Spiritual retreats as a restorative destination: Design factors facilitating restorative outcomes

Abstract

Spiritual retreats provide an opportunity for restoration, transformation and personal development. This study utilizes Attention Restoration Theory to explore the specific environmental attributes, activities and experiences of spiritual retreats that lead to restorative outcomes. Data collected from 268 attendees across 17 spiritual retreats in Australia demonstrated that although there were different predictors for immediate and continuing restorative outcomes, three factors (being away, participating in spiritual activities and disconnecting from information technology) were important for both. Spending time in relaxation and reflection predicted immediate restorative outcomes, while social activities predicted continuing restorative outcomes. The practical implications of the findings for retreat managers concerned with providing restorative experiences for visitors are discussed.