Transformative tourism experiences in spiritual retreats

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the transformative experiences of tourists attending spiritual retreats in South Africa. A qualitative exploratory approach based on abduction was used in the study. In this study, a total of 20 tourists took part in spiritual retreats in South Africa led by five retreat centre managers and five facilitators. The data were collected telephonically through in-depth semi-structured interviews. Spiritual retreat participants reported different transformative experiences at retreats based on the study's findings. For instance, they lived through different adverse experiences such as existential anxiety, poor mental health and work–life balance fatigue, which were the motivations to attend spiritual retreats. The settings, facilities and principles of the spiritual retreats, including noble silence and abstinence, natural scenery and activities such as labyrinth walks, meditation, sound healing and forest bathing brought participants a sense of peace, mindfulness, altruism, relaxation and self-compassion. The study contributes significantly to transformative tourism experience research and offers important policy implications for governmental health institutions and retreat organisers.