Updated on DEC 16, 2025 | Published on dec 29, 2025
Spiritual and soul-led retreats to realign your life in 2026
There’s more to spiritual retreats than navel-gazing and praying - they could be just the tonic we need in today’s busy world, says writer Cathy Wood
Both silent and spiritual retreats can sound daunting until you know more about them and their power to restore, regenerate and heal.
In 2025 a travel industry survey revealed 1 in 3 people in Britain, or 39 per cent of those questioned, intended to recharge spiritually either through a pilgrimage, retreat or silent experience.
One of the main attractions of meditation, mindfulness and spirituality retreats is the chance to unplug from digital devices and escape a world where you’re only ever a call or message away.
What’s the difference between a silent retreat and a spiritual one?
As the name suggests, a silent retreat is where there are either periods of silence or complete silence for the duration of the stay. A silent retreat can also be a meditation retreat with both guided and silent meditation exercises. Silent retreats allow guests to meditate and spend time alone. They’re a chance to quieten the noise of life and retreat into an inner world of discovery and imagination.
Spiritual retreats differ in content and experience but allow guests to explore a deeper meaning and purpose in life. We all experience spirituality during our lives; for some it can be faith-based, and led, for others it’s about connecting to a force or power greater than ourselves and, in so doing, creating deeper connection and meaning. A spiritual retreat may include a combination of yoga, meditation and coaching sessions, as well as walks in nature and time to connect and question.
There are Christian retreats and non-religious spiritual retreats all over the world.
What is a spiritual retreat and who is it for?
Spiritual retreats are for anyone, at any stage, or age, of life, looking to escape from distractions to create a deeper, more meaningful connection and for those in search of spiritual discovery or a spiritual reset.
Spiritual retreats are also about finding value and purpose in what we are doing or may want to do in the future.
What happens on a spiritual or silent retreat?
Spiritual and silent retreats will appeal to different spiritual seekers, and the structure of the days will alter depending on the retreat you choose. But, broadly, expect activities to include a mix of guided meditation, contemplative silence, walks, simple shared meals, soul work and both individual and group time.
All retreats offer a unique community where guests are supported and encouraged to connect and enjoy a spiritual reset in safe and sacred spaces.
Do spiritual retreats need to be religious?
No, not necessarily. There are religious retreats and non-religious spiritual retreats. A Christian retreat, for example, would include prayer, reflection and quiet time to bring greater connection to God and to those sharing the same journey.
Non-religious spiritual retreats focus on inner growth and wellness, allowing participants to find inner peace, solitude and stillness.
It’s in the quietness revelations and new intentions often happen.
Where are the best spiritual retreats?
Over the years, the team at The Global Retreat Company have reviewed many spiritual retreats - here are some of our favourites:
Jessica McGregor Johnson Retreats, Spain
We love the experience and expertise life coach Jessica McGregor Johnson brings to her bespoke retreats in the pretty whitewashed village of Bubion, in Andalucia, Southern Spain.
Jessica, who has been working for nearly two decades as a highly qualified coach, mentor and guide, facilitates year-round, three-day retreats for individuals and couples looking to unlock and explore different phases of their lives.
The Get Unstuck Retreat addresses how to move on from personal or professional confusion while the Retire Happily Retreat helps prospective retirees plan a meaningful and fun future.
Walking Your Promise, England
Danny Shmulevitch, who grew up with the tribes in the Sinai Desert, brings a different kind of experience to his two-night programmes for one or two people on his Walking Your Promise retreats.
These transformational retreats, which take place in ancient woodlands and involve meditation, walking barefoot in the forest, breathwork, fasting and a ‘walk your promise’ on the final day, lead to greater internal awareness, better listening skills and enhanced connection.
Retreats take place between April and November for private retreats up to two guests. Group retreats take place on different dates.
Ananda in the Himalayas, India
Set in 100-acre grounds, around a maharaja’s palace in Uttarakhand, northern India, Ananda in the Himalayas, a renowned wellness centre, in the foothills of the Himalayas, looks over Rishikesh and the Ganges River.
Spiritual seekers from around the world visit to take part in retreats of 7,14 and 21 nights, all of which are based on the ancient Indian virtues of holistic living and balance, where inner harmony leads to peace.
Ananda focuses on yoga, ayurveda, vedanta, which means the art of living, and spirituality.
Explore our handpicked emotional and mental support retreats and our personal growth retreats reconnect with your life’s purpose. All retreats have been personally vetted by our editorial team.