Insight Meditation Society
Barre, Massachusetts

The location: The IMS's 200-acre property—some of it rural, most of it wooded—surrounds a grand old mansion in central Massachusetts. The main "campus" includes dining and lodging facilities; there's also a separate Forest Refuge, set a few miles deeper into the countryside, for long-term retreats.

The practice: The Indian Buddhist traditions of vipassana (insight) and metta (loving kindness) form the backbone of daily life at IMS retreats; in practice, this involves a combination of seated and walking meditation—all of it in silence.

The accommodations: At the main retreat center, 79 sparely furnished single and small double rooms are available to guests. Rooms all have twin beds, chairs, pillows and blankets (lodgers bring their own sheets and towels), and thermostats for temperature control. Shared dorm-style bathrooms are on each floor; men and women do not share rooms and are usually assigned to separate floors.

Be mindful of: Since silent meditation can lead to heightened sensory awareness, the use of perfume, incense, scented products (and, of course, tobacco) is strongly discouraged.

More information: Insight Meditation Society