5 places to rest and relax

Micron Associates Travel Guide suggests locations that will cleanse your soul, whether you’re after the spiritual benefits of yoga, complete silence, or enjoying a tropical breeze.

Gaia House in Devon, United Kingdom

This remarkable Buddhist retreat is set in a former convent in the peaceful countryside of South Devon, and has all the elements you need for an effective meditation retreat, including a serene meditation hall, clean and humbly decorated bedrooms, healthy vegetarian food and lots of spaces to lose yourself in.

Expert tutors offer highly affordable meditation days, weekend retreats and week-long stays and specialize in teaching Vipassana, or Insight Meditation. Some retreats mix meditation with yoga and qigong, and most are open to those who have never meditated before as well as advanced practitioners. As at all bona fide Buddhist meditation retreats, be ready to help out with basic daily chores such as gardening, cleaning or preparing meals.

Gladstone's Library in Flintshire, United Kingdom

Britain’s largest library in North Wales is a peaceful retreat for mental wellbeing, especially for readers, writers, or people looking for open-minded discussion. The vaulted library has a calm, inspiring and silent environment, which is recommended for writers.

The lounge has deep leather sofas, open fire and honesty bar which are perfect for relaxing away from your laptops and smartphones. The renovated rooms are quiet and comfortable. The meals are delicious and the surroundings are so beautiful. You can stay overnight too.

Cortijo Romero in Spain

Established as a retreat in 1986 and center for alternative holidays, it is a refreshing place just outside Orgiva. Cortijo Romero is set amongst the colorful, vibrant mountains of southern Spain. Days can be filled with whatever you like to do such as yoga, reiki, reflexology, shiatsu and aromatherapy. There are also workshops available with language tutors, life coaches and therapists, to help you discover your inner self, learn to write, live from the heart, practice bioenergetics or just speak Spanish. It is blessed with the most amazing light and warmth which, alongside the locally sourced healthy vegetarian meals, refresh mind, body and soul.

Bolilanga Island in Indonesia

Bolilanga is one of the Togian Islands in Sulawesi. It has a radiant atmosphere and it is indeed a little piece of paradise — with white beaches, transparent water and great snorkeling just off-shore. The staff played games with the guests, sat on the beach at the fire, played the guitar and had a really good time together.

The Vine Retreat in Cambodia

The Vine is a very peaceful place. The rooms are simple but elegant and the salt water swimming pool is relaxing. The location is stunning and immediately soothing. It has best accommodation, genuine food from their garden, great drinks with fresh fruits. You can have hours of blissful and insightful yoga per day, also you can ride bicycles around for free. It was the perfect combination of peace, people and peace.