In today’s busy world, almost everyone occasionally feels overwhelmed by their lives. With busy jobs, bustling cities and seemingly never enough time in a day, it is no wonder that sometimes we crave some downtime to restore balance within ourselves.

Of course, for most people it is not easy to do this. It is difficult to find peace and spiritual fulfilment when surrounded by the constant sounds of car horns, social media alerts, and chatter of all types. Plus, for those of us who live in cities, the view is normally not very calming for the soul!

Luckily, travel provides endless opportunities to slow down and relax, and get back in touch with ourselves, nature, and the world around us. Whether it is a formal Retreat or just a slow sojourn to a more secluded destination, there are many places worldwide to restore the balance in your life.

Here are 3 places that offer the peace and quiet necessary for a peaceful Spiritual Retreat.

Ubud, Bali

Considered the home of spirituality and culture in the lush garden island of Bali, Ubud is a beautiful place to visit to restore the balance in your life. Nestled amongst sprawling rice paddies, Ubud has become somewhat of a mecca for those seeking spiritual fulfilment – hence on nearly every corner you will find yoga schools, vegan restaurants and temples.

Ubud is a wonderful place to relax however it has become very popular in recent years and sees an increasing number of tourists every year. For this reason, I recommend travelling a way outside of central Ubud, preferably to a villa with open space and a view over the rice fields. This offers seclusion and relaxation – but with the opportunity to venture into town if you seek a little more excitement.

If you would like a more formal retreat, Ubud is the perfect place. There are many places to participate in soothing activities such as yoga, meditation and even more formal therapy. Some are similar to an all-inclusive retreat, just with additional activities, where as some, such as the Vipassana Retreat, are multi day silent retreats focussed on increasing mindfulness.

Whichever option you choose, you are bound to leave Ubud feeling fulfilled and content.

Santo, Vanuatu

While it is not as well-known retreat destination as Ubud, Bali, those who visit Vanuatu’s largest island are bound to find the same relaxation and contentment that those seek in Bali. What Santo lacks in amenities compared to Ubud, it makes up for by being endlessly quieter. If you are looking for somewhere to truly forget the stresses of home, look no further than Santo.

The beautiful natural environment on Santo makes it the perfect backdrop for your peaceful retreat. With lush jungles, beautiful waterfalls and almost deserted beaches, this is such a beautiful place to get back in touch with nature. There is something so healing and peaceful about diving into the dazzling clear waters.

Much can also be learnt from the spirituality and philosophy of the Nu-Vanuatuans who call Santo home. Each island in Vanuatu has a rich culture, focussed on helping one another and making peace with the natural environment. There are many lessons that can be learned from this perspective on life, and you’re bound to leave Santo with newfound wisdom.

Tibet

The home of Tibetan Buddhism, the country of Tibet offers many opportunities for visitors to find enrichment and peace in their lives. More than that, the country also offers absolutely stunning mountain views, and has some of the kindest local people in any country around the world.

Despite the Dalai Lama having been expelled from the nation, Tibet has retained its steadfast links to his Buddhist teachings. There are many beautiful temples and monasteries, as well as retreats, where travellers can learn more about these philosophies and also participate in activities such as meditation and yoga.

For those who do not wish to participate in a structured retreat, simple spending time in this magnificent place is enough to bring peace and relaxation to your soul. For example, the many breath-taking hikes offer an opportunity to get in touch with nature, and simply talking with Tibetans is likely to bring new lessons and perspectives to your life.

All in all, no matter what a spiritual retreat looks like to you, you’re bound to find it in Tibet.

These are just three of our favorite places for spiritual retreats, where you are bound to find peace and happiness. After a visit to each of these places, you are likely not only to return home feeling refreshed and relaxed – but to bring new lessons, perspectives and experiences that you can draw upon in your day to day life to bring more contentment and joy.

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