5 Day Silent Meditation Retreat in the Stunning Nature of Valencia Province, Spain
Wellness Retreat in Spain
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The silent meditation retreat offers a unique experience of the power of silence. Step away from the rush of busy daily life and rest in the silence of Spanish nature! Surrounded by olive yards, pine trees, and great views, this place invites you to slow down and be present. By choosing not to speak for a few days you will connect deeply to your true self. The morning yoga, the (guided) meditation,s and Buddhist Dharma talks will all help you to become more present and aware. Connect deeply through meditation.
Meet the instructors
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Highlights
- Start the day with gentle yoga
- Go deep into guided and silent meditation
- Meditations are focused on Vipassana and Samadhi
- Live in nature, experience the power of nature and silence
- Enjoy delicious vegetarian meals with veggies from the eco gardens
- 4 nights accommodation in a luxurious retreat venue in the mountains
- Free pick up / drop off from nearby train station
- Additional visit to a stunning waterfall
Skill level
- Beginner
- Intermediate
- Advanced
Alicante–Elche Airport (US$ 175 per person)
Valencia Airport (US$ 146 per person)
Accommodation
Facilities
- Swimming pool (outdoor)
- Garden
- Lounge
Casas Benali was founded in the 1300s by the Arab invaders of Spain. It once was an important settlement on one of the long-distance mountain routes. The old houses have beautifully been restored and offer a unique blend of a rustic, historic feel while offering the comfortability of modern times.
There are stylish living rooms available and the outdoors are just amazing with several lounge areas, hammocks, a swimming pool, and nature as far as the eye can see. It’s delightful to spend time outside and fully enjoy the sunny Spanish climate.
You will sleep in a comfortable single bed in a shared en-suite room (max 4 participants).
Meditation hall
Some of the old rooms of Benali have recently been transformed into a gorgeous practice space. This is where you will start your days with a gentle yoga session and do most of the meditations. The atmosphere just breathes peace and quiet and will support you in your practice. All materials such as yoga mats, meditation cushions, and blankets are provided.
Program
into the silence of the Spanish mountains
Nature
The silent retreat is organized at Casas Benali, a stunning retreat venue with 68 hectares of land located in the mountains in the province of Valencia. There is nature as far as the eye can see. There is no traffic, no internet, no street lighting. You can see the stars and smell the wild thyme, and depending on when you come, you can pick an orange, fig, or pomegranate from the trees.
Silence
Surrounded by pine forest, silence, and spectacular views, the environment invites you to slow down and come to rest. By abstaining from speaking and spending time in full silence for a few days, you offer yourself a powerful opportunity to experience calm and meditative insight. You will connect with yourself and life on a deeper level.
Healing
Retreating yourself in nature allows your entire being to calm down, opening up to your inner wisdom. Your heart, mind, and soul will come to rest and from that place the right questions can be asked and answers can flow more easily. You can let go of worries and loops of thinking that bring you nowhere.
Experience the power of silence
The silent retreat offers a unique experience of the power of silence. The retreat program is skillfully crafted and guided supporting you to quiet the mind and letting go of stress, worries, and unuseful loops of thinking. Leaving out the spoken word will help you to experience life more openly and directly. The morning yoga, the (guided) meditations, and the Buddhist Dharma talks will all help you to become more present and aware.
Meditations will be focused on cultivating two fundamental aspects of Buddhist meditation; Vipassana, awareness and insight, and Samadhi, calming of the mind.
During meditation we are aware of the experience of the here and now, knowing that we do not need to judge or strive for anything. We observe how sensations, thoughts, emotions, and moods are constantly changing. Deep insight into yourself and life brings peace, harmony, and joy. Your retreat experience will help you to apply mindfulness in your day-to-day life. With a calm and clear mind you will be able to respond to lifes challenges more wisely and healthily.
Program
The day starts at 08:00 with yoga, followed by a delicious, healthy breakfast. In the mornings, silent and guided meditations are held on the following themes: body and breath, senses, the four elements, feelings and thoughts, and metta (loving-kindness).
In the afternoon, an inspiring lecture is given to support the process of silence. The rest of the day is spent meditating in silence in one of four positions: sitting, standing, walking, and lying down. Meditation takes place inside the meditation hall or outside in nature.
During breaks, there is time for rest, walking, swimming, reflective writing, and enjoying the sunny surroundings.
It will also be possible to book a relaxing Ayurvedic massage or a sound healing session.
Silent walking and meditative dance
On the third day, you will go on a yatra, a silent walk through beautiful nature. Walking in silence brings a deep connection with your inner landscape and the landscape around you. The rhythm of walking calmly soothes the body and mind. One evening, you will dance to meditative music, and on the last day, we will break the silence by singing mantras and holding a sharing circle.
For who is this retreat
Do you feel stuck in life? Do you face questions or situations that you don’t know how to answer? Are you in a time to make changes? Or are you just a bit overwhelmed by the high pace of society and do you need a break?
Retreating yourself in nature allows your entire being to calm down, opening up to your inner wisdom. Your heart, mind, and soul will come to rest and from that place the right questions can be asked and answers can flow more easily. You can let go of worries and loops of thinking that bring you nowhere.
Coming to a silent retreat is an act of self-love, carving out time and dedicating it to you and your wellbeing is a very powerful thing to do.
The silent retreat is open to both experienced and beginner practitioners of yoga and meditation. The only requirement is that you are motivated to spend the days in complete silence, want to meditate a lot, and are willing to delve into your process. The retreat is guided in English.
Silent Retreat
The retreat begins at 14:00 on the first day with a group lunch, followed by time to get to know each other and settle in. Around 16:00, participants gather in the meditation hall for an explanation of the retreat. Once everyone understands the details, silence begins with the first meditation session. On the last evening, silence is broken with a sharing circle. The retreat concludes at 12:00 on the final day, with transportation provided back to the station in Xativa for trains departing from 12:45 onwards.
Included excursions
- A silent walk through the beautiful mountain forest surrounding Casas Benali.
Instructors
Ellen van Iersel
Ellen van Iersel has been practicing in the Buddhist tradition for over 20 years and sat many silent Vipassana retreats and joined various yatras, or silent meditative walks, often in the sanga of Christopher Titmuss, one of her most inspiring teachers. Six years ago she completed the teacher training to share the MBSR (mindfulness based stress reduction) training developed by Jon Kabat Zinn. Sharing this training gave her a deeper understanding of the working of the mind and the challenges that lie in the high speed, goal oriented society.
Location
The retreat is organized at Casas Benali, a stunning retreat venue with 68 hectares of land located in the mountains in the province of Valencia. There is nature as far as the eye can see. There is no traffic, no internet, no street lighting. You can see the stars and smell the wild thyme, and depending on when you come, you can pick an orange, fi,g, or pomegranate from the trees.
Food
The professional chefs of Benali are known for their tasty, healthy, and inspiring vegetarian/vegan dishes made with locally sourced organic ingredients. Eating them in silence will allow you even more to enjoy them with all your senses!
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Snacks
- Drinks
The following drinks are included:
- Water
- Tea
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten Free
- Organic
- Other dietary requirements on request
Things to do (optional)
Swim under a waterfall
After ending the program you can either be taken to the train station directly or you can add a visit to an impressive waterfall to your retreat. You leave Benali by car, driving to the village where you will make a short hike in silence to reach the waterfall. You will have a picnic lunch and it is possible to swim and shower under the powerful, refreshing water. It is just a great way to get ready for the next chapter in your life.
The additional costs are 50 EUR including lunch. After this adventure, they will drive you to the train station where you can take a train from 15:30.
Additional services
It will also be possible to book a relaxing Ayurvedic massage or a sound healing session.
What's included
- Morning yoga classes
- Silent and guided meditations
- Silent walk
- Evening program
- Unlimited star gazing
- Pick up from and drop off at Xativa train station
- 4 nights in an ensuite room
- All meals
What's not included
- Flights
- Airport transfers
- Optional additional visit to the waterfall on last day
- Massage or sound healing sessions
- Personal expenses
How to get there
Recommended Airports
Alicante–Elche Airport
83 km
Transfer available for additional US$ 175 per person
Valencia Airport
61 km
Transfer available for additional US$ 146 per person
Arrival by car
If you are driving, please let the organizer know and directions will be provided.
Arrival by airplane
Please book your flights to arrive at Valencia Airport (VLC) or Alicante–Elche Airport (ALC). For an additional fee, the organizers can arrange a taxi service from the airport for you.
From the Valencia Airport (VLC), you can travel by metro and train to Xativa city, which will take around 2 hours, depending on your luggage, etc.
From Alicante–Elche Airport (ALC), you can take a train from there to Xativa, which will take around 3 hours Please check train times before you book as they go less frequently than the ones from Valencia and take longer.
You will want to schedule your return flight on the final day, any time after 2:00 pm from Valencia, and the organizer will make sure you are there on time. Do not book your flight earlier than this time as it will cause transportation issues in getting you back for your flight.
Arrival by train
Live Mindfully provides a free pick-up service from Xativa train station on the first day at 1:00 PM. You will be picked up and brought to Casas Benali from there.
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 25% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid on arrival.
For this organizer you can guarantee your booking through Tripaneer.com. All major credit cards supported.