Are meditation retreats worth it?

I have been on many retreats in the last ten years. From what I thought was a luxury yoga retreat in Sri Lanka (it was in fact a hardcore ayurvedic ten-day detox that felt like death at the time, but wonderful afterwards by which time it was time to go back on the plane) to silent retreats, swimming retreats and everything in between.

One thing I can say about all the retreats I have been on is this: I felt good afterwards.

There’s something about vacating every aspect of your current life and steeping yourself in new activities and experiences. A bit like a holiday but with a stronger intention to enhance your own wellbeing. To have time alone, to pause and reflect, and to meet new people with a similar interest or outlook on life. To live more simply for a while.

Pure meditation retreats are not so easy to come by, unless you’re all in for a vipassana or similar. (see my blog https://www.katehughesmeditation.co.uk/blog/10-day-silent-retreat ) These are great but require a good deal of discipline and might not be suitable if you just want to dip your toe.

This is one of the reasons that I really enjoy offering residential meditation retreats. They do what they say on the tin. There are a variety of activities, but the main focus is meditation.

My philosophy behind what I offer is based on years of my own experience, so I am literally trying to provide what I would enjoy if I were embarking on such a retreat. There is always a variety of contemplative activities to help nourish your body and mind. Think forest bathing, Japanese movement sequences, journaling workshops, visualisation meditations and more.

And if you’ve ever attended any event with me, you’ll know that the food also plays a big part! Fresh, plant-based meals shared together with a side order of community spirit. I encourage you to come on retreat alone, and indeed to spend some time alone, but this is most certainly a group effort. And your place in that group is important.

The opportunity to marinade in simplicity is precious. Retreat is a wonderful way to not only reset the system, but to get curious about yourself. What do you truly want? What is important to you? Is there a need to refocus or to strike a different balance in life? The mindful meditative practices will hold you gently as you explore in your own way.

It is not easy to put a value on the atmosphere and conditions for rest and growth that a retreat provides. And whether you choose a day retreat, a bespoke luxury retreat or my weekend retreat, any time invested in your emotional and physical health is surely worth it. So, are meditation retreats worth it? It’s a resounding yes from me!

If you are ready to dive in, my next Weekend Retreat is in Kent 14-16 November 2025 https://www.katehughesmeditation.co.uk/services/the-weekend-retreat-14-16-november-2025