Posted on Friday, 22 February 2019

The traditional two-week holiday is often sold as an escape from work and the routine of daily life. But two weeks in a busy resort - often accompanied by family members - is not everyone's idea of relaxation. Of course, one can opt for a quieter break - perhaps in the countryside or somewhere less-visited, but for those who really want to get away from it all, a retreat could present the ideal solution.

Retreats come in a multitude of forms, but are often located in bucolic rural areas and focus on peace and quiet, mindfulness, meditation, yoga and other enriching personal pursuits. Here we look at seven unique retreats that offer to recharge our batteries in a way a two-week beach break never could.

Kaliyoga - Orgiva, Spain

Set in the wilds of Andalucia, this retreat focuses on daily yoga classes that open out onto surrounding hills and mountains. Rookies and yoga-pros are welcome here, where accommodation takes the form of tipis. Healthy vegetarian food and long walks in the clean Andalucian air complete the experience.

Stay a week full-board from £895. Visit kaliyoga.com for more information.

10 Day Silent Retreat - Dhamma Ganga Vipassana Meditation Centre, Kolkatta

Vipassana meditation courses usually last 10 days and involve no talking or communicating for the duration. Set by the vast Ganges river, the Kolkatta branch of the Dhamma organisation presents a unique location in which to experience this famous meditation technique. The day starts at 4.30am (with the gentle banging of a gong outside your room) and you're in bed by 9pm, with lots of guided meditation in between. No phones, TV, books or even eye contact. The course is free but you are invited to make a donation to pay for someone else to try.

Stay for 10 days for free (donations are welcomed). Visit https://www.dhamma.org/en/schedules/schganga for more information.

Healing Centre - Koh Phan Ngan, Thailand

Koh Phan Ngan is well known for its vast full moon parties, but the Healing Centre is perhaps the antithesis of such events. Enjoy yoga and meditation while detoxing on superb vegan food. It's the perfect way to re-energise after backpacking around Thailand - or perhaps after a particularly gruelling full moon party!

Stay for a week full-board in a four-bed dorm from £378. Visit wonderlandhc.com for more information.

Yogarosa - Ibiza

Set among shady pines on the idyllic island of Ibiza, Yogarosa promises to help put some distance between you and urban life. Expect authentic yoga practices and meditation set to a singing bowl. Accommodation takes the form of a Bedouin tent decorated with colourful prayer flags.

Stay for a week from £1,945/pp. Visit healingholidays.co.uk for more information.

Sanará - Tulum

One of Mexico's most established bohemian beach-side hangouts, Tulum is where you'll find Sanará. There's no rigid timetable - you can simply avail of the thrice-daily yoga or indulge in various spa treatments. Hanging out on the beach and eating the super-healthy (included) meals occupies the rest of your time.

Doubles start from £280 per night. Visit sanaratulum.com for more information.

Honest Ashram - Tamil Nadu, India

As the name suggests, this yoga retreat is the real deal - at a time when many other Indian yoga resorts appear to have been established for less authentic reasons. Expect five hours of yoga daily, a comfortable bed and two clean, vegetarian meals. You'll also meet the charismatic sadhu and do a great deal of chanting.

Stay here for a £47 per day. For more information visit sivananda.org.in/madurai.

Write It Down - Andalucia, Spain

Putting pen to paper, or fingers to keyboard, is the main focus at this writing retreat - but so is preparing the mind and body for the creative process. Set under shady cork trees in the foothills of Andulucia, your words will be cajoled forth with the help of Elaine Kingett. Expect meditation, good food and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere where your literary prowess will, hopefully, be born into the shimmering light of an Andalucian day.

Stay for a week full-board from £1,550. Visit write-it-down.co.uk for more information.

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