Discover authentic wellness experiences that nourish body, mind & spirit through immersive retreats in extraordinary settings worldwide
Melissa says, "We needed a few days of R&R while interrailing. We booked last minute and enjoyed three days of yoga, walking, fitness classes and incredible food. The rooms are lovely and there is a fab pool to enjoy although it was too chilly for us when we were there." See more
Suheib says, "I got to try Bufo, Kambo and Ayahuasca with Augustina. She’s an amazing host, very good at turning the space comfortable for you and making sure you have your own journey, but still well informed about every step." See more
Lea says, "This Panchakarma exceeded my expectations in every way. Not only that the place is the most beautiful place, but the attention to detail, the care, the yoga classes, the food and the people made it such a memorable experience." See more
Nicholas says, "Talking with Kevin at one point regarding the possibility of staying in Malta longer and his offer of support with this, I felt a huge weight lifted off me. I appreciate him reaching out to chat and support me outside of the scheduled individual contact time." See more
Jacek says, "Ira is very nice and selfaware man. Because of his experience with working with people emotions and helf he is very good in reading your needs, worries and thoughs." See more
Anonymous says, "Dharmakaya Center is a beautiful & peaceful spot. Highly recommend! The center is immaculate and well maintained. Great staff and facilities. " See more
Gaya says, "a place that was created for seekers to reconnect with essence, with nature, with that which is already sacred within and around us. It is inviting to come back to the simplicity and joy of life, through meditation and celebration, through inner work and music, deep solitude and community." See more
Jorge says, "we have a great week at amansala chica , it's very nice place and the view to the ocean is wonderfull, we will comeback the next year." See more
Wellness retreats typically cost between USD $150-400 per day, with most programs running 3-7 days in length. Pricing varies based on location, accommodation type, and program offerings. European retreats in Italy, Malta, and Portugal average €200-250 per day, while North American options range from USD $200-430 daily. Shared accommodations are generally 30-40% less expensive than private rooms. Most packages include meals, accommodations, and scheduled activities, though specialized therapeutic programs like Shamanic healing or Panchakarma may command premium rates. Destination retreats in Mexico, Costa Rica, and Peru tend to offer competitive value around USD $200-320 per day.
During retreat experiences, participants typically enter a gentle rhythm quite different from daily life. The day often begins with meditation or mindful movement as the sun rises, followed by nourishing meals shared in contemplative silence or quiet conversation. Many traditions incorporate periods of noble silence - a profound practice that allows inner wisdom to emerge naturally. Throughout the day, there might be guided sessions, teaching talks, or time for personal reflection while walking meditation paths or resting in nature. Some retreats focus on specific practices like yoga or contemplative arts, while others weave multiple modalities together. Evenings often bring group meditation, sacred ceremonies, or gentle practices to support deep rest.
The true gift of retreat time reveals itself in the spaces between structured activities - those precious moments when nothing needs to be done and no one needs to be fixed or changed. Whether spending 3 days or 3 months in retreat, participants commonly report experiencing deep peace, clarity about life direction, release of old patterns, and reconnection with their essential nature. Physical restoration through rest, nutritious food, and gentle movement creates conditions for insight to arise naturally. While challenging emotions or memories may surface during retreat, experienced teachers offer skilled guidance while honoring each person's innate capacity for healing and awakening.
Women's wellness retreats offer sacred spaces for rest, renewal and remembering what's already whole within. These gatherings typically blend gentle movement practices like yoga and tai chi with nourishing meals, creative expression through art or journaling, and opportunities for both solitude and sisterhood. Some retreats focus on specific themes - perhaps exploring feminine archetypes, seasons of life transitions, or ancient wisdom traditions. A typical day might begin with meditation at sunrise, flow into mindful movement, then open into periods for swimming, hiking pristine trails, receiving bodywork, or simply being still. Sharing circles in the evening create containers for women to speak their truth without judgment, while skilled facilitators hold space for whatever arises - tears, laughter, grief, celebration. Many retreats also incorporate practical workshops on topics like herbs, nutrition, or emotional intelligence tools that women can bring home to their daily lives. Rather than trying to "fix" anything, these gatherings support each woman in reconnecting with her own deep knowing.
The real magic often happens in the unstructured moments between activities - a conversation over tea, a shared laugh in the garden, or a quiet epiphany while watching the sunset. Some women discover profound healing through the simple act of being witnessed in their full humanity, while others find that stepping away from familiar roles and responsibilities allows their authentic voice to emerge. Whether lasting a weekend or a week, these retreats create breathing room for women to nurture themselves while being held in the embrace of sacred sisterhood.
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.
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.