The average person in the U.S. spends 260 of 365/366 days—about 71% of the year—working. In a world of constant motion, prioritizing your peace is crucial, and what better way to do that than to attend a meditation retreat? Meditation is a practice that allows individuals to enter into a state of calm and awareness, connecting with the present. It can help reduce anxiety, ease sleep and improve overall focus. Meditation can also improve brain health and manage medical conditions like high blood pressure.
Whether you are a seasoned yogi or just someone who enjoys the practice, occasional retreats like this are highly recommended.
The good news is you don’t have to travel across seas and mountains to find the perfect spots for meditation retreats. We have compiled a list of the top 15 meditation retreats in the U.S. for 2024. From the serene Drala Mountain Center in Colorado to the soothing views of the Esalen Institute in California, we hope you’ll find a suitable location (or two) for your next retreat.
The 15 Best Meditation Retreats In The United States for 2024
Here is our carefully curated list of the best meditation retreats in the United States, described with relevant details to help you make the best choice.
Spirit Rock Meditation Center
Best Overall
Location: Woodacre, California
Price: Sliding scale payment between $75 to $120 per night
Length: Retreats can last between one day and two months
Experience Level: Suitable for all levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners
Rating: 4.9/5
Overview
If you are seeking a breath of fresh air, then you will certainly find it among the 411 acres of serenity in the hills of Woodacre, California. The Spirit Rock Meditation Center, founded in 1988, instantly captured the hearts of mindfulness enthusiasts with its distinct meditation practices.
Spirit Rock focuses on the teachings of Buddha, insight meditation, lovingkindness, and the cultivation of spiritual community. Visitors can participate in various programs, such as retreats, class series, family programs, drop-in groups and numerous on-demand courses.
Spirit Rock offers both online and onsite programs in different formats to fit your schedule. You can opt for a daylong plan that lets you study and meditate all day and then return during the night, or you can choose the residential retreat that includes overnight accommodation.
Pros
- Strong support and community
- Inclusivity is emphasized
- Scholarships are available to bridge financial barriers
Cons
- In-person reservations must be made well ahead of time as they fill up quickly
- Some programs require specific prerequisites before enrollment
Alaska Stillpoint Lodge
Best For Nature Lovers
Location: Halibut Cove, Alaska
Price: 2024-2025 rates start at $3,146 per night (three-night minimum)
Length: Three to six (or more) days
Experience Level: Suitable for all levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners
Rating: 4.8/5
Overview
If you’re looking for something luxurious, this retreat is for you. The all-inclusive luxury Stillpoint Lodge is located on a private peninsula in Alaska. Its unique blend of nature and modern amenities makes it ideal for people who want a mix of adventure and relaxation.
The best part of this retreat is the flexibility of its packages. There are numerous activities to engage in, from helicopter-assisted wilderness tours to exhilarating views of whales or playful sea otters; the calming activities offered are bountiful.
Immerse yourself in nature by trying out some outdoor activities such as glacier kayaking, hiking, massaging, boating, and fishing, all guided by experienced staff members.
Pros
- Guided local adventures
- All-inclusive experience
- Personalized experience
Cons
- The rates are on the high side
- Retreats are only available from late May through September
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SpiritQuest
Best For Couples
Location: Sedona, Arizona
Price: $795-$3,885 for a three-day retreat, depending on type of retreat
Length: Ranging from two to 15 days, depending on type of retreat
Experience Level: Suitable for all levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners
Rating: 4.7/5
Overview
Sedona is widely known for its artistic beauty, so you can rest assured that you will enjoy the view at SpiritQuest Center. SpiritQuest is also widely known as a spiritual and healing center, offering both private and group retreats. You can come alone, with friends and family or as a couple.
At this center, you will find different customized packages ranging from two to 15 days. These packages are intense and filled with activities like bodywork, meditation, yoga and shamanic experiences like canyon journeys.
Pros
- Wide range of healing practices
- Features experienced practitioners
- Has a high satisfaction rate from past participants
Cons
- The focus is on spirituality (not a con for all)
- The depth of the activities might be too intense for some participants
Insight Meditation Society
Best For Beginners
Location: Barre, Massachusetts
Price: Sliding scale payment starting from $100 per night
Length: Retreats can range from a weekend to over a year
Experience Level: Suitable for all levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners
Rating: 4.7/5
Overview
In rural central Massachusetts, the Insight Meditation Society is a haven for unperturbed meditation. This center offers retreat options that suit both new and long-time practicing meditators.
IMS is committed to providing a spiritual refuge for everyone who enters its doors and inclusively dispensing love to everyone. They operate two main facilities: The Retreat Center and The Forest Refuge. The Retreat Center has a packed daily schedule starting at 5:30 a.m. and ending at 10 p.m. It is for beginners and experienced meditators, while the Forest Refuge is for more experienced meditators. It encourages applicants to stay longer, typically 10-14 nights.
The accommodations at IMS are comfortable, and the fees are on a sliding scale. There are three levels of support provided at IMS:
- Supported level, which costs from $45 to $100 per night
- Mid-level, which costs from $115 to $140
- Sustaining, which costs $185, the actual cost of the retreat
- The benefactor level costs $315 and is for people who want to support others to attend the retreats.
Because of its clear and practical instructions, both beginner and experienced meditators can benefit from IMS.
Pros
- Professional teachers with extensive experience in the field of meditation
- They offer a sliding-scale payment method
- It is a deeply refreshing period
Cons
- They follow a structured and disciplined schedule which might be overwhelming for beginners
- The emphasis on silence is not suitable for those looking for interactive sessions.
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Esalen Institute
Best For Personal Growth
Location: Big Sur, California
Price: Varies depending on accommodation program type, from $540 to $8000-plus
Length: Retreats can run from weekends or weekdays, from two nights up to seven days
Experience Level: Suitable for all levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners
Rating: 4.6/5
Overview
The Esalen Institute is a haven of peace and serenity. Nestled in the cliffs of California, it has been around for decades and has gained the credibility of visitors from across the globe.
This location features numerous convenient amenities that help guests easily relax and unwind. One of the most exciting features is the natural hot spring baths, which provide instant rejuvenation for the body and mind. In addition, there is a meditation hut, a lodge, a farm and gardens, a bookstore, an art barn and the ever-soothing waters, all within a 100-acre landscape.
Choose any mind-shifting workshops offering different practical programs, such as kinetic creation, group brainstorming, breathwork, self-compassion, mindful dances and other restorative activities designed to open your mind.
Pros
- The perfect backdrop for a mindfulness retreat
- A plethora of daily activities targeting your personal growth
- Access to the soothing hot spring
Cons
- The steep driveway can be challenging for people with mobility issues
- There are some unclear reviews on the quality of the food
The Art of Living Retreat Center
Most Serene
Location: Boone, North Carolina
Price: Starts at $595 per person for a two-night stay (food, accommodation and tuition included)
Length: Retreats last for about two to four nights
Experience Level: Suitable for all levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners
Rating: 4.6/5
Overview
The Art of Living is a calm destination in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. It offers different programs, workshops, and events designed to elevate one’s overall mind. Popular events include a happiness retreat, a silent meditation retreat, and an Ayurveda wellness cleansing.
The serenity of the environment can instantly put you in a state of awareness, promoting mind rejuvenation. Whether you are a professional meditator or a first-timer looking to cultivate mindfulness, losing yourself in the expanse of 380 acres of pristine forest is easy.
The center’s award-winning Shankara Ayurveda Wellness program offers treatments, allowing participants to explore their unique wellness needs based on Ayurvedic principles.
A few of their available plans include the following:
- The Happiness Retreat lasts two nights and costs $595 on weekdays and $695 on weekends
- The Breathwork and Meditation Retreat lasts three nights and costs $1095
- The Silent Retreat lasts four nights and costs $1495.
The mission of the Art of Living Retreat Center is to reawaken human values of compassion, love and togetherness.
Pros
- A variety of accommodation types are available
- It offers an all-inclusive retreat
- The retreat environment is tranquil, quite conducive to mindfulness
Cons
- It’s more of a group experience than an individualized one
- They have a strict vegetarian policy which might not suit the preferences of everyone
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Drala Mountain Center
Best For Outdoor Adventures
Location: Red Feather Lakes, Colorado
Price: Varies depending on the program and accommodation, lodging ranges from $99 to $329 per night (not including tuition)
Length: Programs range from two nights to one week long
Experience Level: Suitable for all levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners
Rating: 4.6/5
Overview
People have gathered in the 600-acre mountain valley amidst gentle meadows and raving forests for over five decades to experience the famous Shambhala teachings firsthand. Drala Mountain Center welcomes everyone driven by inspiration and curiosity—particularly those new to the world of meditation—to bask in nature’s glory and calming abode.
The center offers over 100 programs yearly, including silent meditation, family camp, art workshops, and other specialized workshops. DMC is usually open to day visitors and shares on the few occasions it’s closed.
The center provides clean and comfortable lodge rooms for visitors, with affordable accommodation rates ranging from $99 to $259 per night, depending on the option you choose. While room rates may be affordable at Drala Mountain Center, you might have to pay tuition in addition to lodging, with tuition fees ranging between $60 and $1500.
You’ll have access to one of the most famous structures in DMC, the Great Stupa of Dharmakaya, as well as the Rigden shrine room, Shotoku, Conference space and other interesting facilities.
Pros
- Several available programs for all experience levels, including beginners
- The architecture and general ambiance are perfect for the purpose
- Leadership retreats are available
Cons
- Low cell phone reception at the site
- The weather here is unpredictable so some outdoor activities may be affected
Gainesville Retreat Center
Best For Community Spirit
Location: Gainesville, Florida
Price: $45 to $75 per night
Length: One to seven days, or month-long
Experience Level: Suitable for all levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners
Rating: 4.5/5
Overview
Escape to the peaceful 125 acres of forested land in Gainesville, Florida, for a moment of refreshment. This retreat center is designed uniquely to cater to individuals seeking holistic healing. The combination of serenity and wildlife sites gives participants a deep connection with nature.
At Gainesville, you will find a variety of programs tailored to different needs, from personal retreats and daily yoga sessions to special events like Kirtan and Forest bathing sessions. The property combines its elegant views with facilities like the swimming pool and wildlife refuge.
The center values contributions and operates on a donation-based pricing model. Guests are often encouraged to be generous.
Pros
- The donation-based pricing model makes it available to a broader audience
- They promote a sense of community
- Rates are affordable, welcoming anyone into the center
Cons
- This center requires advanced reservations, which can be complicated if plans change.
- The center is located remotely, and this can feel isolating for some participants
Setu
Best For Ayurvedic healing
Location: Brattleboro, Vermont
Price: Overnight weekend retreats ranging from $440-$1030
Length: Weekend to four day-long retreats
Experience Level: Suitable for all levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners
Rating: 4.4/5
Overview
In the heart of Vermont is a family-owned wellness center called Setu, where the foothills of the Green Mountain can seemingly make your worries disappear. Setu specializes in Ayurvedic practices and offers rejuvenation through yoga exercises, meditation and personalized health consultations.
You can take the famous Rest and Reset weekend package, which includes accommodation, breakfast, evening gong and a soothing hot tub/sauna treatment. Setu has a rich traditional Indian culture, so if you want a mini taste of India, you can stay here for a weekend to catch it. Enjoy the picturesque view of the mountains while eating a sound breakfast or soaking up in a tub.
In addition to the R&R, they offer the Revive and Thrive retreat, personalized Ayurvedic health consultations with experts, and even semester-long training. To gain deeper knowledge, take advantage of their more extended training programs.
Pros
- Deep cultural experience
- Holistic experience
- The focus is personalized
Cons
- A sole focus on Ayurveda might affect some participants
- There may be limited availability for certain retreats
Silent Stay Retreat Center
Best For Reflection
Location: Montecito, California
Price: Start from $1100
Length: Two to three nights
Experience Level: Intermediate (prior meditation experience might be required)
Rating: 4.4/5
Overview
Leave the noise of the outside world and soak in the silence at the Silent Stay Retreat Center in California. Spend some calming days in the 35 acres of picturesque land surrounding Silent Stay, participate in the various activities available at the center, and fill your eyes with ocean views and the Santa Ynez mountains.
Silent Stay focuses on the approach of heartfulness—a state that brings us to the beauty of the moment, where you can stop thinking and start feeling. The center is on a mountaintop, providing a broad view of the expanse of the land.
Pros
- This center emphasizes silence, allowing participants a time of deep reflection
- Activities are not structured, giving participants time for personal reflection
- Scenic views
Cons
- The Lack of structured activities may be challenging for beginners
- The silence may feel isolating to some participants.
Prama Institute and Wellness Center
Best For Detox
Location: Marshall, North Carolina
Price: $660 to $2,475
Length: Different retreat packages from three days to 10 days
Experience Level: Suitable for all levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners
Review: 4.3/5
Overview
Prama is a Sanskrit term symbolizing a balance of body, mind and spirit. Walking into the location in the Appalachian mountains, surrounded by a lush forest and a dreamy display of nature, instantly uplifts the soul. Prama has a spacious dome hall, accommodation and numerous wellness amenities.
Over 150 acres of land offer ample space for the diverse retreat programs in Prama. These include weekend silent meditation and yoga retreats, juice cleansing retreats, and other customized programs designed to suit the specific needs of individuals and groups.
The general practices at this center encourage healthy living, from the tranquility of the environment to the meals prepared with fresh, organic ingredients. Vegetarian meals are strongly encouraged, and vegan and gluten-free diets are available.
The most anticipated event is the juice cleanse retreat, available in three-, five- and 10-day formats. These retreats combine juice cleansing to detoxify the body and increase energy. Participants also receive Ayurvedic consultations during this time.
Pros
- The Appalachian mountains in view are a sight to behold
- They offer diversified options
- Supportive community
Cons
- Limited recreational activities
- Prices for sessions are a bit on the high side
Dharmakaya Center for Wellbeing
Best For Holistic Living
Location: Cragsmoor, New York
Price: For personal retreats, individual pricing ranges between $185 to $285 per night, depending on the time of the year. For couples, pricing ranges between $157.50 to $232.50 per night.
Length: From weekend programs (two to three days) to up to two weeks
Experience Level: Suitable for all levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners
Rating: 4.3/5
Overview
On a scenic hillside in the village of Cragsmoor, the Dharmakaya Center offers a peaceful environment for meditation, yoga and soulful workshops to promote inner healing and peace. It operates on ancient wisdom practices dedicated to holistic living.
You will find a range of Buddhist programs, meditation and spirituality, and different forms of yoga and movement, all of which can provide emotional and physical benefits to participants. The accommodation is classic, featuring two residence halls. In adherence to this center’s values, the rooms have no televisions, telephones, or internet access.
Pros
- The center is clean and well-kept, and the amenities are excellent
- A variety of programs are offered that cater to different levels
- A very supportive environment with friendly staff
Cons
- The plans are a bit on the expensive side
- One report lays emphasis on marketing wellness programs more so than teaching participants
Kadampa Meditation Center
Best Budget Center
Location: Glen Spey, New York
Price: Membership plans start from $30 to $80 per month for classes
Length: Anywhere from one day to seven days of classes
Experience Level: Suitable for all levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners
Rating: 4.2/5
Overview
If you are on a budget but still want a getaway for your mind’s sake, Kadampa Meditation Center is your best bet. This affordable retreat offers mindfulness classes, silent meditation and hikes.
The classes focus on cultivating inner peace and happiness through meditation. The moderate price tag on the retreat packages makes it suitable for people looking to enjoy the transformation of meditation without breaking the bank.
A weekend in the 82 acres of natural woodland surrounding Kadampa will include interactive workshops, outdoor activities like hiking and sumptuous meals. Every year, the center also hosts a six-week winter retreat. They have a broad accommodation plan spanning from tents to private suites, depending on your budget.
Pros
- A serene environment perfect for mindfulness
- Budget-friendly
- Beginner-friendly
Cons
- Limited on-site accommodation
- Some retreat course fees do not include accommodation or food
Zen Mountain Monastery
Best For Buddhists
Location: Mount Tremper, New York
Price: A weekend retreat costs $250, but options exist for people in need of financial assistance
Length: Anywhere from one to 90 days
Experience Level: Suitable for all levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners
Rating: 4.1/5
Overview
From a Catholic retreat center and boys’ camp to a reserved meditation getaway, Zen Mountain Monastery is a great location for visiting practitioners. Meditation lovers from across the country gather in the Catskill Mountains to enjoy the serenity and tranquility of nature.
The 220 acres of protected land offer a haven for reflection. Visitors are offered various retreat programs, including silent meditation retreats (Sesshin), monthly introductions to Zen training and specialized retreats focusing on topics such as the Zen arts, wilderness exploration and Buddhist principles in daily life.
The ZMM offerings are versatile, ranging from the weekly Sunday morning programs to the weekend retreat. If you would rather opt for longer programs, they have programs ranging from one month to one year with more immersive study sessions.
Pros
- Participants can receive direct instructions and feedback from Zen teachers
- Variety of programs
- There is a strict schedule for everything
Cons
- Training sessions can be quite rigorous
- May be overwhelming for beginners
Rolling Meadows Retreat
Best For Yoga Practice
Location: Friendship, Maine
Price: Payment starts from $1295 to $1395; accommodation fee included
Length: Retreats are between four to five days
Experience Level: Suitable for all levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners
Rating: 4/5
Overview
Explore the mystery of being in this tranquil meditation center, located on a scenic 100-acre property in coastal Maine. Rolling Meadows is known for its mindful breathwork, meditation, silence, and yoga practices. The instructors at this center are firm believers in silent meditation, which allows the body and mind to connect to the inner quietness of the soul.
Experts with 35-plus years of experience carefully curate their programs. The retreat accommodates up to 11 participants per session, fostering a deeper connection between participants and allowing them to engage in different practices.
Registration for each retreat covers food, accommodation, and activities. Rolling Meadows encourages a holistic approach to wellness, serving a variety of healthy vegetarian meals. They can also accommodate gluten—and lactose-free diets.
Pros
- The intimacy of the gathering allows for a deep connection
- There is unstructured time for personal reflection and relaxation
- It is beginner-friendly
Cons
- The location is remote, so it is not very accessible
- Social silence is encouraged; participants are not expected to engage in ordinary conversations
Go Explore These Meditation Retreats Today
A mindfulness meditation retreat is a transformative experience that can give you a much-needed break from life’s worries. Mobile meditation apps are great, but a certain creativity comes from an actual meditation retreat. Take some time to explore these retreat centers, which offer various options for mindfulness practices.
Interact with like-minded individuals, expert coaches, and the serenity of nature while reawakening your inner peace. Whether you are a seasoned mindfulness practitioner or a beginner with a special love for meditation, these retreats will give you a worthy experience.
FAQs
What Happens At Meditation Retreats?
At meditation retreats, participants engage in mindful practices that promote relaxation and self-discovery. Some of the activities include:
- Meditation sessions
- Yoga
- Mindful workshops and discussions
- Reflective activities like journaling, music, and art
- Consumption of healthy meals
- Immersion in nature
How Much Does A Meditation Retreat Cost?
The cost of retreats varies based on factors like length of stay, location, and facilities used. Meditation retreats can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. Vipassana retreats are donation-based, allowing participants to contribute what they can afford. There are also sliding-scale payment options. On average, the low-cost options range from $60 to $170; mid-range options start from $200 to $700; high-end retreats cost between $1000 and $8000.
Are Meditation Retreats Safe?
For many people, retreats are peaceful and safe, but they can pose some risks. Many meditation retreat centers implement health and safety measures to ensure the overall safety of participants. Retreats are also mostly hosted in tranquil environments, promoting a sense of safety.
However, there are several potential risks, such as physical risks from activities taking place outdoors and in wilderness zones, or mental health risks from intense emotional reactions. associated with meditation retreats.
Meditation retreats offer significant benefits, but it’s helpful to be aware of potential challenges and take steps to ensure your physical and emotional safety throughout the experience.
Are Meditation Retreats Worth It?
Yes, the relief and tranquility resulting from attending a meditation retreat are usually worth it.
Where Are The Best Meditation Retreats In The World?
From the overall excellence of the Spirit Rock Meditation Center in the U.S. to the serenity of the Ananda in the Himalayas, Uttarakhand, India, there are numerous great sites where you can attend a meditation retreat anywhere in the world.
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