10 Healing Spiritual Retreats for Every Budget, Even for Moms (USA)

I LOVE healing spiritual retreats.  Why?  They can really upgrade your life!  Or at least give you a taste of what is possible and the space to be truly you.  But I’m a busy mom, you might ask, how can I spare the time and money? 

It turns out that getting to a retreat requires intention and effort for all, both within and outside of motherhood.  But moms are especially deserving of some time away from the daily grind to reconnect with themselves.  Many of us know this; I’ve met many moms at retreats.  

In this post, you’ll discover why you may want to get yourself to a spiritual retreat and where you can go, for all kinds of budgets.  I’m introducing 10 healing retreat centers across the United States for inner peace and personal growth. 

What is a Spiritual Retreat?

The term “spiritual retreat” may bring up different ideas to different people.  A spa vacation?  A wellness retreat?  Solo-travel through Europe?  

All of the above may well give you a spiritual experience and growth.  At the end of the day, our ordinary lives are spiritual journeys, whether we know it or not.  

Things are always at play, to get your attention and help you learn.  But it takes a lot to stay conscious 24/7.  Not when you have bills to pay and kids to feed.  

Retreats fast-track our spiritual journeys and/or open you up to something completely new.  

A spiritual retreat refers to the act of removing yourself from your ordinary life to go inward and seek communion with Spirit.  

It takes intention, and it is not your ordinary beach vacation.  Similarly, in order to launch into a spiritual journey, it really helps to go somewhere new.  The act removes ordinary programming or triggers that you face on a day-to-day basis.  Away from your workplace, the runny noses, and dinner preps.   

So, typically, you travel to a specific place for a period of time.  You set yourself up for entirely new experiences.  You might find yourself surrounded by natural beauty, peace, and tranquility.  Your focus becomes inward.  Learn, breathe, observe.  See what happens.  

Retreats Offer Different Experiences 

I’ve been to many spiritual retreats.  There has been a huge variety in the transformative experiences that unfolded.  A silent meditation retreat, for example, is starkly different from a Dr. Joe Dispenza retreat.  

At silent meditation retreats, you spend the time entirely with you.  Alone with your thoughts and your inner self.  

You constantly try to surrender your thoughts and emotions.  So much happens during that process.  What thoughts come at you?  What do you feel?  Are you able to let it pass by without attachment?  What’s on the other end? 

In contrast, at Dr. Joe retreats, there’s dancing, scientific research discussions, meditations, and energy healings.  Somewhere in there, your heart blows wide open.  You’re among a couple of thousands of people.  You see the beauty and power in each of them.  You make friends from all over the world.

There are highly advanced souls who look just like the grandma next door.  You get a glimpse of how we, as humanity, can be if we plug into the right, high energy.  

I’ve also been to wellness destinations with girlfriends.  Such excursions are healing in a different way.  You’re intentionally surrounding yourself in familiar love.  There’s definitely strength in that, and you need that, too.  But this post is not about leaning into the familiar. 

Why Go on a Spiritual Retreat?

Spiritual upgrades are definitely possible without a retreat.  But there are many upsides to going to one.  A retreat is usually led by teachers with years of experience.  It provides a safe and supportive environment so you can do your deep inner work.  

You also plug into a stronger current of energy when you join others with similar intentions.  The scientific term is entrainment, which describes the tendency of different frequencies to synchronize into a single rhythm.  Watch the video below UNTIL THE END to see what I mean.    

In addition, some retreats focus on specific issues and needs, such as women, LGBTQ, teens, etc.  All of them will add to your toolkit of wellness practices.     

This post focuses on healing spiritual retreats that will help you discover more of yourself.  We’re talking major insights and spiritual growth that help overcome your old self.  Or heal wounds that you didn’t know you had.  

Such transformative experiences help you become more of you. A bigger version of yourself.  So you can live the life to your full potential.  

Not one, single retreat will bring you all of that at once.  But by taking yourself out of your ordinary life, you give yourself the space to shed old layers and create something new.  

And fiercely look within.  With no distractions.  

From time to time, such an act can make a world of difference in life.  It can literally change your timeline.  And when you upgrade your timeline, you bring everyone else up with you.  

How Moms Can Benefit

For moms, I believe these possibilities are especially important because motherhood is a spiritual initiation in itself. 

I don’t know about you, but motherhood has been the most challenging journey of my life.  All of it asks me to be more and better: to be more aware, patient, and loving; to push myself further; and to surrender. 

It can be really annoying, but my love for my children keeps it all going.  I want to do better, be better.  And when I do, I heal something in myself and my lineage. 

My children are growing up in an environment without physical violence, nurtured by material security, and with the freedom to speak up.  Just to name a few differences from how I was brought up.  

Even though spiritual work is a constant force in my life, retreats have served as peaks of energetic changes during my journey.  A silent meditation retreat allowed me to see the possibility of motherhood in my 20s; a week-long Dispenza retreat paved the way for my second child and initiated me into energy healing. 

I am far from perfect, and I still catch myself raising my voice with my children here and there.  But compared to where I was four years ago, I can tell you honestly that I am a different person.  And I’ll continue to change and evolve, because my love pushes me forward. 

What Are You Looking For? 

So, are you looking for some major life changes and don’t know where to start?  Are you curious about what could happen if you were more of yourself?  Do you want to discover how powerful you really are?  Then you may want to get yourself to one of these spiritual retreats and start asking.  

It takes a real commitment of time and resources to attend a retreat.  With that in mind, I’ve compiled a list of the best healing spiritual retreats for every budget.  

Many are no more than the cost of paying for your room and board, plus a heartfelt donation for the teachers’ time.  Some are splurges that, admittedly, only a small percentage of the population can enjoy.  

I can tell you from personal experience that YOU DO NOT NEED TO SPLURGE to have an amazing spiritual upgrade.  Your experience ultimately comes down to your open mind and readiness to heal and grow.  But if you’re reading this post, then your spirit may already be nudging you in that direction.

Seriously, without sincerity and intention, even the most expensive retreat will fail to “pop” you. 

So, without further ado, here is the list of the best spiritual retreats that could change your life.

10 Best Healing Spiritual Retreats

Affordable Spiritual Retreats

The first four retreat destinations are rooted in Buddhist traditions.  But they are NOT religious.  Their guidance focuses on mindfulness and meditation. Instructors may refer to some Buddhist concepts about the nature of mind, suffering, and letting go.  But the bulk of the experience is your own inner journey.  

Most of these retreat centers charge for basic room and board, plus either a minimal fee or dana (a heartfelt donation to the teacher).  Some also offer scholarships.

Cloud Mountain Retreat Center (WA)

This retreat center is located deep in the forests of southwest Washington, approximately 125 miles south of Seattle. It is an intimate space with a maximum capacity of less than 50 people.  

Retreats here focus on simplicity and meditation, and your day would be spent on listening to dharma—the inherent nature of reality—talks, and participating in sitting and walking meditations.  Mindfulness is the theme here, no matter what you’re doing.  You can find a sample schedule here.  

Insight Meditation Society (MA)

Located among the quiet forests of Massachusetts, the Insight Meditation Society is one of the most renowned meditation hubs in the United States.  Its Retreat Center offers classes and teacher-led retreats of varying lengths,  including daily instruction in Vipassana (insight) and metta (lovingkindness) meditations.  They focus on deepening awareness and compassion.  

The Forest Refuge, a separate and more private site, offers a more independent experience for more advanced meditators.  This location is designed to offer a more sustained and longer-term experience, with the recommended stays of 10 to 14 days or longer.  

Insight Meditation Community of Washington (DC/VA/MD)

The IMCW is located in the Washington, DC, area.  It does not have a central site but is very active in offering classes and retreats at friendly locations in the DC/MD/VA area.  

One of the best-known teachers from this community is Tara Brach, a psychologist and spiritual teacher who is active on Insight Timer and more.   

I’ve been to several of their silent meditation retreats hosted by the fabulous Shell Fisher of Mindful Shenandoah Valley.  Retreats with her allowed me to open up to motherhood and discover the universal love of the Divine Mother, many years ago.  So yes, I’d recommend their retreats.  

Spirit Rock Meditation Center (CA)

Spirit Rock is located north of San Francisco, in California.  This center is also rooted in insight and lovingkindness meditation traditions.  

Some of their retreats have specific themes, including intuition and sound bath.  It also offers affinity retreats to provide space for community and support for groups such as BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, self-identified women or men, young adults, and families.  Spirit Rock also offers robust online classes and programs.     

Siddhayatan Tirth & Spiritual Retreat Center (TX)

This destination does NOT come from the Buddhist lineage.

Located north of Dallas, Texas, the Siddhayatan calls itself “an ashram, spiritual retreat center, monastery, and meditation park and pilgrimage site.”  It is founded upon the teachings of spiritual master Acharya Shree Yogeesh Siddhayatan.  

It is “spiritual, not religious,” with emphasis on personal transformation and helping you discover your authentic self.  It offers a variety of programs, including day retreats and self-guided silent retreats.  It offers a meditation park, temples, and a cow sanctuary in a beautifully natural setting.  

Mid-Range Spiritual Retreats

Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health (MA)

Located in southern Massachusetts, Kripalu is famous for attracting some big names for its speakers.  It is set among wooded hills and lakes, and is a terrific spot for outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and walking the labyrinth.  

Kripalu offers daily classes on meditation, yoga, sound meditations, and other wellness topics.  It is also famous for its cafeteria that serves amazing, freshly prepared food.  The menu is mostly plant-based and caters to specific dietary needs.  

One can easily spend multiple days observing silence in meditation or making it a combined yoga retreat.  It also offers spa treatments, with numerous massage and energy healing options.    

The Art of Living Retreat Center (NC)

The Art of Living is located in 380 acres of pristine forest high up in the Blue Ridge Mountains, in Boone, North Carolina.  It offers meditation retreats, rest and relaxation retreats, and ayurvedic wellness stays.  

Its signature “Happiness Retreat” is offered twice a week and lasts two nights.  It is designed to help you “reconnect with your inner calm through yoga, breathwork, meditation, and ancient wisdom.”

There is a range of options when it comes to accommodations, from twin beds in shared rooms to a private apartment.  Expect to enjoy pristine nature, excellent vegetarian food, and unique spiritual programs.    

Omega Institute (NY)

Located in the beautiful Hudson Valley of New York, Omega Institute is dedicated to the education of holistic studies.  It offers a wide variety of workshops and offerings on the topics of spirituality, healing, personal growth, intuition, and mindfulness. 

Omega is a little different from other retreats previously introduced.  It’s more education-focused than self-realization.  If there’s a holistic topic you want to learn more about, chances are that Omega will have an offering during the year.

Omega draws some big names as visiting teachers, including William Rand of the International Center for Reiki Training and Brian Weiss, the past-life expert and the author of Many Lives, Many Masters. 

The sheer variety and volume of revolving workshops here are impressive.  Most offerings last between two and three days, with some week-long programs. 

With Omega, you’ll pay the cost of the program plus room and board.  You can stay off-site at a nearby hotel or similar, but the setting is remote and requires a short drive from campus.  Omega also offers on-site camping, which is the cheapest lodging option. 

Splurge Spiritual Retreats

Dr. Joe Dispenza Retreats

Dr. Joe’s retreats are one of a kind.  His Progressive and Advanced retreats are held multiple times a year at different locations around the world, mainly at giant hotel ballrooms.  

At his retreats, Dr. Joe gives lectures about how you create your own reality and how meditation can be a tool for healing and conscious creation.  Group meditations with thousands of other people are powerful, both sitting and walking.  You experience group coherence, which is when people’s energy synchronizes and achieves a certain level of order.  (As seen in the first video above.)

People come to Dr. Joe’s retreats to heal themselves and/or create something new.  Coherence healing, during which time a group of people intentionally directs love and energy to a person in need, is a theme here.  

You can be a healer even if you’ve never done it before.  This is how I was initiated into energy healing almost 10 years ago, and it shocked me into wanting more.  

People can also apply to receive coherence healings at Advanced retreats, with some powerful results.  I am a BIG fan of Dr. Joe.  His teachings and retreats will always be a spiritual home for me.  It always blows my heart wide open!  

Dr. Joe offers retreats across the United States and abroad. Check the schedule on his website for more info.

Canyon Ranch (AZ, CA, MA, TX)

Cayon Ranch has multiple locations and is a true luxury stay.  They offer a wide range of spa and wellness activities that it says can be curated specifically for you.  Luxurious accommodations and Michelin star-rated dining are all at your fingertips.  

Canyon Ranch locations offer limited structured retreat packages.  At the time of this writing, the Ranch offers a longevity retreat that features 18 one-on-one consultations with longevity experts.  Such tailored service will cost you, unsurprisingly.  The 4-day retreat is priced at $20,000 per person!  

More Ways to Save

Any of the above destinations can be a great option for your healing spiritual retreat. As noted above, many offer scholarships to those who are truly in need.  Other than that, you can also consider these options.

• Consider online retreats.  Many organizations offer online options.  This can be tough for moms with little kids.  But if you can manage to create a quiet space for a few days and connect online, by all means!  The online format has come a long way in recent years.  The energy also connects, if not as directly as in person.   
• Start small, with shorter stays.  Some of the above organizations offer day-long retreats, which obviously cost less.  See if a short retreat gives you the much-deserved reprieve.  
• Volunteer. If you can manage the time and travel, consider trading your labor for the experience.  That endeavor itself may be a growth journey.   You’d have to check with the organization if this would be an option.  

Final Thoughts

Alright, mamas.  I am not sure if I’d ever find myself at any Canyon Ranch locations.  But you never know, right?  But as I said, I truly don’t believe luxury gets you spiritual healing.  The answers are always within you.  

This post was all about 10 healing spiritual retreats for every budget, even for moms.  I hope you found this helpful, and maybe I’ll run into you at one of them!