Define the purpose of your retreat vacation. Do you want to experience personal growth, renewal of the senses, or simply rest? The purpose will be an important consideration when deciding on your destination.
Choose your destination based on several factors, including the defined purpose of your trip, as noted above, your available financial resources, the calendar. One would not want to visit a retreat in the Bahamas during hurricane season! Of course, satisfy your personal preference of scenery. One person's waves or prairie may be another person's cactus or mountains.
Compare rates, to an extent. Most meditation retreats offer packages and charges that are highly competitive with other retreats, so it's unlikely you'll get a Priceline sort of rate. Of course, domestic alternatives will be less expensive than international destinations.
Consider retreats that give you more than seclusion and quiet. Some also offer classes in healthy cooking or personal sessions with massage therapists or Reiki practitioners.
Understand some retreats are for the entire family and include classes and activities for children while others are only for people age 18 and older. Adult-only retreats may have guests engage in "Karma yoga" which involves, cleaning, doing dishes, gardening, kitchen prep and housekeeping.
