Deepen your faith through contemplative prayer, sacred community, and Christ-centered renewal in blessed sanctuaries worldwide
Mary says, "This was my second time at a Flagship Retreat at The Oaks. The property is well appointed, comfortable, and not at all cluttered. The staff is delightful and very hospitable." See more
Julie says, "I was able to enjoy two days away at the Retreat Center and was so blessed by the comfortable accommodations, the beautiful grounds, the Mass times, and the personal spiritual direction." See more
Susan says, "I am thankful to have been able to be a participant in this four-week study. Sister Lucy recommended this book to me a year ago, and I read it in gratitude for Douglas Christie's synthesis of contemplative practice, active love for the environment, and writing (especially poetry and non-fiction) in response to the natural world." See more
Anonymous says, "I really enjoyed the class! Weaving is more difficult than I expected but I finished my project at home and am pretty happy with it! Lisa explained well, there was so many yarns, fabrics- choices!! I will continue with projects at home!" See more
Anonymous says, "I was at Osage Forest of Peace for only 24 hours on a personal retreat. But it was an amazing time. The forest fall colors were so beautiful and the pleasant weather allowed me to spend as much time as I wanted outdoors." See more
Anonymous says, "WONDERFUL!!! LOUISE AND JOE COLLETTI were warm and so wise. They have explained loss and grief in a way that I could grasp and appreciate. I told Louise that I felt like a “sponge” absorbing everything they was saying by the end of the day." See more
Magda says, "The ceremony day was a wonderful journey in my body, head, heart, floating in landscapes, in history and the now, with people I know or had never met. Accompanied by beautiful music, scents, rituals." See more
Christian retreats typically cost between USD $15-$400 per day, with most ranging from USD $80-$330 daily depending on accommodation type, location, and program offerings. Single-day programs like book studies or prayer events tend to be the most affordable at USD $15-40, while multi-day residential retreats average USD $250-1,400 total for 3-8 day experiences. Private rooms generally command USD $400-600 more than shared accommodations. International retreats, like those in Thailand (approximately USD $208 per day), can offer comparable pricing to domestic options when considering the included amenities and longer durations.
Spiritual retreats create sacred containers for inner exploration, ranging from structured meditation programs at Buddhist centers to contemplative stays at Christian monasteries or shamanic ceremonies in indigenous traditions. Each morning typically begins with practices like meditation, prayer, or movement (yoga, qi gong), followed by periods of noble silence where participants turn inward rather than engaging in casual conversation. The heart of most retreats involves teaching sessions with experienced guides who share context-appropriate wisdom teachings, along with dedicated time for personal reflection through journaling, walking meditation, or simply being in nature. Many retreat centers thoughtfully balance group activities with solitude - you might join others for shared meals or discussion circles, then have space to process experiences privately in your room or while walking meditation paths. As the outer world falls away, retreatants often notice subtle shifts: thoughts may slow down, senses become more acute, and an expanded awareness naturally emerges. Rather than pushing for dramatic breakthroughs, authentic retreats create conditions for participants to rediscover their innate clarity and wholeness that can get clouded by daily life.
The specifics vary widely based on tradition and setting. At Zen centers, retreatants might spend 8-10 hours daily in silent meditation with precise forms and rituals. Christian contemplative retreats often weave scripture study and spiritual direction between periods of centering prayer. Some programs focus on specific practices like loving-kindness meditation or forgiveness work. Others take place in nature, using wilderness as teacher through solo camping or vision quests. What remains consistent is the invitation to step back from ordinary activities and enter a container dedicated to deepening awareness and understanding of life's essential questions.