Retreat places to recharge the mind and soul
St Thérèse of Lisieux once said, “It is such a folly to pass one’s time fretting, instead of resting quietly in the heart of Jesus.” As educators, we sometimes take it upon ourselves to place the interests of our students before our own, only to struggle with this millstone. We can get too busy to care for our own well-being, rest and quietude for the progress of those under our care.
Creating a serene state of mind and removing mental clutter is essential to this vocation, and a retreat (spiritual or secular) can go a long way in rejuvenating your life. Here are four great retreat venues for you to find peace and recharge your batteries.
D’Kranji Farm Resort
Putting some distance between you and the concrete jungle would allow for some much needed breathing space. A farm stay and its rusticity provides a different experience from the usual urban staycations, while being in close proximity to nature expands your mind and helps you get more in touch with God. Engage in prawn fishing and enjoy the fruits of your own labour, or pamper yourself with a relaxing massage at Nopphawan Massage & Spa. There is also the world’s first swiftlet museum where you can learn more about swiftlet ecology and the production of edible bird’s nests. The villas are equipped with modern facilities like wide-screen TVs and Wi-Fi, along with nice features like open air bathrooms and porches offering picturesque views.
10 Neo Tiew Lane 2, Singapore 718813
Phone: 6898 9228
Changi Cove
Housed in a restored heritage site, Changi Cove offers contemporary facilities while retaining its old colonial charm. Tucked away in a quiet corner in Changi, the retreat is nestled amidst lush greenery and a stone’s throw from sights like Pulau Ubin, Chek Jawa and the Changi Chapel Museum. The Cove’s MyPlace retreat rooms are also decked in a minimalist style, offering a cosy environment for relaxation. The idea walls provided in the rooms also encourage you to express your thoughts as you seek clarity and reflect on the lofty calling as an educator.
351 Cranwell Road, 509866
Phone: 6922 6122
LifeSprings Canossian Spirituality Centre
We cannot go without mentioning at least one Catholic retreat centre in this list. LifeSprings is situated on a hilltop beside the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve within the conserved premises of the Canossian convent. The retreat has been under the care of the Canossian congregation since 1999. Within its premises, there are many private spaces set aside for you to pray and spend quiet time. A range of prayer tools are provided to further help retreatants in need of spiritual direction. There are also healing workshops conducted, where you can cast aside your troubles and focus on your spiritual well-being.
100 Jln Merbok, 598454
Phone: 6466 2178
Punggol Ranch
Finally, for a getaway that is off the beaten track, there is no retreat venue more private and yet one of a kind as Punggol Ranch. Deemed Singapore’s cowboy town, expect a no-frills country style stay where you can find undisrupted rest in the furnished wagon rooms. In between relaxation, there are many horse-related activities to participate in like guided horse rides, horse and pony feeding and stable tours. The aim of the pastoral setting and design is to discourage our obsession and reliance on technology, thus creating a conducive environment for meditation and exploration.
900 Punggol Rd – Track 24, Singapore 829168
Phone: 6690 0900
Resorts World Sentosa De Stress Retreat
Perhaps sometimes you just want to do away with the fuss of planning a retreat and leave it in the hands of the professionals. The De Stress Lifestyle Retreat with Singapore’s first destination spa ESPA offers a 4 days, 3 nights package that includes daily personalised massages, naturally based therapies, restorative meditation and unlimited access to facilities like the gym and lounges. A spa retreat such as this provides a holistic relaxation experience that caters to both mind and body.
18 Sentosa Gateway, 098269
Phone: 6577 8880
