The best countries for a retreat, from Costa Rica to Tanzania. Explore top destinations for yoga, wellness, relaxation, and personal growth.

What is a retreat?

A retreat is a dedicated period of time spent away from daily responsibilities and distractions to focus on rest, personal growth, reflection, learning, or wellness. Retreats can centre on activities such as meditation, yoga, fitness, spiritual development, professional training, or simply relaxation in a peaceful environment. They’re part of wellness tourism, an industry worth billions as more people focus on self-care while still enjoying what travel offers.

Why go to a retreat?

Attending a retreat gives people the chance to recharge mentally and physically, gain new perspectives, reduce stress, and connect with others who share similar interests or goals. By stepping away from their routine lives, participants often return to them feeling refreshed, motivated, and better equipped to handle everyday challenges.

How we chose the countries on the list

We looked at countries across the globe to choose destinations that are known for:

• Natural beauty
• Peaceful environments
• A focus on wellness
• Opportunities for personal growth.

Where to go on a retreat

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is known for its rainforests, beaches, and wellness-focused culture, making it an ideal spot for yoga and meditation. Sustainability is a significant part of life in Costa Rica, so you’re also likely to find eco-retreats. Wherever you end up, expect mindfulness and reflection to be encouraged.

The country has long been recognised as a global leader in eco tourism, with extensive protected national parks, wildlife reserves, and conservation initiatives that help preserve its rich biodiversity. Many retreats embrace environmentally responsible practices, including the use of renewable energy, water conservation systems, locally sourced food, and eco-friendly accommodation designed to minimise impact.

This focus on sustainability allows visitors to enjoy meaningful experiences in nature while supporting responsible tourism. For many retreat participants, being surrounded by protected forests, pristine coastlines, and thriving wildlife creates a deeper connection to the natural world.

Iceland

Iceland’s landscapes are unlike anywhere else in the world, featuring glaciers, volcanoes, waterfalls, black sand beaches, lava fields, and geothermal hot springs. These awe-inspiring environments encourage visitors to slow down and appreciate what’s in front of them.

One of Iceland’s greatest draws is its sense of tranquillity. It has a relatively small population and vast open spaces, so it doesn’t take much for you to find quiet settings. Many retreats incorporate outdoor experiences such as hiking and bathing in hot springs that take advantage of the country’s natural resources.

Indonesia

While Bali is often singled out as the ideal retreat location, its popularity has led to overcrowding, and you run the risk of booking a superficial retreat that’s looking to cash in on big tourism numbers. Instead, look to lesser-known destinations like Lombok, an island near Bali, where you can still enjoy beaches, hills, and scenic countryside, but with a much slower, albeit just as welcoming way of life.

The island is home to a growing number of yoga, meditation, wellness, and fitness retreats that take advantage of the region’s natural beauty. Why not begin your days with sunrise yoga overlooking the ocean, spend time exploring secluded beaches, or enjoy guided meditation in tranquil surroundings? Nature lovers can also try hiking, snorkelling, and visits to waterfalls and traditional villages, adding a sense of cultural connection to the experience.

Italy

The temptation to combine Italy’s culture and cuisine with a retreat is strong. You can choose between a variety of beautiful settings, too, from the rolling hills of Tuscany to the tranquil shores of the Italian Lakes.

One of Italy’s greatest strengths as a retreat destination is its emphasis on quality of life. The country’s culture values good food, meaningful connections, and balance, creating an atmosphere that naturally supports wellness and mindfulness.

Many retreats incorporate local culinary experiences, outdoor activities, yoga, meditation, creative workshops, and exploring cultural and historical sites, so you can nourish your body and your mind. The Mediterranean climate in many regions further enhances the experience, making outdoor activities enjoyable throughout much of the year.

New Zealand

For a small country, New Zealand sure does pack a lot in. Both the North and South Islands are home to dramatic landscapes like mountains, lakes, and forests, clean environments, and an abundance of outdoor activities. Many retreats offer activities like hiking (known as ‘tramping’ in New Zealand) and kayaking, as well as yoga and meditation sessions that take place outside. For the more adrenaline-fuelled among you, there’s also the country’s reputation for adventure sports like bungee jumping. But we wouldn’t blame you if you just wanted to soak up the scenery and the peace.

Tanzania

Tanzania is home to some of Africa’s best landscapes, including vast savannas, pristine beaches, lush forests, and dramatic mountains. It’s easy for you to immerse yourself in your surroundings when they’re this beautiful, whether you’re overlooking the plains of the Serengeti, unwinding on the shores of Zanzibar, or enjoying the tranquillity of the countryside.

One of the things that sets Tanzania apart is the abundance of wildlife experiences. There’s something about watching animals in their natural habitats or exploring protected natural areas that can give you a greater sense of perspective and appreciation for the world beyond the stress of your daily routines. Tanzania also has a welcoming culture and a strong sense of community and hospitality.

How to pick a retreat destination

• Consider the type of environment you’d like to be in. Near the beach? Mountain views? Forests? There’s somewhere for everyone.
• Don’t forget the practical elements of your trip, like climate, travel distance, budget, and safety. 
• Think about what your goals are for the retreat. You might want to develop your yoga practice, take time out to reflect after a difficult period, or just take a break from your everyday life to reassess your priorities. 
• Once you’ve got a shortlist, read the descriptions and reviews of different retreats to find one that aligns with your goals.

Final thoughts

Choosing the right retreat destination can have a powerful impact on your experience. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your personal intentions, preferred setting, and the type of experience you want to create, but each of these countries offers an ideal foundation for a restorative and memorable retreat.