Modern life is busy. Many of us find ourselves on a treadmill of daily life – from taking the kids to school to long days at work. It’s no wonder then that wellness retreats are growing in popularity, providing a powerful antidote to contemporary stressors. But where to begin when looking for affordable wellness retreats?
You might see luxurious images on social media of idyllic retreats across the world, leading you to believe that retreats are only for the very wealthy. That’s where you’re wrong. Of course, having the expendable cash to spend on wellness retreats is a privilege, but it isn’t exclusive to the super-rich.
With some savvy saving and tactical choices, you can find affordable options around the world that cater to you – whether it be physical detox, mental clarity, or spiritual fulfillment.
Read on to discover 10 of the best affordable wellness retreats around the world today, followed by a few FAQs to clear up any confusion.
What is the Cheapest Country for a Wellness Retreat?
- India: Looking for an inexpensive spiritual retreat? India could be your bag. With authentic yoga and meditation taught from its very homeland, you could be getting the full package for as little as $20/day. Check out traditional ashrams, which are an authentic and powerful way to experience affordable all-inclusive wellness retreats.
- Thailand: As far as affordable retreats go, Thailand has some wonderful options. Yoga is popular here, with affordable rates even in beautiful, tropical beach settings. You can also find general health and fitness retreats abound.
- Indonesia (Bali): Bali is a busy tourist hub, but don’t let that put you off. You can find incredible, inexpensive wellness retreats here. Particularly for the level of luxury to be found on the island, with infinity pools, amazing food, and not to mention the holistic therapies on offer. Bali is known to have some of the best wellness retreats in the world – and not all of them are expensive.
10 Best & Affordable Wellness Retreats
1. Energising Wellness Retreat in Thailand
Head to the beautiful Thai island of Kho Pha Ngan for this 5 day vegan wellness retreat, featuring yoga and pilates for a fulfilling, healthy experience.
Book far enough in advance and this is a great cheap retreat find.
- Location: Wonderland Healing Centre, Kho Pha Ngan, Thailand
- Duration: 5 days
- Retreat focus: Vegan food, meditation, mind-body-spirit connection
- Price range: From $298
- Good for: Those looking for a taste of island life and all levels of yoga practice, on a reasonable budget!
2. Vipassana Meditation Immersion in Texas
Vipassana is not for the faint of heart. Do your research, and if this 10-day silent retreat sounds right for you, take on the life-changing challenge.
This ancient, Indian meditation technique can be found in official centres all over the world. Try this Texas base if you’re looking for affordable wellness retreats in the USA.
Location: Southwest Vipassana Meditation Center, Kaufman, Texas, USA
Duration: 10 days
Retreat focus: Immersion into a specific meditation technique called Vipassana, which is said to bring practitioners toward mental purification.
Price range: Free! Donations are accepted on the last day
Good for: Those looking to be initiated into an intense meditation technique that requires a lot of resilience and determination, but with life-altering potential
3. Soulful Beach Retreat in Portugal
Constantly searching for affordable wellness retreats in Europe? Look no further.
Soak up 5 days of relaxing, Portuguese beach life during this broad and beautiful retreat.
Location: Tavira, Portugal
Duration: 5 days
Retreat focus: Falling in love with yourself through a flexible range of yoga, meditation, journaling, reiki, and more. Opportunity to embrace the charming, Portuguese life
Price range: From $816
Good for: Those looking for a relaxing beach getaway with approachable yet meaningful wellness activities across a broad range of holistic practices
4. Private Bespoke Wellness Experience in Canada
Looking for solo wellness retreats? Not everyone wants to be surrounded by others during their retreat experience – perhaps some solitary time is needed.
Here’s a great option for those in or up for travelling to Canada, and a great example of retreat holidays for singles.
Location: Chatham, Canada
Duration: 3 days
Retreat focus: Bespoke 3-day retreat tailored to your needs; focuses might be on trauma healing, life after loss, life after addiction, and more
Price range: From $393
Good for: Those looking for a chance to tailor their experience with walks in nature, holistic therapies, sound healing, float therapy, massage, etc
5. Women’s Health & Pampering in Australia
Lots of people look in particular for women’s health retreats, focusing on feminine wellness and bringing women together.
This one in Australia combines health and pampering for the perfect getaway.
Location: Perth, Australia
Duration: 4 days
Retreat Focus: The chance for women to come together and unplug from their daily life, through yoga, ayurvedic therapies, and relaxing in the beautiful resort accommodation
Price range: From $648
Good for: Women looking for rejuvenation and peace in a luxurious resort setting, just a couple of hours away from the city
6. Immunty-Boosting Thermal Retreat in Azores
Another Portugal option (Portugal has some of the best wellness retreats in Europe), but a little higher end, is this immunity-focused retreat. Azores thermal baths provide beautiful, healing serenity while nutrition plans and juices give you a bealth boost.
With all the inclusions and 7 full days, the price is definitely reasonable.
Location: Azores, Portugal
Duration: 7 days
Retreat Focus: Improving and building immunity using thermal spa treatments, personalized nutrition and other immune-boosting measures
Price range: From $1500
Good for: Those looking for natural immune health boosts, interested in adopting healthy diet alterations, and perhaps suffering from the effects of stress, anxiety, and/or fatigue
7. Authentic Yoga Ashram Stay in India
Ashrams are sacred places where yoga and spiritual practices take place. They are special centers to absorb these ancient teachings, and India is full of them.
Sivananda centers are scattered around India, but we’re highlighting this one in Uttarakhand.
Location: Uttarakhand, India
Duration: Customisable, minimum 7 days
Retreat focus: Traditional yogic teachings such as yoga Asana class, Pranayama (breath exercises), and meditation. Various lectures on philosophy, the chanting of sacred mantras, and healthy, ayurvedic food are often included
Price range: From $19 per day
Good for: Those looking for an immersion into traditional Indian teachings, with a focus on learning and self-growth rather than luxurious accommodations
8. Budget Yoga & Mediation in Bali
Bali has hundreds of retreat options, many of which appear on the more high-end side of things.
Don’t be discouraged though, as we have found one of many examples that still gives you a great experience on the beautiful island, for a fraction of the price.
Location: Bali, Indonesia
Duration: 4 days
Retreat Focus: Traditional Balinese style of meditation and yoga as well as an immersion into the local culture and traditions. Includes a nourishing massage complimentary
Price range: From $210
Good for: Those looking for Bali beach wellness without the deep pockets. A Balinese flair to this retreat makes it a more authentic experience than some others too, with a homestay feel and gorgeous rice paddy setting
9. Healing Through the Power of Sound in Peru
Interested in the power of sound and vocals, with Shamanic, Ancestral, and Medicine music?
Check out this unique retreat, led by experienced teacher Niko, to delve into how vocals can heal and channel intentions. A unique take on wellness, but something that really resonates with some.
Location: Cusco, Peru
Duration: 7 days
Retreat Focus: Unlocking the power of your unique voice to stimulate the chakras of the energetical body. Using sound for powerful meditations and ceremonies
Price range: From $635
Good for: Those who want to explore the power of sound, are curious about alternative ways to unlock their wellness potential, and enjoy singing and its strengths as medicine
10. Buddhist Meditation Retreat in Rural UK
Looking for affordable wellness retreats UK? Delve into silent retreats of the Buddhist tradition at Gaia House.
Guided by teachers from all over the world, this center also offers bursaries to make the teachings of the Buddha more accessible to many.
Location: Gaia House, Devon, UK
Duration: Many options, starting from single-day retreats
Retreat focus: Traditional Buddhist meditation, conducted in silence. Opportunity to learn from leading Buddhist teachers and be guided by them in meditation techniques as well as lectures and interviews
Price range: From $129 – bursaries available as well
Good for: Those with a serious interest in delving into the wellness benefits of silent retreats and meditation, in a focused, remote environment
What is the Difference Between a Retreat and a Resort?
It’s easy to get mixed up between retreats and resorts, but the difference is a simple one:
- Retreat: A structured program that focuses on wellness, mindfulness, health, or spiritual growth. Features a set schedule of different activities and themes.
- Resort: Typically a leisure-focused accommodation, offering amenities guests can take and leave at their own schedule. There is no set schedule or particular wellness goals in place. Sometimes resorts actually host the retreats, other times the retreat is at a bespoke retreat centre.
What Is the Meaning of a Spiritual Retreat?
Spiritual retreats come in all different shapes and sizes depending on who is running them and what themes or practices they follow. Nonetheless, typically they provide a dedicated period of reflection for participants, allowing them to go inwards and connect with themselves and/or a higher power.
Far from a modern phenomenon, people have been embarking on these types of trips for decades, from ancient ashrams in India to pilgrimages and monasteries in Europe. Perhaps many spiritual retreats look a little different now, but these methods of taking time out of daily life for meditation, silent reflection, immersion in nature, and more are tried and tested.
What Is an Example of a Spiritual Retreat?
Wondering what a day in the life might look like on a spiritual retreat in particular? We get it – it can be intimidating to step into the unknown for days or weeks at a time, especially when exploring spirituality which might be new to you. Rest assured, retreat providers and facilitators know how to hold space for your experience, and are in this line of work to help guide people just like you. In fact, their main priority should be to create a safe space.
From Buddhism to yoga to Chi Qong, a retreat schedule depends on the type of spirituality the retreat is based around. Maybe there will be a set schedule of meditation, mindfulness exercises, or learning about certain philosophies or practices. Do your research to find what resonates with you.
Why Affordable Wellness Retreats Are the Perfect Reset
Maybe you’ve found the affordable retreat that’s right for you, or maybe this has just sparked your interest. Wherever you are in your wellness journey, keep in mind that retreats don’t have to break the bank or be only for the extremely wealthy – before you know it, you could be soaking up both the sun and wellness vibes at a truly affordable wellness resort somewhere.
Looking for more wellness inspiration? Check out our recent piece on the 20 Best Wellness Books to Support You on Your Self-Development Journey.
References
- National Geographic. “Wellness Travel Trends: Rewilding, Yoga Pilgrimages, and More.” National Geographic, https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/wellness-travel-rewilding-yoga-pilgrimages. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.
Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. “The Benefits of a Spiritual Retreat.” Dekho Apna Desh, https://desh.tourism.gov.in/blog/detail/3. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024. - Tripaneer. “What to Expect from Spiritual Retreats.” Tripaneer News, https://www.tripaneer.com/news/spiritual-retreats. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.
- BBC StoryWorks. “Bali: A Destination for the Body and Mind.” BBC, https://www.bbc.com/storyworks/advertiser-content/its-time-for-bali/bali-a-destination-for-the-body-and-mind. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.
- TripZilla. “Retreats vs Resorts: What’s the Difference?” TripZilla, https://www.tripzilla.com/retreats-and-resorts-differences/139941. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.
- Vipassana Research Institute. “What Is Vipassana Meditation?” Dhamma, https://www.dhamma.org/en-US/about/vipassana. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.
- Isha Foundation. “Ashram Living: A Unique Experience of Joyful Living.” Isha Sadhguru, https://isha.sadhguru.org/en/wisdom/article/ashram-living. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.
Leave a Reply