The benefits of meditation have long been established. For example, more than having a calming and stabilizing effect, it can also help in managing pain. While meditating on a regular basis is the best thing to do, there is an added benefit to setting aside a specific, extended period where you can really focus on meditating, reflecting, and even doing yoga and other spirit-nourishing activities.
With summer here, you’re probably making plans to get away from the hustle and bustle of life – if you haven’t already. With how busy things can get at work, it’s understandable that many still haven’t made arrangements for their summer vacation, but it’s not too late to make bookings, and with sites such as Uyora, affordable rates are still to be found.
If you don’t have plans yet, there is still time to plan and consider visiting a retreat, which may be different from your usual summer trip. There are a lot of choices out there, but here are some of the best European retreats.
1. Freely Given Retreats
Freely Given Retreats is a special place, where Insight Meditation is offered. They hold their retreats at High Heathercombe Centre, a residential centre in Dartmoor National Park. Set in a beautiful natural surrounding, what makes the retreat special is that it is open to anyone, regardless of financial status. In other words, it is free.
2. Villa Can Amonita
If you want to take your family or a group of friends to a place which you can call your own for a while, Villa Can Amonita offers an idyllic venue for retreats. The villa has five bedrooms and has a timber yoga deck overlooking the Buddha pond, a customized studio and, an authentic Mongolian Ger (Yurt). With vast experience in hosting various types of retreats and yoga, this place is the perfect choice for group retreats. The villa is located in Ibiza.
3. Yobaba Lounge
The south of France is well known for its beauty, and if you’re looking for a beautiful place to meditate, consider Yobaba Lounge. It is located in the Languedoc Roussillon region, and the retreat is actually a 15th century village chateau set in a secret garden. Doesn’t that description already make you feel better? As they claim themselves, it is a place to go when your soul needs nourishing.
4. Sally Parkes Yoga
Sally Parkes Yoga is run by Sally Parkes, a registered as a senior yoga teacher with Yoga Alliance UK. More than yoga classes and instruction, they also offer retreats. The company is based in London and West Sussex.
5. Solterreno
Solterreno is a small, family-run holistic retreat centre nestled in the mountains of the South of Spain. Whether you want therapy, classes, or you just want to walk in the mountains, this centre will rejuvenate you.
6. The Carob Tree Retreat
The Carob Tree Retreat is located in the beautiful isle of Cyprus. With the sun and sea nearby, it is a restful place where you can go for personal or group counseling sessions or just spend time with yourself. They also celebrate mass every day, which is not mandatory.
7. The Little House of Avalon
The Little House of Avalon, located in Taughmaconnell Ballinasloe, Galway, Ireland, has an extensive offering for practically all needs and preferences. From Quantum Biofeedback to spinal/joint treatments to Light Art Reflexology to Pilates to Yoga to breathe work to Nordic Walking classes – you will find yourself having a lot of choices to relax and rejuvenate. And, of course, there is always time for self-reflection.
While some of these places may have organized classes/retreat programmes, they also have the option for guests to just take time for themselves. Even better, many of these centres are open beyond summer, so if you don’t get to go in the next month or so, you already have options for the future.
Originally posted on July 1, 2014 @ 9:04 am
