Wales has long drawn people seeking stillness. Its mountains, coastline, and ancient woodland create a natural setting for turning inward.
It’s a place where the outer quiet supports the inner kind. It’s no coincidence that contemplative communities have made their home here for centuries, from the Celtic monks of early Christianity to the Buddhist retreat centres that now dot the Welsh landscape.
Samadhi hosts meditation retreats across four distinct Welsh locations, from the peaks of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park to the 568 acres of the National Botanic Garden of Wales in Carmarthenshire. Each venue offers something different in terms of setting, duration, depth, and price, meaning there’s a retreat here for everyone, whether you’ve never meditated before or you’re a seasoned practitioner looking for silence and solitude.
This guide walks you through our top Welsh retreats, what makes them distinctive, and which might be the right fit for where you are right now.
Why Wales?
We live in Wales, and for us it’s a place that feels deeply alive for spiritual and contemplative practice. The spaciousness and openness of the Welsh landscapes, the mountains, the lakes, the vast stretches of woodland, are all helpful for calming and relaxing the mind.
There’s a natural feeling of being away from the hustle and bustle of everyday civilisation, and we feel that that distance creates the space people need to settle inside.
A growing body of research supports what contemplatives have known for millennia too: that immersion in natural environments has measurable benefits for both physical and mental health. A first-of-its-kind UK study on forest bathing found improvements in mood (especially anxiety), compassion, and nature connection, alongside improvements in heart rate variability, which is a key indicator of physical wellbeing.
There is something about the natural world that supports the kind of attention and openness that meditation cultivates. Our retreats in Wales are designed to make the most of this relationship between the natural environment and our wellbeing.
What all Samadhi retreats share
Before looking at each location, it’s worth knowing what all our retreats have in common. Most Samadhi retreats include guided shamatha (tranquillity) meditation sessions led by Buddhist meditation teacher David Oromith, yoga with accredited yoga teacher Manu Oromith, plant-based meals, and plenty of time to rest, walk, and simply be.
No prior experience of meditation or Buddhism is needed for our beginner-friendly retreats, and our silent retreats are designed for those who’s like to go deeper.
We’re also an inclusively led Buddhist charity, inclusivity is a foundation of what we do. Everyone is welcome exactly as they are.
North Wales — Silent retreat in Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park
Venue: Trigonos Retreat Centre, Nantlle, Caernarfon | Duration: 4 days (3 nights) | Level: Intermediate — some meditation experience helpful | 2026 dates: April and July | Price range: From approximately £495, with single, twin, double, ensuite, and shared bathroom options. Book with a £100 deposit.
Of all our Welsh retreats, this is the one people tend to remember most vividly, and the one that makes us go “wow” every time we arrive. Trigonos sits in the Nantlle Valley on the edge of a lake, looking up towards the west face of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon).
The 18-acre estate includes gardens, meadows, woodland, and streams, and the silence of the setting perfectly complements the silence of the retreat itself. The meditation room overlooks the mountains, and there’s something about the scale and beauty of the landscape here that naturally inspires a sense of awe and openness in practice.
This is a silent shamatha retreat, meaning we observe noble silence for the duration of the retreat. The focus is on cultivating tranquillity through body, breath, and mind, training attention, overcoming restlessness, and gradually discovering the deep stillness that the Buddhist tradition calls samadhi. Daily yoga with Manu grounds the practice in the body, and the landscape does the rest.
The food at Trigonos deserves special mention. Many people rave about it. Much of the fruit and vegetables are grown on-site using organic and biodynamic principles, and the kitchen makes its own bread, jams, and sauces. Meals are fully plant based, with all dietary requirements accommodated.
Who this retreat is best for: Those with some meditation experience who are drawn to silence, mountains, and deep immersion. If you’ve attended a weekend retreat before and want to go further, or if you have a regular home practice and want the support of a structured silent environment, this is the one.
Getting there: Bangor is the nearest mainline railway station (West Coast mainline). The T2 bus from Bangor to Aberystwyth stops at Penygroes, approximately two miles from Trigonos. The venue has arrangements with a local taxi firm for fixed-rate transfers from Bangor station. By car, Trigonos is clearly signposted from the B4418 between Penygroes and Rhyd Ddu. Full travel details, including driving routes and taxi booking information, are provided when you book.
Mid Wales — 7-day silent vipashyana retreat in the Dyfi Biosphere
Venue: Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT), WISE Building, Machynlleth | Duration: 7 days (6 nights) | Level: Intermediate — meditation experience or established practice helpful | 2026 dates: 24–30 August | Price range: From approximately £730 (basic room) to £930 (ensuite in WISE Building). Offsite attendance from £290–£400. Also available to join online.
This is our most immersive offering — a full week of silent vipashyana (insight) meditation in one of the most remarkable eco-venues in the UK. The award-winning WISE Building at the Centre for Alternative Technology sits within the UNESCO Dyfi Biosphere, with views stretching into Eryri National Park.
There’s a quality to this place that’s hard to put into words. You feel as though you’re amid a forest, something almost enchanted about the setting. Sustainably managed woodlands surround you, and the quarry trails, wildflower meadows, and waterfalls create an extraordinary backdrop for a week of contemplative practice.
During the retreat, David guides participants through the four close applications of mindfulness — the foundation of Buddhist insight (vipassana) practice — exploring both Theravada and Mahayana perspectives before concluding with contemplative inquiry from the Mahamudra and Dzogchen traditions. This gives space for deeper practice in a supportive environment, and it draws people from across the UK and beyond.
Silence is observed daily until 6:30pm, at which point you may optionally break silence for meaningful conversation over dinner. Many participants choose to maintain silence throughout.
The seven-day format allows for a depth of settling and insight that simply isn’t possible over a weekend — there’s time for the mind to really settle, for patterns to become visible, and for transformation to take happen.
All food is plant-based, freshly prepared, and where possible sourced from the gardens on site. The venue grows a variety of seasonal produce and what they don’t grow themselves they try to source from local organic growers.
Who this retreat is best for: Experienced meditators, those who’ve completed shorter retreats, or practising Buddhists looking for structured study alongside intensive meditation. If you’re new to meditation, we’d recommend starting with one of our beginner-friendly retreats or our free weekly online meditation class first.
Getting there: Machynlleth is on the Birmingham-to-Aberystwyth railway line, and regular buses run from the town to within a short walk of the venue. There’s also a Sustrans cycle route running directly to CAT’s entrance, a pleasant half-hour ride from the station. Ample car parking is available.
South East Wales — Weekend retreat near the Brecon Beacons
Venue: Lam Rim Buddhist Centre, Raglan, Monmouthshire | Duration: 3 days (2 nights, Friday to Sunday) | Level: Beginners welcome — no experience needed | 2026 dates: 19–21 June | Price range: From approximately £285 (camping/campervan) to £595 (ensuite single room). Book with a £100 deposit.
If you’re looking for a first retreat experience that balances depth with accessibility — and affordability — our weekend at Lam Rim Buddhist Centre is a wonderful place to start!
This is a venue with a remarkable history: it has served as a place of refuge and calm for over 40 years, and has hosted visits from His Holiness the Dalai Lama and many other revered Buddhist masters. There’s a richness to the atmosphere here and a sense of accumulated spiritual energy that participants often comment on, even those with no prior connection to Buddhism.
Set deep in the Monmouthshire countryside near Abergavenny, overlooked by the Black Mountains and within easy reach of the Brecon Beacons, Lam Rim has 8.5 acres of woodland, glade, lawn, and orchard. A contemplative “prayer path,” lined with Tibetan prayer flags, winds through the trees. Inside, there’s a traditional Tibetan Buddhist shrine room with a profound stillness, a well-stocked library, and a warm lounge-dining room where participants tend to form easy connections over plant-based meals.
The retreat programme blends relaxing guided meditation with workshops exploring the inner causes of stress and anxiety, drawing on Buddhist psychology. David introduces the theory and practice of shamatha alongside the Buddha’s insights on practical methods for transforming unhelpful mental patterns into greater freedom and wellbeing. Morning yoga with Manu and afternoon countryside walks complete each day.
The range of accommodation, from camping and campervan pitches to shared rooms and private ensuites, makes this our most accessible retreat in terms of price. Group sizes are intimate, typically between 15 and 20, and the overall atmosphere is warm and unhurried.
Who this retreat is best for: Complete beginners, anyone on a tighter budget, and those who want a gentle introduction to retreat life without committing to a full week or silence. This is also a lovely option if you’re within reach of Bristol, Cardiff, or the M4 corridor — Lam Rim is easily accessible from all three. Many of our participants start here and go on to attend longer or silent retreats afterwards.
Getting there: The nearest railway station is Abergavenny (approximately 20 minutes by car). Buses run from Abergavenny to Raglan. The centre has ample free parking. Detailed directions are provided on booking.
West Wales — Relaxation day retreats at the National Botanic Garden of Wales
Venue: National Botanic Garden of Wales, Llanarthne, Carmarthenshire | Duration: 1 day (no overnight stay) | Level: Complete beginners welcome — no experience needed | 2026 dates: April, May, and October | Price range: Includes all sessions, garden admission (normally £16.85), a plant-based buffet lunch, and refreshment breaks. Specific pricing available on our booking page.
Not everyone is ready — or able — to commit to a residential retreat, and that’s exactly why we created these relaxation day retreats in one of the most special settings in Wales. The National Botanic Garden of Wales covers 568 acres of the Carmarthenshire countryside, featuring Lord Foster’s iconic Great Glasshouse, themed gardens, a national nature reserve, and extensive ancient woodland. It’s a remarkable backdrop for a day devoted to slowing down.
The day includes guided meditation sessions exploring the causes of stress and anxiety, practical workshops on calming techniques you can use at home, a guided mindful walk through the gardens, and dedicated time for forest bathing and meditation in nature among the woodland trails.
All the sessions are designed to be completely accessible, you don’t need any experience, and the emphasis is on practical wellbeing.
Our relaxation day retreat at the National Botanic Garden of Wales was recently featured on BBC One’s Sunday Morning Live. The programme explored the connection between Buddhist meditation, nature, and wellbeing. The feature followed participants through the day and captured something we see on every retreat: the visible change that happens when we get a chance to slow down in a beautiful natural setting. It’s available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
As David explains in the BBC feature, the natural world plays a key part in our work. It gives people an opportunity to connect with nature in a way that supports their practice. There’s something about immersing yourself in a living landscape that helps you feel more at peace and more connected.
After the sessions, you’re free to explore the gardens at your own pace, and with a full day’s admission included, there’s plenty to discover.
Who this retreat is best for: Anyone curious about meditation but not ready for a residential retreat. People dealing with stress, anxiety, or burnout who want a structured day of rest. Those in the Swansea, Cardiff, or Carmarthen area looking for something local. And anyone who simply wants a beautiful, nourishing day out with actual substance. Many of our day retreat participants go on to join our free weekly online meditation class and eventually attend a residential retreat.
Getting there: The Botanic Garden is 10 minutes from the M4 and 2 minutes from the A48, midway between Cross Hands and Carmarthen. Journey times: Swansea approximately 30 minutes, Cardiff approximately 55 minutes, Bristol around 90 minutes.
Which retreat is right for you?
Choosing a retreat is a personal decision, and there’s no wrong answer. Here’s a quick way to think about it.
If you’ve never meditated before and want to dip a toe in, start with a relaxation day retreat at the Botanic Garden or the weekend at Lam Rim. Both are designed for complete beginners, with no expectations and no pressure.
If you have some experience and want to deepen your practice in a stunning natural setting, the 4-day silent retreat at Trigonos in Snowdonia offers the ideal balance of structure, silence, and beauty.
If you’re looking for a longer experience and want to explore Buddhist insight meditation in depth, the 7-day vipashyana retreat at CAT is our deepest offering — a rare opportunity for sustained, guided contemplative work.
If budget is a consideration, the weekend at Lam Rim offers excellent value with camping options from approximately £285, and the day retreat at the Botanic Garden is our most affordable entry point. We also offer bursaries for those experiencing financial hardship — we never want cost to be a barrier to practice.
What to expect on a Samadhi retreat
If you’ve never been on a meditation retreat before, it’s natural to have questions — and perhaps a few nerves. We’ve written a full guide to what to expect on a meditation retreat, but here are the essentials.
A typical day includes morning yoga, guided meditation sessions, dharma talks exploring Buddhist psychology and the causes of stress and unhappiness, free time for rest or walking, and nourishing plant-based meals. The atmosphere is warm, relaxed, and friendly — our retreats are often described as feeling like a home away from home. Group sizes are intimate, typically between 15 and 30, and David and Manu are available throughout for personal support.
You don’t need to sit cross-legged (chairs are always available), you don’t need to be flexible for yoga (Manu adapts to the group), and you don’t need to know anything about Buddhism. An open mind and a willingness to slow down is all that’s required.
All our retreats can be booked with a £100 deposit, with the balance due four weeks before the retreat. We also offer gift vouchers for those who’d like to give the experience to someone they care about.
Beyond the retreat & continuing your practice
A retreat is a wonderful beginning, but the real work happens when you return to everyday life. Samadhi offers several ways to maintain and deepen your practice after a retreat.
Our free weekly online meditation class (Sundays) is where many retreatants find their ongoing community — guided meditation and discussion, open to everyone. For those wanting to explore Buddhist teachings more deeply, The Buddha’s Path is a 12-module foundational study programme available on a donation basis, and our Tuesday Buddhist Study Group offers regular exploration of the teachings with fellow practitioners.
The Samadhi Podcast provides guided meditations, short talks, and interviews to support your home practice. And David’s books — A Practical Guide to Mindful Living and Calm Mind, Open Heart — offer accessible guidance for daily life.
We also run retreats in Devon and Lincolnshire, and hold talks and workshops in Swansea and London.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be Buddhist to attend a Samadhi retreat? Not at all. Our retreats welcome people of all backgrounds and beliefs. While our teachings draw from the Buddhist tradition, the practices and insights are universal and relevant to anyone interested in greater peace of mind and emotional wellbeing.
What do I need to bring? Comfortable clothing for meditation and yoga is all that’s essential. You’re welcome to bring your own cushion, mat, or blanket. Detailed packing guidance is provided when you book.
Can you accommodate dietary requirements? Yes. All meals are plant-based, and we cater for allergies and intolerances with advance notice. Please let us know your requirements at the time of booking.
What if I can’t afford the full price? We offer bursaries for those experiencing financial hardship. Please get in touch — we believe financial circumstances should never prevent someone from accessing these practices.
How do I start if I’ve never meditated before? Our relaxation day retreats and beginner-friendly weekend retreats are designed specifically as a first step. You can also join our free weekly online meditation class from home to get a feel for our approach before committing to a retreat.
Can I attend a retreat on my own? Absolutely — many of our participants come alone. It’s one of the things people are often nervous about beforehand and grateful for afterwards. You’ll be surrounded by like-minded people, and the shared experience of retreat creates connections quickly.
