For those in search of the spiritual

Spiritual vacations represent a new travel trend. They have grown into an $18 billion industry with more than 300 million people embarking on religious travel annually around the globe, according to the World Tourism Organization. Contemplative retreat centers represent a part of that growth in travel.

Atlanta monastery

Many retreat centers extend hospitality to all guests regardless of faith background. That's the policy of the Monastery of the Holy Spirit, a Roman Catholic monastery belonging to the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance, more commonly known as Trappists. The monks follow the Rule of St. Benedict, devoting themselves to a life of contemplative prayer.

Just outside of Atlanta, the monastery offers a retreat house, contemplative garden, lakes, a gift shop and the Bonsai by the Monastery Greenhouse.

Midweek and weekend retreats are available. A $60- to $100-per-night donation is requested for guests staying in the retreat house. Three meals a day are provided.

Retreat topics vary. Here's a sampling: "Finding the Monk Within; Practicing Contemplative Prayer"; "Yoga for Christians"; "Dealing With Grief"; "Image, Faith and Photography"; and "Science and Religion."

For a full listing of retreats or more information about the monastery, visit the Web site www.trappist.net/index.html or call 770-483-8705.

For books on the contemplative life, check out: "Monk Habits for Everyday People: Benedictine Spirituality for Protestants" by Dennis Okholm (Brazos Press); "The Cloister Walk" by Kathleen Norris (Riverhead Trade); "How To Be a Monastic and Not Leave Your Day Job" by Brother Benet Tvedten (Paraclete Press); and "Portraits of Grace: Images and Words From the Monastery of the Holy Spirit" by James Stephen Behrens, a Trappist monk whose book features photos shot on location at the monastery (ACTA Publications).

Mepkin Abbey

Closer to the Lowcountry, Mepkin Abbey, a Trappist monastery in Moncks Corner, offers visitors of any faith the opportunity to spend several nights in one of the abbey's guest houses for the purpose of a spiritual retreat. Retreats are scheduled from Monday afternoon to Friday morning and from Friday afternoon to Monday morning. Weeklong retreats are offered from Monday to Monday or Friday to Friday, according to Mepkin's Web site, www.MepkinAbbey.org.

Rooms include a bed, desk and reading chair. Most have a private bath with shower, toilet and sink. Bed linens, towels and soap are provided. Married couples can be accommodated.

"Retreatants take their meals together in a dining facility adjacent to the monastic community's refectory, eating the same vegetarian diet and observing the same silence as the monks," states the Web site. "During the main meal at noon a book is read aloud by one of the monks for the benefit of all."

Guests can attend any prayer service in the Abbey Church. A monk helps guests with the order of prayer so they can be fully involved in the services.

"No conferences are given, but spiritual counsel is available upon request," states the Web site.

Reservations are required, and donations are gratefully accepted. As many as nine guests can be accommodated at one time.

For details, go to www.MepkinAbbey.org or contact the guestmaster, Brother Stephen, by e-mail at guestmaster@mepkinabbey.org or by phone at 761-8509.