Modern life is synonymous with anxiety and stress which is why meditation destinations have become increasingly popular in the last decade. Studies show that stress affects digestion, respiration, blood pressure and just about every system in our bodies.
The good news is that relaxation techniques such as meditation can lower stress levels and help you lead a happier and healthier life. Here are some of the best meditation destinations for single travelers.
Holy Isle, Scotland
Holy Isle is located off the west coast of Scotland and has an ancient spiritual heritage going back centuries. The summer season lasts from April to October which is the best time for travelers.
The Centre for World Peace is located to the North of the Island and hosts a retreat and a course programmed each year. Travelers can choose from a variety of courses including Buddhist teachings, meditation and mindfulness, yoga, Tai Chi craniosacral therapy, and lucid dreaming.
Holy Isle is one of the best meditation destinations for single travelers as guests are free to spend their days as they see fit and are encouraged to enjoy the simple and unspoiled beauty removed from human predation.
Koh Samui, Thailand
Koh Samui is one of Thailand’s lesser-known islands, but it is perfect for solo travelers looking to spend their holiday in meditation and introspection.
While there are several “touristy” beaches, there are also plenty that are almost completely deserted and make the best meditation spots. Kamalaya is one of the best places for a singles retreat as it offers yoga, detox and stress management programs along with spa treatments.
The Caribbean Island of St. Lucia
St. Lucia is famed for its pristine beaches, picturesque waterfalls, and natural hot springs. St. Lucia’s south-west corner offers a spectacular view of The Pitons – a pair of jagged volcanic peaks that rise 700 meters from the sea.
The Body Holiday is popular with solo travelers as they hold an annual retreat dedicated to solo wellness travel called September Solos.
Ibiza, Spain
Ibiza was known for its hedonistic, alcohol-fuelled party scene but in recent years, it has gained popularity as a wellness destination. Nestled away from the party strip are secluded paths through the pine trees that lead to unspoiled and isolated beaches.
Yogarosa is a rejuvenating yoga resort that offers a variety of yoga experiences along with a scenic outdoor yoga platform that is perfect for solo meditation sessions.
Red Feather Lakes, USA
The Red Feather Lakes area is a mountain town in Colorado that offers beautiful scenery, hiking trails, and cozy mountain resorts. The Shambhala Mountain Center is nestled on 600 acres of grassy fields, forests, streams, and ponds.
It is an ideal meditation destination for solo travelers as the center offers over 100 different meditation, spirituality and wellness programs each year.
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
KwaZulu-Natal is known for its mountains and savannah populated by big games which has made it a popular safari destination. But KwaZulu-Natal is also home to the Buddhist Retreat Centre – a National Heritage site.
The Buddhist Retreat Centre is perched atop a hill overlooking picturesque green hills and valleys surrounded by the sounds of birds singing and the wind rustling through the trees.
If you are looking for a resort with creature comforts, then you will need to keep looking but if you’re a solo traveler in search of peace and tranquility, you’ve hit the jackpot! The skills you learn and the serenity of your stay will linger long after you have returned to the challenges and stress of daily life.
Maui, Hawaii
Maui is the second-largest Hawaiian island and is known for its beautiful beaches and magnificent sunrise and sunset views. The island is home to several wellness resorts as it offers an ideal sanctuary from everyday life and stress.
Ala Kukai hosts several retreats and offers spiritual guidance, Ayurvedic consultations, yoga, and reiki. Ala Kukai can help solo travelers connect with their inner selves and embark on a journey of self-awareness.
Siem Reap, Cambodia
Until a decade ago, Siem Reap was famous only as a gateway to an ancient world. Today, it straddles both worlds offering a glimpse into a glorious past while fully embracing the vibrant present.
Siem Reap’s unspoiled rural landscape provides the perfect setting for secluded retreat spots, including the Hariharalaya Retreat Centre.
The center provides several yoga and meditation courses that have become popular with solo travelers looking to get away from the pressures of modern life.
Kandy, Sri Lanka
Kandy, Sri Lanka sits on a plateau surrounded by mountains that are home to rainforests and tea plantations. It was once the capital of the ancient kings and even today, Kandy still retains its spirituality and old-world charm.
Santini Wellness Resort and Spa is popular with wellness travelers as it combines the comforts of modern life with ancient healing therapies and practices.
Himalayas, India
When it comes to meditation destinations, nothing compares to the foothills of the Himalayas – the birthplace of yoga and Ayurveda.
Wellness resorts at the foothills offer idyllic views of tropical forests with towering snowcapped mountains under impossibly bright blue skies.
Ananda in the Himalayas is an award-winning destination spa that focuses on traditional Indian practices including yoga, meditation, Ayurveda and Vedanta as well as Tibetan treatments.
