Which Silent Retreat to Choose?

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Having been on a number of silent retreats and made a few videos on some of my experiences, it’s natural that I often get asked the question of: “Which silent retreat would you recommend?”

By the way, you can click to watch those videos here:

Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference: which teacher (and teachings) resonate with you and what kind of experience you want.

You could do an “austere ashram” all the way to a “mega deluxe” experience, and there are so many other factors to consider too, for example, your:

  • Teacher’s Lineage: From Vipassana (Insight) to Zen to Tibetan, etc?

  • Meditation Experience Level: From beginner to advanced?

  • Budget: From donation-based to 4-figures?

  • Timeframe: Stay for 1 day to 1 month or longer?

  • Location: Stay local or travel global to get there?

…and ultimately it comes down to personal preference and what works for YOU.

Because I’m all about the teachings and the teachers… this is where I always start.

Here are some of the teachers/ retreat spaces or places I recommend:

  1. Sarah & Ty Powers (Global Retreats)

Sarah Powers is my Yin yoga and dharma teacher and runs different silent retreats throughout the year in the US or EU together with her husband, Ty.

Her blend of Yin yoga, psychology and insight meditation are a powerful trifecta to uncover personal insights.

Sarah & Ty’s teaching schedule here.

2. iRest - Richard Miller (mainly US or Online)

I’m certified in the iRest yoga nidra school, founded by Richard Miller. He often holds 1 - 2 silent retreats per year in-person or online at home. If you’ve ever done any of my yoga nidra/ meditation workshops and enjoy them, I’ve learned a lot from his teachings.

iRest retreat schedule here.

3. Spirit Rock (US)

One of the Insight Meditation centers where many of the established, experienced Western dharma teachers teach at, eg. my other teachers, Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach. Sharon Salzberg also teaches here.

Spirit Rock schedule here.

4. Gaia House (UK)

This is the UK sister to Spirit Rock, also through the Vipassana/ Insight Meditation lineage.

Gaia House schedule here.

5. Kripalu Center (US)

There’s not one philosophy or meditation style taught here, but Kripalu has lots of established visiting teachers giving their own retreats here - you know you’ll get quality teachings from anyone holding a retreat here.

Kripalu schedule here.

6. Dhamma Organisation - Goencka (Global)

Probably the most famous of silent retreats - when “vipassana” is mentioned, people often think of Goencka’s 10-day silent retreats. Available globally at various centers around the world and by donation.

Dhamma Organisation schedule here.

7. Mandali Retreat Centre (Italy)

Mandali is a special retreat centre in the mountains of north Italy (featured in one of my silent retreat videos - the one with the outdoor hot tub/ sauna/ steam room). It’s a beautiful space with a magical, restful quality.

They hold their own 3, 5, 7-day programs or similar to Kripalu, they have established visiting teachers giving their own retreats. My teacher, Sarah Powers, often holds silent retreats here too.

Mandali schedule here.

Not quite ready yet to commit to a silent retreat? Why not start with a short 15-minute practice.

Download my yoga nidra guided meditation for a quick mind break during your busy day: