10 Top Meditation Retreats

The location: A private, two-mile-long island just off the Isle of Arran, on Scotland's west coast. Meditation retreats take place at the north end of the island (at a modest enclave rather grandly called the Centre for World Peace and Health); walking paths lead along much of the rugged coastline and through the island's hilly, grassy interior.

The practice: Kagyu meditation is practiced here both by serious students of Tibetan Buddhism (the southern end of the island houses a dozen long-term residents, who live in isolated silence) and those who want to learn or deepen the practice. One of the most popular seminars on Holy Isle is "The ABC of Meditation," a beginning retreat led by visiting BBC actor-cum-Buddhist Alistair Appleton.

The accommodations: 65 beds are available at Holy Isle—some in basic single and double private rooms (with private washbasins but shared baths), some in dorm-style rooms. All are monastically furnished with plain bedsteads, dressers, and not much else.

Be mindful: Because of the island's delicate ecosystem (which includes centuries-old species such as Eriskay ponies, Saanen goats, and many indigenous plants), some areas shouldn't be explored on foot.

More information: Holy Isle

From the article 10 Top Meditation Retreats