those of us who are unable to regularly travel to the monastery." See more
$100
/ 1 day
4.86
Effortless Mindfulness Embodied: Awakening, Glimpse by Glimpse
Cameron's Staff Pick
August 3 - 8, 2025
Dustin says, "Arrived on a sunny day with big smiles and hugs in the reception area. Flowers and forest and ocean. What more could I ask for other than... Incredible garden sourced food, net level facilities, and a staff that truly cares about m well being." See more
From CAD $1,600
/ 6 days
4.78
Meditation & Pranayama Series
Open Dates
Kristin says, "This trip couldn't have come at a better time in my life. I was finally able to quiet my heavily distracted and fast paced mind with the guided meditations and yoga poses taught by Jana." See more
$25
5.00
Top Mindfulness Retreat Centers
How much does a Mindfulness retreat cost?
Mindfulness retreats typically cost between USD $150-350 per day depending on location, amenities, and program length. Short weekend retreats in the US might range from USD $200-800 total, while week-long programs can run USD $1,000-2,500. Accommodations significantly impact pricing—shared dormitories and camping options provide budget-friendly alternatives (around USD $60-250 per day), while private rooms with ensuite bathrooms command premium rates. International retreats in destinations like Asia may offer better value, while European programs tend to be moderately priced at €590-990 for 4-5 day experiences. Many venues offer early bird discounts and tiered pricing based on accommodation choice.
Mindfulness Stories
Questions about Mindfulness
What happens during a mindfulness retreat?
Traditional mindfulness retreats typically follow a gentle yet structured daily rhythm, beginning before sunrise with meditation sessions that alternate between sitting and walking practices. Periods of noble silence - where participants refrain from speaking, reading, writing, or using devices - create space for inner stillness and self-discovery. Throughout the day, experienced teachers offer dharma talks that illuminate meditation techniques, common challenges, and insights from Buddhist psychology. Mindful movement practices like gentle yoga or qigong help ease physical tension from extended sitting. Simple vegetarian meals are taken in contemplative silence, turning ordinary activities into opportunities for presence. Some retreats incorporate work meditation periods where everyday tasks become occasions for mindful attention.
Contrary to common assumptions, mindfulness retreats aren't about forcing the mind to become blank or achieving some special state. The invitation is simply to rest in natural awareness while developing kind attention toward whatever arises - thoughts, emotions, sensations, sounds. This patient observation often reveals habitual patterns and reactive tendencies, allowing them to gradually unwind through gentle recognition rather than forceful change. Between formal practice sessions, retreatants learn to maintain continuity of mindfulness during activities like walking to the dining hall or brushing teeth. The container of silence and simplified routine supports this deep listening.
What happens at a women's retreat?
Women's retreats create dedicated spaces for deep restoration, connection, and transformation away from daily demands. Modern retreats often blend ancient wisdom practices like meditation and ritual with evidence-based approaches including somatic experiencing, breath work, and therapeutic movement. At luxury venues in Bali or Costa Rica, participants might start their mornings with sunrise yoga, followed by journaling circles and afternoon workshops on topics ranging from ancestral healing to authentic leadership.
The magic often happens in those unscripted moments between scheduled activities. Picture women sprawled on cushions sharing life stories over herbal tea, or walking meditation paths through tropical gardens processing profound insights. Some retreats focus on specific themes - grief work, creative expression, or life transitions. Others embrace a more fluid structure allowing space for spontaneous sisterhood, tears, and belly laughs.
Beyond the "spa and yoga" stereotype, many contemporary women's retreats tackle deeper terrain. Trained facilitators guide participants through shadow work exploring internalized patriarchy, mother wounds, or sexual trauma. Traditional ceremonies led by indigenous wisdom keepers might involve cacao rituals, sweat lodges, or womb blessing circles. The physical container of being surrounded by solely female energy for several days often catalyzes profound personal breakthroughs that continue unfolding long after the retreat ends.
Safety remains paramount - reputable retreats require health screenings, maintain clinical support staff, and enforce clear boundaries around touch and sharing. Many integrate trauma-informed protocols developed at leading centers like the California Institute of Integral Studies Source. This allows women to journey as deep as they choose while knowing skilled holders maintain the container.
Are silent retreats healthy?
Silent retreats, when structured appropriately, offer scientifically-validated health benefits including reduced cortisol levels, improved cognitive function, and enhanced emotional regulation. Traditional Buddhist and contemplative Christian practices have long emphasized these periods of noble silence as pathways to deeper self-understanding and spiritual growth. Modern silent retreats typically range from weekend programs to extended 10-30 day immersions, with participants maintaining complete verbal and often digital silence while engaging in meditation, mindful walking, or contemplative practices.
The key health benefits emerge from the physiological and neurological changes that occur during extended periods of silence. Research at wellness centers and monasteries has documented decreased blood pressure, improved sleep quality, and enhanced immune function among retreat participants. The absence of constant verbal processing allows the default mode network (DMN) of the brain to reset, potentially reducing anxiety and rumination.
However, silent retreats may not suit everyone's mental health needs. Those with recent trauma, severe depression, or specific anxiety disorders should consult healthcare providers before attending. Many leading retreat centers now implement careful screening processes and provide modified programs for individuals who might benefit from a gentler introduction to silent practice.
Can you read during a silent retreat?
Reading during a silent retreat depends entirely on the specific tradition and center hosting the retreat. Most Vipassana centers prohibit reading and writing during their 10-day courses to maintain mental silence and prevent intellectual distraction. However, some Zen and contemplative Christian retreats allow limited reading of spiritual texts during designated periods, particularly for beginners who may need guidance in their practice. Some centers provide clear schedules indicating when reading is appropriate, while others maintain strict policies against any form of external stimulation, including books, journals, or electronic devices. These variations reflect different approaches to cultivating inner stillness and self-observation.
Traditional Buddhist monasteries often incorporate sutra study as part of their silent practice periods, recognizing that certain texts can deepen meditation insights when approached mindfully. At modern retreat centers in North America and Europe, many programs have evolved to include "noble silence" periods where reading spiritual texts is permitted during free time, while maintaining verbal silence.
Research from the University of California, Davis Center for Mind and Brain suggests that combining contemplative reading with meditation may actually enhance attention and metacognitive awareness.
How much is a silent retreat?
Silent retreats typically range from $50-200 per day at established centers, with most 5-7 day programs falling between $500-1400 total. Buddhist monasteries often operate on a dana (donation) basis, while luxury retreat centers can charge upwards of $3000 for a week-long immersion. These costs usually include simple vegetarian meals, basic lodging, and guidance from experienced teachers. The real investment goes beyond dollars though. A genuine silent retreat demands complete dedication of time and energy - no phones, no books, no journaling, no yoga, no exercise besides walking meditation. Many centers follow strict schedules starting at 4:30am with multiple meditation sessions throughout the day. Some traditional Vipassana centers, like those teaching Goenka's method, offer completely free 10-day retreats (including room and board) but expect participants to contribute what they can to support future students. Location dramatically impacts pricing. A weekend at a rural American meditation center might cost $300, while the same duration at a Japanese Zen temple could be just $40 per night plus optional dana. Remote retreat centers often charge more due to operations costs, yet their isolation creates the container needed for deep practice. Beyond base rates, factor in travel costs, appropriate clothing, and usually a suggested donation for the teachers who often receive minimal base compensation.
Can a retreat be one day?
Absolutely - a day-long retreat can offer profound benefits and has deep roots in many contemplative traditions. In Zen practice, these are called "zazenkai" - intensive one-day sitting retreats that provide a taste of deeper immersion without requiring extended time away. Modern retreat centers often offer similar day-long programs that might include meditation, movement practices, periods of noble silence, and gentle guidance. The key is creating enough spaciousness within that single day to allow for genuine settling and inner listening. A well-structured day retreat typically runs from early morning until evening, incorporating mindful meals, walking meditation, and alternating periods of activity and rest. This format particularly serves those who cannot take longer breaks from work or family responsibilities, while still offering a meaningful pause from daily routines. Some find that regular day-long retreats actually provide more sustainable transformation than occasional longer ones, as they build a rhythm of renewal that weaves naturally into life's fabric.
Do mental health retreats work?
Mental health retreats can offer profound benefits when thoughtfully chosen and approached with realistic expectations. These structured breaks from daily life provide a rare opportunity to step back, reset harmful patterns, and learn valuable coping skills in a supported environment. Traditional healing centers worldwide have long recognized the power of temporary withdrawal for restoration - whether in Buddhist monasteries, Native American healing lodges, or modern wellness sanctuaries. The key lies not in expecting a magical cure, but in using the retreat experience as a catalyst for sustainable positive changes. At quality mental health retreats, participants typically engage in a careful blend of evidence-based therapeutic practices, mindfulness training, and holistic activities designed to support wellbeing. The immersive nature allows for deeper work than weekly therapy sessions, while the retreat setting itself often eases the nervous system in ways that support healing. That said, no retreat can guarantee specific outcomes - the most beneficial experiences tend to happen when guests arrive ready to actively engage in their healing journey while maintaining ongoing support systems back home. True transformation usually unfolds gradually through patient integration of retreat insights into daily life.
How long does a retreat last?
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.
What is a healing retreat?
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.
How to do a personal spiritual retreat?
Creating sacred space for a personal spiritual retreat begins with setting clear, heartfelt intentions while releasing expectations of specific outcomes. Traditional wisdom across cultures emphasizes the importance of preparation - choosing a quiet location away from daily demands, whether that's a dedicated retreat center, a peaceful spot in nature, or even a specially arranged corner of home. The key elements include selecting a meaningful timeframe (traditionally anywhere from 24 hours to 40 days), gathering simple supplies like a journal, meditation cushion, and nourishing food, and establishing gentle boundaries with loved ones about this special time. Many seekers find it helpful to establish a basic daily rhythm while remaining responsive to inner guidance. Buddhist traditions often recommend alternating seated meditation with walking practice, while contemplative Christians may weave prayer beads, sacred reading, and centering prayer throughout their days. The practice is to continually return to presence, allowing insights and emotions to arise naturally without forcing or suppressing anything. Remember that this time is not about achieving special states or fixing what's "wrong" - rather, it's an opportunity to deeply rest in and recognize the wholeness that's already here.
Are women's retreats worth it?
At quality retreats, participants typically report feeling deeply seen and held, free from the constant demands of caring for others, and able to access parts of themselves often set aside in daily life. Yet not all retreats are created equal - the most valuable ones emphasize authentic connection over Instagram-worthy moments and skilled facilitation over guru worship. The key is finding a retreat that resonates with personal needs, whether that's gentle nurturing, creative exploration, or facing challenging emotions in a supported way. When approached with clear intentions and reasonable expectations, a women's retreat can be profoundly worthwhile - not because participants are broken and need fixing, but because taking time to honor oneself in community is a fundamental human need.
What is the goal of a spiritual retreat?
While some seek dramatic breakthroughs or transformative experiences, the deepest purpose is quite simple - to pause the constant doing and rest in natural being. At modern retreats, participants typically engage in practices like meditation, prayer, or mindful movement, yet these are simply doorways to something far more fundamental: the direct recognition of one's own true nature. Rather than adding something new or fixing what's broken, a retreat allows the gradual falling away of habitual patterns and false identities that obscure innate clarity and peace. The outer form of retreat can vary widely - from silent meditation in nature to guided practices in community. What matters isn't the specific format but the willingness to temporarily set aside daily responsibilities and turn attention inward. This doesn't mean retreats are always peaceful or pleasant. Old wounds may surface, difficult emotions arise. Yet even challenging experiences serve the core purpose when met with gentle awareness. The goal isn't to achieve any particular state but to intimately know oneself - beyond all states and experiences.
How long should a spiritual retreat be?
The ideal length of a spiritual retreat depends entirely on your current life circumstances and inner calling. Traditional Buddhist vipassana retreats often run for 10 days - allowing 3 days for the mind to settle, 4 days for deeper practice, and 3 days for integration. Yet profound shifts can occur in just a weekend, especially for those new to retreat practice or with limited time away from family and work obligations. Some practitioners find tremendous value in day-long mini-retreats right at home, while others may feel called to extended periods of solitude lasting weeks or months, as seen in Tibetan traditions where 3-year retreats are considered foundational for certain practices.
Rather than focusing on an ideal duration, consider what feels genuinely supportive for your current life phase. A 4-5 day retreat often provides a sweet spot - long enough to drop into deeper states while remaining practical for most schedules. The key lies not in the length but in the quality of presence brought to each moment. Many retreat centers offer flexible options ranging from weekend immersions to 2-week stays, allowing you to choose what resonates with your inner wisdom and practical needs.
Are mental health retreats covered by insurance?
Insurance coverage for mental health retreats varies significantly based on several key factors. Traditional health insurance typically covers medically-supervised facilities and licensed treatment centers rather than holistic wellness retreats. For coverage consideration, the retreat must usually be deemed "medically necessary" by a healthcare provider and take place at an in-network behavioral health facility. Some insurance providers offer partial coverage for residential mental health programs when they include clinical therapy, psychiatric care, and structured treatment plans. Before booking any retreat, contact the insurance provider directly to verify coverage details and pre-authorization requirements. Many retreat centers offer sliding scale fees, payment plans, or scholarships for those without adequate insurance coverage - recognizing that healing opportunities should be accessible to all who feel called to this work.
Centers focused primarily on meditation, yoga, or spiritual practices generally aren't covered by conventional insurance, though some employers' Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) may reimburse certain wellness-related retreat expenses. The financial investment, while important to consider, needn't be a barrier to accessing support. Many wisdom traditions remind us that the most profound healing often comes through simple practices, supportive community, and reconnection with nature - resources that are freely available to all.
What happens at a women's Acts retreat?
A women's ACTS retreat offers a nurturing 3-day spiritual journey grounded in Catholic tradition, though women of all faiths are welcome to participate. Each retreat provides a gentle rhythm of guided prayer, small group sharing, personal reflection time, and celebration of the sacraments. Participants typically arrive Thursday evening and stay through Sunday morning at a local retreat center, where they're lovingly supported by a team of experienced facilitators who have previously attended ACTS retreats themselves. The letters in ACTS represent Adoration, Community, Theology, and Service - core themes woven throughout activities like candlelit prayer services, faith-sharing circles, and moments of quiet contemplation. Many women discover deep friendships and renewed spiritual connection, free from the usual demands of daily life. While specific details are kept as a loving surprise, participants can expect comfortable accommodations, shared meals, and a judgment-free space to explore their relationship with the Divine at their own pace. The retreat environment honors both traditional Catholic practices and each woman's unique spiritual journey.
What is a women's wellness retreat?
A women's wellness retreat offers a sacred container for feminine restoration, learning, and connection in a supportive environment designed specifically for women's unique needs and experiences. These gatherings range from intimate weekend escapes to week-long immersions, typically blending practical self-care practices like yoga, meditation, and nutritious meals with deeper explorations of feminine wisdom traditions. In many traditional retreat settings, participants begin each day with gentle movement practices, share nourishing meals together, and engage in both structured activities and periods of restorative silence. Rather than focusing on "fixing" anything, these gatherings celebrate each woman's inherent wisdom while providing tools for navigating life's challenges. Common offerings include therapeutic bodywork, women's health education, emotional release practices, and sacred circle sharing - though specific activities vary widely between different retreat centers and traditions. The key is creating a safe, nurturing space where women can shed social pressures, reconnect with their authentic selves, and experience genuine sisterhood support.
Are healing retreats worth it?
While no retreat can guarantee specific outcomes, participants often report renewed clarity, emotional release, and reconnection with their innate capacity for wellness. The most effective retreats provide skilled facilitation, a safe container for transformation, and integration support - rather than promising miracle cures or instant enlightenment. A typical 5-7 day retreat allows time to settle, release daily stresses, and access deeper layers of awareness, though some people may need longer. Before choosing a retreat, consider practical factors like the facilitator's experience, program structure, safety protocols, and whether the setting and approach resonate with personal needs and values.
Should I go on a wellness retreat?
A wellness retreat can be a profound gift to yourself, though the decision deserves careful consideration. Traditional healing centers worldwide have long offered spaces for renewal - from Japanese onsen to European spa towns to Native American medicine grounds. Modern wellness retreats range from gentle reset experiences focused on rest and meditation to intensive programs incorporating detox protocols, emotional processing, or specific healing modalities. Some seekers benefit greatly from structured time away to realign with their deepest knowing, while others may find similar restoration through simpler means closer to home. The key lies not in the retreat itself, but in your current life circumstances and authentic needs. Consider practical factors like timing, cost, and program style - a weekend digital detox differs vastly from a month-long ashram stay. Also reflect on whether you're drawn to retreat for genuine self-care or from a sense of needing to "fix" something. The most potent retreats meet you exactly where you are, providing skilled support while honoring the wisdom and wholeness already present within.
Can a retreat change your life?
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.
Are spiritual retreats worth it?
Spiritual retreats offer profound opportunities for insight and renewal, though their value depends greatly on timing, preparation, and clear intentions. Traditional meditation retreats in Buddhist, Hindu, and contemplative Christian settings typically provide structured periods of silence and guidance from experienced teachers - creating space to explore one's inner landscape away from daily distractions. A well-chosen retreat can help reveal what's already present but perhaps overlooked in the busyness of modern life. At retreat centers participants often discover both challenge and support: pre-dawn meditation sits balanced with gentle movement practices, shared meals eaten in mindful silence, and skilled teachers available for questions that arise. Yet retreats aren't magic solutions - they're simply dedicated time to pause, reflect, and remember essential truths. Some find a weekend retreat sufficient for renewed perspective, while others benefit from longer immersions of 7-10 days. The key lies not in duration but in approaching retreat time with genuine curiosity rather than looking to fix what isn't broken. When chosen thoughtfully and undertaken with realistic expectations, retreats can indeed be deeply worthwhile investments in understanding oneself and one's place in the larger web of life.