** We look forward to reopening mid-September. **
Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center welcomes all people to experience our oasis in the Sonoran Desert.
Spirit in the Desert hosts programs and retreats for participants of all faiths and traditions to experience reconciliation, renewal, healing, and transformation. Churches, non-profit organizations, and businesses hold meetings for leaders and members in a get-away environment that encourages positive communication and productivity. Our campus also features sacred spaces for our guests to enjoy: a Labyrinth, Prayer Path, and the Islands of Silence walk.
All bedrooms have private bathrooms, a patio or balcony, and most enjoy spectacular mountain views. Our experienced chefs serve homemade, healthy meals and our heated swimming pool and Jacuzzi are available for your enjoyment and relaxation. Campus-wide WiFi and AV support in each meeting room make for a successful meeting or retreat.
We have been busy deep cleaning and disinfecting while the center has been on hiatus. New protocols are in place for dealing with COVID-19 so if you have any questions, please call us at 480-488-5218 and we will be happy to give you more information.
2020 Springtime Hope From The Sonoran Desert
The beauty of spring in the Sonoran Desert gives hope and reminds us that during this pandemic many things are cancelled, but no one–absolutely nothing can cancel the goodness and beauty of God’s Creation! Enjoy and be encouraged.
Spirit in the Desert … a Place for All People
Reopening to Guests – mid-September!
We are so excited to be welcoming guests again! Our doors open mid-September and we are lookin [...]
An Open Dialogue: The Racial Divide in America
Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center Invites All to an Open Dialogue on The Racial Divide in Am [...]
Desert Sojourn with Dave Ellingson!
Paddle Pilgrim, Pastor, Spiritual Director, Master Gardener, Doctorate in Holistic Health, Env [...]
Jim Hanson Invites
All to Come to Spirit
Learn More About Us
Spirit in the Desert is a peaceful retreat center set among the striking Sonoran desert landscape. View our well-equipped facility and learn about our mission and vision for the future.
Worship with Us
The Spirit in the Desert offers more than space for retreats … come and enjoy our Guided Meditations, listen to the Touchpoints and learn more about our weekly Worship Sessions.
Plan Your Stay
Whether you come for the day, are considering an overnight stay, or wanting a place to host your program or meeting, here’s the information you’ll need to plan your next visit.
Follow Us on Social Media
We Are Blessed by Our Community
We are forever thankful to our local business partners
and to those in our local community who give of their time.
Read Daily Devotions
Steve Holm, a retired pastor, provides daily meditations for Spirit’s website. Steve served at Desert Cross Lutheran Church, Tempe, for 22 years. In the past he has provided meditations for Advent and Lenten illustrated devotional booklets. Now, we’re thankful that he’s providing these short devotions for visitors to the website.
… Read today’s and past devotions
Worship With Us
Every Wednesday at 3:00 p.m., Spirit in the Desert provides a mid-week oasis of meditation and Holy Communion for anyone on the campus of Spirit in the Desert and for people in the surrounding community. Each week a short homily — or Touchpoint — based on a Biblical story, is presented by Spirit in the Desert Faith Mentor, Jim Hanson.
… Learn more about “Touchpoints”
Spiritual Practices
Spirituality, or the spiritual life, “is simply the increasing vitality and sway of God’s Spirit in us.” The spiritual life is therefore dynamic, with God’s Spirit working in us to make us more like Christ in response to our thirst for God. I encourage you to explore the spiritual practices as you seek a deeper relationship with God.
… Read More
Show Your Support
Your financial support is crucial to Spirit in the Desert’s future. Each year over 4,000 guests and local community residents find renewal, reconciliation, healing and transformation through our ministry. We depend on the generosity of individuals and groups and value every gift, regardless of size, all of which are tax-deductible.
… There are many ways to give
What Our Retreat Participants Say About Their Experience
My wife and I were guests at Spirit along with our family reunion. We want to express our compliments to the facility and our gratitude to the staff who were wonderful. All could not have been more pleasant, friendly, fun and at time, peaceful! It was the very best family Christmas ever.
I am so very appreciative of every thing that was done by the staff at Spirit to make our workshop session the best it could be. It was so apparent that “small miracles” were happening as the morning unfolded and, once again, I’m reminded that we are here to work God’s plan and not our own agenda. For all that Spirit did to make those miracles happen, I am grateful!
To all the Spirit Staff … front desk, housekeeping, kitchen, yard, program planning—however you define your role, you are all truly God’s servants in your ministry to all visitors … The Spirit of our God roams these buildings and landscape—you are blessed to work here and we are blessed when we come.