California is one of the busiest states in the United States and is home to some of the world’s most bustling cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco. It is also home to Silicon Valley, one of the world’s centers of technology. As a result, people in California tend to stay very busy, and thus, they yearn for some time off to meditate and self-reflect. The good thing is that there are a number of places for meditation, perfect for tired bodies and souls to relax and take a break without traveling too far from the city. You can either go soul-searching amid tall and majestic trees in yurts near state parks, take in the calming coastal views in one of the hotels, or maybe fully recharge in the numerous meditation retreats found in the Golden State. Here are just some of the best meditation retreats in California, USA.
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1. The Ranch Malibu
The Ranch Malibu is an award-winning luxury, fitness, and wellness retreat. It promotes excellent health conditions, weight loss, and improved wellbeing through hiking trips, comprehensive detailed exercise, and plant-based nutrition that focuses on organic and locally sourced ingredients. They offer several wellness retreat programs that have the potential to bring out the best version of yourself. It all depends on the time you can actually dedicate to a program.
Also, Malibu is one of the best places to visit in the country. So after some relaxation in The Ranch Malibu, you might want to try out a new sport like surfing, which can also be really emancipating.
The Ranch Malibu
Address: 12220 Cotharin Rd, Malibu, CA 90265, United States
2. Esalen
Situated along the rough edges of Big Sur is Esalen Institute. More commonly known as Esalen, it has had its doors open for over 50 years now to visitors who want to escape the busyness of life in the city. In fact, some of Hollywood’s biggest stars have already spent a few days at Esalen. They offer several spiritual and creative programs that consist of workshops and seminars about yoga and meditation.
If you are not into workshops, you are also free to just wander around the property. Soak into one of their naturally heated hot springs, and indulge yourself in organically made meals. Furthermore, the drive to Esalen Institute in Big Sur will already be a spiritual experience in itself as it’s one of the most scenic routes in the state.
Esalen
Address: 55000 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920, United States
3. Spirit Rock Meditation Center
Spirit Rock is a Buddhist meditation Center that emphasizes the importance of the so-called “insight meditation.” It is the practice of focusing on bodily sensations and mental events that are expected to lead one into a heightened sense of reality, and a higher level of consciousness. Their mediation gurus have spent years training in the monasteries of India, Burma, and Thailand. They invite their guests to “let go of the battle” and just “breath quietly and let it be” to make every experience in Spirit Rock very worthwhile.
Spirit Rock Meditation Center
Address: Box 169, 5000 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, Woodacre, California, 94973, USA
4. Anubhuti Meditation and Retreat Center
Founded by Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Organization, Anubhuti Retreat Center is a place where people from all walks of life can explore their paths. Their workforce is composed of volunteers that have dedicated some of their time to learning the insights and practices taught by the Brahma Kumaris. All of their retreats, workshops, and courses are run by experienced gurus and facilitators that have extensive experience as Raja Yoga practitioners.
While in NorCal, you may also want to check out the best hiking spots in the region where you can fully recharge in the relaxing beauty of Mother Nature.
Anubhuti Meditation and Retreat Center
Address: 820 Bel Marin Keys Blvd, Novato, CA 94949, United States
California Tour Guide
Stephanie Eley
I'm a graduate of ITMI, International Tour Management Institute and 17 years as a licensed Tour Director and Program Director. My expertise began in NYC and Washington, DC where I'm a licensed guide and has expanded to Europe, South America, Cuba and the Western / Southwestern National Parks of the US. I'd love to introduce you for a day or a week to Denver, Colorado and the 4 corners region of... Read more
Tours by Stephanie
5. Golden Door
Experience luxury like no other as you spend a few days focusing on self-reflection and self-discovery. Practice mindfulness and healthy eating while enjoying spa treatments, fitness programs, and meditations in Golden Door. Its exclusivity has made Golden Door “the number one destination spa in the world” according to Travel + Leisure (2015). It has also been listed as “one of the top 1,000 places to see before you die” by The New York Times. Golden Door also has the richest and the most famous clientele, all coming from the most elite celebrities from Hollywood and all over the world.
Golden Door
Address: 777 Deer Springs Rd, San Marcos, CA 92069, United States
6. Ananda Meditation Retreat
Surrounded by acres of an amazing meditation garden, Ananda Meditation Retreat offers the most serene and conducive environment for silent retreats. These retreats are designed to relax your mind and energize your spirit. Every experience in Ananda Meditation Retreat includes learning basic meditation methods as well as learning easy yoga poses to let go of stresses and tensions in your body. Meditation gurus will help you learn how to pray and meditate effectively. They also teach nature exercises that will surely lift up your spirits and reclaim yourself while getting rid of negativity.
Ananda Meditation Retreat
Address: 18443 Macnab Cypress Road, Nevada City, California, 95959, USA
7. Meditation Mount
Meditation Mount is known to the locals as one of the most spiritually sound spots in the valley. It is the best location for you to catch the world-famous Ojai “pink moment”. You can also follow a guided, walking, or a full moon meditation - depending on the time of the day. Make sure to bring your camera with you when you visit Meditation Mount.
Meditation Mount
Address: 10340 Reeves Rd, Ojai, CA 93023, United States
8. Shambhala Meditation Center of Los Angeles - Eagle Rock
Located near the famous Eagle Rock, Shambhala Meditation Center of Los Angeles - Eagle Rock offers a lot of resources and programs for the utmost meditation experience. Ranging from basic meditation instruction, classes, group meditation sessions, and various group meetups, programs can last for a whole week to just a weekend. Shambhala Meditation Center of Los Angeles - Eagle Rock also offers online meditation programs, group meditation classes, and retreats via Zoom.
Shambhala Meditation Center of Los Angeles - Eagle Rock
Address: 963 Colorado Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90041, United States
9. Silent Stay Meditation & Retreat Center
Located away from the center of Solano County at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountain Range, you will find Silent Stay Meditation & Retreat Center. This retreat center was founded by the spiritual psychologists, authors, and world religion professors Ruth and Bruce Davis in 1986. Its very purpose was to promote inner peace for everyone. Guests can enjoy habitual morning and evening meditation programs that promote calmness during retreats. In the afternoons, feel free to roam around the spacious and European-inspired grounds that feature lush gardens and bushes.
Silent Stay Meditation & Retreat Center
Address: 3570 Cantelow Road, Vacaville, California, 95688, USA
10. Sagrada Wellness
Sagrada Wellness is a serene meditation center in Santa Margarita, California, and is situated on a breathtaking hilltop location surrounded by preserved land. Sagrada Wellness offers all-inclusive yoga retreats and wellness programs at their one-of-a-kind wellness destination. Aside from that, they are also known for their luxurious yoga retreats, serene sanctuary, mouthwatering rustic cuisine, and even authentic Asian acupuncture services.
Sagrada Wellness
Address: 6780 W Pozo Rd, Santa Margarita, CA 93453, United States
Relax and reclaim yourself while in California
You don’t need to go somewhere far just to take a break. Get some alone-time in California. Take a few days off your work and recharge by going to a wellness retreat or spend them all by yourself meditating and reflecting in one of the best meditation retreats in California, USA. After some time of reflection, how about pampering yourself in one of the top spa resorts in the Golden State.
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