People take trips outside of the country to experience new cultures and to find peace and calm, away from the hustle and bustle of city and country they’re in. But this kind of a trip costs a lot of money and takes a lot of time to plan and execute. But thanks to ESTA online application and visa waiver programs, now people outside USA can also enjoy these mediation centers easily and without breaking your bank.

Top 10 Spiritual Retreats In USA

So today, we bring to you a list of 10 of the best Spiritual Retreats In USA where you can find peace and tranquility in these serene environments.

1. Shambhala Mountain Center

One of the most popular institutes in the country, the Shambhala Mountain Center is a sprawling 600-acre retreat present amongst the Rocky Mountains near Red Feather Lakes, Colorado. Guests have the option to create a special package or to choose from the ones already offered. For better or worse, cell phones do not work in the confines of this meditation centre but you need not worry since, at the price of $109 per night, you have access to various activities such as hiking, snowshoeing, and of course, guided meditation.

2. Travaasa

For the ones that love open skies and water more than mountains, Travaasa offers two separate retreats in Maui and Texas. Although quite steep with the pricing, coming in at $600 per night for Maui and $475 per night for Texas, Travaasa offers paddle boating, canoeing, and glider plane rides, so you’re sure to have an experience of a lifetime.

3. Insight Meditation Society

One of the first institutions to ever bring meditation to the western world, the Insight Meditation Society still stands strong and provides a good example of Buddhist meditation as it is practiced by the monks of Tibet. The Retreat is situated in the town of Barre, Massachusetts and undoubtedly is one of the best Spiritual Retreats In USA.

4. Miraval Resort and Spa

For the desert lovers out there, Miraval in Tucson, Arizona offers a wide range of meditation practices, from beginner to advanced. There are also other meditative practices such as floating meditation, forgiveness meditation, etc. It ranges at about $429 per night and has a lot of activities to offer such as mountain biking, yoga hiking, etc.

5. Stillpoint Lodge

For the ones that love more frigid temperatures, Stillpoint Lodge in Halibut Cove offers a quiet retreat that is open 24/7. Although it doesn’t have a lot of activities to offer, many have attested to the fact that staying at this lodge and practising meditation and changed their life for the better, and that the quoted price of $500 per night was very reasonable when thought about in the context of the experience gained from the stay.

6. Green Gulch Farm Zen Center

Also known as the Green Dragon Temple, this retreat introduces its visitors to Japanese Soto Zen Buddhist practices. Sunday programs are open to the public and include lectures, tea, meditation, etc. There are various classes that you can take part in and find a sense of community with the other visitors there.

7. The Raj Ayurveda Health Spa

Shifting to the Indian form of meditation, the Raj Ayurveda in Fairfield, Iowa spans across 100 acres and is one of the most popular Spiritual Retreats In USA. Transcendental Meditation is what is practiced here and there are light activities such as walking trails and gentle yoga also offered to the visitors. It’s priced around $2,200 for 21 days with additional services and treatments costing extra.

8. The Esalen Institute

Albeit costly, coming in at around $1750 per person for one weekend, the Esalen Institute has much to offer. Located in Big Sur, California, this retreat is perfect for people that love the beach more than any other geographical feature. They offer various meditation practices such as Buddhist and Tantric meditation. The property is 27-acres in size and visitors can enjoy hot springs, ocean views, yoga, kayaking, surfing and a whole lot of other activities.

Some famous visitors of the Esalen Institute are Henry Miller, Hunter S. Thompson, Steve McQueen, and Joan Baez. The menu offers multiple cuisines, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. All produce is from the garden of the property and other ingredients are sourced locally.

9. Omega Institute for Holistic Studies

Only a train ride away from the bustle of the Big Apple, the Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, New York has six learning paths to offer to its guests, including health, healing, and sustainable living. The property is 200-acres big and has over 350 workshops to offer along with yoga training session, self-practice and guided meditation, and Zen Archery. Wooden trails surround the property and guests are free to roam as far as their legs can take them. Activities such as kayaking, canoeing, rowing, and swimming are also offered, and a key activity is the hot air balloon rides that are offered off-campus. A two-night stay will cost you around $662 per person. There are also additional charges for speciality services.

10. Rolling Meadows Retreat

A cozy retreat in Brooks, Maine, the Rolling Meadows Retreat only hosts 11 people at a time. It has a social silence policy and it doesn’t bode well to small talk when you are in the retreat. Guests are free to roam and hike the 100-acre property and swim in the ponds scattered around the area. The prices range depending on the length of your stay but a two to six-night stay starts at $595 per person.

Conclusion

So there you have it, a list of 10 of the best meditation and Spiritual Retreats In USA. Meditation can be an extremely enlightening experience and it helps us understand ourselves and the inner workings of our mind, so if you find yourself unable to decide where to go for your next vacation, consider the options above!