Benedictine Convent of St Johann in Müstair, Switzerland
Nestled in the Swiss Alps, the Benedictine Convent of St Johann in Müstair is a gem of monastic living, said to have been founded by Charlemagne in the 8th century. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, this historic convent continues to host Benedictine nuns who have maintained a disciplined monastic life for over 1,250 years.
Guests are invited to experience this peaceful lifestyle by staying in the convent’s guesthouse. The accommodations provide meals made with all organic ingredients from the convent’s garden. Engage in the daily rituals, participate in hourly prayers, and spend time in the atmospheric church or the Chapel of Grace.
For those seeking a more dynamic experience, the partner Hotel Chalavaina offers a lively alternative with its restaurant and bar options. Rates for accommodation at the guesthouse start at 60 Swiss francs per night, or about £54, with details available on muestair.ch.
Hotel Loggiato dei Serviti, Florence, Italy
Step into the heart of Renaissance Florence at the Hotel Loggiato dei Serviti, housed in a former monastery built between 1517 and 1527. Originally constructed by Antonio da Sangallo the Elder for the Servants of Mary order, the building has undergone various transformations, including its conversion into a hotel in 1924.
The hotel’s interiors have been preserved with care, reflecting its rich history. Rooms offer serene, classic ambiance, often with breathtaking views of the iconic Florence Cathedral. Nestled in Piazza della Santissima Annunziata, this hotel is the perfect base for exploring Florence’s renowned landmarks, such as the nearby Galleria dell’Accademia, within a mere five-minute walk.
Nights at the Loggiato dei Serviti start at €150 per couple plus bed and breakfast, with more information available on loggiatodeiservitihotel.it.
Het Rustpunt, Ghent, Belgium
Situated in the heart of Ghent, Het Rustpunt has been transformed from a 17th-century Carmelite monastery into a luxurious retreat. This destination is notable for its expansive gardens and the ancient library housing relics of the monastic past.
The accommodation consists of 28 recently renovated rooms, each equipped with private bathrooms. Het Rustpunt also offers long-term lodging for scholars. Breakfast is included in the stay, and additional meals can be arranged. The bustling city centers, filled with restaurants and cafes, are within easy reach.
A small community of Carmelite monks still resides at Het Rustpunt, conducting regular prayer and meditation sessions open to visitors. Rates for accommodation start from €93 for singles and €133 for doubles and twins, with further details on hetrustpunt.com.
Eremito, Umbria, Italy
Eremito, a secluded “secular hermitage” in the Umbrian countryside, offers an unconventional staycation. Situated 20 minutes from Parrano, the commune’s nearest town, reaching Eremito feels almost like a journey in itself.
The eco-friendly accommodations consist of 12 single, simple rooms that are bare of technology and modern conveniences, featuring wrought-iron beds and stone desks. Activities include guided yoga sessions and woods walks, complemented by relaxation in the thermal plunge pool and stone steam room.
Vegetarian meals are prepared using produce from the hotel’s organic gardens, enjoyed communally, in silence, around the expansive stone fireplace. Rates for accommodation start at €270 per night, inclusive of all meals. For further details, visit eremito.com.
La Cartuja de Cazalla, Seville, Spain
Perched high on a plateau in the Sierra Morena mountains, La Cartuja de Cazalla stands in an area renowned for excellent stargazing, approximately 1.5 hours north of Seville. This former monastery has undergone various changes over the centuries, including periods of abandonment, but now serves as a peaceful retreat and venue for gatherings and weddings.
Converted cells, dating back to 1416 when built by the Jerónimos order, form the charming guesthouse. Rooms offer panoramic views of the gardens and cloisters. Self-catering is the primary accommodation type, with breakfast available upon request, making La Cartuja de Cazalla an ideal base for exploring the region’s natural attractions and历史文化.
Rates begin at €83 per double room per night for self-catering, with more information found on lacartujadecazalla.com.
Samye Ling, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland
Samye Ling, a Tibetan Buddhist monastery founded in 1967 near Dumfries, stands as a significant center for Buddhist training, teaching, and cultural preservation. The site welcomes day and overnight visitors, who can observe the prayers and practice mindfulness by attending meditation sessions.
The monastery is home to approximately 40 individuals, including both monastics and lay volunteers, who regularly engage in various courses such as yoga and tai chi. Accommodation ranges from dorm beds for £35 to twins for £75, with separate rates for the three-day Buddhist retreats facilitating a spiritual journey.
For further inquiries, visit samyeling.org.
Convent de la Missió, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
Crafted in the heart of Palma de Mallorca, Convent de la Missió offers a luxurious stay in what was once a missionary training center. Significant portions of the original architecture remain intact, providing a sanctuary-like feel with its high ceilings and white walls.
