Five Must-Visit Spiritual Retreats Around The World

Dealing with the complexity of modern life's day-to-day challenges can sometimes make you yearn for a great escape.

If taking the usual type of summer holiday no longer leaves you feeling energised and raring to go, it's probably time to book yourself a transformative break.

Resetting your mind, body and spirit at a spiritual retreat in a breathtaking location is a once in a lifetime experience that truly benefits your soul.

Jerusalem, Israel

The sacred ancient city of Jerusalem is one of the most important religious sites in the world. For thousands of years, devotees of Judaism, Christianity and Islam from across the globe have flocked to the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Dome of the Rock for spiritual reflection and contemplation.

Once you've spent time discovering the holy sites, take a moment to connect with your Higher Self via prayer or meditation. Savour and appreciate the deep sense of inner peace and tranquillity that comes from being totally disconnected from modern technology.

Exploring the eastern district of Jerusalem on foot is also highly recommended, as you'll be able to fully immersive yourself in the exotic atmosphere of traditional Arab neighbourhoods, and interact with a variety of ethnic groups. You can also visit the ultra-orthodox Jewish enclave of Mea Shea'rim and the Holy Trinity Cathedral in the Russian Compound, in the stunning iconic city.

Koyasan, Japan

The mystical Buddhist temple village of Koyasan, in the northern Wakayama Mountains of Japan is the perfect place to enjoy an esoteric escape. Japan's top sacred site is home to the Shingon School of Buddhism, which attracts devotees from the nation and worldwide. It boasts 117 atmospheric temples, hundreds of pagodas and monuments in a peaceful ancient cedar forest setting.

Connect with your authentic self by experiencing Shukubo, (which translates to “sleeping with the monks”) at the Rengejoin temple. In the morning, slip on a traditional Japanese yukata kimono robe, before joining your fellow spiritual seekers at the Otsutome prayer ceremony. Spend the day relaxing in the beautiful gardens or attending meditation classes, and enjoy Shojin Ryori (vegan Buddhist cuisine) in the communal dining room in the evening.

Lhasa, Tibet

The ancient temples and monasteries of the Tibetan capital, Lhasa, retain an air of timelessness that deeply touches the soul. Although Lhasa has moved with the times and today boasts modern structures and vast shopping centres, the city's Tibetan Buddhist Jokhang temple complex, and shaven-headed, red-robed monks keep its sacred religious spirit very much alive.

As one of the most spiritual cities in the world, Lhasa is home to many important Buddhist sites, including the Potala Palace, the Sera Monastery, and of course, the 1300 years old Jokhang Temple, where you'll be able to worship the iconic golden Buddha.

You can also journey to Tibet's Mt Kailash - the meeting place of Heaven and Earth. Thousands of pilgrims trek to the high plateau every year to enjoy a life changing experience.

Santiago de Compostela, Spain

Santiago de Compostela is a legendary pilgrimage that attracts individuals from diverse backgrounds seeking global connection and exploration opportunities. The final destination of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route is where you will discover the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, which is believed to be the burial site of Jesus's apostle St. James the Great.

The beautiful countryside and spectacular architecture of the Galicia region of northwest Spain offers far more than the average sightseeing trek. It's a profound spiritual experience to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site on foot or by bike.

It's emotional and humbling to witness the pilgrims enter the Cathedral after completing an epic 780 kilometres (500 miles) journey that began at the quaint French town of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. If you want to walk part of the Camino, you can join the spiritual experience from a number of different locations. Be prepared to shed your old Self, as you traverse the magnificent landscape and continue your journey with a lighter emotional load.

Varanasi, India

Located on the banks of the river Ganges, is Varanasi (also known as Benares) – India's holiest destination, and one of the oldest living cities in the world. Millions of pilgrims visit this charming and ancient spiritual spot every year, to wash away their sins in a purifying ritual in the sacred waters that begin in the Himalayan peaks of Uttar Pradesh and spill out into the Bay of Bengal, 2000km further along.

On a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges, you can relax and tap into the spiritual energy and atmosphere that surround this ancient city. Admire the majestic ghats and temples in stunning morning light, as hundreds of Hindus ritually bathe. The sacred tradition often involves offerings of food and flowers being deposited in the waters as gift to the Goddess Ganga.

On your spiritual retreat to Varanasi, you can also visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Sarnath, and Ramnagar Fort.

While you decide on which spiritual retreat to visit first, you can rediscover yourself by calling one of our experienced Psychic Network readers today!