Many practices that have stood the test of time have proven to offer real, lasting benefits – including meditation.
Modern research demonstrates that this ancient practice can:
- reduce stress
- improve focus
- boost mood
- support physical health
It’s no wonder it’s become so popular in recent years, with new apps and teachers making it easier than ever to learn and practice from anywhere.
However, starting any new habit can be a tough hurdle to overcome. But immersion is arguably one of the best ways to break through this barrier. This is where meditation retreats can offer a bridge to building a daily meditation habit.
After all, Buddha once said,
“The mind is everything. What you think you become.”
So, what meditation retreat is ideal for beginners?
Inevitably, you probably want one that takes place on the weekend or only takes away a few days of your annual vacation. And we’ve got the top ones across the USA that you may want to consider!
6 Beginner Meditation Retreats You Definitely Want to Try
1. Kadampa Meditation Center NY
Cost: $40+
Location: Catskills, New York
Length: 1-5 days
Google Rating: 4.9/5
Kadampa offers some of the most budget-friendly retreats in the US, making meditation accessible without sacrificing quality. Retreats often include:
- guided meditation sessions
- silent periods
- teachings tailored for first-timers
In turn, beginners learn practical techniques in an immersive but gentle setting.
Their courses and retreats range from just one day to weekends and multi-day options. If you choose a multi-day course or retreat, you spend the time in shared accommodations or even camping, which can add a natural element and community to the experience.
2. Sedona Mago Retreat Center
Cost: $800-$2500+
Location: Sedona, Arizona
Length: 2-5 days
Google Rating: 4.9/5
Nestled amid the iconic red-rock landscapes of Sedona – often celebrated for its healing energy vortexes – Sedona Mago Center offers a welcoming sanctuary for meditation newbies. The Sedona Meditation Weekend, in particular, is a gentle immersion into Nothingness Meditation; it’s crafted to help participants quiet their minds and cultivate more profound inner clarity, welcoming beginners and seasoned meditators alike!
In other good news, most programs are all-inclusive, with meals and accommodations covered, freeing newcomers to fully rest and participate without logistical concerns.
Accommodations are also thoughtfully tranquil – simple, cozy rooms (private or shared) with peaceful views, eco-conscious features, and direct access to meditation spaces and walking trails. You almost won’t find better than these programs for the perfect introduction to meditation.
3. Himalayan Institute Retreat Center
Cost: $100-$350+ (plus accommodation cost)
Location: Honesdale, Pennsylvania
Length: 2-4 days
Google Rating: N/A
Located on a serene 400-acre campus in the Pocono Mountains, the Himalayan Institute has been a nurturing home for those practicing yoga, meditation, and holistic wellness for over 50 years.
While the Institute offers a broad array of programs – including wellness retreats and personal and Sadhana retreats – a standout option for those starting out is their weekend seminars, which typically begin Friday evening and wrap up by Sunday lunch.
As an internationally respected non-profit rooted in Himalayan wisdom, the Institute offers authentic guidance in a welcoming setting. This means that, as a beginner, you can feel confident that you’ll be well-taken care of and learning from the best.
4. Great Vow Zen Monastery
Cost: $50-$400+
Location: Clatskanie, Oregon
Length: 1-4 days
Google Rating: 4.8/5
The Great Vow Zen Monastery offers a peaceful, supportive space for those new to meditation. Their Beginner’s Mind Weekend Retreat is specifically designed to introduce newcomers to Zen practice, with guided meditation, simple chanting, and opportunities to meet with a teacher.
The pace is gentle, the schedule structured but not overwhelming, and meals are included in the tranquil monastic setting.
Yet, for anyone wanting to simply test the waters before committing to an in-person retreat, the monastery also offers short, online guided meditation sessions – sometimes just a few hours long. This way, beginners can get a feel for the practice and teaching style from home.
Whether you join virtually or in person, Great Vow’s approachable programs make stepping into meditation feel natural and doable.
Related Article: Find Your Zen: 25 Daily Mantras to Cultivate a Positive Mindset
5. The Higher Haven Retreat Center
Cost: $175-$300
Location: South Haven, Michigan
Length: 1-4 days
Google Rating: 4.8/5
The Higher Haven offers a soft landing for those just beginning their meditation or yoga journey. The retreat’s curriculum is beginner-friendly by design, combining gentle movement (like Hatha, Ashtanga, and Vinyasa yoga) with insight meditation, ritual, and guided reflection.
This approach encourages participants to reconnect with their inner peace, physical well‑being, and emotional clarity – all without overwhelm. It can also help combine something you may be familiar with, such as yoga, with a new practice, meditation, which may offer even more room for both spiritual growth in the body and mind.
6. Magnolia Grove Monastery
Cost: $240-$400+
Location: Memphis, Tennessee
Length: 2-5 days
Google Rating: N/A
Set on roughly 120 acres of woodland near Memphis, Magnolia Grove Monastery is part of the Plum Village tradition founded by Zen Master Thích Nhất Hạnh. It welcomes individuals of all experience levels with invitations to explore contemplative living in a warm, community-oriented atmosphere.
Beginners can choose from Themed Retreats – focused, five-day programs with full group immersion – or Personal Retreats, allowing for weekend stays or longer, more individualized experiences.
They also offer Days of Mindfulness (mainly on Sundays) as a zero-pressure entry point. These daylong sessions include guided meditation, walking practice, a silent, mindful meal, and a Dharma talk, all open to newcomers. Suggested donations start around $15, making this an easy option if you’re nearby!
Related Article: The 9 Different Types of Meditations – Which is Best For You?
Beginning Your Journey…
If the retreats above aren’t available to you, keep in mind that you can create your own personalized retreat at home. For instance, you could create a morning program (use ChatGPT to help!) and set up a tranquil area in your home.
You could also harness the power of free meditation apps to guide this “retreat,” such as Insight Timer.
Whatever you choose, know that meditation is a journey worth exploring. There’s so much to discover here – and even when there’s not, silence is hard to come by but worth having from time to time, especially if you’re looking to achieve some sense of inner peace.
Read Next: 6 Unique Meditation Retreats You Need to Try
Photo by eberhard grossgasteiger
