There are many places to learn meditation techniques, find balance or experience the link between body and spirit: the best destinations for spiritual journeys.
In “Eat, Pray, Love” a very busy Julia Roberts gives up everything to rediscover the pleasure of life between India and Indonesia, ending up finding love in Bali. Apart from the dream ending, what is true in the film is the description of the stress that the protagonist experiences, divided between work and an inadequate love life, and the need to find peace by retreating to meditation.
We recommend 26 places in the world that, regardless of one’s faith, invite you to reconnect with what is invisible to the eye through contemplation, rest and prayer. Six destinations to embark on a real spiritual journey in search of yourself.
Meaning of spiritual journey
The spiritual vacations are a phenomenon that is assuming great importance both from the subjective side and socially. Why are they made and what is their significance? First of all we say that they do not necessarily correspond to religious trips.
The spiritual journeys are a type of holiday that lead us to reflect, to the inner search of peace and serenity. It is a journey within oneself, through spiritual paths of meditation. Thanks to these itineraries, not only can alternative solutions be found to face the problems of everyday life, but you can also have the opportunity to ask yourself new questions.
The religious trips, however, have as their goal a religious sanctuary rather than a symbolic place of their faith. They can be done alone, but also with the family. Indeed, agencies often organize spiritual trips in groups to sacred places. They have a religious rather than a social purpose.
Best spiritual retreats in the world
Spiritual travel has become a very good trend these days. Many spiritual retreats around the world have opened their doors to welcome those who are seeking a calm but deep experience of self. So what are the best spiritual retreats and what can we really expect from these experiences? What kind of activities do they offer?
Vipassana meditation retreat – worldwide
For those who are passionate about speaking and who cannot go a few minutes without saying a few words, the Vipassana retreat is a real challenge but also a real source of satisfaction. Vipassana is a Buddhist term which is often translated “Gaining knowledge through silence”, the main rule of the Vipassana retreat is that one should not speak for 10 days, because from that moment wonderful things can be done arrive thanks to a very healthy diet and waking up very early around 5:30 am, followed by meditation and a hearty breakfast.
Vipassana is available worldwide, in many countries like India, Egypt, Brazil, Portugal, Italy, France and many more. Vipassana accommodation is available for both men and women. Usually, it is shared between participants of the same sex, 2 in each room.
Spiritual retreat at Portal Parvati – Brazil
Located in a beautiful location in Brazil, in the state of Minas Gerais, Portal Pravati is paradise among the mountains. A simple set-up but a very deep and rich experience. It is very motivating, however for some it is impossible to achieve.
The program takes place over 21 days, on arrival participants must hand in their electronic devices such as cell phones or computers, you are taken to your room where you have your own little cabin in the middle of the forest and your own meeting room, bath, the cabins are quite far from each other, so you have a lot of time and privacy and time to meditate.
The first part of the retreat consists of a diet of food and water for a total period of 7 days. This part of the process is called “the week in the wilderness” and it is the most difficult part of the whole retreat.
Yoga Retreat in the White Desert – Egypt
The spiritual presence in Egypt is very strong due to its ancient civilization. The history of Egypt is full of spirituality and miracles which occurred due to the presence of many spiritual forces in the lands of the Pharaohs. Located in one of the most beautiful regions of Egypt, the White Desert, which was once a sea, is home to one of the greatest spiritual experiences one can have in the world.
The White Desert Yoga Retreat in Egypt is a 3 day experience. The first part of the retreat is the magnificent path that leads to the White Desert itself, where participants are taken on a safari in one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. Covered in majestic white rocks, it’s easy to see how this land was once the underwater home of millions of marine animals and the fossils can still be found to this day.
The Ephrem foster home in Paris
Attached to the Basilica of the Sacred Heart this retreat has a large capacity, with 160 beds, distributed in dormitories and private rooms. Visitors, believers or not, come here for one night or more (up to five maximum), to mingle in the life of the Benedictine Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Montmartre. Above all, a place of pilgrimage and spiritual retreat, it is the ideal setting to get away from the world – and the tumult of Parisian life – for a few days.
Mount Koya, Japan
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mount Koya in Wakayama Prefecture is a sacred site on a beautiful wooded peninsula, where temples line up. Accessible by funicular, then on foot, this important pilgrimage site for Buddhists is the ideal place to disconnect. Indeed, many monasteries have guest rooms, which also offer vegetarian Buddhist cuisine.
The sources of Cheverny
Two hours from Paris, it is in the middle of the forests and vineyards of the Loire Valley that we find the Sources de Cheverny, a bucolic hotel in the heart of 45 wooded hectares. Spa, bike or horseback rides, wine tasting – the hotel planted its own vines in April – or even balloon flights are among the activities offered on site. In addition to the soothing surroundings, the hotel organizes once a month, from January to June and from September to December, “detox yoga weekends”, in collaboration with the Tigre Yoga Club.
Villa Calvi, in Corsica
Established in a 3 hectare park which sees blooming olive trees, cypresses, lavender or even umbrella pines, Villa Calvi offers a break of well-being in one of the most beautiful towns of the Island of Beauty. In September, the hotel organizes yoga retreats with Yuj Yoga, including hikes with a mountain guide and an adapted vegan diet.
Rhuys Abbey, in Brittany
Imagine spending a few days in the sumptuous setting of the Gulf of Morbihan natural park: at Rhuys abbey, by the sea, people come to regain their physical and moral health in the heart of a protected area. As one of the sisters of the abbey explains, we stay here to take stock, take a deep breath and get together. Whether for a weekend, or for one or two weeks, the abbey offers all the necessary comfort in its 80 rooms, which can accommodate up to 140 people.
Burgundy Franche-Comté
The hill of Ronchamp is a high spiritual place, magnified today by two masterpieces of contemporary architects: the chapel of Notre-Dame-du-Haut and the convent of the Poor Clares. These welcome visitors with great openness.
Auvergne-Rhones-Alpes
Ars became famous for her “holy priest” Jean-Marie Vianney (1786-1859). You can combine a walk on the path of the priest of Ars (16 km, starting from Montmerle-sur-Saône) and a visit to the sanctuary (basilica, wax museum). Welcome to the beautiful house of La Providence.
Notre-Dame-de-l’Hermitage
Perched at 1110 meters, in the heart of green-black fir, the vast Marian shrine commemorates the story of a great sinner “returned” by the Virgin to the XIIth century. The nuns provide board and lodging, allowing a change of scenery in the great outdoors. The various places of pilgrimage – chapels, source, rocks – are the occasion for a walk of a few kilometers offering superb panoramas on Forez and Auvergne.
La Pomarède spiritual center
It is to relax that we come to this comfortable and modern place where silence is privileged. The sumptuous nature – trails in the forest, view of the peaceful waters of the Sarrans dam lake – is already a preaching.
Lérins Abbey
An oasis of calm and greenery, fifteen minutes from Cannes by sea shuttle. Day visitors can explore the fortified monastery, walk around the island (3 km), and attend services celebrated by Cistercian monks.
Convent of St. Francis
The St. Francis Convent rises from the XVth century on the slopes of Mount Rotondo, 14 km from the sea. The region offers many walks in magnificent landscapes. The religious (Oblates of Mary Immaculate) provide rooms for individuals, as well as a kitchen and a dining room on the garden level. Restaurants in the village. Mass on Sunday at 9:30 a.m.
Saint-Michel-de-Cuxa Abbey
In Saint-Michel-de-Cuxa, you have to take a guided tour to discover all the riches of this masterpiece of Roman art. Until the end of May, you can contemplate an iris garden in bloom (500 varieties). The Benedictine community celebrates services in the abbey church or in the oratory of the monastery.
Rhuys Abbey
This ancient Abbey VI has become a cultural and spiritual center, where the Sisters of Charity of Saint-Louis offer stays. Serenity cure guaranteed, 200 m from the wild coast. Numerous walks by the sea and a la carte spiritual program. The church is one of the most beautiful Romanesque sanctuaries in Brittany.
Saint-Pierre de Solesmes Abbey
The abbey is a Mecca of Gregorian chant. On request, one can meet a monk. On Easter Monday afternoon, we venerate the Holy Thorn, relic of the crown of thorns. In the shop, you can buy the gingerbread made by the monks. At 7 km, beautiful village of Asnieres-sur-Vègre, famous for the murals (XII e -XVI th c.) Of his church. For accommodation, contact the Sablé-sur-Sarthe tourist office.
Normandy
On the Norman abbeys route, the remains of the old abbey church of Saint-Wandrille and the current church are open to the public (guided tours from March 21). Offices in Gregorian, especially Holy Week and Easter Sunday. Gîtes and guest rooms in the town. In the shop of the Benedictine abbey, you can find the famous beer of Saint-Wandrille.
Sanctuary Of Apollo, Greece
The Sanctuary of Apollo, in Delphi, dates back to 1500 BC and is deeply imbued with ancient Greek mythology. Not only was the site of Delphi considered the center of the world by the ancients, but it was also home to the famous “Oracle”, which was often consulted for important decisions. The Sanctuary of Apollo and the site of Delphi as a whole will leave you breathless. Located on the side of Mount Parnassus, it is a perfect destination for those seeking divine energy and advice.
Machu Picchu, Peru
Located atop the Andes of Peru, Machu Picchu is a majestic 15th-century engineering work dating back to the Inca Empire, and is one of the most beautiful natural wonder. The site is home to many temples, shrines and caves, and is renowned for the way the buildings portray astronomical formations. Climbing to the top of Machu Picchu is considered by many people to be a journey of profound spirituality, where one can reconnect with ancient energies and obtain physical and spiritual purification.
Angkor Wat, Cambogia
Made up of temples dating back to the 12th century, Angkor Wat is the largest spiritual complex in the world. It was originally a Hindu temple that was supposed to house the remains of King Suryavarman II. Over time, the structure was transformed into a Buddhist temple and became a gathering place for Buddhist monks.
Cape Reinga, New Zealand
Cape Reinga is located at the northern tip of New Zealand. A sacred place for the Maori people, it is regarded as the starting point for the souls of the deceased traveling to meet their ancestors in the spiritual homeland. Cape Reinga is a lovely place. Waves break on the rocks where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean, a lighthouse guides the road from above, and the view stretches for miles. Since it is a sacred place, the Maori ask visitors not to eat here and to leave the land undisturbed.
Bali
Bali is certainly one of the most beautiful and exotic islands in all of Indonesia. The Balinese are Hindu and every day in the morning the women prepare their offerings in baskets made of palm leaves, containing flowers, fruit, rice and incense. Beauty, perfumes and food are essential to connect to a “higher power”.
Nepal
It is the Nepal one of the places most likely to find themselves and make a spiritual journey to discover the deepest part of us. Enclosed between India and China, from which the spectacular Himalayas separates it, Nepal has always been a land that makes travelers and tourists from all over the world dream in search of peace and spirituality, attracted by Buddhist culture and numerous temples.
Japan
Once known as Heian-kyo, ” Capital of Peace and Quiet “, Kyoto has been the center of Japanese culture for more than a thousand years, and still is today. The city is full of spiritual sites: 1,660 Buddhist temples, 400 Shinto shrines and 90 Christian churches swarm its ancient alleys. The 8th century Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine is located on the outskirts of Kyoto.