Plum Village Philippines Retreat 2026
You and your loved ones are warmly invited to a residential mindfulness retreat in the Plum Village tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh, guided by visiting monastics of Hong Kong Plum Village from November 27 to 30, 2026.
This November, friends from across the Philippines and abroad will gather at the beautiful foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountains to practice mindfulness in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh and the Plum Village community.
Guided by monastic teachers from the Plum Village tradition, this retreat is a rare chance to step away from the pace of everyday life. We slow down and rest, letting the quiet of the natural world settle the mind. We carry the calm and clarity we find here back into daily life, into our relationships and the world around us.
Walking in Thay’s footsteps
For decades, Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh — known affectionately as Thay — offered mindfulness retreats to thousands of people around the world. He asked the monastic community to continue offering these retreats, so that the practice might keep nourishing those who seek it.
In that same spirit, we gather here in the Philippines to walk, sit, and breathe together — keeping this living tradition alive in our own islands.
The practice
This retreat is an invitation to live mindfully together. Our days will include:
- Live Dharma talks and question-and-response sessions with senior monastics and direct disciples of Thay
- Guided and silent sitting meditation
- Walking meditation outdoors, in the fresh air and quiet of nature
- Mindful meals taken in noble silence — truly enjoying our food together
- Dharma sharing in small groups — practicing loving speech and deep listening
- Beginning Anew — relational healing practices such as flower watering and sharing with compassion
- The Fourteen Mindfulness Trainings — guidance on living a happy, ethical, and awakened life
- Deep relaxation — lying-down meditation to rest and nourish body and mind
Togetherness in nature
This retreat is open to all who seek healing, reconnection, and presence. Whether you are an educator, a healthcare worker, a parent, a student, or simply someone longing for a little more peace, you are warmly welcome.
Families are at the heart of our community. Children and young people are welcome, accompanied by an adult, as we journey together into restoration, connection, and joy.
Mindful meals
Thay reminded us often of the quiet impact our food choices have on the planet and on all living beings. Honoring that spirit, the retreat meals will be lacto-ovo-vegetarian.
Food may contain eggs, milk, dairy, soy, and gluten. Vegan, raw, and gluten-free options will be made available, though specific allergies are best monitored by participants themselves. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.
Regina Rica — a sanctuary in the Sierra Madre
Nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Madre in Tanay, Rizal, Regina Rica is a 13.5-hectare sanctuary of rolling hills, bamboo groves, and cool mountain air — a place that seems made for walking meditation.
Wander its winding nature trails through tall grasses and forest shade, and let the landscape do half the practice for you. The sanctuary is lovingly tended by the Dominican Sisters of Regina Rosarii, whose vegetarian kitchen is quietly famous — wholesome, generous meals prepared with prayerful care, and reason enough on their own to make the trip.
Accommodations & fees
The retreat is held at Regina Rica in Tanay, Rizal, in the foothills of the Sierra Madre. Each participant registers individually; married couples simply name their partner on the form. The amount to deposit is calculated for you on the registration form as you choose.
Room options
- Dormitory — ₱6,500 per person · US$130
- Room of 3 or 4 persons — ₱8,500 per person · US$150
- Couple / double room — ₱9,500 per person · US$170
- Solo room — ₱11,500 · US$200
Every rate is the total for the whole retreat — all nights, with all meals included. Every room has its own ensuite bathroom.
Due to retreat venue restrictions, mixed gender rooms are only allowed for families and married couples.
Peso rates are for participants living in the Philippines; US dollar rates are for visitors coming from overseas.
Getting there & extras
- Shared rides from Makati or Quezon City can be arranged — indicate your interest when you register. The cost is shared among riders and billed separately.
- Coming by car? You can offer a carpool to fellow retreatants on the registration form.
- A donation (dana) of any amount, in support of the sangha
All meals are included in the registration fee — from dinner on Friday, 27 November through lunch on Monday, 30 November.
Registration fees are nonrefundable but transferable to another name if a registered participant cannot attend.
Dormitory
Simple, airy, and bright — fresh linens, a towel rolled on every bed, and the easy camaraderie of practicing side by side. Retreat life at its most classic.
₱6,500 per person · US$130
Room of 3 or 4 persons
A shared room for a few companions — a balcony view of the greenery and space to breathe. Families and same-gender groups are welcome to room together: simply name your companions when you register.
₱8,500 per person · US$150
Couple / double room
A private room for two, looking out into the trees. Couples must be married, due to retreat venue restrictions.
₱9,500 per person · US$170
Solo room
A quiet room of your own — a desk by the stained-glass window, and stillness when the day of practice ends.
₱11,500 · US$200
Register for the retreat
Choose your room, transportation, and options, and see the amount to deposit in real time.
Scholarships & dana
Please consider adding a donation to your retreat fee. Your generosity helps more monastics travel to the venue and supports scholarships for those in financial need, so that cost is never a barrier to practice.
If you would like to attend but need support, please reach out to the secretariat. We will hold your request with care, in the spirit of a sliding scale and in light of the donations we receive.
Secretariat
For questions about the retreat, your registration, or scholarships, please be in touch:
- Email — plumvillage.ph@gmail.com
- Messenger — Boat of Compassion Sangha
- WhatsApp — +639774555466 (Chelsi Angeles)
Breathing in, I arrive. Breathing out, I am home.
Come home to the present moment
We look forward to practicing together this November.