How Much Do Meditation Retreats Cost?

Programs can cost less than $100 or more than $22,000. The wide range depends on the type of accommodations or length of the retreats. They also factor in what kind of activities are offered and whether food is included.

What Are Meditation Retreats?

Retreats are designed to be a place to learn, deepen, and absorb 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 without 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), breaks, and meals. Some retreats offer extracurricular activities such as yoga classes, hikes, or massages. Every retreat location is a little different and offers its own unique offerings.

Who Should Consider a Meditation Retreat?

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.

Is Vipassana a silent retreat?

Yes, Vipassana is a silent mindfulness practice. Silent retreats are offered at some meditation centers, including our Best Budget pick, the Kadampa Meditation Center.

Best Meditation Retreats of 2024

Meditation practitioners and researchers agree that meditation can help reduce stress, improve mental and physical well-being, and calm the mind and body. It does this by triggering the body's relaxation response and quieting the stress-induced thoughts that can cause a state of agitation.

For some, a quiet room in the house or a peaceful spot in the park can be enough to serve as a place to practice mindful meditation. But others may need more guidance with yoga classes or workshops, and a calm respite from their bustling cities and busy households with soothing, inspiring views and luxurious amenities. Meditation retreats offer these and more. Here, we’ve rounded up the best meditation retreats in the country.

Best Meditation Retreats of 2023

Best Overall: Esalen Institute

Best Budget: Kadampa Meditation Center

Most Flexible: Spirit Rock Meditation Center

Best for Beginners: Drala Mountain Center

Best for Wilderness: Alaska Stillpoint Lodge

Best for Instructions: Insight Meditation Society

Our Top Picks

Best Overall: Esalen Institute

Learn More

Key Specs

Cost: $540-$8,000, based on accommodations and program (some specialized workshops are more expensive)
Location: Big Sur, California
Length: Most workshops are weekends, or five to seven days long

Why We Chose It

A beautiful retreat in California's Big Sur region, Esalen Institute offers mindfulness workshops, yoga instruction, forest bathing, and other classes designed for self-exploration against a backdrop of lush ocean views.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Variety of workshops
Natural hot springs
Meditation Hut and Art Barn

Cons

Rustic accommodations
Can be pricey
Dates fill up fast

Overview

The California coast is home to hundreds of weekend and week-long retreats inspired by the beauty of this cliffside wonder at the Esalen Institute in Big Sur.

Guests can choose from several three-day workshops, including mindfulness retreats for lawyers, meditation in nature, self-love and kindness that benefits all, mindful self-compassion intensive training, and mindfulness meditation. Other options include modern life, music, meditation, and technology.

Longer retreats, lasting five to seven days, take on a more focused approach to helping participants integrate meditation into their daily lives. In addition to guided meditations and silent practices, you can spend hours of the day exploring more than 100 acres along the Big Sur coastline. Esalen is also home to a community farm and garden, a cliffside bathhouse, and natural hot springs.

Best Budget: Kadampa Meditation Center

Learn More

Key Specs

Cost: Classes start at about $10; weekend retreats start at roughly $45
Location: Glen Spey, New York
Length: One-day classes, three- to five-day retreats available

Why We Chose It

The Kadampa Meditation Center and Tibetan Buddhist temple is an affordable retreat that offers silent meditation, classes, and hikes.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Budget-friendly
Offers silent retreats
Good for beginners

Cons

Limited onsite accommodations
Pricing doesn’t include lodging or meals
Onsite dining has limited hours

Overview

Located in the Catskill Mountains in New York, the Kadampa Meditation Center and Tibetan Buddhist temple offer both personal and group retreats. With budget-friendly options and various offerings, the Kadampa Meditation Center is a good choice for those interested in exploring meditation without the hefty price tag often attached to meditation retreats.

Individuals looking to gain a fresh perspective through quiet relaxation will find peace and calm with one of their personal Finding Peace retreats. And, if you're new to meditation or looking for a group experience, you might want to try one of the group retreats to help you find ways to integrate the practice into your daily life.

A quick weekend away includes guided activities and individual time, Friday through Sunday, with meditation workshops, hikes in the 82 acres of natural woodlands, delicious food, and more. The Kadampa Meditation Center also offers in-depth silent retreats that focus on the teachings of meditation and silent meditation. These guided experiences involve two days of teachings, followed by three days of a silent retreat.

Most Flexible: Spirit Rock Meditation Center

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Key Specs

Cost: Offers sliding scale for retreats, $140-$22,400
Location: West Marin County, California
Length: Drop-in, day and week-long, up to two-month retreats

Why We Chose It

Spirit Rock Meditation Center holds a variety of one-day and multi-day retreats and offers scholarships, sliding scale payments, and volunteer opportunities for those with financial constraints.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Sliding scale payments
Retreats for LGBTQ+ people available
Silent retreats available

Cons

In-person programs fill up fast
Some programs have prerequisites you must meet

Overview

Buddhist teachings, extensive time for meditation, walks in nature, and a silent and mindful environment, are the key features that make the Spirit Rock Meditation Center in West Marin County, California, such a popular location for group meditation retreats.

Spirit Rock also infuses meditation into every part of the day, including sitting, walking, and eating, which helps you better understand food and mindful eating. If you want to stay overnight, you can choose one of their residential retreats.

But if you live close by or want to stay off-site, Spirit Rock offers multi-day non-residential retreats that allow participants to spend the day learning and practicing meditation, and your nights away from the center. These non-residential retreats are ideal for newer practitioners just learning to deepen their practice.

Best for Beginners: Drala Mountain Center

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Key Specs

Cost: Retreats start at $100 to $150 plus accommodation, with sliding scale available for some programs
Location: Red Feather Lakes, Colorado
Length: Two-day, three-day, and week-long retreats

Why We Chose It

Drala Mountain Center provides a stunning retreat setting for studying yoga, meditation, and contemplative arts, including introductory courses for beginners looking to connect and grow in their practice.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Offers several programs for beginners
Offers leadership retreats
Outdoor activities such as hiking

Cons

No cell phone reception at the site
Lodging expenses added on during registration
10:30 p.m. curfew each night of retreat

Overview

Nestled in the mountains of northern Colorado, the Drala Mountain Center offers a variety of retreats, activities, and programs for all levels, but more specifically, to people new to meditation.

Participants can choose from guided meditations, yoga, and creativity, among other indoor and outdoor activities. While the variety of activities is set up to accommodate all levels, what sets Drala apart from other retreats is its programs focused specifically on beginners. Their “Learn to Meditate” retreats are designed for people curious about the teachings and practice of meditation.

One popular option, Slowing Down: A Yoga, Self-Care, and Loving-Kindness Retreat, is a weekend retreat that combines yoga and meditation to help guests find a sense of relaxation, peace, and calm.

Best for Wilderness: Alaska Stillpoint Lodge

Learn More

Key Specs

Cost: Packages start at $2,860 per night, per person
Location: Halibut Cove, Alaska
Length: Three-, four-, five- and six-day packages

Why We Chose It

For a real escape, Alaska Stillpoint Lodge combines wellness retreats with wilderness hikes, kayaking, paddleboarding, silent meditation spaces, and yoga.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Guided local adventures and eco-tours
Group yoga, fitness and mindfulness classes
Zen garden and meditation cabin

Cons

Meditation retreats are only available from June through September
Not ideal if you're looking for an intensive program or study format

Overview

The Alaska Stillpoint Lodge, Halibut Cove, near Homer, offers wellness retreats that focus on guided reflection and rejuvenation to nurture your soul. Wellness retreats are available in three-, four-, and five-day packages that include wilderness hikes, feasting on local, organic cuisine, silent meditation spaces, and yoga. Plus, you can participate in guided kayak tours, boating, guided meditation, massage, mindfulness classes, and journaling.

You also have the option to ditch the technology and make this retreat a digital detox. Request limited or no access to phone, TV, and Wi-Fi in your meditation cabin, and you will really experience the true meaning of silent meditation.

Because of the harsh Alaska winters, meditation retreats are only available from May through September.

Best for Instructions: Insight Meditation Society

Learn More

Key Specs

Cost: Sliding scale, starts around $315; extended stays have lower base rates
Location: Barre, Massachusetts
Length: One-week to month-long retreats

Why We Chose It

Insight Meditation Society offers instruction and guidance in insight and loving-kindness meditations.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Option for extended stays
Courses for both new and experienced meditators
Sliding scale payment

Cons

Simple accommodations compared to other retreat sites
Limited dietary options for those with food allergies or preferences
Bathrooms shared with other guests on your floor

Overview

The Insight Meditation Society (IMS), located in Barre, Massachusetts, offers several retreat options tailored to both new and experienced meditators. IMS provides also detailed instruction and ongoing guidance to encourage personal growth based on Buddha’s Four Foundations of Mindfulness.

Guests are taught by residential instructors that deliver teachings through Vipassana and loving-kindness meditations. The facility is divided into two campuses: one for short-term meditation retreats lasting seven to nine days, and another designed to attract students wanting to stay for longer retreats.

While there, guests will spend time immersed in sitting and walking meditation, completely done in silence. Advanced levels can benefit from the high level of instruction provided at IMS’s Forest Refuge retreat.

Final Verdict

Esalen Institute tops our list as the best overall meditation retreat center, offering a serene environment with a wide variety of courses to choose from. Located in Big Sur, California, the beautiful center has been hosting guests since 1962. With hundreds of retreat options, there’s something for everyone at Esalen.

Compare the Best Meditation Retreats

Company	Pricing	Location	Length
Best Overall Esalen Institute	$540-$8,000, based on accommodations	Big Sur, California	Most workshops are weekends, or five to seven days long
Best Budget Kadampa Meditation Center	Classes start at about $10; weekend retreats start at roughly $45	Glen Spey, New York	One-day classes, three- to five-day retreats available
Most Flexible Spirit Rock Meditation Center	Offers sliding scale for retreats, $140-$22,400	West Marin County, California	Day- and week-long retreats, some up to two months
Best for Beginners Drala Mountain Center	Retreats start at about $100, sliding scale available for some programs	Red Feather Lakes, Colorado	Two-day, three-day, and week-long retreats
Best for Wilderness Alaska Stillpoint Lodge	Packages start at $2,860 per night, per person	Halibut Cove, Alaska	Three-, four-, five- and six-day packages
Best for Instructions Insight Meditation Society	Sliding scale, starts around $315	Barre, Massachusetts	One- to three-week retreats

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 or meditation app at home may be a sufficient way 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?

Programs can cost less than $100 or more than $22,000. The wide range depends on the type of accommodations or length of the retreats. They also factor in what kind of activities are offered and whether food is included.
What Are Meditation Retreats?

Retreats are designed to be a place to learn, deepen, and absorb 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 without 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), breaks, and meals. Some retreats offer extracurricular activities such as yoga classes, hikes, or massages. Every retreat location is a little different and offers its own unique offerings.
Who Should Consider a Meditation Retreat?

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.
Is Vipassana a silent retreat?

Yes, Vipassana is a silent mindfulness practice. Silent retreats are offered at some meditation centers, including our Best Budget pick, the Kadampa Meditation Center.

Methodology

There are several meditation retreats across the country that offer a variety of programs. To narrow our search, we gathered information about the cost, location, duration of the retreats, and type of workshops and programs offered. Based on what we found, we selected the 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.

1 Source

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