The 7 Best Meditation Retreats of 2022

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. 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.