Unplug and Renew With a Relaxing Vacation

Benedictine Center of Spirituality
Duluth, Minn.
Pay what you can afford

Since 2008, the Benedictine sisters have run this retreat center in a stately monastery overlooking the placid waters of Lake Superior. Throughout their stay, guests feel the sisters' unobtrusive, watchful presence. The focus here is on silence and meditation. Says Sister Jeanne Ann Weber, the center's director of liturgy: "The area is wonderful for reflecting."

Where to sleep
The 12 pleasant, spacious rooms offer private solace in accordance with St. Benedict's call for "a balance of prayer, work and leisure." Guests enjoy unfussy Midwestern meals with the sisters (and we mean unfussy; at least once a week the menu is soup and bread).

How to unwind
Patrons can worship with the sisters or just bask in the jewel-colored light flooding into the chapel from 14 stained-glass windows, each depicting "women whose holy lives made them instruments of peace in the world of their day." (218-723-6555; duluthbenedictines.org/ministries/benedictine-center-of-spirituality)

Breitenbush Hot Springs Retreat Center
Detroit, Ore.
$119

Nestled among more than 150 acres of national forest two hours southeast of Portland, the center is built on the Breitenbush River. Northwesterners come here for meditation, yoga, massage and hiking.

Where to sleep
The center's geothermally heated cabins are located near three stone-lined natural hot springs and a bracing cold plunge. Organic vegetarian meals are served in the big, inviting historic lodge.

How to unwind
Stroll through the ancient forest along Breitenbush River, then get a hot-stone massage or soak in a hot-spring pool. Later, catch some Shakespeare on the deck or poetry in the Cedar Yurt; call ahead for the schedule. Says events director Tom Robinson: "Because of the river, the hot springs and the ancient forest, Breitenbush has a transformative effect on people. There's a sense of letting go, settling in and deeply relaxing." (503-854-3320; breitenbush.com)

Next: A half-mile stone-lined labyrinth and a peaceful Buddhist retreat center. »