Weekend Wellness: The Best Meditation Retreats Near NYC
While a daily meditation class is beneficial, sometimes you need to truly disconnect to reconnect. A weekend meditation retreat offers the time and space for deep restoration and profound insight. Fortunately, several world-class retreat centers are just a few hours away from New York City.
This guide highlights the best meditation retreats for a weekend escape, all easily accessible from NYC. For a full guide to daily meditation options within the city, please see our main pillar page: A Complete Guide to Meditation in NYC (2025).
1. The Omega Institute
Location: Rhinebeck, NY (Approx. 2 hours from NYC)
One of the most famous wellness centers in the country, Omega offers a huge variety of workshops led by top teachers in mindfulness, yoga, creativity, and more. You can sign up for a specific weekend program or opt for a “Rest & Rejuvenation” stay, where you can create your own schedule of yoga, meditation, and nature walks on their beautiful 250-acre campus.
2. Garrison Institute
Location: Garrison, NY (Approx. 1.5 hours from NYC)
Located in a stunning former monastery overlooking the Hudson River, the Garrison Institute is dedicated to applying the wisdom of contemplative traditions to solve real-world problems. They host a wide range of retreats, from silent meditation weekends with renowned Buddhist teachers to workshops on social justice and environmentalism. The atmosphere is serene, profound, and deeply peaceful.
3. Blue Cliff Monastery
Location: Pine Bush, NY (Approx. 2 hours from NYC)
Founded by the world-renowned Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, Blue Cliff is a mindfulness practice center in the Plum Village tradition. When you visit for a weekend, you are invited to participate in the community’s daily schedule, which includes sitting meditation, walking meditation, mindful meals, and listening to talks from the monastic brothers and sisters. It’s an authentic, immersive experience in community-based mindfulness.
4. Won Dharma Center
Location: Claverack, NY (Approx. 2.5 hours from NYC)
This modern, eco-friendly center is known for its breathtaking architecture and tranquil setting in the Hudson Valley. Rooted in Won Buddhism, a Korean spiritual tradition, the center is open to people of all faiths. They offer personal retreats and structured programs focused on meditation, yoga, and Qigong. It’s a perfect destination for quiet contemplation and appreciating nature.
5. Ananda Ashram
Location: Monroe, NY (Approx. 1.5 hours from NYC)
For those interested in a more yoga-centric retreat, Ananda Ashram is a classic choice. Founded in 1964, it’s one of the oldest yoga retreat centers in the U.S. A weekend stay includes daily yoga classes, meditation sessions, Sanskrit lessons, and healthy vegetarian meals. The focus is on the classical, spiritual aspects of yoga and meditation.
