Written by Adaeze Skerrett
Sometimes you need to get away from the hustle & bustle of the city and reset in nature. Colorado offers so many beautiful experiences and many different places to center and balance your chakras. You can still experience the breathtaking rocky mountain ranges, lakes, and plains Colorado has to offer and participate in really good meditation retreat your soul might need. A lot of these retreats are really grounding because they are often surrounded by the beauty of Colorado. In Colorado nature is key and you can see this throughout the different types of retreats.
Source: INSTAGRAM @oars_rafting
1. Crestone Retreats
For me this retreat is number one because they combine everything all in one. They offer a variety of different options whether you want a silent retreat or even a writing retreat, you can literally build your ideal retreat and still participate in daily meditation. Crestone Retreats offers a really flexible retreat experience like no other. As I said before you can basically create your own personal retreat depending on your tastes and can spend your time as you see fit. You can still choose if you want to participate in the guided meditations or spiritual practices . They even offer packed bag lunches if you choose to do hiking as part of your personal retreat. I think this flexibility is one of the most enticing things about this retreat because you don't have to feel pressured to follow a schedule you don't like. They also offer group retreats from July- September.
Their facilities include a dining hall, meditation hall, practice space, garden and lawn. These amenities can best be used best during group retreats because all spaces hold a good amount of people at one time.The coolest place I think is the practice space, as seen in the picture, it is a huge wooden dome that is great for grounding and meditation. Surrounding yourself with organic materials can really help you zen out . They also have a garden and lawn for peaceful times in the sun surrounded by flowers and veggies .
There are a variety of different living spaces that include The Guest House, Hillside Cabin,Young Pine Hut, Studio rooms, The Skylight Room,The quaint Corner Room,Yurt,The Platform Tent, and regular camping. I like how they offer a yurt or platform tent and not just a regular camping tent, in case you do want to experience the outdoor living without sacrificing luxuries. I guess you can say I love a good Glamping Moment!
Source: INSTAGRAM @maharetreats
Prices for living spaces range from $135 USD a night (single guest House) to $65 USD (basic camping) and retreat prices vary depending on which you choose. As an example if you do stay in the guest house a private retreat would be $165 USD and shared space would be $105 USD. They also offer group rates if you are planning on having a group of 15 or more. Maybe a company reset? Whatever you might need they can deliver.
Another cool aspect of this retreat in their cuisine, they eat local and homegrown produce and continue a special way of cooking that has been passed down for about 50 years. They go by a zen way of cooking that basically means just enough, and learning not to over indulge but to be mindful and appreciate every ingredient and who prepared it. This also doesn't mean you will starve this practice is mainly for their preparation of the food. If you participate during the group retreats they create buffet style table meals, this menu runs during the group season of July- September. Presentation is key here ! So if you love aesthetically pleasing food you might just be in for a treat.
Source:Crestone Retreats
Crestone Retreat|Address: 2000 East Dreamway, P.O. Box 130 Crestone, Colorado 81131| Phone: (719) 256-4692|Email:info@crestoneretreats.org
2. Shoshoni Yoga Retreat
Shoshoni Yoga Retreat is also located in the rocky mountains so it's a given that you will be away from everything and free of distractions. They base their retreats so that you can reset, rejuvenate, and recharge, which I think everyone needs every now and then. Shoshoni strives to be very sustainable and 75% of the energy used comes from their solar forest. They also offer amenities including hot tubs, saunas , and hiking which are available to everyone during their stay.
They offer overnight retreats that begin on Saturdays and run through Sunday. Something that is really cool about these retreats is that they are open to all ages and children under two years of age are free. So if you do have children and still want to get away this is the perfect destination and your kids will love it ! Sustainability is a really big focus for them so all the meals you will have will be their fresh organic produce that they grow on site. YES on site! They also have chickens so everything that has eggs in it will be fresh and organic. I think this is something really important because health starts from within.
Source: INSTAGRAM @shoshoniyogaretreat
For pricing summer retreats start at $70 USD a night and winter retreats starting at $95 USD a night. You will also have to pay for your accommodations that range from $70 USD(Tent Camping)-$325 USD(Green Tar) . There is a flexible schedule to choose from that can range from either 2 yoga classes or 2 meditation classes along with an art program. Adding private consultations of yoga,meditation, cooking, healing yoga, and Ayurvedic (each lasts 1 hour, and has an additional fee of $10 USD if you want to add another person) is also available.
Shoshoni Yoga Retreat| Address:141400 Shoshoni Camp Road, Rollinsville, CO 8000 Shoshoni| Phone: (303)-642-0116| Email: info-l@shoshoni.org
3. Sunmountain Center
Sunmountain Center is one of the more luxurious types of retreat around the Colorado area. It is made up of Sunwater, the wellness spa and Sunmountian, the retreat center, so if you are looking for both you have found your spot! It is located near many natural and historical sites which means this is not just a one stop trip. It offers many different kinds of renewal techniques whether it be a relaxing spa renewal trip or a meditation retreat you can surely find something to do.
Source: INSTAGRAM @sunwaterspa
The retreats take place within one the centers of historical homes, which they have made to look very inviting and welcoming. The atmosphere can really be a factor when choosing the right retreat and they excel in doing just that. They offer many types of retreats so you have to make sure you check their schedule if you do want specifically a meditation retreat.They offer other events like “Soul Shine Retreat”, “Circles of Compassion Women's Retreat” and “Womens Renewal Retreat”. Their retreats follow a similar Friday-Sunday retreat schedule with many different types of activities.
Due to it being one of the more luxuries retreats the prices run from about $675 USD to $900 USD (private room),these prices cover room and board along with meals. The rooms are well designed and are all located within the mansion and because the center is more catered towards a feminine energy, it would really be exciting if you tend to be a little bit more girly. You can also add any pampering sessions if needed at the spa because they offer so many different wellness treatments.
Sunmountain Center |Address: 328 El Paso Blvd, Manitou Springs, CO 80829 | Phone:1-719-205-8516 | Email:info@sunmountaincenter.com
4. Rocky Mountain Ecodharma Retreat Center
Rocky Mountain Ecodharma Retreat Center gives more of that rustic cabin feel surrounded by nature. It is at an 8,500' elevation level surrounded by the forest that offers many different types of hiking trails. They focus a lot of their meditation retreats with grounding yourself in nature and lead meditation in nature. These retreats run a little longer but the lodge is uniquely designed to make your stay comfortable and easy. Nature is taken into consideration at the retreat center, and the lodge offers a lot of natural wood and organic materials that create such a peaceful rustic feel.
The retreats are usually 5-7 days and a seven day event can cost from $575 USD (Tent/Attic Room)- $1,045 USD (private room), depending on how adventurous you are. If you do dare to live in nature for the retreat you are responsible for bringing your own tent and sleeping gear.All rooms are within the same lodge, which also includes a dining hall,meditation hall, and large decks. All the retreat include meals and are mostly vegetarian and organic, which is always a must!
Source: Rocky Mountain Ecodharma Retreat Center
Rocky Mountain Ecodharma Retreat Center |Address: 8941 Overland Rd., Ward, CO| Contact Information
5. Tara Mandala Retreat Center
Tara Mandala Retreat Center is a 700 acre retreat center full of rolling hills, bordering the San Juan National Forest. It isn't only a retreat center but is also a learning experience. Retreats can last from three nights- three weeks at all different levels. I would recommend the residential retreats if you do want to connect with other these, retreats range from around 10-70 people. If you are an introverted person they also offer solitary retreats with beautiful secluded cabins.
It does sound like a lot but they have an international community and strive to make this space comfortable. They tend to be strict when it comes to community so each person must participate in an assigned forty-five minute work meditation task such as clean-up after meals, housekeeping or working in the Temple. They try to build a mindful environment by giving back to the retreat community. It may seem like chores, I know, BUT I think after you have done it you can feel a sense of belonging.
Week long retreats cost about $480 USD (Temple Camping / all gender ) - $1,350 USD (Prajna Queen Single). All meals are included and payment plans are offered. Even though the schedule may feel tight you are still given your free time to explore or just recenter yourself away from the group. This retreat is more educational than the others because it really is focused on impacting your life, building mental clarity and building your inner self.
Source: Tara Mandala
Tara Mandala Retreat Center|Address:4000 Usfs Road 649, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147 | Phone:970.731.3711 | Email:info@taramandala.org
6. Shambhala Mountain Center
The Shambhala Mountain Center in the Colorado Rockies is a well known wellness center that has been around for almost 40 years. This impressive time frame has allowed for many important guests that have blessed the lands and made it what it is today. Not only does it offer meditation retreats but a whole array of different practices. They offer weekend to week long retreats depending on what you need, and because you are surrounded by nature, fresh air, and tranquility you are able to step away and fall into your own sacred space by walking the land.
The land even offers eight miles of hiking trails throughout the rolling hills. You will be at the altitude of 8,000’ tucked away in a 600-acre valley so you should take the weather into account. With no noise and light pollution, you will be sure to see all the stars you probably wouldn't be able to in the city. Being in this environment can sure get you in the right headspace!
Source: INSTAGRAM @radiant.visions
I would recommend a weekend reset. The three day retreats usually start on Friday afternoon and run through Sunday afternoon. Tuition is about $100 USD in addition to your lodging. Lodging prices run from $90-$400 USD per night from a wonderful lodging area to shared dormitories whichever fits into your budget, and each night you stay you are also provided with meals . Don't worry , everything is super healthy and they also provide vegetarian/vegan options. There are many different activities during the “Retreat and Renewal” along with being able to add additional services of massage therapy because why not?
Shambhala Mountain Center| Address:151 Shambhala Way, Red Feather Lakes, CO 80545| Phone: 1-888-788-7221| Email: frontdesk@shambhalamountain.org
