Immersions into shorter self-discovery and meditation retreats held at the peaceful and spacious oasis of the Camino Wellness Center in Wheeling, IL – The Chicagoland area
The Chicagoland Hub: A Meditation Sanctuary in the City
At the Camino Wellness Center, we host monthly 1-day meditation retreats that are focused on creating a supportive group space for deep inner listening, re-connection, self-reflection, and catching up with the inner world.
This is a great way in to discovering meditation as well as fine-tuning an existing practice.
Forest facing windows, stillness and light energy surrounds a spacious and warm meditation hall. We have even designed and fashioned our own meditation mats, cushions and pillows for additional comfort and support to the body.
We built the space with mindfulness, love and care, sourcing as much natural materials as possible. The aesthetic carries a balance of lime-washed walls and wooden vaulted ceilings, while the spacious, sun-filled open floor concept is enjoyable, warm and welcoming.
Approach to Meditation
Our meditation practice is rooted in learning to peacefully co-exist with thoughts and emotions while simultaneously having the ability to deeply sense the mind and body. We have found that such an approach is significantly more meaningful, personal and connected.
It is advised to be very discerning with the use of technique-based or mechanical, repetitive meditations that are focused on quieting the mind as such approaches may lead to emotional disconnect.
More Than a Retreat
Each meditation retreat is facilitated with deep care and empathic connection to every participant. Our retreats are envisioned and structured with a syllabus to guide a profound internal journey toward authentic depth.
Our Philosophy
Learning cannot take place without freedom. While every retreat offers a structure, please feel free to make a retreat your own as you see necessary.
Meditation Retreat Highlights
- Deep Inner Seeing
- The Art of Subtle Inner Observation
- Understanding Meditation
- Dedicated Space for Inner Work
- Immersive, All-Day Experience
- Individual Attention
- Deep Inner Listening
- Sensing into Physical Tensions
- Stress Relief & Emotional Wholeness
- Approaching Thought, Emotion, Sensation
- Working in the Support of a Group
- Depth
Our monthly 1-day meditation retreats are great for consistency and “inner maintenance” in the realms of mind and body. An offered structure includes guided and silent meditations as well as facilitated deep self-inquiry dialogues rooted in self-exploration.
What We Offer
A rich spiritual library of deeply moving books that we have personally studied. A space for reading and self-reflection is available in adjacent rooms.
Blankets and comfortable, custom-made meditation mats, cushions to support the body during the practice. We use walls for back support or chairs if needed.
Tea, water and refreshments are provided. A refrigerator for personal food items is also available.
A peaceful meditation hall with forest facing windows.
Retreat Facilitator
Vova Kuperman
Vova aspires to become literate at being human. In early twenties he had a flashback to a childhood memory of being miraculously healed from a chronic illness by a touch of a hand. Years later, his thirst for answers took him out of software engineering and through many books, places, people, countries and experiences, eventually settling down to explore within.
With many years of an in-depth dedication to meditation, introspection, healing arts, and somatic practices, he continues to probe into the depth of existence. The direction of his work is set on maturing the capacity to sense with discernment into the subtle sheath of psycho-energetic imprints that span across mental, emotional, physical and energetic domains.
Further emphasis are attended to the extraordinary psychosomatic relationship between thought and matter.
For over a decade, he has been restoring hearts and sharing his findings via various modalities including developing emotional intelligence, rites of passage work, one-on-one and group self-discovery and meditation classes, retreats in remote wilderness as well as in the comfort of a meditation center. This work is his labor of deep love and the most sincere blueprint of his individuality.
” The health of Self-Esteem depends on the capacity to unbind and individuate the energetic system from the collective/peripheral thought influences. In this difficult task, developed discernment and navigation in the realms of energy are essential. “
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the approach to meditation at the retreat?
Our meditation practice is rooted in learning to peacefully coexist with thoughts, emotions, and sensations. We focus on deeply sensing the mind-body connection, and through the art of observation, we work to deepen our understanding of the incredibly subtle mechanism that we call ‘thought.’ We have found that this approach creates an experience that is significantly more meaningful, personal, and connected. While it shares common ground with many wisdom traditions, our practice is fundamentally secular, anchored entirely in direct observation and lived experience.
Is it necessary to have prior meditation experience?
We will explore meditation through the lens of entering into a living relationship with oneself (rather than through seeing one-self through the lens of self-image), assist the mind in discerning imagination from reality on the subconscious level and discover the ease in the nervous system when stress-driven thoughts and emotion dissolve without any external effort. Since this is not a skill that is cultivated through practice, no prior meditation experience is necessary.
Who is this retreat for?
Meditation retreats at our main location at the Camino Wellness Center are envisioned for anyone with a sincere interest in the mind-body-energy realms. Because the approach is based on the natural capacity to feel, sense and observe, it is remarkably accessible to everyone—regardless of background.
Arrive with the intention to work sincerely and to pour your heart into discovering and developing an inner stamina and composure that is capable of holding, softly allowing and witnessing the arising and passing energies of what is named as thoughts and emotions.
What does a typical day look like during the retreat?
Here is what the schedule looks like for a full day during the 1-day retreat:
- 10:00am – 30 Minute Silent Meditation
- 10:30am – Talk: Approaching Meditation
- 11:45am – Break
- 12:00pm – 30 Minute Silent Meditation
- 12:30pm – Group Self-Inquiry Session
- 2:00pm – Lunch
- 3:00pm – 30 Minute Silent Meditation
- 3:30pm – Group check-in & Meditation Troubleshooting / Fine-tuning
- 4:00pm – 30 Minute Silent Meditation
- 4:30pm – Group check-in & Meditation Troubleshooting / Fine-tuning
- 4:45pm – Break
- 5:00pm – 45 minute Silent Meditation
- 5:45pm – Break
- 6:00pm – 1 Hour Silent Meditation
- 7:00pm – Closing Circle
What if I cannot join for the full day?
If committing to the full day is not an option, you can certainly join us for the time that you have. It is best to arrive at the beginning of the retreat and to leave earlier, but if morning is not an option, then will catch you up when you arrive!
Financial Accessibility
Our 1-day meditation retreats are made possible with optional donation in any amount.
Feedback from Past Participants
Kelly W.
Read moreMeditations, self-discovery and retreats with Vova have gifted me the missing pieces in life. Even though I’ve meditated for 12 years, have tried countless techniques and modalities and have worked with 100s of healers, shamans and doctors desperately searching for ways to relieve unexplainable pain and suffering, it’s only been working with Vova that I’ve started to embody a sense of freedom. His unique approach guides you to actually experience truth and to see the mechanisms in the brain and body that keep you trapped. He supports you to explore the deepest parts of yourself where integration and wholeness occur.
Vova has the insights, authenticity, power and compassion of the most renowned spiritual teachers of all time. There’s not a day that goes by that I’m not immensely grateful to have the honor to work with him. I look forward to when the world discovers his work and many people receive the profound benefits I have.
Erin S.
Read moreVova is a uniquely skilled guide through the journey of self-discovery. He teaches from a place of direct experience and deep knowing, while honoring the experiences of others. After 20+ years of meditation and yoga, Vova’s retreat led me to a deeper meditation practice and knowing of myself than I’ve experienced before, with teachings that have lasted far beyond the end of the retreat.
Snezhana Y.
Read moreI've done many meditation retreats with Vova in the last thirteen years. I feel grateful to Vova daily for every meditation retreat and session, support, guidance and invitation to awaken my heart and soul. Vova's resolve to help others is unshakeable. His heart and wisdom are infinite.
Natasha N.
Read moreI attended the previous retreat and I can say that it is life changing. Each day was a profound journey into the depth of self – meeting with my own inner world on the level I have not experienced before. I recommend making this gift for yourself and attending one of these retreats.
Ulana M.
Read moreThis retreat was a nourishing and grounding experience and gave me space to recharge and reconnect with myself.
Eleanor N.
Read moreI had an incredible experience and I highly recommend it to anyone seeking a peaceful and rejuvenating retreat. The atmosphere is serene and welcoming, perfect for those looking to unwind and focus on their well-being. I was particularly impressed with their meditation and mindfulness practices, which helped me achieve a deep sense of relaxation and clarity.
Olya P.
Read moreI went to this retreat past spring. The amount of feelings and emotions that I found in me surprised me. I had a very nice self discovery experience! Vova, and also everyone in the group helped me with that. The mountains are so beautiful! Nice trails. Very good food. We also were able to go to nearby hot springs. Would love to go there again!
Upcoming Meditation Retreats at the Camino Wellness Center
June 2026
1 Day Meditation Retreat: Deep Inner Listening
Past Retreats
April 2026
1 Day Meditation Retreat: Deep Inner Listening
March 2026
1 Day Meditation Retreat: Deep Inner Listening
February 2026
1 Day Meditation Retreat: Understanding Worry
January 2026
1 Day Meditation Retreat: Deep Inner Listening
December 2025
