sept 20 - 25, 2026
protect your light
Step into the stillness of the desert and reconnect with your natural, luminous self. Wild Light Wellness Retreat invites us all to 6 transformative days beneath the vast Joshua Tree sky- where soulful movement, mindful rest, and nourishing connection unite. In our time together, we'll explore a variety of daily movements including yoga, pilates, and mobility work, instructional workshops, powerful meditations, sound healing therapies, various off-site excursions, and more! We will rediscover balance, clarity, and inner peace and redefine what it means to anchor deeply to self, others and nature. A place for connection- no comparison, no competition. Just love. You & your light belong here. You deserve to be here.
if you're looking to...
RETURN HOME.
The reset or gift you maybe have been waiting for. An opportunity to breathe easier, find or rest in clarity & continue nurturing yourself so you can keep doing the things, and caring for the people, you love!
EMBODY WELLNESS.
The intention for this retreat is for it to be well-rounded, versatile & with diverse forms of movement, healing therapies & nutritious foods. So we can embody wellness from the inside out.
FIND DEEPER CONNECTION.
Maybe this looks like committing to daily movement, feeling more confident in your skin, feeling grounded in chaos or having more meaningful relationships. We don't want superficial here.
HAVE FUN.
This seems like a no brainer, but it's important to share that while this retreat will be incredibly mindful, intentional and reflective, we're going to laugh- a lot! We'll be vulnerable, & unapologetically ourselves. Joy is good for the soul.
retreat to joshua tree.
When I was looking at retreat centers, I fell in love with Gaia Villa, not just because it's absolutely stunning, but what it's built upon. Literally, the spacious 6 bedroom villa sits in the Joshua Tree area of the Southern California High Desert that is known for its energetically charged vibration making it a dreamy retreat destination. Figuratively and symbolically, "Gaia" is the goddess personified as "Mother Earth" and is the life energy that nourishes and integrates all living beings. Gaia Villa and I share the same belief that at the core of human happiness and wellbeing is an innate desire for more
meaningful connections.
So yes, the home, the area, and the vastness of Joshua Tree make for the most beautiful space holders- but how we fill this container is where the magic lies. And your presence, your unique essence, is the key to this experience. Together, we'll lean deeper into nurturing ourselves, our purpose, our truth, and, without being too dramatic, illuminate the world- just by being ourselves.
"Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared"
-Buddha
THE VILLA.
~ various spacious and comfortable lounge areas ~ an indoor yoga studio fully equipped ~ alkaline water on tap ~ whole house water softening system ~ saltwater pool with grotto waterfall ~ outdoor yoga pavilion ~ labyrinth walking meditation ~ 7 person hot tub spa ~ large outdoor fire pit ~ 2 cold plunge tubs ~ rooftop patio with firepit & incredible views of the desert and stars ~
inclusions & activities.
5 night stay at the stunning Gaia Villa Resort
twice daily movement (a combination of yoga, pilates, mobility training & more!) held in either the outdoor pavilion or indoor studio
all meals, snacks & drinks
sound bath experience at Integratron
4+ hour long excursion to JTNP with cacao ceremony, sound bath, meditation & stargazing
hiking in the desert (multiple lengths & skill levels!)
time to unplug & recharge by the pool, firepit, or in the various lounge areas
cold plunge & hot tub therapy
daily guided journaling & reflections
workshops & more!
*Flights and transportation to/from the villa are not included. There will be optional add-ons of massage, reiki, & private sessions.
imagine this.
7am: optional cold plunge
8am: morning movement & meditation
10am: nourishing brunch
11am: nature walk in the desert
12pm: informative & reflective workshop
1pm: Integratron sound bath excursion
3pm: free time
(hiking, reading by the pool, journaling)
5pm: vegetarian dinner
7pm: firepit share circle
9pm: stargazing
*Sample schedule provided subject to change. We have 6 beautiful days together- each one will be different and provide numerous, optional activities so you can decide how much you want or need. Choice is important.*
CHOOSE YOUR ROOM.
A luxurious, spacious room on the first floor with your choice of a king bed or up to 4 single beds, depending on your group! Great for a group of friends, mothers & daughters, who want to join together! The room features a decorative fireplace, ensuite bathroom with double vanity (& bathtub!), writing desk and access to an outdoor patio.
$3400 single occupancy
$2950 pp (you + 1 bestie)
$2500 pp (you + 2 besties)
$2250 pp (you + 3 besties)
"Sam's yoga retreat left me feeling rejuvenated, more confident with myself, and excited to implement all that we learned and practiced during our time together. It was the perfect balance of informative, active and restorative. I could not recommend, literally any kind of session with Sam, enough. She is a rare human who not only talks the talk but walks the walk in everything she does. I was blessed to have her as my teacher and host"
"Sam worked so hard and took such good care of us by creating a caring and welcoming atmosphere - I felt like I was on a holiday with friends (but where I didn't lift a finger 😋). I loved spending time with the group but also having the freedom to read my book and just enjoy being in nature. The food was delightful, fresh and tasty. A very thoughtful and generous retreat!
"Sam is hands down my favorite yoga instructor I have ever had (and I've had many in 46 years!!!) She has this incredible way of pushing you but also reminding you that right where you are is enough. Everything from her beginning of class to closing statements are heart centered, inclusive and a reminder that yoga can meet you in any state.
HI, I'M SAM.
I'll be your host, yoga teacher, movement coach, guide, but most importantly, your friend! I'm thrilled you're reading this and some part of you, big or small, is interested in joining us in California. I've been teaching yoga for over 10 years, all over the world, but find the magic in the day-to-day. Learning and practicing to find peace in the chaos and beauty in the mundane. This retreat is a product of all of the internal work and practices I've done within my own journey- trying to never share outside of my own experiences and offer perspective where I can. I'm passionate about helping people of all different walks, find their truth and then live it out. In these 6 days together we'll connect, move, play, nourish & shine our natural, wild, authentic light, together!
frequently asked questions.
WHERE SHOULD I FLY INTO?
Gaia Villa is located in Yucca Valley (zip code 92284).
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Palm Springs International Airport (PSP): Approx. 38 miles (61km), 45 minutes by car
-
Ontario International Airport (ONT): Approx. 88 miles (142km), 1.5 hour by car
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Los Angeles (LAX): 140 miles (225km), 2.5+ hours by car. Please note traffic from LAX.
WHAT DO I NEED TO PACK?
Overall, the temperatures will be warm but pleasant! Layers are always a great idea, sun protection, a bathing suit, and comfortable clothes to move in that you feel like yourself in! A detailed packing list will be sent out before the retreat to help ya out (:
I'M JOINING BY MYSELF, IS THAT OKAY?
Of course it is! This retreat is open to all. You don't need to know anyone else going to feel welcomed and supported! In fact, some of the best experiences are when we've broken out of our comfort zone and done something on our own! I'd love to have you!
I'M NEW TO YOGA, CAN I STILL JOIN?
Absolutely! This retreat isn't just about "yoga". We'll explore multiple movement modalities, as well as wellness practices that extend beyond poses. I have over 10 years of teaching experience and would love to give you modifications to help you feel more comfortable throughout our movement practices.
I WANT TO JOIN WITH MY MOM, SOMEONE OLDER THAN 60, IS THAT OKAY?
I love everything about this! YES! Bring yo mama to this retreat! I love working with older adults and have a passion for instilling confidence in a population that can begin to have a "I can't do this anymore" mentality. A general ability to get up and down off of a mat comfortably is important (& if this is a challenge, be on the lookout for an Accessible Yoga Retreat happening soon!)
EARLY BIRD
Receive 10% off any room if you secure your
spot before January 31!
REGISTRATION
& payment details.
Need more information or have additional questions? Let's chat! I recognize the financial commitments of retreats and would love to assist in any way I can to help you feel more comfortable with joining us! When you're ready to say "let's do this!", submit the registration form below and complete your deposit payment through the secure button below, bank transfer or via Venmo (@samhittle).
All bookings require a non-refundable deposit of $500 to secure your spot.
50% of retreat price must be paid by June 1, 2026
Final retreat balance must be paid by August 15, 2026
No refundable cancellations after July 15, 2026
