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Manzanita Village Retreat

99%

·

80 reviews

· Warner Springs, San Diego, California

20 acres hosted by Caitriona And Michele R.

1 lodging site

Staff verified

Accuracy verified by Hipcamp's on-the-ground team.

Caitriona and Michele is a Star Host

Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.

Creature comforts

Enjoy the comforts of home—including flush toilets, showers, and a kitchen.

All to yourself

99% of recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp felt private.

We are co-founders of Ordinary Dharma and Five Changes, and stewards of this land at Manzanita Village Retreat. Thirty years ago we were searching for a place where the land itself would be an active support in our of work facilitating workshops and retreats. We were looking for land that was within easy reach of San Diego and Los Angeles, while still being remote and far from the noise of highways. The land is infused with the presence of the thousands of people who have come here for transformation and renewal. We are now open to visitors from HipCamp -- we look forward to your visit Caitriona Reed and Michele Benzamin-MikiStay at the off-grid straw-bale hermitage at our retreat center five miles from Warner Springs. You will be secluded from, yet close to the convenience of our retreat center, surrounded by 180,000 acres of wild-land, in the chaparral forest of back-country northeast San Diego county. You have a panoramic view of Mount Palomar and the valley between us. Walk the stone labyrinth, enjoy hiking trails. Ideal for a personal or writing retreat. The hermitage sleeps two. Has 12 volt solar system for lighting. You have use of showers, bathroom, and kitchen at the main retreat house. Kitchen has refrigerator, stove etc. We do not provide food. PLEASE NOTE: Vegan, plant-based food only. No meat, fish, eggs or dairy, alcohol or non-prescription drugs. No exceptions. The land here has been used for deep transformational work for the past quarter-century. People tell us that the atmosphere is infused with an otherworldly sense of stillness and meditative calm. People often use the hermitage for personal spiritual retreats; writers and artists also come here for writing or creative retreats, or to spend time in personal reflection. NOTE: FOR OUR CONVENIENCE AND YOUR COMFORT PLEASE PLAN TO ARRIVE BEFORE SUNSET

Activities

Hiking

Wildlife watching

Natural features

Desert

Forest

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Reviews

99% Recommend92 ratings · 80 reviews

E

Ellie E.

2 reviews

Recommends

· April 2025

Perfect escape from the city

With pets ·

Between Palomar & Anza Borrego

The perfect weekend with my daughter. Caitriona was incredibly welcoming, both on hand to help with any questions, but also very calm and respectful of our space. The hut was idyllic. Warm at night and cool in the day, with two comfy futons. It’s situated a little away from the main house and felt completely private and serene.

P

Preksha J.

1 month on Hipcamp

Recommends

· April 2025

Between Palomar & Anza Borrego

We loved staying at the village. It’s a peaceful and comfortable place to spend the weekend. Caitriona and Michele are kind and welcoming hosts, was inspiring to experience their beautiful space.

M

Mariana B.

2 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· March 2025

Beautiful view

Between Palomar & Anza Borrego

The place was quiet and peaceful. I ended up leaving a day early due to the weather but overall my experience was good. Everything was kept up really well, there was access to hot water, restrooms, and kitchen.

C

Christiana O.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· February 2025

A great local getaway!

Between Palomar & Anza Borrego

Hosts were lovely, easy to meet, and the grounds are peaceful. This little place is so cute and stayed warm overnight, had a great view of the sunset, and felt just far enough from the rest of the grounds to feel private. My little dog and I had a nice time. We hiked to Eagle Rock the next day, just a 5 minute drive away.

Samantha B.

7 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· January 2025

Between Palomar & Anza Borrego

I loved it here. I don’t think I’ve ever been anywhere more beautiful or more quiet. The hermitage stayed plenty warm even when temps got down to 35 °F at night. The kitchen has everything you need and shower was hot!

P

Patrick R.

9 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· December 2024

Between Palomar & Anza Borrego

A lovely and beautiful place with lovely and beautiful people.

Location

Warner Springs, San Diego, California, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Cupeño First Nations according to

Native Land Digital.

To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking