The World’s Top 10 Meditation Destinations

India

Rishikesh Ashrams

Nestled at the foothills of the Himalayas, Rishikesh is widely known as the “Yoga Capital of the World,” drawing seekers from across the globe to its riverside ashrams. These centers offer daily kirtan (chanting), pranayama (breathwork), asana (posture) classes, and guided meditation sessions—often on a donation (dana) basis—to make authentic teachings accessible to all. The communal living environment, shared meals, and evening Ganga Aarti ceremony foster deep immersion in spiritual practice and provide a supportive community for both beginners and advanced practitioners.

Six Senses Vana

Set on a 21-acre forested estate near Dehradun, Six Senses Vana seamlessly blends modern wellness science with traditional Ayurvedic and Tibetan healing therapies. Every stay includes full-board accommodation with guided nutrition, daily wellness consultations, personalized treatment plans, and activities such as yoga, meditation, and forest-bathing walks. The retreat emphasizes sustainability—banning phones in public areas, sourcing local ingredients, and using renewable energy—while offering unique programs like Tibetan Sowa Rigpa medicine, gong baths, and “Mindful Menopause” journeys.

Next up: Pakistan section, featuring retreats like RAKTANA in the Karakoram and the Himalayan Yoga Institute in the foothills of Nanga Parbat.

Bali

Ubud Eco-Retreats

Ubud’s eco-retreats offer a unique blend of silent meditation, Ayurvedic spa therapies, and plant-based cuisine—all set within lush, off-grid sanctuaries that immerse you in Bali’s tropical serenity.

Overview of Leading Retreats

• Bali Silent Retreat: Set amidst UNESCO-protected rice terraces in Tabanan Regency, about an hour northwest of Ubud, this minimalist sanctuary offers complete silence (no phones in communal areas), daily guided meditation, and communal vegan meals crafted from their organic gardens.

• Fivelements Retreat Ubud: An award-winning wellness center on the Ayung River, Fivelements integrates Tibetan medicine, Ayurvedic treatments, gong baths, and plant-based gastronomy in a riverside spa setting.

• Eco-Luxe Hideaways: Properties like Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape near Ubud, feature open-air villas built from reclaimed ironwood, offering private meditation decks and gourmet vegetarian cuisine sourced on-site.

Key Features

1. Silent Meditation Programs
   Daily schedules include seated and walking meditation, yoga, and mindfulness instruction—often with options ranging from 30-minute sessions to multi-day silent retreats.

2. Ayurvedic Spa Therapies
   Personalized wellness plans combine oil massage, detox therapies, and herbal steam baths, guided by experienced Ayurvedic practitioners.

3. Plant-Based Cuisine
   Menus focus on organic, gluten-free, and vegan whole foods—typical dishes include tempeh sate, tropical salads, cold-pressed juices, and energy balls made from local fruits and nuts.

4. Off-Grid Sustainability
   Many retreats run on solar power, rainwater harvesting, and composting toilets, with architecture designed to minimize environmental impact and maximize airflow.

Practical Tips

• Best Time to Visit: April to October offers dry-season weather—ideal for outdoor meditation and forest-bathing walks.

• Booking & Budget: Longer stays (5–7 days) often include package deals covering accommodation, meals, and all activities; early booking can secure better rates and preferred villas.

• Getting There: Transfer services from Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) to central Ubud take around 1.5 hours; many retreats include airport pickup in their rates.

These eco-retreats in Ubud provide more than just a place to stay—they offer a holistic environment where every element, from silent halls to spa pavilions and plant-powered menus, is curated to nurture your journey inward.

Mii amo at Enchantment Resort

Mii amo at Enchantment Resort is a world-renowned destination spa nestled in Sedona’s Boynton Canyon, one of the region’s celebrated energy vortex sites. Fresh from a multimillion-dollar renovation, the spa now spans expansive treatment suites, a new sensory garden, and dedicated fitness and relaxation areas. Guests work with a personal Journey Guide to design bespoke programs—ranging from three- to ten-night all-inclusive stays—that blend spa treatments, wellness workshops, and outdoor adventures.

Vortex Hikes & Nature Experiences

Guided hikes lead you through Sedona’s striking red-rock formations—Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Boynton Canyon, and more—allowing you to explore each energy center. Beyond vortex tours, you can join sunrise meditations, stargazing sessions, and mindful nature walks, all integrated into your personalized Journey credits.

Sanctuary Spa Facilities

The spa’s architecture channels the surrounding landscape with crystal-lined meditation grottoes, eucalyptus steam rooms, chromotherapy saunas, and indoor/outdoor plunge pools. Signature treatments include CBD-infused massages, Tibetan healing consultations, sound-bath ceremonies in the private Crystal Grotto, and intuitive art-therapy sessions.

Key Features

1. Co-Created Journeys – Collaborate with your Journey Guide to select treatments, activities, and classes that align with your wellness goals.

2. Holistic Cuisine – Enjoy three daily meals focusing on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, alongside a juice bar offering cold-pressed blends and botanical teas.

3. Exclusive Amenities – Access members-only lounges, a labyrinth walking path, fitness studios, and desert-sculpture gardens, plus complimentary shuttle service throughout the canyon.

Practical Tips

• Best Seasons: Visit in spring (March–May) or fall (September–November) for mild temperatures and clear skies.

• Booking: Journeys require advance reservations with set arrival days; plan several months ahead for peak periods.

• Guest Policy: Minimum age is 16; a no-cell-phone policy in spa and communal areas ensures an uninterrupted sense of retreat.

Mii amo at Enchantment Resort harmonizes Sedona’s natural energy with luxury design and personalized support, offering a transformative blend of adventure, relaxation, and inner renewal.

Shambhala Mountain Center

Shambhala Mountain Center sits at 8,200 ft in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, offering Himalayan-style “Learn to Meditate” programs that blend sitting practice (zendo), mindful hiking, and everyday mindfulness exercises. Set on 600 forested acres, the center emphasizes the union of contemplative practice and outdoor activity, inviting you to cultivate presence both on the cushion and in motion.

Core Offerings

• Zendo Practice
  Daily periods of seated meditation (zazen) in the purpose-built meditation hall, interwoven with walking meditation (kinhin) in the surrounding woods.

• Mindfulness in Action
  Guided mountain hikes, cross-country skiing (seasonal), and yoga classes that reinforce the teachings through embodied awareness.

• Dharma Teachings
  Talks and Q&A sessions with experienced instructors, covering Shambhala and Tibetan Buddhist principles, ethics, and the art of compassionate leadership.

Highlights

1. Community Living
   Communal meals, work practice (samu), and shared retreats foster deep connection and mutual support among participants.

2. Retreat Formats
   Options range from weekend introductions to week-long intensives and longer “sitting” retreats, accommodating both beginners and seasoned practitioners.

3. Natural Sanctuary
   Rustic cabins and yurts nestled among pines, with trails leading to meadows, streams, and panoramic mountain views—perfect for silent reflection.

Practical Tips

• Best Seasons
  Late spring through early fall offers mild weather and wildflower-lined trails; winter retreats include skiing and snow-shoeing options.

• Booking & Stay
  Advance registration is required; lodging options include shared rooms, private cabins, and yurts. Full-board retreats include all meals and instruction.

• What to Bring
  Warm layers for mountain temperatures, sturdy hiking shoes, meditation cushion (if preferred), and a journal for reflections.

Shambhala Mountain Center uniquely combines traditional meditation training with immersive mountain experiences, guiding you to weave mindfulness into every moment—whether seated in silence or walking among the pines.

Tassajara Zen Mountain Center

Shambhala Mountain Center sits at 8,200 ft in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, offering Himalayan-style “Learn to Meditate” programs that blend sitting practice (zendo), mindful hiking, and everyday mindfulness exercises. Set on 600 forested acres, the center emphasizes the union of contemplative practice and outdoor activity, inviting you to cultivate presence both on the cushion and in motion.

Core Offerings

• Daily Zazen
  Multiple daily periods of seated meditation in the mountain zendo, guided by senior instructors and supported by the monastery’s rhythm of bells and chants.

• Work Practice (Samu)
  Hands-on tasks—from cooking and gardening to firewood chopping—performed mindfully as part of each practitioner’s training, integrating meditation into daily life.

• Hot Springs Rituals
  Soaking in natural hot spring pools before or after meditation sessions, blending physical renewal with contemplative stillness.

Highlights

1. Seasonal Retreats
   Open to guests in summer and early fall only; closed during the winter storm season, ensuring undisturbed silence and ideal hiking conditions.

2. Simple Monastic Meals
   Vegetarian temple cuisine prepared by practitioners, emphasizing mindful eating and seasonal local produce.

3. Small-Group Settings
   Limited guest capacity preserves intimacy and allows one-to-one interviews with teachers to deepen understanding.

Practical Tips

• Visiting Season
  Plan stays between mid-May and late October; book well in advance due to limited spaces.

• Accommodations
  Options range from traditional tatami guest rooms to rustic cabins and platform tents; all are simple and unfurnished, in keeping with monastic life.

• What to Bring
  Sturdy hiking shoes, warm layers for cool mountain nights, toiletries (Tassajara provides linens but minimal amenities), and an open mind.

Tassajara Zen Mountain Center offers a rare opportunity to live and practice within a working Zen monastery—where every breath, every task, and every step becomes an extension of meditation.

Gaia House

Gaia House, nestled in the peaceful woodlands of Devon, UK, offers silent Insight Meditation retreats grounded in the vipassanā tradition. Guided by experienced international Dharma teachers, each retreat provides a supportive container—combining noble silence, daily meditation sessions, and optional one-to-one interviews—to deepen self-awareness and insight.

Core Offerings

• Silent Retreats
  Options range from long weekends to 10-day intensives, all conducted in noble silence to foster undistracted practice.

• Guided Sitting & Walking Meditation
  Multiple daily periods of seated meditation (ānakata) interspersed with walking meditation through lush forest trails.

• Dharma Talks & Interviews
  Evening teachings explore the principles of Insight Meditation, with optional private interviews (dhamma interviews) to address individual challenges.

Highlights

1. Tranquil Woodland Setting
   A network of forest paths, reflection gardens, and purpose-built meditation halls create an immersive natural sanctuary.

2. Comfortable, Simple Accommodation
   Shared and private rooms maintain a minimalist style—clean lines, natural materials, and light-filled spaces.

3. Community & Support
   Communal meals in silence reinforce mindful eating, while the residential teacher team offers compassionate guidance.

Practical Tips

• Choosing a Retreat
  New practitioners may begin with a long weekend; seasoned meditators can opt for 10-day intensives.

• What to Bring
  Loose, comfortable clothing; indoor shoes/slippers; a cushion or bench if preferred; and a journal.

• Booking & Arrival
  Book well in advance—spaces are limited. Arrive by early afternoon on the first day to settle in before the opening orientation.

Gaia House’s blend of silence, skilled teaching, and natural beauty provides an ideal environment for anyone seeking to cultivate sustained mindfulness and deeper insight.

Six Senses Vana

Six Senses Vana, set on a 21-acre Himalayan foothill estate near Dehradun, India, is a leading wellness destination that seamlessly integrates modern science with traditional Ayurvedic and Tibetan healing. Every element—from architecture to programming—is designed to foster balance, renewal, and deep relaxation

Core Offerings

• Personalized Wellness Journeys
  Each guest works with a wellness curator to design a bespoke program, which may include daily guided meditation, yoga, pranayama, forest bathing, and Sowa Rigpa (Tibetan medicine) consultations.

• Ayurvedic & Holistic Therapies
  Signature treatments such as Abhyanga oil massages, Panchakarma detox programs, and herbal steam baths are tailored to your dosha and health goals.

• Nutrition & Culinary Experiences
  Farm-to-table menus focus on seasonal, organic ingredients; cooking classes teach Ayurvedic meal preparation and mindful eating practices.

Highlights

1. Forest Cottages & Villas
   Eco-sensitive accommodations feature private decks overlooking the forest, hot-stone showers, and locally sourced furnishings.

2. Mindful Movement & Nature
   Guided forest walks, mindful treks, and sunrise yoga sessions on a hilltop platform immerse you in the surrounding natural beauty.

3. Sustainability & Community
   The resort operates on solar power, collects rainwater, and sources from local farmers; community-focused projects support regional wellbeing.

Practical Tips

• Best Season to Visit
  October to March offers cool, clear days—ideal for outdoor activities and evening bonfire gatherings.

• Booking Packages
  Programs range from three-day “Wellbeing Discovery” to week-long “Inner Peace” journeys; early booking secures best rates and preferred accommodations.

• Travel Logistics
  Vana provides airport transfers from New Delhi or Dehradun; allow 4–5 hours from Delhi by road or a short charter flight to Dehradun.

Six Senses Vana offers a holistic retreat experience where ancient healing traditions meet luxury wellness, all within a pristine Himalayan setting.

Tawelu Retreats

Tawelu Retreats, set amidst the rugged beauty of Snowdonia National Park in Wales, combines yoga, guided meditation, wild-water swims, and spa therapies to create a truly immersive wellness experience. Small-group retreats focus on reconnecting mind and body through movement, nature immersion, and mindful relaxation.

Core Offerings

• Guided Yoga & Meditation
  Daily Hatha and Vinyasa yoga classes suitable for all levels, paired with seated and walking meditations that draw on local landscapes for inspiration.

• Wild-Water Swims & Saunas
  Led by experienced guides, swims in mountain streams and lakes are followed by steaming sessions in wood-fired saunas, harnessing the contrast of cold water and heat for vitality and focus.

• Spa Treatments & Workshops
  Natural therapies such as herbal poultices, reflexology, and aromatherapy massages are complemented by workshops on mindfulness, breathwork, and basic bushcraft skills.

Highlights

1. Dramatic Mountain Setting
   Retreat cabins and yoga shalas overlook craggy peaks, moorlands, and waterfalls—every practice is framed by iconic vistas.

2. Small-Group Community
   Limited to ten participants per retreat, fostering intimate connections, shared meals, and group discussions around evening fires.

3. Digital Detox & Simplicity
   Optional phone-free days encourage full presence; accommodations are rustic yet comfortable, blending into the natural surroundings.

Practical Tips

• Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early autumn (May–September) when trails are clear and daylight lasts into the evening.

• Booking & Packages: Retreats run from 3 to 7 nights; packages include all meals, lodging, and guided activities. Early booking is recommended, as spaces fill quickly.

• Travel Logistics: The nearest train station is in Betws-y-Coed, with shuttle transfers to site; on-site parking is available for guests arriving by car.

Tawelu Retreats offers a unique fusion of adventure and stillness—perfect for those seeking to deepen their practice in one of the UK’s most inspiring wild landscapes.

Koyasan Temple Lodging

Koyasan Temple Lodging (Shukubō) offers a rare chance to experience monastic life on Mount Kōya, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Wakayama, Japan. Guests stay in traditional temple lodgings, participate in morning and evening ceremonies, and have access to centuries-old cedar forests and sacred temples.

Core Offerings

• Monastic Ceremonies
  Join morning chanted services (Shōjin prayers) and evening sutra recitation led by resident monks. The rhythmic chants and incense create a deeply contemplative atmosphere.

• Walking Meditation & Sutra Copying
  Practice kinhin (walking meditation) along quiet temple paths, then try shakyo (hand-copying Buddhist sutras) in the temple study hall to cultivate focus and reverence.

• Shojin Ryori
  Savor traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine made without garlic or onions, featuring seasonal local produce, tofu delicacies, and delicate simmered vegetables served on low lacquer trays.

Highlights

1. Tatami-Style Accommodations
   Simple guest rooms with tatami mats, futon bedding, and sliding paper screens, offering an authentic, uncluttered environment for rest and reflection.

2. Cedar Forests & Pagoda Trail
   Explore towering ancient cedars along the Danjō Garan and Okunoin pilgrimage routes, with moss-carpeted stones and iconic five-story pagodas.

3. Cultural Immersion
   Evening dharma talks, opportunities to ask monks questions, and the chance to ring the massive Kongō-zue temple bell at dawn.

Practical Tips

• Booking
  Reservations fill quickly, especially during cherry blossom (April) and autumn foliage (October/November). Plan at least two to three months ahead.

• Etiquette
  Dress modestly, follow shoe-removal protocols at temple entrances, and maintain quiet during ceremonies.

• What to Bring
  Comfortable layers for mountain coolness, personal toiletries (temples provide towels), and a small notebook for reflections or copying sutras.

Staying in a Koyasan shukubō is more than accommodation—it’s an invitation to step into a living tradition of Japanese Buddhism, where every ritual, path, and meal becomes part of your own meditative journey.

Launch my store with Shopify

Why Shopify Is the Perfect Solution for Your Online Store

Simple, fast, and fully customizable, Shopify supports you from the very first idea all the way to your first sale. With its intuitive interface, secure hosting, and built-in marketing tools, you can focus on your creativity while the platform handles the technical details. Join the community of over one million entrepreneurs who already trust Shopify to grow their businesses.