Published 24th Jul. 2025
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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...
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.
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.
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.
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
Practical advice and inspiration for your next trip
You might let the rhythm lead the way on the dance floor, but how about giving it guidance over your travels, too? From jammin’ jaunts through the American South to orchestral odysseys in Germany, there are plenty of ways to tune in (sorry) to the melody on your next trip. And, in our expert opinion, there’s nothing like tangoing with the locals or belting your heart out in a traditional karaoke room to immerse yourself in another country’s culture.
20th May 2026 - Culture
One of the joys of travel is encountering new cultures and ideas. From ancient traditions to modern philosophies, the world is rich in beliefs with the power to expand our outlook. We’ve spun the globe and cherry-picked some of our favourites, from the conviction that every activity should involve a little fun, to the celebration of joint effort over individualistic action. Read on for our shortlist of life concepts around the world and prepare for a conceptual circumnavigation of the globe.
5th May 2026 - Culture
As Tom Holland (the esteemed historian, not Spiderman) so succinctly put it in the first edition of our magazine, Original Traveller, ‘Egypt is where tourism began’. And the next chapter in the history of tourism in Egypt is about to begin. We’re always looking for a reason to shout about this captivating country, and this November, we have the perfect excuse: the long-awaited opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM).
3rd November 2025 - Egypt Culture
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