6-Day Meditation and Hiking Sanctuary in Arizona's Chiricahua Mountains

The Savanna Hermitage is the creation of Karl Skyhawk, who built his first cabin in 2008 and lived there in solitude for nine years before moving to the current 25-acre property in 2017. In 2021, he opened the Hermitage to guests, building a guest cabin with two private rooms. The entire setup is zero carbon emissions: solar electric, passive solar heating, natural cooling, and rainwater collection. A guest's carbon footprint here is less than 5% of the average U.S. citizen, and Karl has purchased certified carbon offsets to make the retreat fully carbon neutral.

A typical day begins early, with guests waking around 5-6:45 AM to prepare their own breakfast or tea. From 7-9 AM (times shift with the seasons), Karl facilitates a meditation, yoga, and qigong session at the outdoor Meditation Circle. At 11 AM, a simple vegan lunch is served—brown rice, pinto beans, and vegetables—though guests are free to supplement with their own food. On days 2 and 4, the group departs at 12:30 PM for a several-hour hike into the Chiricahua Mountains, covering 4-5 miles of rugged terrain, with stops for meditation and qigong at power spots like rock formations, springs, and waterfalls. Evenings are quiet, with guests preparing their own dinners and settling into solitude by 8:30 PM.

The retreat is designed for mature, self-motivated individuals with established meditation practices and a high level of physical health, as hiking 4-5 miles on mountain trails is required. It's a safe and inclusive environment for women, LGBTQ individuals, and people of color, with a strict no-alcohol, no-drugs, and no-tobacco policy. The property has no internet, encouraging digital minimalism, but there is good cell phone reception. Guests must be comfortable with basic amenities and some temperature variability, as the cabins are heated only by passive solar in winter and naturally cooled in summer.

What makes this retreat special is the combination of complete privacy with the option of shared practice. With a maximum of two guests, you can enjoy solitude while still benefiting from the support of a host and, if you choose, another practitioner. The host, Karl, is described by guests as knowledgeable, respectful of boundaries, and fully present when needed, but never intrusive. He shares insights on geology, astronomy, and spiritual practices if asked, but otherwise lets guests be. The retreat has received perfect 5-star ratings from all eight guests, who praise the cleanliness, the quality of the meditation gear, and the profound sense of peace they found here.

What's included

- 5 nights accommodation in a private room with a comfortable twin bed - Meditation and yoga gear (zabuton, seiza bench, crescent zafu, yoga mat) - Daily meditation classes - Daily yoga classes - Nature hikes with a trusted guide (on days 2 and 4) - Simple healthy vegan lunch on days 2-6 - Simple kitchen with basic vegan food ingredients - Transportation during the retreat via electric car - EV charging - Parking - Good cellular phone service

What's not included

- Airfare and airport transfers - Travel insurance - Personal expenses (snacks, additional food) - Meals other than the provided lunch (breakfast and dinner are self-prepared) - Hiking gear (bring your own) - Optional excursions (e.g., day trip to Bisbee) - Laundry services