Silent Stay Retreats offers a transformative experience of inner peace through silent meditation. Nestled in the beautiful hills of Santa Barbara, California, it provides a serene and nurturing environment for individuals seeking to reconnect with themselves. The retreat runs multiple times a year, including the dates of 25 to 28 February, and beyond. Guests enjoy daily meditation, gentle yoga, and nourishing high-quality meals. It’s a perfect opportunity to escape the busyness of life and find stillness.
History of the Silent Stay Retreats
Silent Stay Retreats was founded to create a space for people to disconnect from daily distractions and immerse themselves in deep self-reflection. Over the years, the retreat has evolved into a peaceful sanctuary, offering a range of meditation practices rooted in mindfulness and compassion. Located inside a former Jesuit monastery in the stunning landscape of Santa Barbara, the retreat draws visitors from around the world, seeking personal transformation and growth. Whether you’re new to meditation or a seasoned practitioner, Silent Stay welcomes all with open arms.
What to Expect at the Silent Stay Retreats
At Silent Stay Retreats, you can expect a deeply transformative experience focused on silence, meditation and mindfulness. The retreat includes daily guided meditations, silent walks in nature, yoga sessions, and ample time for self-reflection. During your stay, you’ll be invited to disconnect from distractions such as phones and conversations, which allows you to deepen your connection with your inner self.
The retreat’s environment is tranquil and supportive, encouraging a profound sense of peace and relaxation. Silent Stay Retreats places an emphasis on simplicity, offering a safe space for individuals to reset their mental and emotional wellbeing. Guests can take part in a variety of meditation practices, including guided mindfulness and heartfulness meditation, aimed at helping you foster greater clarity and awareness.
Special Foods at Silent Stay Retreats
The food served at a Silent Stay Retreat is delicious and prepared with fresh, local ingredients. The meals are designed to nourish your body and mind, supporting the detoxifying and meditative processes during your stay. Expect wholesome meals like vegetable curries, nourishing soups, fresh salads, and energising smoothies, all crafted to promote clarity and a sense of balance.
Where Does the Silent Stay Retreat Take Place?
Silent Stay Meditation & Retreat Center is situated in the scenic hills of Santa Barbara, California, offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding mountains. Silent Stay Retreat Center is located in a private, secluded area, ensuring a serene atmosphere ideal for meditation and self-discovery.
Silents Stay Retreats Dates
The California retreats are from 25 to 28 February, 4-7 April, 13-16 June and 16-18 July.
Registration & Fees
To register for a stay at Silent Stay Meditation and Retreat Center, you can visit their website (see below), where you can select your preferred dates and complete the booking process. Fees vary depending on the duration of your retreat (starting at $1,100 for three days / two nights), but it is an all-inclusive experience that includes accommodation, meals, meditation instruction, and all activities during your stay.
Things to Do in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, often referred to as the “American Riviera”, is a charming coastal city offering a blend of natural beauty and cultural attractions. Visitors can explore the stunning beaches like East Beach and Butterfly Beach at Montecito, or visit the renowned Santa Barbara Mission (built in 1786). For wine enthusiasts, the nearby Santa Ynez Valley offers exceptional wine-tasting opportunities. Santa Barbara is also home to beautiful parks, hiking trails, and art galleries, making it the perfect destination for relaxation and outdoor exploration.
Similar Wellness Retreats
For those interested in similar wellness experiences around the world, there are several renowned meditation and retreat resorts to consider. In Bali, the Yoga Barn offers yoga, meditation, and holistic healing in the heart of Ubud’s lush jungle. The Art of Living Retreat Centre in North Carolina provides immersive wellness programmes, including silent retreats and wellness therapies. For a more luxury-focused experience, Canyon Ranch in Tucson, Arizona, is known for its wellness services, including spa treatments, fitness programmes, and meditation.
Flights and Getting to Santa Barbara
From London
The most direct route to Santa Barbara from London is to fly into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), which offers direct flights lasting about 11 hours with Finnair, Virgin Atlantic and Delta.
From New York
Direct flights with Spirit, American or jetBlue from New York to LAX take about six hours.
From Miami
From Miami International Airport, the most direct route to Santa Barbara is an American Airlines flight to Los Angeles, which takes about six hours.
Local Transport to Silent Stay Retreats
From the nearest airport, Los Angeles International (LAX), you can take a rental car or shuttle service directly to Silent Stay Meditation & Retreat Center, which is approximately 90 minutes by car from the airport.
Santa Barbara Time
Santa Barbara is 8 hours behind London and 3 hours behind New York.
More Information
Official website of the Silent Stay Meditation & Retreat Center: Silent Stay Retreats Website
Official website for tourism in Santa Barbara: Visit Santa Barbara