Wellness

10 PLACES TO EXPLORE BEAUTIFUL INNER PATHWAYS NOW

Courtesy of 42 Acres. 42 Acres Retreat, Somerset, England.

Pathways to inner peace and well-being are explorations of body, mind, and soul. We found some of the most beautiful places to embark on these journeys. We’ve shared them with you here below.

1. 42 ACRES -- SOMERSET, ENGLAND

42 Acres is a brand new retreat space, surrounded by 700 acres of ancient forest, in rural Somerset, England. It is a home for beautiful and deep transformation, healing and learning -- a place dedicated to creating change, from the inside out.

The retreat offers teachings and workshops focused on self-awareness, leadership, meditation, nutrition, and natural movement, led by world-class practitioners, healers, and leaders, who are eager to share their teachings and knowledge with those drawn to receive it.

The beautiful main house, originally built in the 1800’s as a dairy farm, is filled with light. Because the area is of exquisite natural beauty, workshops often move between indoors and outdoors, depending on the inspiration of the moment.

It is a unique space within which to unwind, explore your inner pathways, and blossom.

2. BIG SKY YOGA RETREATS -- MONTANA, UNITED STATES

For a totally non-traditional yoga experience, Big Sky Yoga Retreats is the ultimate destination. Located in Montana, this retreat has an unexpected Wild West twist.

The focus here is on outdoor exercise, so beyond doing yoga outside, there's amazing cross country skiing, horseback riding, and hiking. With a choice between rustic cabins and glamping suites, your stay at Big Sky Yoga will be totally unique.

Big Sky also offers a beautiful program for breast cancer survivors, called Cowgirls vs. Cancer.

3. ANANDA IN THE HIMALAYAS -- UTTARANCHAL, INDIA

Ananda in the Himalayas, in Uttaranchal, India, offers a meditation retreat in the midst of a beautiful Indian landscape. Their 100-acre estate is infused with luxury, and is surrounded by beautiful mountains, views of the rushing Ganges River, and the peaceful temple villages of Haridwar and Rishikesh.

This retreat is open to practitioners of all experience levels, and one-on-one guided meditation sessions are standard. You may practice yogic breathing techniques or draw from Buddhist teachings.

The former maharajah’s palace, tea lounge, and antique billiards room on the estate, will inspire you with their beauty. The incredible views you’ll see from the private balcony in your lavish suite, will also guide you down the path to relaxation.

4. THE MIDDLE WAY MEDITATION RETREAT -- LOEI, THAILAND

Head down the path to The Middle Way Meditation Retreat in Loei, Thailand. You’ll be swept into a state of bliss, surrounded by tropical forest, lush undulating hills, and the beautiful Phu Ruea National Park.

This meditation retreat uses Dhammakaya meditation, teaching that the body is the gateway to higher consciousness. You can’t engage in any destructive behavior while you’re here - you are not even allowed to kill the mosquitos.

5. THE BUDDHIST RETREAT CENTRE -- KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

The Buddhist Retreat Centre, in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, is a well-established destination for those wishing to explore their own personal pathways.

You can explore the gorgeous property, located atop a high ridge, where you can watch for a rainbowed array of birds and admire the magnificent valleys and forests below.

This retreat center was awarded National Heritage Status, by Nelson Mandela, for its eco-friendly way of using indigenous plants, and its efforts to save the endangered Blue Swallow.

6. ALA KUKUI -- MAUI, HAWAII

Ala Kukui in Maui, Hawaii, hosts Vipassana meditation, silent and healing retreats, and retreats meant to heal war veterans’ PTSD, with programs in yoga, writing, and gardening. Its name means “Pathway of Illumination.”

The center is located in Hana, which is known as “the land where the heavens meet the earth.” With breathtaking vistas of Haleakala, the East Maui volcano, and the deep blue Pacific Ocean, you will certainly find your pathway to illumination here.

7. ESALEN INSTITUTE -- CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES

Esalen Institute, in California, is uniquely located on the coastal cliffs of Big Sur. Perched atop a ledge on the cliff, overlooking the ocean, the view is staggering.

There is plenty of variety in mediation practices here. Over 500 workshops are offered on subjects such as, mindfulness, massage, and martial arts. There are also options for meditation practices, ranging from tantric to Buddhist.

8. SIMPLE PEACE -- ASSISI, ITALY

Simple Peace provides a beautiful experience to help you on your path to inner peace. It’s nestled in the rolling hills of Assisi, Italy, surrounded by olive groves as far as the eye can see.

The meditation retreats here are led by husband and wife team, Bruce and Ruth David. The retreats last for 1 week each and are largely silent. The goal of these retreats is to connect to the peace, beauty, and love, that come from inner stillness.

Participants’ bedrooms are located in a historic Assisi monastery, adding a sense of connection to the past that just might help you on your pathway to peace.

9. PARADISE ON THE PLAYA YOGA & SURF ADVENTURE -- NICARAGUA

Paradise On The Playa Yoga & Surf Adventure, with yoga-adventure company, Yogascapes, is gorgeous retreat experience on the surf coast of Nicaragua. You’ll practice yoga twice a day and surf in between.

Yoga classes are taught by Dana Rizer. A fascinating sound healing workshop is offered by New York musician, Isabel Castellvi.

This trip only happens once a year, but it is an unmissable retreat for those who are passionate surf as a pathway to the soul.

10. SHAMBHALA MOUNTAIN CENTER -- RED FEATHER LAKES, COLORADO

Create your own meditation schedule at Shambhala Mountain Center, in Red Feather Lakes, Colorado. You’ll be isolated on the 600-acre retreat, free from civilization, and surrounded by breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains.

You can create your own retreat package, or register for programs such as “Introduction to Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction,” “The Path of Simply Being,” and nature-based programs that focus on astrology.

If you’re looking for a wilderness getaway, you can choose to lodge in a tent platform. Or, if you want to rest in comfort, Shambhala offers lodge suites as well. Throughout your stay, you can explore 8 miles of trails and run, hike, or snowshoe, to practice active meditation.

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IMAGE CREDITS:

Image: Courtesy of 42 Acres. 42 Acres Retreat, Somerset, England.
Image: Courtesy of 42 Acres. 42 Acres Retreat, Somerset, England
Image: Courtesy of 42 Acres. 42 Acres Retreat, Somerset, England
Image: Courtesy of 42 Acres. 42 Acres Retreat, Somerset, England
Image: Courtesy of Big Sky Yoga Retreats. Big Sky Yoga Retreats, Big Sky, Montana.
Image: Courtesy of Ananda in the Himalayas. Ananda in the Himalayas, Uttaranchal, India.
Image: Courtesy of The Middle Way Meditation Retreat. The Middle Way Meditation Retreat, Loei, Thailand.
Image: by Angela Buckland. Courtesy of The Buddhist Retreat Centre. KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
Image: by Randy Robertson. Maui Wowie!
Image: by doug ellis. Outdoor Yoga at Esalen Institute.
Image: Courtesy of Simple Peace. Assisi Retreats. Assisi, Italy.
Image: Courtesy of Maderas Village. Maderas Village. Playa Maderas, Nicaragua.
Image: Courtesy of Shambhala Mountain Center. Shambhala Mountain Center. Red Feather Lake, Colorado.
Image: Courtesy of Big Sky Yoga Retreats. Big Sky Yoga Retreats, Big Sky, Montana.
Image: Courtesy of Big Sky Yoga Retreats. Big Sky Yoga Retreats, Big Sky, Montana.
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Image: Courtesy of Simple Peace. Assisi Retreats. Assisi, Italy.