2024 4 Day Silent Meditation Retreat in Snowdonia National Park, Wales
- Snowdonia (Wales)
4 Days of Inner and Outer Silence to Soothe the Body and Relax the Mind
Fri 5th July – Mon 8th July Fully booked
Mon 30th September – Thu 3rd October Last few places
See 2025 date here Available
About the retreat
Join us for a 4-day silent Buddhist meditation retreat in the breathtaking setting of the Snowdonia National Park.
During this silent shamatha meditation retreat, led by Buddhist meditation teacher, David Oromith, and accredited yoga teacher, Manu Oromith, we will explore methods for cultivating tranquillity (shamatha) through body, breath and mind.
During the sessions with David, we will explore the practice and theory of shamatha meditation. Through shamatha meditation, we train our attention skills and improve our focus and concentration. These practices allow us to unwind, let go of stress and worry, and cultivate mental and emotional balance.
The ultimate purpose of shamatha meditation is to achieve advanced states of samadhi, or meditative concentration, where one is able to focus unwavering attention on a single object. The Buddha strongly emphasised the importance of achieving shamatha in order to achieve personal liberation. Shamatha is, therefore, an indispensable practice for those seeking awakening.
Sessions with Manu will complement our practice, as Manu shares gentle asanas from the yogic traditions which deepen our tranquillity and enhance our connection with the body. The soothing and healing yoga sessions also help to improve physical flexibility, strength and resistance.
"I cannot recommend Samadhi highly enough. I participated in a 4 day silent retreat that took place at the Trigonos center in Wales and I am so glad that I did.
First off, the setting and the attention to detail (vegan food, accommodations, welcome gifts, and supporting material like handbooks) made the environment just right.
Then, David...ah, David. He's a wonderful instructor who took us on a multi-day meditative journey deeper into our minds, helping us understand ourselves in new ways that were revealing and empowering.
I told a few people that the silence was challenge, but it was the meditation that was the tough part. Not because it wasn't enjoyable...it was, but because I felt like I spent all of that time with a personal mental trainer who gave me an amazing workout and showing me how to keep myself in better shape.
And Manu's yoga was a powerful way to start and end each day. It was just the right amount, particularly for someone who is not a regular practitioner.
I so enjoyed the other attendees. After all, they are a self-selecting group of people on a similar path, but what was particularly powerful was how we formed bonds with each other over 3 days without actually speaking with each other.
Whether you do a silent retreat or a non-silent one, don't hesitate. Sign up with Samadhi. You can thank me later."
Jeremy Epstein
About Silent Retreat
Deepening tranquillity & insight through silence
In our world, we are surrounded by noise, external and internal, which drowns out our peace of mind and inner wisdom and compassion. Silent retreats are a wonderful way of deepening our practice, cultivating inner stillness and discovering insight.
Periods of extended silence can be a liberating experience, allowing us to get to know our minds at a deeper level. Through letting go of the familiar world of words we give ourselves space from the complexities of social interactions and can come to see our mind and its activity more clearly.
How does it work?
During our retreat, from dinner on the first day up until lunch on the last day, attendees are asked to maintain complete silence, including non-verbal communication. This means you will have time to get to know the rest of the group on the first day, and reflect and discuss with each other on the last.
Spending four days in silence with others is not without its challenges – it can feel unusual and awkward at first, and there may be periods where we feel uncomfortable being alone with our mind. However, attendees often find that being together in this way allows them to explore a degree of solitude while having the safety, connection and support of likeminded people. You will be supported during your inner exploration by each other and by your group leaders who will be around to help you.
Prerequisites for silent meditation retreat
This retreat is primarily for those who feel ready for silent retreat. We recommend that attendees have prior experience of meditation retreat or an established meditation practice. If you're unsure if this is you but you're keen to come along, please get in touch with us at [email protected] or by using the messenger button in the corner.
About The Venue
Tranquil retreat centre in Snowdonia
Set in the Nantlle Valley in the Snowdonia National Park, Trigonos Retreat Centre offers a warm welcome, breathtaking views, comfortable rooms and spacious grounds. With 18 acres of pure tranquillity, gardens, meadows, woodland and streams, and an awe-inspiring lake bordering the entire property, this Centre is the ideal setting for a silent retreat of relaxation, reflection and renewal. Read more about the Grounds.
Accommodation
Clean, bright and comfortable rooms
Every room is bright and spacious, and with varying views – the main house overlooks the lake, mountains and gardens, and other buildings have views of the courtyard, gardens and orchard, all of which comes to life in the summer months.
All bedrooms come equipped with tea and coffee making facilities, towels, and complimentary shower gel. There are single, double and twin rooms available, some of which are en-suite and some non-ensuite. All are comfortable, uncluttered and simply furnished.
Catering
Vegan & delicious!
The retreat is fully catered with fresh and enticing plant-based delicacies. Meals consist of continental breakfasts, fresh buffet-style lunches, and buffet-style evening meals followed by dessert, biscuits, fresh fruit, teas and coffee. There will also be mid-morning and afternoon tea, coffee and homemade treats.
The chefs are skilled at creating tasty dishes that are freshly cooked and nutritious. The emphasis is on fresh and seasonal produce, using home-grown whenever this is possible.
In season, the Centre grows a variety of vegetables, fruits and salad for the table. Their produce is grown to Organic and Biodynamic principals and without the use of herbicides, insecticides or artificial fertilisers.
The Grounds
A unique atmosphere of peace and tranquillity
Our retreat takes place in a tranquil 18-acre estate set in a Snowdonia valley, bordering a lake on one side within a superb mountain landscape that looks up to the west face of Snowdon. Gardens, meadows, woodland and streams, orchards and vegetable patches take up most of the 18 acres.
There is so much space to simply wander or sit and contemplate, with the far-reaching views and the tranquillity of the meandering river and lake enhancing our inner stillness and reflection, perfect for a silent retreat.
What's included
Everything you need for a unique experience
- Tea, coffee and refreshments on arrival
- Three nights accommodation
- Continental breakfast with a wide selection of items to choose from
- Mid-morning tea, coffee and homemade treats
- Seasonal homemade lunches followed by fresh fruit, teas and fresh coffee
- Afternoon tea, coffee and homemade treats
- Dinner with substantial main course, followed by dessert, biscuits, fresh fruit, teas and coffee
- Complimentary car parking for the duration of your stay
- Relaxing and restoring yoga sessions every morning
- Yoga sessions in the afternoon
- Workshops with international meditation guide and retreat leader, David Oromith
- Relaxing guided meditations – which are easy to follow and can be practiced at home
- Dharma talks – exploring the theory and practice of shamatha and Buddhist psychology
- Full days of Noble Silence
- Opportunities to discuss with others and ask questions
- 18 acres of beautiful grounds to explore and enjoy
- Local countryside walks and places of interest nearby
Reviews
Hear from our previous attendees
Meet the Hosts
Reserve your place today
Dorje Gyalpo 'David' Oromith
International Buddhist Meditation Teacher & Retreat Leader
David will lead this retreat, run the workshops and guided meditations, and be on hand as a mentor to support you.
David is an experienced Buddhist contemplative and meditation guide who has studied and taught internationally for several years. He is the Co-Founder of Samadhi and a qualified mindfulness teacher, and an active member of the Association for Spiritual Integrity. His teaching style is clear and practical, and his warm and humorous approach makes him a popular mindfulness teacher.
Manu Oromith
Accredited Yoga Teacher & Retreat Leader
Manu is our retreat co-ordinator and accredited yoga teacher. He will guide our morning vinyasa yoga sessions and, alongside our venue hosts, will be around to assist you during your retreat and make sure you have a wonderful experience.
He is the Co-Founder of Samadhi and a Mental Health First Aider. Manu’s laid-back approach and kind heart has a warming and inspiring impact on our retreatants and he is much loved by all.
Details & Schedule
What to expect
Pricing >
Getting There >
Schedule >
Cancellation Policy >
Mental Health & Wellbeing >
Pricing >
Availability 2024
Monday 29th April – Thursday 2nd May – Fully Booked
Friday 5th July – Monday 8th July – Fully Booked
Monday 30th September – Thursday 3rd October – Limited places available
See 2025 date here
Pricing & Rooms
**Early bookings get £100 off**
Private Single Room (Ensuite) – £825 £725
Private Single Room (Shared W/C & Showers) – £785 £685
Breakdown of where your money goes:
Total Fee: £725
Food & Accommodation (3 nights/4 days): £525
Course fee (4-day course): £200 – this covers the costs of running the event, and any surplus supports our activities and fundraising for our own Retreat Centre.
BOOK NOW, PAY LATER – Book with a £100 deposit, with the rest due 4 weeks before the retreat.
This retreat is all-inclusive, and includes everything listed here.
There are limited bursaries available, we invite you to find out more here. If you’re purchasing a gift, you can choose to buy a gift voucher which your recipient can use on a retreat of their choosing.
Getting There >
Getting to the Retreat Centre
Trigonos is easily found on Google Maps. It is situated in the village of Nantlle on the B4418, between Penygroes and Rhyd Ddu. Caernarfon is the nearest town and Bangor the nearest mainline railway station (West Coast mainline)
By Road
We offer some routes for travelling by road because experience of using satnavs is very varied. Often the satnav takes you on a longer and slower route than is necessary and on roads that can be clogged in high summer and difficult in the midst of winter.
From the North
Take the A55 toward Bangor/Holyhead. Ignore the first junction signposted to Bangor and leave at the following junction, signposted Caernarfon & Bangor. Follow signs for A487 to Caernarfon and then Porthmadog. About 5 miles beyond Caernarfon, at a roundabout, take the first exit, signposted Penygroes. In Penygroes, turn left just after the traffic lights at the crossroads, signposted to Nantlle. After 150 yards turn right at the T junction and continue for 1.5 miles. At the next T junction turn right to Nantlle/Beddgelert and carry on for 2 miles into the village of Nantlle. The entrance to Trigonos is on the right and well signposted.
From South & Mid-Wales
Follow the A470 through Dolgellau and then the A487 towards Caernarfon. About 5 miles before Caernarfon take the third exit at a roundabout, signposted Penygroes. After 200 yards, at the next roundabout, take the first exit. After quarter of a mile turn right at the crossroads just before a set of pedestrian lights (signposted to Nantlle). Continue as above.
From the Midlands and South of England
There are many possible routes, some more scenic than others.
M54 on to the A5. Follow to Bangor, then join the North route (A487 to Caernrafon) above
M54 on to A5 up to Capel Curig. Left onto A4086 / A498 to Beddgelert. Then A4085 to Rhyd Ddu and left onto the B4418 to Nantlle. Drive through the first part of Nantlle and after 200 yards of open land, turn left into the Trigonos driveway. Please note that this is a scenic but high level route and may be difficult in poor conditions.
By Public Transport
For general information about travelling by public transport in Wales phone 0871 200 22 33 or see Traveline Wales.
Rail:
Nearest mainline stations are Bangor (West Coast mainline) or if travelling from mid-Wales, Porthmadog. Information from National Rail enquiries on 08457 48 49 50 or www.nationalrail.co.uk From Bangor buses or a taxi to Trigonos (see below).
Coach:
National Express coaches stop in Caernarfon from where you can get a taxi or local bus (see next section).
Bus:
Unfortunately there is no longer a direct bus from Bangor to Nantlle, but there are buses from Bangor to Caernarfon. The 1N from Caernarfon serves Nantlle and connects with other buses running from Bangor, Caernarfon and Porthmadog. N.B. The 1A and 1C have different destinations. The 1A will take you as far as Penygroes before diverting and the 1c to Talysarn, about 2 miles from Nantlle. The bus stop in Nantlle is only a few steps from Trigonos.
For your return journey the 5A bus will take you back to Bangor station from Nantlle, but there is just one early morning bus.
The Gwynedd Council website has all the bus timetables.
There is also the T2 bus from Bangor-Aberystwyth which stops at Penygroes (2 miles from Trigonos, see taxi information below)
Bike:
Trigonos is an easy 3 mile cycle ride from route 8 (Lôn Eifion) on the Sustrans cycle network. This runs from Cardiff to Holyhead and is used to cycle from Bangor (nearest train station 19 miles) to Penygroes where you can join the B4418 to Nantlle
Air:
Nearest international airports – Manchester & Liverpool (2 hours driving or train connections).
Taxis:
We recommend booking in advance with Ivan’s Taxis (01286 881 590) [email protected].
For taxis to & from Bangor train station and major airports they have an agreement with Trigonos to collect and deliver our guests at fixed rates.
To or from Bangor Station:
– Car or Minibus with 1 passenger £31
– Car or Minibus with 2 or 3 passengers £35
– Minibus with 4 or more passengers £45.
This service is not available from taxis at the station taxi rank. They may charge significantly more.
Ivan’s Taxis will pick you up from the front of the station (adjacent to platform 1) or the rear carpark (adjacent to platform 2) depending on your arrival platform. They cannot collect you from the usual taxi rank adjoining Platform 1. Please check pick-up location when you book with Ivan’s Taxis.
To or from Manchester or Liverpool Airports:
– Car or Minibus with 1, 2 or 3 passengers £105
– Minibus with 4 or more passengers £125
Ivan’s Taxis can cater for wheelchairs and mobility scooters. Please advise them at the time of booking
Address & Postcode:
Trigonos, Plas Baladeulyn
Nantlle, Caernarfon
Wales, LL54 6BW
Schedule >
Typical Schedule
DAY ONE
4.00pm – Check-in & arrival
5.45pm – Introduction & Orientation (with Manu & David)
7:00pm – Dinner in the Dining Room
Silence begins after dinner
8:30pm-9:00pm – Evening Guided Meditation (with David)
DAY TWO
Wake up – Personal Practice
7:00am-8:00am – Group Meditation (Unguided)
8:00am-8:30am – Morning Vinyasa Yoga (with Manu)
8:30am – Breakfast
9:30am-11:00am – Session 1 – Meditation & Teachings (with David)
11:00am – Mid-Morning Tea/Coffee & Snack
11:45am-1:00pm – Session 2 – Meditation & Teachings (with David)
1:00pm – Lunch
1:30pm – Rest & Personal Practice
3:00pm-4:00pm – Group Meditation in the Hall (Unguided)
4:00pm – Afternoon tea
5:00pm-6:15pm – Session 3 – Meditation & Teachings (with David)
7:00pm – Evening Meal
8:30pm – Evening Vinyasa Yoga (with Manu)
DAY THREE
Wake up – Personal Practice
7:00am-8:00am – Group Meditation in the Hall (Unguided)
8:00am-8:30am – Morning Vinyasa Yoga (with Manu)
8:30am – Breakfast
9:30am-11:00am – Session 4 – Meditation & Teachings (with David)
11:00am – Mid-Morning Tea/Coffee & Snack
11:45am-1:00pm Session 5 – Meditation & Teachings (with David)
1:00pm – Lunch
1:30pm – Rest & Personal Practice
3:00pm-4:00pm – Afternoon Vinyasa Yoga (with Manu)
4:00pm Afternoon tea
5:00pm-6:15pm – Session 6 – Meditation, Teachings & Q&A (with David)
7:00pm – Evening meal
8:30pm-9:00pm – Evening Guided Meditation (with David)
DAY FOUR
Wake up – Personal Practice
7:00am-8:00am – Group Meditation in the Hall (Unguided)
8:00am-8:30am – Morning Vinyasa Yoga (with Manu)
8:30am – Breakfast
9:30am-11:00am – Session 7 – Meditation & Teachings (with David)
Silence is broken
11:00am – Mid-Morning Tea/Coffee & Snack
11:45am-1:00pm – Session 8 – Meditation, Teachings & Q&A (with David)
1:00pm – Lunch
2:00pm – Departure
Arrival on Monday is from 4pm and the retreat will begin at 5.45pm with a welcome session and guided meditation and dinner will be at 7.00pm. You are free to go home after lunch on Thursday, at approximately 2pm. You will be provided with a schedule on arrival.
During your rest time between sessions, you can relax, rest, or take a walk as you wish. Please endeavour to maintain inner and outer silence, free of distractions in your rest time.
Cancellation Policy >
Cancellation
By booking you agree to our cancellation policy and the booking terms and conditions.
Our cancellation and refund policy for overnight retreats is as follows:
- Cancellation 6 weeks or more before the event: full refund minus a 10% admin and payment processing fee
- Cancellation less than 6 weeks before the event: deposit non-refundable (unless your place is booked by someone else, in which case a refund of your deposit minus a 10% admin and payment processing fee)
- Cancellation less than 4 weeks before the event: no refund (unless your place is booked by someone else, in which case a refund of any amount paid minus the deposit)
Full payments are due 4 weeks before the start of the retreat.
Due to the cancellation policies of our third-party venues, we are still required to pay the full amount for your accommodation and meals even if you cancel last minute. We also may be unable to fill your space at such short notice. We can therefore not offer a refund under these circumstances. This is why we strongly recommend adequate travel insurance, including cancellation insurance, to protect yourself against medical or other unforeseen emergencies that prevent you from attending.
Our Booking Swap policy (moving your booking to a future date) for overnight retreats is as follows:
- Request 6 weeks or more before the event: booking can be moved to a future date without problem
- Request less than 6 weeks before the event: we can move your booking only if your place is booked by someone else. If your place cannot be filled, the above cancellation and refund policy applies from the date which you notified us.
Mental Health & Wellbeing >
Mental Health & Wellbeing
Please read our health and safety information carefully.
While meditation, yoga and Buddhist psychology have been proven to be beneficial for mental health and wellbeing, our events are not presented as a treatment for serious mental health problems or addiction. Exploring the realm of the mind and emotions can be in itself an emotional experience and we always strive to create a safe, supportive environment for participants to embark on this exploration. However, for certain individuals experiencing psychological or emotional difficulties, this event may not be appropriate at this time. This is especially true when it comes to silent retreat, and attendees must feel mentally well in order to attend. Read more.
Before booking, please read our full terms and conditions and contact us via [email protected] if you have any doubts.
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When booking with us you are accepting our retreats terms and conditions.
FAQ's
Everything you need to know
Meditation & Buddhism with David
This retreat is primarily for those who feel ready for silent retreat. We recommend that attendees have prior experience of meditation retreat or an established meditation practice. If you’re unsure if this is you but you’re keen to come along, please get in touch with us at [email protected] or by using the messenger button in the corner.
Some understanding or experience of Buddhism can be helpful, but this is not required.
Yoga sessions with Manu
No experience required. Before the event, you will be asked to fill out a form related to your yoga ability and health and safety. The classes will be adapted to the group depending on the overall level.
Yes, the chef does cater for a wide variety of dietary requirements. Please ensure you have submitted your dietary information to us at the time of booking to make sure that our chef caters accordingly. If a diet is extremely specialised, then there may be a supplementary charge.
For the meditation and workshop sessions, you just need to wear something comfortable. If, weather permitting, the yoga sessions are held outside, you can take your yoga mat from the hall with you to the outside space. For the yoga sessions, wear some comfortable clothes in which you can move freely. You are welcome to bring any additional cushions, mats or blankets if you wish.
At this venue, the group size will be between 19 and 25.
You can find out more about meditation retreat etiquette here.
We take the mental health and wellbeing of all our participants seriously.
While meditation, yoga and Buddhist psychology have been proven to be beneficial for mental health and wellbeing, our events are not presented as a treatment for serious mental health problems or addiction.
Meditation is not harmful in that it does not create any mental issues or emotional challenges, but as we relax into stillness and venture towards mental balance, we may bring awareness to afflictions we were not aware of before. In this way, exploring the realm of the mind and emotions can be in itself an emotional experience. We always strive to create a safe, supportive environment for participants to embark on this exploration.
Our events may be less suitable for individuals who are currently (or recently) under treatment for a serious psychological condition. Difficult life circumstances such as a recent loss of a loved one can also be a difficult emotional time for many people and if you are going through such a challenging time, the practices of this event may feel too demanding at this time. When you are in a heightened state, meditation can be challenging. This is especially true of silent retreat. This is because it can be just too difficult to concentrate and thoughts and feelings can quickly start to feel overwhelming. This very much depends on where you are at in your journey, your current psychological health and the support networks that you have around you, such as friends, family and mental health professionals.
If you are currently taking medication for a mental health condition, then we recommend that you do not change your medication, other than in close collaboration with your medication prescriber.
If any of these circumstances apply to you, then we recommend that if you have concerns or feel we should be aware of something, and you have not done so already, please contact the group leader to discuss your situation and the support networks you have in place and to explore how best to proceed. If you felt safe enough to attend but experience difficulties during the event, please speak to the group leader personally between sessions to discuss whether this is right for you at this time.
Please contact David via [email protected] if you have any concerns.
Yes, the venue has ample free parking available for guests.
Arrival is from 4pm on Monday. On arrival, go straight to Reception where you will be greeted by our venue hosts. They will show you to your room and the welcome area for refreshments. Our introductory session will begin at 6.00pm, with dinner at 7.00pm.
Yes, Wi-Fi is available in all facilities and bedrooms
Please advise us in advance if you expect to be delayed. This will allow us to make arrangements for your key to be left in Reception, access will be available to you where you will find your bedroom details, directions to your bedroom and details of how to access your bedroom.
Have another question? Please send us an email or a message us using the chat in the corner of the screen.
