Best Fasting Retreats
78 retreats across 15 countries
Fasting retreats provide medically supervised environments for water fasting, juice fasting, or intermittent fasting protocols. The best programs include pre-fast preparation, daily medical monitoring, breaking-the-fast guidance, and post-fast nutritional coaching. We evaluate fasting retreats on medical supervision quality, safety protocols, and the science behind their programming.
Fasting Retreat Overview
Fasting Retreats at a Glance
Total Retreats
78
Avg. Score
8.3
Avg. Price
$53/night
Countries
15
Top Fasting Retreats
Ranked by RetreatVault score
Überlingen, Germany
Buchinger Wilhelmi
Lans, Tyrol, Austria
Lanserhof Lans
Marienstein, Bavaria, Germany
Lanserhof Tegernsee
Lipa, Batangas, Philippines
The Farm at San Benito
Koh Samui, Thailand
Absolute Sanctuary
Altaussee, Styria, Austria
MAYRLIFE
Maria Wörth, Carinthia, Austria
VIVAMAYR Maria Wörth
Desert Hot Springs, California, United States
We Care Spa
Santa Monica, California
AZ I AM
Idyllwild-Pine Cove, California
Buckhorn Retreat and Conference Center
Lucainena de las Torres, Spain
Dance The Medicine
Desert Oasis for wellness and bodywork, let go and reconnect.
Complete Fasting Retreat Directory
Every fasting retreat, organized by country
California
5 retreatsThailand
4 retreatsAustria
3 retreatsGermany
2 retreatsUnited States
2 retreatsFlorida
2 retreatsMexico
1 retreatFasting Retreat FAQ
Is it safe to do a water fast at a retreat?
Medically supervised water fasting is generally safe for healthy adults. The key is 'medically supervised' — daily vitals monitoring, electrolyte management, and physician oversight are essential, especially for fasts longer than 3 days. Never attempt extended water fasting without professional supervision.
How long should a fasting retreat be?
A 5-7 day retreat is typical, with 3-5 days of actual fasting plus pre-fast and re-feeding phases. Extended fasts of 7-14 days are available at specialized centers. Your first supervised fast should be shorter (3-5 days) to understand how your body responds.
What are the benefits of a supervised fasting retreat?
Research shows that medically supervised fasting can improve insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation, promote autophagy (cellular cleanup), lower blood pressure, and support weight management. The supervised setting ensures safety and provides education that helps you incorporate fasting into daily life.
What happens when you break a fast?
Breaking a fast requires careful reintroduction of food — typically starting with broths, juices, and soft fruits before progressing to solid food over 2-3 days. Eating too much too quickly after fasting can cause refeeding syndrome, which is why medical supervision matters.
Who should avoid fasting retreats?
Fasting is not appropriate for pregnant or nursing women, those with eating disorders, people with Type 1 diabetes, anyone severely underweight, children, and those taking medications that require food. A thorough medical intake should be completed before any fasting program.