Retreat Places
Places with favorable retreat conditions in nature (as described in the manual) are not easy to find. Below is a starting selective list of jhana training-friendly locations. If you manage a suitable place and would like it listed here, please fill out the form below. If you only know of such a place, feel free to encourage the owner or manager to submit it. The list is open to jhana training-friendly locations worldwide.
Forest cottage + in-person mentoring possible
Location: Klanovice Forest near Prague, Czech Republic
Type: Private cottage for rent
Affiliation: Independent
Environment: Klanovice Forest
Cost: CZK 1,800 per night. This is a discounted price thanks to a partnership with the owner who welcomes meditators at her place. The standard Airbnb price is CZK 2,500-2,800 per night.
Rules: Freestyle
Food: Shops, restaurants within walking distance + kitchen in the cottage
Language: The owner speaks Czech, English, and German
Website: More info, gallery, calendar, request booking
Note: This place is about a 35-minute walk across the forest from where I currently stay—we can easily meet in person.
Casa Verde Cabin
Location: (Central) Portugal
Type: Private cabin
Affiliation: Independent
Environment: Forested hills
Cost: €45/day for stays of 7 - 10 days (including meals); individual arrangement for longer stays (more info)
Rules: No alcohol or tobacco
Food: Provided by the host
Language: English
Website: Casa Verde Cabin​
Sasanarakkha Buddhist Sanctuary - Retreat Center
Location: Taiping, Malaysia
Type: Retreat center
Affiliation: Theravada/Early Buddhism
Environment: Forested hillside
Cost: Donation-based
Rules: 8 precepts
Food: Provided
Language: English, Hokkien
Website: Sasanarakkha Retreat Center
Note: Choose a period without a group retreat for greater solitude
Pobyt o samotÄ› ("Solitary Stay")
Location: Southern Bohemia, Czech Republic
Type: Private lodging (no electricity)
Affiliation: Independent
Environment: Valley, meadows, forest, river
Cost: Depends on the duration of stay (prices)
Rules: Freestyle
Food: Not provided (the nearest shop is 4 km away)
Language: The owner speaks Czech, English, and basic German
Website: Pobyt o samote
Note: Built for the warmer months of the year
