Ballina and Byron Bay are more than just tourist destinations. They have been centres of spiritual practice and healing for many years, where you can participate in a variety of meditation retreats and courses. Here are 5 meditation retreats you may want to consider:
1. Insight Meditation
There is an Insight Meditation community in the Byron Bay area which holds many different retreats throughout the year. Insight teachers hold the intention to share the wise, compassionate and liberating teachings of the Buddha Dharma, and to provide teachings that offer to heal of the body, heart, and mind of the individual and wider community. The community’s classes and retreats are held at different venues around the area. Vipassana Meditation (peaceful abiding) is the main practice of the Insight tradition. Those new to meditation are welcome here—you’ll experience silent meditation and the dharma teachings in a welcoming, supportive environment. Visit their website for their schedule, teachers, and pricing.
2. Byron Wellbeing Retreats
Byron Wellbeing Retreats are held at 2/32 Redgum Place in Byron Bay, NSW 2481 (about 20-30 km from Ballina). They are designed to revitalise your spirit and refresh your mind. This centre offers both group retreat packages and individually personalised retreats, each three days long. The centre assists with a complete mind, body and soul transformation through daily massage, meditation, massage, reflexology, body scrubs, naturopathy, and organic vegetarian meals.
3. Mudita Institute and Health Clinic
The Mudita Institute and Health Clinic offer week-long retreats with teachings, rest, relaxation, healing Ayurvedic food, cooking demonstrations, daily meditation and yoga and therapeutic treatments and consultations. At this clinic you can learn how cook, eat and live in a way that supports a strong metabolism and immune system—you learn how food directly affects the mind as well as overall health. They also teach how to manage stress, anxiety, anger, and other difficult emotions through mindfulness. Expect to learn about digestion and metabolism, reducing toxins, improving tissue quality, increasing energy and strengthening the immune system. Meditation instruction, daily yoga, Ayurvedic Massage, practical dietary and lifestyle advice, daily talks on the mind and body, cooking workshops, and daily meditation make up the twice-yearly retreats. Their Sangsurya Retreat Centre on Old Bangalow Road features ocean views, palm trees, walking trails, and a freshwater swimming pool. Visit their website for more information (and note there is a $500 non-refundable deposit to book your spot).
4. Krishna Village
Krishna Village is located on an organic farm halfway between Byron Bay and the Gold Coast. The centre offers weekend, week, and even month-long retreats. This permanent eco yoga community provides continual classes for all guests, taught by a variety of teachers: yoga, yogic living (philosophy, meditation, Ayurveda, life coaching), and a variety of meditation styles. Yoga Nidra (guided meditation), Pranayama (breath meditation), Kirtan and Japa (mantra meditation) and silent meditation are all on offer. The food here is locally grown and the diet is vegetarian. Visit their website for more information.
5. Byron Bay Detox Retreats
Byron Bay Detox Retreats is focused on healing a number of health conditions through a detox diet and meditation. This Byron Bay centre offers group and individual retreats; it was founded by a naturopath with more than twenty years of experience. Byron Bay Detox Retreats incorporates meditation into its detox programs to decrease stress and its associated conditions (poor digestion, inflammation, musculoskeletal problems, high blood pressure, adrenal burnout, anxiety, depression and mineral deficiencies). Visit their website for more on Byron Bay Detox.
Want to experience a luxury beach holiday?
Ocean Blue holiday rental is only a 5-minute walk from the beach and has gorgeous river and coastal views. Located just a short drive from Ballina Airport and 30 minutes from Byron Bay, this is the perfect location for your next beach holiday. Visit our contact page to make an inquiry or booking.
