Monastery Honeymoon
Monasteries and convents have a long
tradition of providing hospitality to travelers. Aside from being a lot
more interesting (and affordable) than the local Holiday Inn, a
monastery can be a great place to explore your spiritual landscape. In
addition to simple accommodations, monasteries and convents often offer
their guests simple meals as well as opportunities to participate in
daily prayer and work.
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Is this honeymoon idea for you?
Monasteries and convents exist primarily to house
contemplative spiritual communities—which is to say, they're not hotels.
While travelers will find warm hospitality in these communities, they
may also be asked to observe certain restrictions in order to preserve
the peace. If that appeals to you, then this may be an idea worth
researching; otherwise, it might be better to look into local hostels
(they're not just for youth anymore).
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Many monasteries and convents ask for a
donation of $40 to $80 per night; others only ask for a free-will
offering.
"Monastery
Vacations in France"
"The turn-of-the-century building behind the
basilica is permeated with a sense of contentment that comes with a
simple life of prayer," author Mary Jo Anderson writes as she describes
her stay at Our Lady of Pontmain, one of the many monasteries she
visited in France. "Meals are lovingly served, worn books are piled in
chairs and baskets, and evening fragrances soothe tired minds. As with
many such religious houses, a pilgrim is left to structure his own day
of prayer and play, exercise and study." This extensive, entertaining
article from Crisis magazine also contains contact information for the
monasteries she reviewed, along with a list of other resources.
"Monastic Guest Rooms - Bed and Breakfast in a Monastery"
This page from About.com lists about a dozen monasteries that have
opened their doors to guests—just a fraction of the total available, but
browsing the links here will whet your appetite and give you a rough
idea of what to expect.
"Monasteries open their doors to those seeking peace"
CNN interviews the Episcopalian monks at New York's
Holy Cross Monastery about the large number of guests flocking to stay
with them.
Books
Europe's Monastery and Convent Guesthouses: A Pilgrim's Travel Guide
This guidebook profiles more than 450 places of
spiritual retreat in twenty European countries; the book features
historical background information, photos, and contact information. (Disclosure: Creative Honeymoon Ideas receives a small
commission on items purchased at Amazon.com via this link).
Sanctuaries: The Complete United States: A Guide to Lodgings in Monasteries, Abbeys, and Retreats
The authors of this book lists more than 1,200
monasteries, abbeys, and retreat centers of all religious affiliations
(including some that are non-religious) across the United States;
included are detailed reviews of 127 such places that the authors have
personally visited. (Disclosure: Creative Honeymoon Ideas receives a small
commission on items purchased at Amazon.com via this link).
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Your honeymoon story
Have you done this trip (whether on
your honeymoon or other travel)? We'd love to hear about your experience
so we can share it with others . . . just
drop us a line.
Last Updated:
June 9, 2004
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