Journey to serenity: 10 meditation places worldwide offering free stay to volunteers

In today's fast-paced world, finding moments of tranquility amidst the chaos is essential for our overall well-being.

Meditation is a powerful tool for cultivating inner peace and mindfulness, offering a sanctuary where we can retreat from the demands of daily life and reconnect with ourselves on a deeper level. As we journey through the twists and turns of modern life, it's super common to get stuck in our daily routines, rarely daring to step outside our comfort zones. However, the meditation places we'll discover in this article, serve as sanctuaries where we can break free from the hustle and bustle, allowing us to explore new realms of self-discovery and inner growth.

Incorporating meditation into our lives not only fosters personal development but also enhances our ability to maintain a healthy work-life balance. By carving out time for quiet contemplation and introspection, we equip ourselves with the tools to navigate life's challenges with grace and resilience. 

In this article, we embark on a journey to uncover 10 of the best meditation places worldwide that you can join at no cost, as part of their volunteering programs. From serene mountain retreats in North America to Buddhist centers in Asia, each destination offers unique opportunities for self-reflection and spiritual renewal. Let's embark together into the transformative power of meditation and discover the profound impact it can have on our lives.

Meditation places with free accommodation

The rise of spiritual retreats led to the commercialization of the experience. This resulted in many meditation places offering "boutique" spiritual experiences targeted at a willing-to-pay audience.

But this is not the only option, as there are many free alternatives where you can join as a volunteer. This presents a wonderful chance to delve into the world of meditation and diverse spiritual practices while living among specialized guides.

On the Worldpackers platform you can find a vast selection of volunteer opportunities at meditation places in different countries. By helping in different tasks needed -from cleaning to welcoming guests-, you'll get free accommodation and -in most cases- meals, as well as access to the classes and workshops offered at the center.

In addition to experiencing from within the functioning of meditation centers, volunteering is an excellent way to travel on a budget, as major expenses will be covered. It also allows you to meet like-minded people, develop new skills, and travel to off-the-beaten-path destinations.

Below you will find a selection of some of the best meditation places that you can join as a volunteer, but there are many more on the platform. 

You can learn more about how Worldpackers work by reading these articles: What is a work exchange and how does it work? and Traveling with Worldpackers: your top questions answered.

Dharmakaya Center for Wellbeing, Cragsmoor, USA

Perched atop a hill amid 90 acres of woods, the Dharmakaya Center for Wellbeing is a nonprofit Buddhist retreat center who rely on volunteer support for all their operations.

You'll be helping on daily chores, such as gardening, housekeeping, maybe some cooking, and keeping the place tidy and clean in general. In retribution -besides all the learning and experience gained- you will get a private room and 3 meals a day.

"This community is simply wonderful. The place is magic. It’s extremely difficult to summarize the profound impact this place had on me, so I’ll simply say you must come visit here for yourself. The volunteers were wonderful, the full time staff treat with you nothing but love and kindness and you’re in a beautiful little hideout in a gem of place. It’s a great way to learn more about Buddhism and be in a peaceful, quiet, safe space", said volunteer Adrian.

Diamond Mountain Buddhist Retreat Center, Arizona, USA

Yoga classes, holistic therapies, guided meditations, and more spiritual practices are all included free of charge to volunteers who collaborate at the Diamond Mountain Buddhist Retreat Center in Arizona.

As it is located in a vast natural space, tasks include trail maintenance, gardening, assistance on the farm, and cleaning.

This is what volunteer Ben shares about his experience:

"The Center is a wonderful opportunity to volunteer, meet international travelers, and learn about Tibetan Buddhism. The guest/volunteer cottages are well-equipped with everything you need and private. There are a variety of outdoor and indoor volunteer tasks like painting, landscaping, and cleaning. The DM team is committed to creating a special environment and practicing the tenets of Buddhism like mindfulness, meditation, and caring for all beings. The center is in a unique and remote location and is a good opportunity to reconnect."

Suggested reading: Best Buddhist temples to visit in the USA.

Hébergement les Pieds sur Terre, Quebec, Canada

Hébergement les Pieds sur Terre is a small inter-spiritual ashram/retreat center located in Quebec offering free stay in exchange of a few hours of work per day. They follow a simple schedule with daily meditation, devotional singing, circle sharing, interfaith practices and workshops/spiritual teachings based on the needs of people on site.

Bella, volunteer from New Zealand, has reviewed the ashram with these words:

The care and consideration taken by Kedarnathan and Rajesh (& all 6+ cats) to host such a welcoming and spiritually enriching environment, is unexplainable in words. I have learnt so much about myself, mindfulness, meditation, patience, and community. Everything is provided, you really don't have to worry about anything other than how much longer you'll extend ;) There is great communication and flexibility within the schedule, dietary preferences, work tasks etc. This is truly a place where I felt very seen and welcomed, with so many opportunities for self improvement and healing.

Casa de los Niños del Árbol, Bacalar, México

La Casa de los Niños del Árbol ("The House of the Kids from the Tree") is a holistic center in beautiful Bacalar, home of the famous lagoon. They are dedicated to healing and personal growth through holistic therapies, workshops and retreats. Additionally, they're committed to protecting and regenerating the surrounding Maya jungle, and working towards achieving food self-sufficiency through a garden, fruit tree plantations, forest care, and a seed bank.

If all these sounds interesting to you, don't hesitate in contacting them through Worldpackers!

This review by a volunteer from Bulgaria may inspire you:

"Living here was a profound experience and taught me a lot. I connected with beautiful souls, immersed in native traditions like temazcal and cacao ceremonies.Surrounded by inspiring nature and animals, with a refreshing cenote nearby. Maia and Daniel, who help run the place, are so devoted and inspire you to connect to your medicine. Living with a community has its ups and downs, the volunteer dorms are very simple - you might want to upgrade like we did. You'll have an enriching experience if you decide to come with an open heart, uphold your boundaries and are ready to learn from everything."

Portal Amor e Consciência, Barreiros, Brazil

The Portal Amor e Consciência ("Love and Consciousness Portal") is a holistic refuge focused on tantra practices on the South Coast of Pernambuco, near some of Brazil's most beautiful beaches like Maragogi, Praia dos Carneiros, the incredible and deserted beaches of the city of Barreiros, and many others, nestled amidst the forest, in direct contact with nature. 

As a volunteer, you'll be assisting in setting the space for the holistic courses and retreats that take place on weekends, with tasks of cleaning and gardening. You can participate in the daily meditations, breathwork, and holistic activities held.

French volunteer Roman shares these thoughts about her days at the retreat:

"My experience at Portal Amor e Consciencia was really great. I spent one week there and I could have stayed longer. The place is beautiful, it’s great if you like nature and are interested in spirituality.

The host Cleyton is a really nice, very welcoming and loving person. The others volunteers were as well very good vibes. The work is not too demanding so you have time for reading, chilling, yoga, meditation, so it’s great to relax!

I don’t speak Portuguese but I learned a lot, and they made a lot of effort to speak English and Spanish!" 

Suggested reading: Learn Portuguese in Brazil for free: best destinations and methods.

Alpen Retreat, Austria

Nestled in the breathtaking beauty of Tirol, Austrian Alps, the Alpen Retreat is a tranquil yoga and meditation retreat center that usually look for volunteers willing to become part of their staff.

Picture yourself meditating and engaging in deep conversations with fellow like-minded volunteers and spiritual guides in this place of stunning natural beauty and historical importance, as the main building of the retreat is a 500-year-old historic house located at an elevation of 1200 meters, surrounded by untouched nature and stunning lakes.  

As volunteer Anna said: 

"I instantly felt welcomed by Elly, Wolfgang and the other volunteers. I was welcomed with big hugs and smiling faces. I never once doubted if I belonged at Alpen Retreat and that was a very important feeling to me. The work exchange was great with working 6 hours a day helping with cleaning, cooking and other various task. I learned so much just within the 4 weeks I was there such as yoga, meditation & cooking. I feel like I’m truly coming back into “the real world” wanting to live a healthier lifestyle because of Alpen Retreat. Can’t wait to come back."

Centre de Méditation Kadampa, France

The New Kadampa Tradition is a well known international non-profit association dedicated to the study and teaching of the Kadampa Buddhist tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, with meditation centres around the world.

One such meditation place is this centre located in north-western France, where you can volunteer to maintain the property clean (general cleaning, common areas, bedrooms, bathrooms, etc). You will be part of a team of international volunteers, helping 5 days/week, with accommodation and 3 meals a day included. Plus, you get free access to meditations and evening classes.

"I had such an amazing time in Kadampa. I recommend it SO MUCH to everyone. I was so well welcomed and felt home really quickly. People in there are the sweetest ever and the place is beautiful. I created a family in there, specially with the other volunteers. It was so hard to leave, but I can’t wait to come back!!!! I love my Kadampa France family", said volunteer Alice from Brazil about her experience.

De Maanhoeve (The MoonFarm), Netherlands

The MoonFarm is a spiritual retreat center focused on developing awareness and self-reflection.

Volunteers can give a hand by maintaining and developing their vegetable garden and their beautiful (huge!) silent garden of about 35.000 m2, plus other tasks on request depending on the centre schedule. They even have a tree labyrinth!

These are Flavia's thoughts about the meditation place:

"I had an amazing experience at De Maanhoeve, it's a beautiful, calm and powerful place to be, to meditate and connect with nature. Marcel and Jerien are kind hosts, they care about the volunteers and explain well the tasks! The work includes gardening, cleaning, and cooking, it depends on the Center's schedule. The accommodation was good. Working hours and breaks were respected. Helping with the food preparation was awesome! Tasting the veg dishes??? Super lekker!! The other volunteers were super nice and added joy to my days!"

Pyramid Yoga Meditation & Healing Center, Nepal

Located in the outskirts of the charming city of Pokhara, the Pyramid Yoga Meditation & Healing Center aims to help their guests to experience the transformative essence of feminine power and energy, cultivating joy, making connections with nature, and experiencing tranquility.

Join them in this quest and make the most of your days by learning from their teachings. Their classes and sessions, complemented by the atmosphere of the serene monastery, form an environment for personal development and inner growth.

Anand Gram, India

Join Anand Gram to learn about spiritual practices, Ayurveda and permaculture, connecting with nature in rural India. 

This is also an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself on the fascinating culture of India, living in a non-touristy place surrounded by small villages and farms.

This is what Liesbeth, from Netherland, experienced during her days at Anand Gram:

"I had the opportunity to stay at Anand Gram for 4 weeks. Raman and his family made me feel comfortable, as if you were part of the family.

Raman taught me a lot about spirituality and meditation. There was an answer to every question. I was also introduced to an Ayurvedic lifestyle, the local culture, food and so much more. Raman explains clearly and personally with patience and is engaged.

If you are open-minded and want to learn more about these subjects, this is the perfect and authentic place to do so. You can experience the natural life and work among the Fruit trees."

How to make the most of your experience at meditation centers

These five essential tips will help you make the most of your meditation center experience:

Arrive with an open mind

Embrace the opportunity for personal growth by approaching with an open mind. Leave behind preconceived notions and be willing to explore new practices and ideas. By staying open and receptive, you'll enhance your experience and allow yourself to fully immerse in the teachings and practices offered.

Disconnect from distractions

Take advantage of the opportunity to disconnect from external distractions such as phones, social media, and work-related stressors.

Allow yourself to fully engage in the present moment without the constant buzz of notifications. By disconnecting, you create space for deeper introspection and connection with yourself and your surroundings.

Participate wholeheartedly

Engage wholeheartedly in the activities and offerings of the meditation center. Attend all scheduled sessions, workshops, and activities with an attitude of curiosity and enthusiasm.

Whether it's meditation sessions, yoga classes, or group discussions, participating fully will enrich your experience and deepen your understanding of the practices.

Practice mindful reflection

Set aside time each day for mindful reflection and introspection. Find a quiet spot where you can journal, meditate, or simply sit in contemplation. Use this time to reflect on your experiences, insights, and emotions.

Mindful reflection allows you to integrate the teachings and experiences of the retreat into your daily life, fostering personal growth and transformation.

Connect with others

Take advantage of the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and build meaningful relationships. Engage in conversations, share experiences, and offer support to fellow participants/volunteers.

Building a sense of community and connection can enhance your sense of belonging and support your journey of self-discovery and growth during your time at the meditation place.

Did you like these ideas about meditation places? Subscribe to the Worldpackers Community for free and start saving your favorite volunteer positions until you are ready to get verified.