Written by Adaeze Skerrett

Oregon is a chill and beautiful place to visit that offers many different types of adventures throughout your journey. It has coastlines,mountains, beaches, and forests that are breathtaking and picture worthy. With all the fresh air and nature you are sure to feel like a new person after this visit. Resetting in this type of environment can be special for your mind, body and soul. The city is super aesthetic so make sure you drop by to see all the different coffee shops, taste the varieties of food, and mini breweries they have to offer !

Source: Online @Unsplash  

1. Heaven and Earth Retreats

First this is top for me because of the atmosphere and design because a lot of places tend to stick to the basics when it comes to Retreats. Heaven and Earth Retreats still has the basics of nature with a twist of luxury. They create both indoor and outdoor spaces that are designed for connecting with others on your Retreat or just to your inner peace alone.They offer both group and individual retreat so if you do just want to get away and find yourself you totally can. Heaven and Earth Retreats was founded by a mother that wanted to create a safe space for people to escape and fuel our bodies and brains mentally and physically. She also really focuses on an organic wholefood diet that leaves you super healthy and happy. I've looked at the pictures they have online , the food looks so delicious they sure know how to cook ! It is also only 40 minutes away from Portland so you will also  have a chance to experience all the city has to offer; let me tell you it doesn't disappoint!

Source: Online @heavenandearthretreats

On site they offer many outdoor amenities including a hot tub  Meditation tent, tranquil labyrinth (overlooking a beautiful pond surrounded by trees),  two fire pits, a huge outdoor seating area, meditative gardens, walking paths, two outdoor yoga spots, reading nooks, a sand volleyball, and stylish outdoor toilet and shower. One of their outdoor yoga decks is 900 square feet surrounded by beautiful and peaceful nature . They also have a restored yoga barn that provides blankets, blocks, mats, straps and meditation cushions , which mean you don't have to bring you own 

I can tell they really pay attention to the living spaces and provide indoor housing which includes ; three private spaces, two shared spaces (sleeping two each), one shared space (sleeping five), and two shared bathrooms. These spaces only hold up to 12 people at a time which means space is very limited and you should really plan in advance. Their luxurious and dark toned designs are followed through all the rooms. My favorite would be the private glamping tent. It's super spacious with a comfy bed and sitting area outlooking the pond. It literally is the definition of glamping itself!

Source: Online @heavenandearthretreats

Heaven and Earth Retreats |Address: 19892 NW Sellers Rd, Banks, OR 97106 |Phone:(503) 593-1564 |Email:[email protected]

2. Natures Heart Retreats

Natures Heart Retreats are unique in the way that you are totally immersed in nature. There are grounding and positive effects based on the amount of time and the depth of immersion within nature from simple daily practice. So their programs reflect this notion , offering progressive experiences which include beneficial mindful-movement practices.They aren't like traditional retreats and do not have indoor camping but to me it seems a little more special that way.

Source: Online @Natures Heart  

This retreat is comprised of meditation,yoga ,QiGong , breath work, and improv dance, group sharing ,community ,ceremony & an overnight solo. These retreats are also four full days but there are options that offer single day retreats. Nature Heart Retreats  are held in secluded wild areas, and to reach the location you only have to walk 1/4 of a mile to reach the backcountry campsite. They have a large open-air meditation tent with canvas floor, a medium-sized open-air kitchen tent, clean/private outdoor pit toilets, and beautiful areas for personal camping, swimming, and solo/group exploration. If you feel more comfortable you can also sleep in the main tent or bring your own personal tent. They also provide a list of supplies needed on their website, but they will provide you with food and water!

Source: Online Natures Heart  

The cost usually runs from $299 USD - $399USD with payment plans available you will also be able to do work trade. Work trade that will trade half your tuition for specific assigned jobs like camp take down, promotion assistant, skilled kitchen assistant, and head chef. So if you like to cook for others you can basically go tuition free as head chef ! It's a big responsibility but it can be a fun and rewarding experience. 

Natures Heart Retreat| Address:1645 Oak St. in Eugene, Oregon 

3. Cloud Mount 

The Cloud Mount retreat center is all about the basics. They want you to get away from everything and reflect on your inner self and what nature is teaching you. It is like a camping experience so you will need to bring your own supplies for a certain area. I have included a link for the full list of items , list of items . 

The coolest thing about this retreat is that it is surrounded by a forest you are literally in the middle of. This can really help reset your soul because during the retreat they focus on walking meditation through the forest and it's quite breathtaking. I think getting away from everything without your phone in fresh air is the best thing you can do during meditation. At night you are able to see all the stars in a calming environment. Someone that previously attended the retreat describes it by saying “You're in this mossy, secluded, bright emerald green space in the forest, and these retreats allow me to attain the most calm, and the most pure happiness, I have ever felt.” .

Source: Instagram @spiralpathyogacenter  

During the retreat you can expect all retreat schedules to feature three daily meals and meal breaks, working meditations, alternating periods of sitting and walking meditation. They also hold talks that allow spiritual teachers to guide you through informative speeches and lessons they learned themselves. 

Cloud Mountain Retreat Center | Phone: 360-274-4859 | Address: 373 Agren Rd, Castle Rock, OR| Email: [email protected]

4. Ananda Center Laurelwood

Get away from the daily distractions at Ananda Laurelwood, located on 225 acres in the  Laurelwood Valley in the Oregon countryside. Ananda Center at Laurelwood is an educational non-profit. The motto is quoted from the website as “ Education for Life is an approach to life that embraces each experience, each challenge as an opportunity for growth and understanding.” They also have a trail on sure that you can take to the top of the hill which allows you to see the hills and farmland and take it all in 

They have rolling hills, breathtaking views, and abundant surrounding wildlife. It is also right near Bald Peak, a really high mountain that has a science view at the top of the hike. It is a really cool science view that you can see the coast range and peaks from.The retreat wants to offer  a setting that promotes thinking, creativity, exploration and a sense of harmony with life. The retreat center has many different programs like personal retreats,group conferences, monthly weekend meditation courses, and weekly volunteer farm days. 

Retreats usually last one to seven day that cost about 300 dollars plus living space which they have a variety of. For further information about pricing and accommodations you will need to sign up for their emailing information list so they can send you a whole in-depth description. Information Email List 

Source: Instagram @ananda_laurelwood 

Ananda Center Laurelwood|Address: 38950 SW Laurelwood Rd, Gaston, OR 97119| Phone: 503-746-6229| Email: [email protected]

5. The Movement Center 

The Movement Center Life strives to create a community for spiritual practice. The Movement Center community has been around for over 40 years and  seeks to create an environment that allows people at every spiritual level to experience the eye opening awakeness it has to offer. The facility,which is a huge older style house with a big garden ,has a meditation meditation hall, yoga studios and classrooms, a large kitchen, and common living and dining areas. They also have a garden area where they grow veggies for the guests. Which is always a plus! They also have a small zen garden and flowers so you can zen out on your own time away from the group. 

They usually do retreats depending on the season like summer, fall,spring, and winter. Although I would recommend for summer and spring because it can get pretty cold during the fall and winter. Also spring time you will be able to see all that Oregon has to offer with their nature. Closing your eyes and listening to birds sing is actually the most calming thing. 

Source: Instagram @the.movement.center.pdx 

The Movement Center|Address: 1021 NE 33rd Ave. Portland, OR 97232| Phone: (503)231-0383

The retreats usually run for six day their next retreat will be held in the summer and runs from Tuesday-Sunday. This Center is really based on the Buddehist religion so the retreat tends to be very structured. If you really want to learn about yourself and meditative practices this would be the choice for you. Although they do not state the price unless you register you can always call for further details their website The Movement Center can provide you with further information as well. All the retreats come with three meals that are organic and vegetarian.

6. Blue Cliff Zen Center

Blue Cliff Zen Center retreats are designed so you can find  out your true nature by being in touch with your inner being. They want to provide you with an excellent chance to re-align with who you really are and to develop greater health and success in your relationships, jobs, and spiritual practices.The breakthrough to zen retreat was an intense format but you can partake in the retreat even with no prior meditation experience, and suitable  for every level. They have different types of retreats including Zen meditation day ,3-Day Intensive Zen Retreat, Weekend Wellness Retreats, Summer Zen Retreat. 

The retreats last about three day and are held at different locations. The previous locations all had a cabin-like feel to them  . They are surrounded by nature in the woods and focused on a safe space and calming atmosphere. The retreat runs from about $100 USD- $350 USD all depending on the retreat and the location, you are also expected to pay for your accommodations which is an additional cost. 

Source: Online @ Blue Cliff Zen Center  

Blue Cliff Zen Center|Address:439 W 2nd Ave, Eugene, OR 97401| Phone:(541) 543-5049 |Email: [email protected]

7. Portland Insight Meditation Community 

Portland Insight Meditation Community is very unique because it isn't at just one general area each retreat is organized by a leader at the meditation community. The focus on creating a spiritual community that unites different people to celebrate spirituality, and combats isolation, self reliance, and stress. You do have to pay attention to the location of the retreat as they all are not held in Oregon but they are still near in Colorado. I've also written a blog about the best retreats in Colorado so check it out if that's somewhere else you are looking. 

Most of the retreat are around 100USD plus accommodation and meals further information is online deciding on what retreat you do want to attend.They actually also hold retreat at The Heaven and Earth Retreats so if you want to get the best of both world check out their upcoming events held at the center.Event Calendar 

Source: Online @portlandinsight

Portland Insight Meditation Center|Address:6536 SE Duke, Portland, OR 97206| Phone:503-771-4123

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