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BEST FOR WILDERNESS
- Alaska Stillpoint Lodge
- Alaska Stillpoint Lodge
- Learn More
Why We Chose It.
For a real escape, Alaska Stillpoint Lodge combines wellness retreats with wilderness hikes, kayaking, paddleboarding, silent meditation spaces, and yoga.
Key Specs.
- Cost: 3-night retreat starts at $7,260 per person
- Location: Halibut Cove, Alaska
- Length: 3-, 4-, and 5-day packages
- Pros & Cons
- PROS
- Guided local adventures and eco-tours
- Group yoga, fitness and mindfulness classes
- Zen garden and meditation cabin
- CONS
- Meditation retreats are only available from May through September
- Must pay 150% of normal rate if traveling alone
- Not ideal if you're looking for an intensive program or study format
With wildlife, mountains, lakes, and breathtaking views, Alaska is known for the great outdoors. So, it makes sense that there would be peace, reflection, and mindfulness meditation found there.
The Alaska Stillpoint Lodge, Halibut Cove, near Homer, offers wellness retreats that focus on guided reflection and rejuvenation to nurture your soul. Wellness retreats are available in three-, four-, and five-day packages that include wilderness hikes, feasting on local, organic cuisine, silent meditation spaces, and yoga. Plus, you can participate in guided kayak tours, boating, guided meditation, massage, mindfulness classes, and journaling.
You also have the option to ditch the technology and make this retreat a digital detox. Request limited or no access to phone, TV, and Wi-Fi in your meditation cabin, and you willzreally experience the true meaning of silent meditation.
Because of the harsh Alaska winters, meditation retreats are only available from May through September.
BEST FOR INSTRUCTIONS
- Insight Meditation Society
- Insight Meditation Society
- Learn More
Why We Chose It.
Insight Meditation Society offers instruction and guidance in insight and loving-kindness meditations—practices that aim to bring genuine happiness.
Key Specs.
- Cost: Sliding scale, starts around $225
- Location: Barre, Massachusetts
- Length: 1- to 3-week retreats
- Pros & Cons
- PROS
- Option for extended stays
- Courses for both new and experienced meditators
- Sliding scale payment
- CONS
- Simple accommodations compared to other retreat sites
- Limited dietary options for those with food allergies or preferences
- Bathrooms shared with other guests on your floor
The Insight Meditation Society (IMS), located in Barre, Massachusetts, offers everything from weekend retreats to extended stays lasting several months. With several retreat options tailored to both new and experienced meditators, IMS provides detailed instruction and ongoing guidance to encourage personal growth based on Buddha’s Four Foundations of Mindfulness.
Guests are taught by residential instructors that deliver teachings through Vipassana and loving-kindness meditations. The facility is divided into two campuses: one for short-term meditation retreats lasting seven to nine days, and another designed to attract students wanting to stay for longer retreats.
While there, guests will spend time immersed in sitting and walking meditation, completely done in silence. Advanced levels can benefit from the high level of instruction provided at IMS’s Forest Refuge retreat. The longer retreats can last up to one year, with participants immersing themselves in one or more early Buddhist practices.
One thing that sets IMS apart from most other meditation retreats is a policy offering a sliding fee scale. Participants are charged based on a sliding fee scale that allows them to pay in accordance with their individual means.
Final Verdict.
Esalen Institute tops our list as the best overall meditation retreat center, offering a serene environment with a wide variety of courses to choose from. Located in Big Sur, California, the beautiful center has been hosting guests since 1962. With hundreds of retreat options, there’s something for everyone at Esalen.
If you’re looking for a breathtaking setting to jumpstart your journey of self-discovery, the Alaska Stillpoint Lodge provides an adventurous twist to the typical meditation retreat. For more structure and guidance, Insight Meditation Society might be your ideal. With several different types of retreats available, IMS provides in-depth instruction for both new and experienced meditators.
Compare the Best Meditation Retreats.
Company Pricing Location Length Experience Level (beginner, intermediate, advanced, any)
Esalen Institute Best Overall 1-day workshops, 3-5 day retreats available Big Sur, California Weekend, 5, and 7 days long Beginner to advanced
Kadampa Meditation Center Best Budget Workshops start at $20; weekend retreats start at $60 Glen Spey, New York 1-day workshops, 3-5 day retreats available Beginner to advanced
Spirit Rock Meditation Center Most Flexible Offers sliding scale for retreats, $200-$4,320 West Marin County, California Day-long, week-long, and month-long retreats Beginner to advanced
Shambhala Mountain Center Best for Beginners Retreats start at about $150, sliding scale available for some programs Red Feather Lakes, Colorado 2-day, 3-day, and week-long retreats Beginner to advanced
Green Gulch Farm Zen Center Best Intensive Online workshops start at about $40 Muir Beach, California 1- to 7-day programs Beginner to advanced
Alaska Stillpoint Lodge Best Overall 3-night retreat starts at $7,260 per person Halibut Cove, Alaska 3, 4, and 5-day packages All levels
Insight Meditation Society Best for Instructions Sliding scale starts around $225 for 2-night retreat Barre, Massachusetts 1- to 3-week long retreats Beginner to advanced
Guide to Choosing the Best Meditation Retreats.
Are Meditation Retreats Worth It?
The benefits of practicing mindful meditation are numerous. According to research, it can help reduce cortisol (the stress hormone) levels, lower heart rate, and decrease blood pressure—all of which are physiological signs of stress.3 Whether you’re looking to get started with the practice of meditation or want more in-depth instruction, meditation retreats can be a great way to de-stress and recharge while learning techniques you can use in your daily life.
Meditation retreats are not necessary. Some may find that visiting a local meditation center or following a meditation video at home may be sufficient ways to practice meditation. But if you’re looking to disconnect from a busy household, take a break from your job, or reenergize in a beautifully inspiring location, you might find a meditation retreat a unique and memorable experience.
Some meditation retreats offer luxurious amenities—hot spring baths, vegan or vegetarian cuisine, guided hikes or eco-tours, yoga classes, spas, and massages—in a gorgeous setting. Others offer more spartan accommodations but provide opportunities to connect with nature or a community of practitioners. Some also offer workshops led by experienced instructors and teachers that can offer you the guidance you need.
Comparing Meditation Retreats.
Booking a meditation retreat can be as complicated as booking your next vacation. Here are a few things to consider before deciding on a meditation retreat.
Location: Many retreat sites are located in more remote areas (the better to provide the peace and quiet you need), so you may need to travel by plane. Think about whether you’re willing to travel far for a meditation retreat or would rather stay closer to home.
Cost: Rates for meditation retreats can vary depending on the type of accommodations or length of stay. Consider how much you’re willing to spend, especially if you’ll mostly be spending time in workshops or sessions.
Type of classes, instructors: Research the site’s programs and see if they suit your needs and experience level.
Activities and scenery: Some meditation retreats offer activities outside of meditation workshops or instruction, such as massages, hikes, or other outdoor activities. If you want to combine recreation with meditation, consider places that offer these extras. And if you’re looking to be inspired by your scenery, consider coastal locations or mountain destinations.
Embarking on Your Meditation Journey.
Once you’ve decided on a meditation retreat, check out the location’s website to book early. Most programs fill quickly and may require early registration. Keep this in mind, especially if you’re looking to work with a specific instructor or teacher. Once you’ve booked, confirm what you need to bring, and keep in mind that some retreats have spotty cell reception. But most of all, relax and enjoy your stay and try to eliminate distractions so you can truly practice mindful meditation.
Frequently Asked Questions.
How Much Do Meditation Retreats Cost?
Depending on type of accommodations or length of the retreats, programs can cost anywhere from about $100 to $8,000.
What Are Meditation Retreats?
Retreats are designed to be a place to learn, deepen, and absorb a meditation practice. They are typically led by instructors who give you tools and practices to move into deep reflection. They’re usually multi-day programs or workshops, although many sites offer one-day retreats that allow you to immerse yourself in practice for a day without needing an overnight stay.
What Happens During Meditation Retreats?
Most meditation retreats combine workshops and classes led by the retreat leader, meditation sessions (some offer walking meditations), and of course, breaks and meals. Some retreats offer extracurricular activities such as yoga classes, hikes, or tai chi, and treatments such as massages.
Who Should Go on Meditation Retreats?
Meditation retreats are available for beginner or advanced practitioners. Some may have combined sessions, and others might offer specialized classes. If you find that you truly need to disconnect from your daily routine to regain a sense of calm and perspective, a meditation retreat may be for you.
Methodology.
There are several meditation retreats across the country that offer a variety of programs. To narrow our search, we gathered information about cost, location, duration of the retreats, and the type of workshops and programs offered. Based on what we wound, we selected the seven retreats on this list. These meditation retreats have garnered good reviews from previous participants and repeat visitors. They are known for their diverse programs, well-regarded and experienced instructors and teachers, and great locations.
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