Best Destinations for a Mindfulness Retreat

Mindfulness is the hottest buzzword when it comes to modern-day travels. Beyond visiting attractions and destinations, mindfulness retreats focus on holistic wellness that supports physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health. 

If you want to de-stress and escape the noises of the city, here are some of the best destinations for a mindfulness retreat:

Spirit Rock, California

The hills of Spirit Rock were once used by North Americans for spiritual rites. Don’t be surprised if even the wild turkeys and deer are calm without flinching from humans.

Residential retreats are run for up to two months and are held all year round. Some visitors visit for healing either of the body or the heart. Others come because of life transitions, hoping to know how to face the change or learn what they should do next.

Visitors develop a sense of clarity and stillness as they walk in nature and quiet themselves, listening to their own breath, thoughts, and feelings on a deeper level. 

Shambhala Mountain Center, Colorado

The Shambhala Mountain Center located in Red Feather Lakes in Colorado sits on 600 acres of valleys, meadows, forests, and mountains.

The center has an exciting selection of retreat and mindfulness offerings including workshops, hiking, and yoga. The center also welcomes day visitors who need a quick burst of zen. 

The Buddhist Retreat Centre, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

The remote location of the Buddhist Retreat Center in Ixopo is a 90-minute drive from Durban which gives a full rural feel. 

The center was awarded a National Heritage status by former President Nelson Mandela because of its eco-friendly approach to the use of indigenous plants and helps save the imperiled Blue Swallow.

Bird-watching and walking are also encouraged on this massive property. Aside from the scheduled meditation retreats, people seeking solitude are welcomed here to escape the noisy world. 

Guided Hiking and Yoga Escape, Sedona, Arizona

If you want to be physically active and engage in meditation experiences at the same time, Sedona has got everything you are looking for. Specific activities like hiking and trailing running in nature are also part of the mindfulness retreats. The more active escapes further boost awareness with the use of the beauty and serenity of the natural settings.

These forms of physical activities help attendees shut off their minds to enjoy a much better meditation experience. Although this form of wellness travel might not encourage mindfulness for everyone, some choose to explore this kind of wellness travel. 

A good example of this form of mindfulness retreat involves a yoga retreat and guided hike in the exquisite Sedona. Wellness travelers can bask in the best views amidst the red rocks and canyons during this wonderful meditation experience. 

Esalen, Big Sur, California

The gorgeous California coast can do wonders in rejuvenating your soul, and Esalen in particular offers workshops in meditation, yoga, art, dance, and more.

There is also a garden and farm where guests can volunteer, or they can also have fun and relax in the hot springs. If you want to disconnect, this is also the best place to be because there is no mobile service here. 

Nurture your mind in these destinations and live in the moment with full awareness of yourself!