A retreat, being exactly what it is says offers one the opportunity to hide away in seclusion and solitude from everyday life stresses and pursue the pleasures of self-well being and rejuvenation.

The types of retreats available are endless and can be as broad or unique as the individual themselves. The general concept of a retreat is that the focus is on you, your body, soul, heart and mind for the purpose of personal health and well being, spiritual growth, reflection, or illness recovery.

Set in some of the most breathe taking locations around the world a retreat is the perfect get away to reconnect with nature and immerse yourself into a positive and energy-boosting atmosphere. Most retreats offer an array of beautiful prepared, nutritious meals as a well as an assortment of physical activities, which tend to vary depending on the retreat your attending. Be it hiking, yoga, meditation, dance, or crafts the intention is always to rejuvenate and allow for some time away from the everyday.

Retreats and Spas in Canada
EcoMed
http://www.ecomedspa.com/
Ecomed Natural Health Spa located in British Columbia, Canada is a naturopathic spa retreat that offers wellness, counselling, and naturopathic services. At this clinic visitors receive a natural health assessment, counselling and education in the spirit of wellness.

Kingfisher Oceanside Resort & Spa
http://www.kingfisherspa.com/
Escape to Spa-tacular Vancouver Island and One of Canada's Finest Spas! Relaxing Spa Services, Gourmet Cuisine, Quality Accommodation & Facilities. Fly WestJet Direct from Calgary to Comox - only 1 1/4 hour flight.

Grail Springs Health & Wellness Spa
http://www.grailsprings.com
A private chateau hidden in the Ancient Granite Highlands of Ontario, this breathtaking luxury spa retreat is embraced by a private spring fed lake and hundreds of acres of pine forest and walking trails. Whether you're on a two day escape to relax and de-stress, or you're on a quest for an entire lifestyle change, you will discover and experience new ways to improve your health and vitality.

Retreats and Spas in the United States

Canyon Ranch
www.canyonranch.com
Canyon Ranch offers healing retreats in Tucson, Arizona and Lenox, Massachusetts. Enjoy spa services,
fitness & outdoor sports, medical & behavioral services & consultations, nutrition consultations and workshops, spiritual pursuits, and healthy gourmet cuisine.

Dragonfly Ranch
http://www.dragonflyranch.com/
The Dragonfly Ranch is a healing arts retreat located in Hawaii offering education in alternative healing methods as well as programs in tai chi,yoga, chi gung, and meditation.

The Hippocrates Health Institute
http://www.hippocratesinst.com/
Hippocrates Health Institute is located in West Palm Beach, Florida.
The basic structure of the 3-week Lifechange Program provides clients with the tools necessary to take control of their own personal well-being and to allow the body to maximize its potential and heal itself in a natural way.

Kohala Spa at Hilton Waikoloa Village
http://www.kohalaspa.com/
Overlooking Waiulua Bay, the Kohala Spa offers the opportunity to relax, rejuvenate and rediscover your vitality.

Lake Austin Spa Resort
http://www.lakeaustin.com/
Noted as a world-class spa in Texas, USA, this spa offers a chance to relax and rejuvenate.

La Quinta Resort & Club
www.laquintaresort.com
Located just outside Palm Springs at the base of the Santa Rosa Mountains, La Quinta Resort and Club features a preventive medicine clinic with nutritional analysis, mental and physical fitness testing, interior body imaging, bone density, lung scans plus routine medical tests and blood work while you also enjoy a vacation.

Salish Lodge and Spa
http://www.salishlodge.com/
The Salish Lodge & Spa located in Washington, USA offers a chance to rejuvenate yourself with a massage, aromatherapy, and skin and body treatments.

Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa
http://www.sonomamissioninn.com/
Sonoma Mission Inn, a historic spa destination in located in Sonoma, California offers a true spa featuring the grand European tradition of spa therapy.

Wiesbaden Hot Springs Spa and Lodgings
http://www.wiesbadenhotsprings.com/
The Wiesbaden Hot Springs Spa is located in Colorado, USA and is recognized for its relaxation and rejuvenation qualities. This spa accommodates travelers from around the world.

Yoga Oasis
http://www.yogaoasis.org/
A yoga retreat center in Hawaii which offers yoga classes are for beginners to advance. The center will design individual yoga and nutritional food programs for people who want to work on: back problems, shoulder, knee, joint injuries, together with whole food and/or cleansing programs custom designed to your needs.

Retreats and Spas in Europe

Kientalerhof - Center for Wellbeing and Creativity
http://www.kientalerhof.ch/
A health and wellness treatment and training center in Switzerland offers a number of holistic treatments such as shiatsu, craniosacral therapy and others. They also provide education and training in various alternative health practices.

Thalassa International
http://www.thalassa.com/
This site offers links to spas in Europe. Definitely worth a look.

Retreat Directories

Retreat Finder
http://www.retreatfinder.com
Directory of retreats spanning all spiritual and healing traditions including personal retreats, group retreats, facility rentals, employment and volunteer opportunities, and retreat property for sale.

Retreats Online
http://www.retreatsonline.com/default.htm
Offers a wealth of information on retreats and retreat getaways around the world. You will find retreats for specific interests such as personal wellness, spiritual, hiking, nature, retreats for women, tai chi etc. Definitely worth a look.

International Spa Association
http://www.experienceispa.com/
This site has a comprehensive list of spas in over 40 countries around the world. You can choose the type of spa whether is is a day spa, medical spa, mineral springs spa or a spa in a resort or hotel and find a location near you.