Our Top Grief Retreats

The last few years have been heavy and cumbersome. Covid was followed by uncertainty and the fear of what might be around the corner, with many people struggling to cope with the overwhelming weight of the world. Experiencing swift spells of sorrow and sadness is normal, but when you add grief into the equation it can linger and linger, and have serious physical and emotional repercussions such as depression, anxiety and chronic stress.

For some, moving past the loss of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or a traumatic event is an insurmountable hurdle. Many are seeking help to cope, with the result that there has been an increased demand for grief-focused retreats, where you can get the help you need to heal.

So below we have highlighted some of our favourite grief retreats which we feel will help you heal and come to terms with your loss and sadness.

Integrated Wellness Retreat at Preidlhof, Italy

If you are too depleted to fly long haul, at Preidlhof in the South Tyrol, spa manager Patrizia has amassed a team of healers worthy of any Eastern destination spa. This hodge podge hotel, tucked amidst the apple orchards, isn’t sleek and glossy like the Eastern spas but for nurture, it is unparalleled. There is ancient healing with a master in Chinese medicine, crystal singing bowl sessions that pierce your heart and the piece de resistance, sessions with Stefano Battaglia. For those looking to deal with grief, we recommend the Integrated Wellness Retreat, which is a journey of transformational wellness that encourages one to accept and transform the past, enjoy the present, and open up to the future. As part of the programme, you'll enjoy  integrated healing massage sessions that may include ancient healing methods such as Traditional Chinese Medicine or Ayurveda. 

Emotional Harmony Programme at Euphoria Retreat, Greece

Nestled in the pine-clad hills of Greece's Peloponnese peninsula, Euphoria Retreat is an award-winning wellness retreat offering a unique blend of ancient Chinese and Greek wisdom and modern techniques. Inspired by her own personal wellness journey, its founder Marina Efraimoglou wanted to create a place to heal, for self-awareness and for spiritual healing, with expert-led programmes catering for the mind and body. For those looking to deal with grief, we recommend the Emotional Healing programme, a deeply healing retreat led by Euphoria's team of highly-experienced and exceptional therapists and healers which includes meditation and sound healing sessions, massages and chakra balancing treatments.

Mental Resilience Programme at Dharana at Shillim, India

A mere three-hour drive from the hustle and bustle of Mumbai lies this magical healing retreat – Dharana at Shillim. The setting is something truly special, tucked away high up in the Western Ghats in verdant wilderness. Family-owned and loved, Dharana at Shillim offers something very special indeed with programmes that focus on deep-rooted healing, with your own personal journey prescribed by Dr Arun Pillai. For those dealing with grief, we recommend the Mental Resilience programme where Dharana at Shillim's experts will teach you methods to develop self-championship, combat stress, increase deep sleep, build confidence, release emotional blockages and enhance your focus.

Embracing Change Programme at Kamalaya, Thailand

Tucked away in a lush valley, overlooking the coast of southern Koh Samui, a stay at Kamalaya works wonders for the mind and body in equal measures, but their real speciality is emotional healing. In particular, their Embracing Change programme is ideal for those seeking support for life changes and life challenging situations of any kind, including grief. Over the course of the programme, you'll learn practical tools to navigate your challenges and gain some balance and peace. Specially selected therapies like Traditional Chinese Medicine and massage therapies with Yoga and meditation will help you on the road to emotional recovery.

Tibetan Healing Programme at Six Senses Vana, India

Set on the gentle slopes of a lychee and mango plantation, the dense Sal forest to the west and the hills of Mussoorie to the north, Six Senses Vana was without doubt a real game-changer that knocked traditional wellness off its perch. It was so progressive and comprehensive, suiting those who needed to sort their weight or have a detox alongside those who needed help to heal or grieve. We love their Tibetan Healing programme, which is ideal with anyone dealing with grief. Available over various durations, it focuses on balancing emotions and soothing traumas through a combination of meditation and Tibetan Yoga, Tibetan singing bowl therapy and Ku Nye massages using salt packs, cups or stones.

Tension Release Programme at Chiva Som, Thailand

Nestled amongst acres of lush tropical gardens in Hua Hin, Chiva Som seamlessly combines the best of Western health practices with Eastern philosophies. Its greatness lies not only in its intuitive understanding of holistic luxury - it has world-class specialists in every area of health and wellness, but in providing a full-stack approach to maximising physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. For those looking to deal with grief, we recommend the Tension Release programme, which includes Yoga and meditation alongside treatments like Chi Nei Tsang which help to quickly release negative emotions and tension. 

So there you have it, we hope you've enjoyed reading about our top grief retreats and that it has inspired you to take the next step and book a stay  at one of our award-winning grief retreats.