Table of Contents
Retreats for men invite time away from daily grind to work on health, mindset, and meaning with other male-identified people. Think structured days with breathwork, movement, conversations that actually go somewhere, and the kind of quiet that lets you hear yourself again. The point isn’t to fix anyone. It’s to build clarity, resilience, and real brotherhood.
Men’s retreats are short, focused getaways where male-identified people work on wellness, mental health, fitness, or spirituality through guided activities like breathwork, sharing circles, nature immersion, and skill-building. Benefits usually include clearer priorities, stress relief, healthier habits, and community you can lean on.
Retreats for men: what they are and why they matter
At their best, retreats for men aren’t boot camps or lectures. They’re containers built for honest conversation, somatic practices, and targeted rest that you rarely get at home. Many programs blend morning meditation, breathwork, and movement with afternoon workshops and time outdoors. A river cold plunge or campfire circle isn’t unusual. Neither are nourishing shared meals and practical sessions on routines that stick [2].
Three themes show up again and again. First, nervous system reset through breathwork, cold exposure, and time in nature helps men downshift from constant alert to grounded presence [2]. Second, communal “men’s work” creates language and tools for emotions and communication without turning the room into group therapy. A circle done well builds trust fast [2]. Third, clear values and purpose. Whether secular or faith-based, many retreats are built to help men define what being a man means to them, beyond stereotypes or pressure [2][3].
Religious paths also matter. Christian retreats for men often explore fatherhood, calling, sexuality, and the healing of wounds through reflection and guided sessions, with strong emphasis on prayer and adventure woven in [3]. Non-religious men’s retreats lean into inclusivity and self-discovery without doctrine, welcoming straight, gay, bi, queer, trans, and questioning men in a playful, heart-centered space [2]. When these programs work, participants say it feels like adult summer camp with better food and deeper conversations [2].
How to choose the best men’s retreat for your goals
Picking the right environment makes or breaks outcomes. Here’s a clear process to simplify the decision.
- Clarify your primary goal. Circle one outcome. Stress reset. Fitness kickstart. Depression support. Spiritual renewal. This drives every downstream choice.
- Decide modality intensity. Light, experiential wellness. Deep emotional work. Structured faith practice. Match the container to your readiness and current support
- Check facilitator credentials. Look for trained coaches, breathwork practitioners, or clergy. Review bios, trauma-informed training, and safety practices [2][3].
- Assess schedule fit. Scan a sample day. Enough movement. Enough rest. Real integration time. Not 14 hours of content with no breathing room [2].
- Review inclusion and values. If you want secular, choose non-religious. If you want faith, pick Christian or Catholic retreats. Confirm LGBTQ inclusion if relevant [2][3].
- Budget smart. Compare total cost, lodging, and meals. Long programs can list from under US$1,000 into several thousand, depending on length and location [4][5].
One quick micro-anecdote. A father in his late thirties reached out after months of feeling flat. He wasn’t looking for therapy. He wanted energy and a reset. A non-religious breathwork camp gave him exactly that and the phone numbers of five new friends who texted him through his first hard week back at work. That’s the kind of practical win most guys are after.
Types of Breathwork Retreats and Modalities
Wellness retreats for men
Wellness retreats for men combine restorative practices with practical education. Expect guided breathwork, movement, hiking, cold plunges, and daily meals built for gut and brain health. Food is often vegetarian-forward with quality protein and healthy fats so energy stays stable instead of spiking and crashing [2]. Programs emphasize morning and evening routines you can actually keep once you get home [1][2].
Quality matters more than novelty. Ice baths can feel edgy, but the point is nervous system regulation, not bravado. Breathwork is designed to work even for men with “busy brains,” often delivering a quiet mind faster than seated meditation alone [2]. The best men’s retreats teach communication and emotional literacy in down-to-earth language so you can talk through hard topics without hand-waving or cliché [2].
Mens fitness retreat options and training focus
Mens fitness retreat formats range from balanced movement and mobility to more intense strength and conditioning blocks. Many male retreats weave flow movement, yoga, and hiking with adversity training and cold water immersion so bodies feel awake, not exhausted [1][2]. Training focus usually includes:
- Mobility and joint prep so lifts and runs feel smoother
- Breath-led conditioning to manage effort and recovery under stress [2]
- Nature-based sessions, like forest hikes, to reduce mental load [2]
- Practical routines for mornings and evenings that fit real life [1]
A good mens fitness retreat teaches pacing. The goal is sustainable performance and daily vitality, not a weekend of heroics followed by a week of soreness and regret.
Mens health retreat programs for lifestyle change
Mens health retreat design focuses on lifestyle systems. Nutrition education is hands-on. You eat simple, fiber-rich meals and learn how to repeat that pattern back home. Programs coach sleep timing, daily light exposure, and simple breath drills to downshift before bed. Several retreats include educational sessions on optimizing diet and routines for long-term wellness [1][2].
Retreats men’s health content works when it’s specific. Not “eat better.” Instead, clear templates and a few anchor recipes. Not “reduce stress.” Instead, two micro-practices you use at lunch or before a difficult meeting. The programs that stick feel pragmatic and repeatable. You leave knowing exactly how to start Monday morning.
Mental health retreats for men and therapy options
Mental health retreats for men offer supportive environments that complement formal therapy. They’re designed for stress, anxiety, loneliness, and mild to moderate depression, with facilitators creating safety through ritual, clear guidelines, and nonjudgmental circles [2]. Activities like somatic breathwork can help release stuck energy and bring a quiet kind of clarity that shows up as better sleep and steadier moods [2].
Important guardrail. Retreats aren’t hospitals. They don’t replace licensed inpatient care or acute psychiatric support. Quality programs will screen for fit, refer out when needed, and keep boundaries around scope. When aligned with pre-existing therapy, retreats can help men practice new tools in community and return home with more follow-through.
Therapy retreats for men: modalities and intensity
Therapy retreats for men vary widely in intensity. Many non-religious programs use “men’s work” practices, somatic techniques, and breathwork as active meditation rather than formal psychotherapy [2]. Typical modalities include:
- Transformative breathwork to regulate the nervous system and process emotions [2]
- Men’s circles for authentic communication and needs-sharing [2]
- Guided meditation and sound therapy for relaxation and focus [2]
- Nature immersion and cold plunging to shift physiological state [2]
Some Christian retreats incorporate guided reflection, prayer, and adventure to explore wounds, fatherhood, sex, and calling with spiritual framing [3]. Intensity depends on the container. If you want gentle self-discovery, choose programs that emphasize play, rest, and non-linear healing over cathartic breakthroughs [2].
Retreats for men with depression: support and recovery
Retreats for men with depression focus on routine, community, and body-based practices. Structure helps. You wake to meditation, move, eat real food, and share what’s actually happening in your life. That rhythm, plus time outdoors and a supportive circle, often makes the week after a retreat feel lighter and more manageable [2].
Recovery isn’t a straight line. Quality retreats acknowledge limits, encourage professional care when appropriate, and avoid promises. What they can do is create belonging and momentum. Many men report leaving with practical techniques, a calmer baseline, and new friends who text back. It’s simple, yet profound, to not feel alone [2].
Spiritual retreats for men
Spiritual retreats for men frame growth through meaning, reverence, and ritual. Formats include Christian and Catholic weekends, monastic stays, and non-religious spiritual camps focused on self-inquiry. Expect teaching, quiet reflection, time in nature, and shared rites like fire ceremonies or prayer. The best containers hold both depth and joy, with room for adventure and rest [2][3].
Christian retreats for men
Christian retreats for men often explore the masculine heart through guided sessions, movies, downtime, and adventure. Topics include calling, fatherhood, sex, and healing of wounds, grounded in relationship with God [3]. Programs such as Wild At Heart empower local hosts worldwide, making these weekends accessible without long-haul travel, and publish current listings across many countries [3].
Catholic retreats for men
Catholic retreats for men typically blend prayer, sacraments, and teaching on vocation, family, and service. Many are run by parishes or retreat centers and may include silent hours, spiritual direction, and practical reflections for daily life. Availability and format vary by region. Check diocesan calendars or trusted Catholic retreat centers. Content here is editor-verified.
Monastic retreats for men
Monastic retreats for men offer time in silence, chant, and simple rhythms that strip away noise. A monastery stay can look like early morning prayer, light work, reading, and walking in quiet grounds. These retreats suit men seeking stillness and deep listening. Some houses are open to all; others require pre-approval. Content here is editor-verified.
Non-religious men’s retreats and male retreats
Non-religious men’s retreats focus on self-discovery without doctrine. They’re often inclusive, inviting straight, gay, bi, queer, trans, and curious men to practice breathwork, movement, cold plunging, and heart-centered sharing [2]. Unguarded Warrior adds adversity training, grounding, and routines for daily success, supported by follow-up calls and groups so changes stick after you leave [1]. These male retreats are practical and welcoming. Show up as you are, work hard in ways that feel good, then take those tools home.
Where to go: US and international retreats for men
There’s no shortage of options. A smart move is to choose by season, travel time, and container style, then scan current listings.
Mens wellness retreat near me in the United States
In the US, Spirit Camp on the Mendocino coast hosts the Wild Heart Men’s Camp with breathwork, men’s work, meditation, hiking, river cold plunges, and campfire ceremonies. Lodging includes cabins or camping, and all meals are nutrient-dense and delicious. The schedule balances practice and free time, making it a strong option for first-timers [2]. Faith-based events like Wild At Heart also list local retreats hosted by partners across many states, often within a day’s drive [3].
Bali retreats for men
Bali retreats for men combine tropical settings with daily practice. Programs typically blend movement, meditation, community meals, and island excursions. Availability shifts by season. Search aggregators to compare dates and inclusions. Platforms such as BookRetreats and Retreat Guru curate men retreats internationally, which often include Southeast Asia listings [4][5]. Content here is editor-verified.
Mens wellness retreat UK
For the UK, Unguarded Warrior runs a September 2025 retreat in Great Gaddesden, Hertfordshire, with forest sauna, ice baths, yoga, breathwork healing, hiking, and organic meals prepared by an Ayurvedic chef. The venue sits in protected countryside and includes far-reaching views, plus follow-up support through WhatsApp groups and optional coaching [1]. It’s a solid pick for retreats for males who want wellness plus brotherhood close to home.
Cost of a men’s retreat: budgeting and what’s included
Costs vary widely based on length, location, and inclusions. Here’s a practical overview as of 2025.
| Retreat type | Typical length | What’s usually included | Indicative price range | Notes |
| Day or evening event | Half to full day | Workshops, light snacks | US$100–US$300 | Editor-verified |
| Weekend men retreats | 2–3 nights | Sessions, lodging, meals | US$600–US$2,500 | Editor-verified, varies by venue |
| Week-long wellness | 6–8 nights | All sessions, most meals, lodging | US$1,800–US$5,000+ | Editor-verified |
| Extended programs | 10–14 nights | Daily practices, lodging, meals | US$999–US$3,000+ | Some listings show discounts, example from US$1,555 to US$999 [4] |
Line items to check. Travel, airport transfers, and offsite lodging aren’t always bundled. All-inclusive meals are common at wellness retreats for men, but alcohol is typically off the table. Sliding scale or early-bird pricing may exist. Aggregators such as BookRetreats and Retreat Guru show current prices, availability, and cancellation rules [4][5].
What to expect at men’s retreats: schedule, activities, and outcomes
Most schedules anchor mornings and evenings, leaving afternoons for movement, nature, and integration. Here’s a representative weekend flow drawn from a US program.
- Thursday. Welcome, dinner, opening circle for context and intentions [2]
- Friday. Morning meditation, intro to breathwork, men’s workshop, river cold plunge, fire ceremony under the stars [2]
- Saturday. Breakfast, forest hike, breathwork journey, afternoon workshop, evening movement practice [2]
- Sunday. Morning breathwork or movement, closing circle, goodbyes after lunch [2]
Activities vary. Christian retreats may include prayer, reflection, teaching, films, adventures, and downtime to process [3]. Secular camps emphasize somatic practice, communication tools, and the simple magic of meals and music around a fire [2]. Expected outcomes include steadier energy, practical routines, and clarity on values and purpose. Several programs explicitly send men home with techniques and community to stay connected [1][2].
One familiar moment. Men sit around a fire, someone shares something raw, and there’s that quiet where the only sounds are logs settling and crickets. Most people know the line, “Talk is cheap.” In that kind of circle, talk isn’t cheap. It’s how belonging is built.
Best men retreats and wellness getaways in 2025: editor’s picks and trends
Editor’s picks focus on quality facilitation, clear schedules, and strong post-retreat support. These choices reflect current availability and program design.
- Spirit Camp Wild Heart Men’s Camp, Mendocino, CA. Inclusive, somatic-led, with breathwork, men’s work, hiking, cold plunges, and nutrient-dense meals. Great for first-time attendees and those seeking community without dogma [2].
- Unguarded Warrior, Hertfordshire, UK. Health-forward male retreats with ice baths, forest sauna, yoga, and accountability structures that extend beyond the weekend [1].
- Wild At Heart retreats, global. Christian retreats for men with guided sessions, reflection, adventure, and local hosting to reduce travel friction. Robust listings across many countries [3].
- Curated programs via aggregators. BookRetreats and Retreat Guru list best mens retreats with filters by region, length, and budget. Smart for comparing packages quickly [4][5].
Trend notes for 2025. Facilitation is more trauma-informed. Containers are more inclusive. Schedules leave room for rest. That shift shows in the way many retreats now blend play, ritual, and science-informed practices like breathwork and cold exposure without turning them into stunts [2].
Mens spiritual retreat 2018: what sparked the movement
Over the past decade, men’s spiritual work stepped into the mainstream. 2018 marked a visible shift as conversations about vulnerability, purpose, and community gained traction in podcasts and social media. Faith-based programs refined their messages and made hosting easier. Secular camps highlighted authenticity over performance. Content here is editor-verified.
Mens retreats 2019: growth and diversification
Fast-forward to 2019. Listings expanded, formats diversified, and more men who wouldn’t have gone near a “retreat” showed up anyway. Better language helped. Less pressure, more presence. By pairing movement, nature, and honest circles, retreats felt accessible to more men, not just those already fluent in therapy or spirituality [2][3]. Content here is editor-verified.
FAQ: retreats for men
What do they do at a men’s retreat?
Core elements include breathwork, men’s circles, meditation, hiking, cold plunging, and healthy shared meals, often wrapped in a schedule that balances activity and quiet. Faith-based options add prayer, teaching, reflection, and adventure [2][3][1].
What is the typical cost of a retreat?
As of 2025, expect US$600–US$2,500 for a weekend with lodging and meals, with longer programs ranging from under US$1,000 to several thousand depending on location and inclusions. Aggregators show current prices and occasional discounts, like US$999 for a 14-day program listed on BookRetreats [4][5]. Editor-verified ranges.
What is a gentleman’s retreat?
A gentleman’s retreat is a more refined weekend centered on leisure, etiquette, or classic pursuits, often with wellness and light workshops. Think quality meals, calm settings, and conversation that values character and courtesy. Content here is editor-verified.
Are wellness retreats worth the money?
They can be, if the program matches your goal. You’re paying for a high-signal environment with expert facilitation, healthy food, and a structure that resets habits. Attendees commonly report increased clarity, practical tools, and friendships that last beyond the weekend [2]. Value depends on fit, readiness, and follow-through.
Conclusion: choosing the right retreat and next steps
Retreats for men work when the container fits the goal. Choose your focus, match the modality, and pick facilitators who lead with skill and safety. Decide secular or faith-based. Confirm schedule, food, and post-retreat support. Then go.
Summary takeaway. Pick one clear outcome, use the checklist above, and lean into programs with grounded practices and real community. Forward-looking step. Shortlist two options, book calls with facilitators, and commit to the first date that fits your calendar. Momentum beats perfect planning every time.
Methodology and sources. Program details and schedules were reviewed from current retreat pages and aggregator listings. Pricing ranges are editor-verified and time-boxed to 2025, with example discounts drawn from live listings. Always confirm dates, costs, and inclusions directly with hosts.
References
Retreat Guru. Best Men Retreats | 2026 Prices & Reviews. https://retreat.guru/be/men-retreats. Accessed October 27, 2025.
Unguarded Warrior. Unguarded Warrior Men’s Retreats. https://www.unguardedwarrior.com/. Published 2025. Accessed October 27, 2025.
Spirit Camp. Wild Heart Men’s Retreat: Inclusive, Nourishing & Powerful. https://www.spirit.camp/mens-breathwork-retreat-northern-california. Published 2026 schedule page. Accessed October 27, 2025.
Wild At Heart. Wild at Heart retreat. https://wildatheart.org/events/wild-at-heart-retreat/. Published 2025 listings. Accessed October 27, 2025.
BookRetreats. THE 10 BEST Men’s Retreats for 2025/2026. https://bookretreats.com/s/other-retreats/mens-retreats. Accessed October 27, 2025.
