The benefits of meditation on mental health have been recognised for a while now. So, meditation retreats can help improve depression and anxiety, as it alters the way the body responds to stress. One study says that significant changes to the brain after just three days. But whether or not you are suffering from a mental health disorder, it’s been found to help with focus, productivity and creativity.
We’ve rounded up a small selection of the best luxury retreats for meditation programmes. While meditation is something anyone can do anywhere, especially with so many apps to choose from, taking a break from life’s stressors can often help put things into perspective. Thus, these retreat programmes are designed to restore and renew both physical and mental health.
This article was originally published on October 10, 2018, by Amanda Sheppard and was last updated on October 3, 2022.
1. Kamalaya
Kamalaya found a home on the island of Koh Samui. It’s a place that has long been a pilgrimage site for Buddhist monks across Thailand. Moreover, the property was built to encircle an ancient meditation cave, thought to have been used by Buddhist monks for centuries. Today it remains open for guests to bask in a moment of quiet reflection. Thus, the resort draws upon traditional practices to offer a range of retreats (ranging from three to 14 nights in duration) to promote detox, healthy living, better sleep and treat stress and emotional ailments.
Contact bookings@compareretreats.com to book your luxury wellness retreat
See also: 9 Most Expensive Luxury Wellness Retreats To Spend a Week in Paradise
2. Amanpuri
Overlooking the Andaman Sea, Amanpuri offers a range of retreat programmes to suit all manner of modern needs. Tailored programmes are entirely customisable and can run from between three and 14 nights in length. For an immersive meditation programme, book your trip solo to enjoy the full benefits. So, it’s one of the top meditation retreats on the globe.
Contact bookings@compareretreats.com to book your luxury wellness retreat
3. Sen Wellness
A location steeped in Ayurvedic history, Sen Wellness draws upon the rich heritage of its surroundings to provide guests with a holistic healing approach to health and wellness. Offering a combination of Ayurveda therapies, acupuncture, daily yoga and twice weekly meditation sessions led by a practising Buddhist monk, retreats here can help guests discover a deep and profound sense of wellbeing—and one that will remain with you long after you depart. This retreat gives guests a lot of time for personal introspection, and the limited wifi hours mean you really can take a break from the outside world.
Contact bookings@compareretreats.com to book your luxury wellness retreat
4. REVĪVŌ Wellness Resort
The luxury resort in Nusa Dua, Bali, offers destress retreats, perfect for a weekend getaway to reset mind, body and soul. Retreats include daily REMISSIŌ treatments based on your personal arrival consultation, a daily salt floating session, and up to three daily holistic fitness activities, including access to the resort’s yoga barn and meditation studio. So, you can kick back and fully immerse yourself in peace.
See also: 5 Luxury A-List Retreats Loved By Wellness-Seeking Celebrities
5. Amamemu
This traditional Ryokan-influenced Japanese retreat surrounded by hot springs in the UNESCO trails of Mie Prefecture offers guests a mindfulness immersions, which can include a zazen meditation, a ritual tea ceremony, and spa treatments such as shiatsu massage, acupuncture, and aquatic bodywork. Designed to reduce stress, tension and cultivate mindfulness, Aman offers continued support to guests once they return home.
Contact bookings@compareretreats.com to book your luxury wellness retreat
6. Ananda in the Himalayas
Renowned as one of the world’s best yoga retreats, Ananda in the Himalayas unsurprisingly offers an incredible meditation programme too. Retreats can include daily, hour-long meditations, pranayama sessions, and five personalised Hatha yoga classes. Preparing guests to increase control of themselves physically, emotionally and mentally, the retreat programme features daily spa treatments, Vedanta talks, and weekly treks. So, it’s a favourite among many city folk looking for an escape.
Contact bookings@compareretreats.com to book your luxury wellness retreat
See also: 7 Yoga Retreats In India To Find Your Inner Peace
7. Song Saa Private Island
If you’re searching for more than just a guided meditation retreat, a private island paradise might be just what you need. Song Saa Private Island has been based in the Koh Rong archipelago in Cambodia for more than 10 years, and the eco-friendly resort has continued to work consciously with its surrounding environment and communities. Customisable retreats on this private island sanctuary can include a blessing from a Buddhist monk. At the resort itself, spa treatments feature themes of stillness, healing and blessing. Thus, it’s one of the best luxury wellness retreats in the world.
