Everyday life can be chaotic. Our favourite antidote? Escaping to one of the silent and sacred corners of the world. Whether hiking mystical mountains or observing ancient rituals, spiritual holidays offer a chance to reconnect and slow down. From the cloud-kissing monasteries of Meteora to the heart of Mexico’s Maya culture, read on to discover our favourite spiritual escapes around the world...
Meteora monasteries, Greece
Best for: Orthodox Christian heritage and incredible views.
Swap Greece’s sunny shores for a spiritual holiday in the heart of the country. On the edge of the Pindus Mountains, curious travellers will find towering sandstone pillars with monasteries perched atop. These striking structures were built by Medieval monks seeking solitude, and their name – Meteora – meaning ‘suspended in the air’, is a fitting tribute to their knee-wobbling positions.
The six monasteries – the Holy Monasteries of Great Meteoron, Varlaam, Rousanou, St. Nicholas Anapafsas, St. Stephen and Holy Trinity – hold profound spiritual significance within the Eastern Orthodox Christian tradition, and have been (quite rightfully) designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Image by Panos / Fotalia.
Himalayas, India
Best for: yoga, temples and mountain peace.
Venture into the foothills of the Indian Himalayas for a deeply sacred escape. In Dharamshala, the Dalai Lama's exile home, visit Buddhist monasteries, listen to monks' rhythmic chants and hike through forests and rice fields to the Gallu Devi Temple.
Another spiritual hotspot in the Himalayas is Rishikesh, a city renowned for its yoga and meditation. Settle into stretching sessions in ashrams (monastic communities) overlooking the river, or take part in traditional Hindu rituals, aarti ceremonies, around a fire at dusk.
Image by Divyanshu Thapa / Pexels.
Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico
Best for: ancient ruins and sacred cenotes.
Explore the mystical heart of the ancient Maya world in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. The region is dotted with archaeological wonders galore, from the towering pyramids of Chichen Itza to the jungle-clad ruins of Ek Balam and Calakmul.
Want to dive deeper? Take a plunge into one of the crystal-clear cenotes scattered across the Yucatan Peninsula. Once considered by the Maya to be gateways to the underworld, these freshwater sinkholes may not lead to another realm, but gliding across their sunlit surfaces will add a touch of magic to your spiritual holiday.
Image by Adriana Zehbrauskas.
Nairobi and Laikipia, Kenya
Best for: reconnecting with wildlife.
Reconnect with nature in Kenya for a different spin on a spiritual holiday. At the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage in Nairobi, meet adorable rescued calves cared for by conservationists. Further north in Laikipia, enjoy safaris across vast landscapes and spend time with members of the local Maasai communities – experiences that’ll deepen your respect for the natural world and Kenya’s cultural heritage.
Image by Adobe.
Written by Evie Buller | Header Image by
