The sound of silence: Four retreats in Belgium for a new year escape

As the line between work and personal life becomes increasingly blurred, consider spending a day, weekend or longer off the grid and possibly without wifi, TV or phone reception.

From remote camping to relaxation centres, here are some suggestions for places to unwind and enjoy the great outdoors in and around Belgium.

Meditate

Belgium may not be short on monasteries, but the Yeunten Ling Institute is devoted to the traditions of Buddhism. Its centre near Huy in the Condroz region of Wallonia is perfect for contemplative retreats and meditation workshops.

It also offers a host of activities, from yoga courses to Tibetan language classes. Built on the domain of the Château du Fond l’Eveque, East really meets West here, as the remains of the 18th-century castle stand alongside pagoda-style temples filled with the wild, colourful trappings of the Tibetan traditions of Buddhism. The Dalai Lama has visited three times and the monastery serves as a meeting space for anyone interested in learning about and practising Buddhism.

While a mobile signal is not unattainable, learning to calm the inner mind and appreciate the beautiful green setting will surely provide some relief from daily life.

Go Zen

The Oost-West Centrum (East-West Centre) is a non-profit organisation that offers courses for people interested in exploring spirituality and sustainable living. Merging Eastern spiritual practices with Western ecological frameworks, there are more than 400 courses offered in both English and Dutch, with many teachers coming from the UK and US.

As well as yoga and tai chi, you’ll also find courses in massage, ayurvedic cooking and medicine, personal development, dance and even shamanic traditions.

Non-residential courses take place in Antwerp, while longer-term courses and retreats are at in Wallonia. The centre holds open days in September and January (in Dutch).

Back to nature

For a rural getaway, head to Bois-le-Comte, an ecological guesthouse and course centre. Run by the people behind the East-West Centre, this old farmhouse lies deep in the woods of La Gaume, the farthest corner of Wallonia. There is no wifi and mobile service is patchy.

Nourishing organic food is prepared by reputable chefs brought in from around the world. There are three ways to stay here: sign up for one of the workshops, which include room and board; come as a guest with half-board accommodation (meals are vegetarian and vegan, 100% organic, supplied largely from their garden); or, if you have more time and a strong desire to sink your hands into the earth, you can volunteer on the farm.

Camp & trek

Wild camping may be outlawed in Belgium, but since last summer five improvised camping spaces have opened along two walking trails in the Belgian and Luxembourg Ardennes.

Thanks to the European project Escarpardenne, you can trek for a few days or more, legally pitching a tent and lighting a fire on route. The forestand valley-filled territory is in the nature park of the two Ourthes in the commune of Houffalize, part of the Rhine basin and containing some of the oldest rocks in Belgium.

There are two options: the Eisleck Trail (around 100km) and the Lee Trail (around 50km). At each site, you can find an open fire or barbecue pit, wood store, benches, tables and picnic shelter.

This article first appeared in ING Expat Time