What Is Meditation?
Meditation is a practice to help the mind and body focus, calm down and become aware of the present moment. Meditation is now essential for everyone to keep a healthy mind and body. There are different types of meditation and it is a personal decision foe everyone to follow the practice that they feel more connected to.
The philosophy of meditation dates from hundreds of years ago, and there are a few destinations where you can learn directly from meditation masters to create a daily practice. Some of these places will blow your mind and make you go and experience the calmness and discipline of their routine.
Benefits of meditation
Meditation has change my life and the life of so many people around me. It is a practice that had help millions to overcome loses, and create mental strength. it has mental, and physical benefits:
Mental & Emotional Benefits
- Reduces Stress & Anxiety: Meditation helps you lowers cortisol levels, helping your nervous system to have more control over emotions.
- Improves Focus & Concentration: Since the medication starts gradually focusing on something, your brain will get used to longer times of concentration in other tasks.
- Boosts Emotional Well-being: Meditation helps you go deeper into your mind and help you discover and reduce negative thoughts.
- Increases Creativity & Problem-Solving: Helps clear mental clutter, making way for fresh ideas.
- Improves Sleep: As well as reducing cortisol levels it helps regulate hormones and stimulates the part of your nervous system that helps you relax and rest.
Physical Benefits
- Lowers Blood Pressure: Due to regulation of hormones that relax the circulatory system.
- Boosts Immune System: Helps the body fight off illnesses by reducing stress-related inflammation.
- Decreases Pain Sensitivity: It might help to reduce chronic pain.
- Regulates Breathing & Heart Rate: Promotes deep, controlled breathing for better oxygen flow.
Keep reading to find out my top 5 destinations to learn meditation.
My Top 5 Meditation Retreats
Meditation is deeply connected to the places we practice it. Some destinations naturally radiate peace, spiritual energy, and mindfulness, making them perfect for deepening meditation. Here are my top meditation spots from around the world:
1. Bhutan – The Land of Happiness
Bhutan, a country deeply rooted in Buddhism, is a dream destination for meditation. there are lots of options for people looking to combine meditation with yoga and hiking. The most famous monastery is the The Mango Monastery in Bhutan. The temples are near the Himalayas, a sacred place for meditation.
You might be able to visit the temples and appreciate the monks during meditation practices but I couldn’t find a meditation retreat directly in the monasteries. There are wellness retreat when you can find lots of other benefits like massage and yoga practices.
Why I love it: The high-altitude air, sacred atmosphere, and breathtaking views make it an incredibly peaceful and transformative place to meditate.
Prices: The price of a wellness retreat in Bhutan can vary, depending on length and accommodation but it can range from $2000 USD to $6000 USD.
2. Rishikesh, India The Yoga Capital of the World
Rishikesh is located by the Ganges River, its is known for its ashrams, spiritual retreats, and deep-rooted meditation traditions. Even when you pay for a yoga retreat, meditation is key and is done every morning and evening (Sādhanā) Many yogis come here to practice meditation and mindfulness in places like Rishikesh Yoga School Ashram, we practiced different type of meditation including dancing meditation.
Why I love it: The spiritual energy, presence of swamis yoga (masters), landscapes, vegetarian and vegan food, unique culture, nice people and mistic sunrise.
Prices: The cost of a yoga retreat in Rishikesh might vary depending on the length and the type of accommodation. the prices might range from:
- 3-day retreat: $150–$400
- 7-day retreat: $350–$900
- 14-day retreat: $700–$1,750
3. Bali, Indonesia. The Island of Gods
The Balinese culture is focused spirituality and meditation. There are different temples when you can practice meditation as well as yoga. Its landscapes are breathtaking and on is a paradise for meditation, offering a perfect mix of lush nature, spiritual traditions, and breathtaking landscapes. Ubud, with its rice terraces, waterfalls, and temples like Tirta Empul, is one of my favorite places for meditation.
Why I love it: The spiritual energy of the island, warm climate, and abundance of meditation retreats make it a perfect sanctuary for inner peace.
Prices: The price of a meditation retreat in Bali can go from $500 to $1000aud for a 5 days program.
4. Thailand – Temples & Tropical Serenity
Thailand is home to many meditation retreats, but one of the most unique experiences is at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai, a temple high in the mountains. The peaceful beaches of Koh Phangan and the jungle retreats in Pai also offer perfect spots for mindfulness.
Why I love it: Whether meditating in a Buddhist temple, by the ocean, or in the jungle, Thailand offers diverse and deeply spiritual environments for self-reflection.
Prices: the prices for a meditation retreat in Thailand can go from 30 to 50USD per day. You have the opportunity to learn from the monks and create a deep practice.
5. Nepal: The Birthplace of Buddha
Nepal is the mistic birthplace of Buddha, and it is a sacred place for meditation. Kathmandu’s Kopan Monastery offers meditation retreats with Buddhist monks, while the Himalayas provide the ultimate peaceful setting for silent meditation.
Why I love it: The strong Buddhist presence, high-altitude tranquility, and deep spiritual traditions make Nepal one of the most powerful meditation destinations in the world.
The prices: are 36000 Rupees ($440 AUD) to 99000 rupees ($1200 AUD).
Final Thoughts
Meditation is a prime technique that helps the body and mind. There are different ways to do meditation even when you are moving. I invite you to experience the magic of these places and change your lives as much as they changed me.
