5 Day Silent Meditation Retreat in the Stunning Nature of Valencia Province, Spain

5 Day Silent Meditation Retreat in the Stunning Nature of Valencia Province is a profound inner journey at Casas Benali, a stunning historic retreat venue nestled in 68 hectares of mountain wilderness in Valencia, Spain. Led by Ellen van Iersel of Live Mindfully, this silent meditation retreat Spain invites you to step away from the noise of daily life and immerse yourself in the healing power of silence, nature, and Buddhist meditation. With Vipassana and Samadhi at its core, this retreat will leave you calmer, clearer, and deeply reconnected to yourself.

What to Expect

This silent meditation retreat Spain begins on the first afternoon and ends at midday on the final day. After arriving, meeting the group, and settling in, silence begins with the first meditation session at around 16:00. Over the following days, you will experience morning yoga, guided and silent meditations, Buddhist Dharma talks, a silent mountain walk, and a meditative dance evening. On the final morning, silence is broken with mantra singing and a sharing circle.

Retreat Highlights

• Vipassana and Samadhi meditation — guided and silent sessions throughout each day
• Daily morning yoga to open and prepare the body for deep practice
• Buddhist Dharma talks to deepen understanding of mindfulness
• Silent yatra — a guided mountain walk through pine forest and nature
• Meditative dance evening and mantra singing on the final day
• 4 nights in en-suite rooms at historic Casas Benali (founded 1300s)
• All vegetarian meals cooked with locally sourced organic produce
• Free pick-up and drop-off at Xàtiva train station
• Optional waterfall excursion, Ayurvedic massage, and sound healing

Daily Programme

Each day begins at 08:00 with a gentle yoga session, followed by a delicious healthy breakfast. The mornings are dedicated to guided and silent meditations focused on the breath, body, senses, the four elements, feelings and thoughts, and metta (loving-kindness). Afternoons begin with an inspiring lecture to support the silence process, followed by extended silent meditation in one of four postures: sitting, standing, walking, and lying. Meditation takes place inside the beautiful meditation hall or outside in nature. During breaks, there is time for rest, swimming, walking, reflective writing, and enjoying the mountains. The third day includes the yatra — a profound silent walk through the mountain forest. One evening brings meditative dance. The final day includes mantra singing and a heartfelt sharing circle before departure at noon.

About the Teacher

Ellen van Iersel has been practising in the Buddhist tradition for over 20 years and has attended many silent Vipassana retreats and yatras, often in the sangha of Christopher Titmuss, one of her most inspiring teachers. Six years ago, she completed the teacher training for MBSR (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction), developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn. Her teaching is grounded, warm, and deeply informed by decades of personal practice.

The Venue: Casas Benali

Casas Benali was founded in the 1300s by Arab settlers in Spain and was once a key stop on ancient mountain routes. The old houses have been beautifully restored, blending rustic historic charm with modern comfort. Set on 68 hectares of pristine land in the Valencia mountains, the venue has no traffic, no internet, and no street lighting — just stars, wild thyme, and deep silence. Guests sleep in comfortable en-suite rooms (shared, max 4 per room), with access to beautiful lounge areas, hammocks, an outdoor swimming pool, and the meditation hall with yoga mats, cushions, and blankets provided.

Food & Nourishment

The professional chefs of Casas Benali are renowned for their inspired vegetarian and vegan dishes, made from locally sourced organic ingredients — many grown in the venue’s own eco garden. All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are included, along with snacks and herbal teas. Eating in silence allows every sense to savour the food fully. Gluten-free and other dietary requirements can be accommodated on request.

Optional Activities

On the final day, you can add a visit to a stunning waterfall — a short hike through nature followed by a swim and picnic lunch (€50, includes lunch). Ayurvedic massage and sound healing sessions can also be booked during the retreat.

Practical Information

• Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
• Location: Casas Benali, Carretera de Benali km 18, Enguera, Valencia Province, Spain
• Group size: Maximum 20 participants
• Skill level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
• Language: English (also Dutch, Spanish)
• Nearest train station: Xàtiva — free pick-up and drop-off provided
• Nearest airports: Valencia (VLC) — 61 km, €125 transfer; Alicante (ALC) — 83 km, €160 transfer
• Included: 4 nights accommodation, all meals, morning yoga, guided/silent meditations, silent walk, evening programme, star gazing, Xativa station transfer
• Not included: Flights, airport transfers (available for a fee), waterfall visit, massage/sound healing

If you are ready to step out of the noise and into yourself, this silent meditation retreat Spain at Casas Benali offers a rare and transformative opportunity. Surrounded by olive groves, pine forest, and mountain silence, you will return home carrying a deep, lasting sense of peace.